Windows 95 Antivirus Software

While it is true that older operating systems tend to be less virus-prone, it is a good idea to have at least some sort of antivirus and/or anti-spyware software on computers with Windows 95. Many newer antivirus software packages require at least Windows 98, or in some cases XP. However, there is still some new antivirus software available for Windows 95, including the following titles...

AVAST! HOME/PROFESSIONAL: Both the free Home and paid Professional editions of Avast! Antivirus 4.7 (the latest version) will run in Windows 95. They also only require a minimum of a 486 CPU (any Pentium should work) and thirty-two megabytes of memory (RAM) for '95. The free Home edition is only for non-commercial use.

SPYBOT S&D: Spybot "Search & Destroy" is an effective, easy to use anti-spyware software program which can be downloaded for free (along with updates for it). In addition to regular scanning, it has an "Immunize" function, which is designed to block spyware before it becomes installed on the computer. According to the website for Spybot, versions 1.3 and 1.5 are compatible with Windows 95, while version 1.4 is not.

NORMAN VIRUS CONTROL: The latest version (5.0) of the antivirus software Norman Virus Control (not to be confused with Norton) can be used in Windows 95; it requires a Pentium class processor (most computers currently being used have this) and Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 (or newer). It has a feature which claims to be able to stop new/unknown viruses, as well as virus scanning for newsgroups and e-mail. A 30-day free trial period is offered, but it costs about $26/year. The more expensive Norman Virus Control Plus requires at least Windows 98.

OLDER VERSIONS: It is possible to purchase older versions of commercial antivirus software online, which will work in Windows 95. Old commercial antivirus software like Norton Antivirus 4.0 (or 3.0, 5.0) can be bought for as little as five dollars on eBay.com auctions. It is unlikely that updates are available, but they should at least be able to detect viruses which have been distributed for a number of years.

HIJACKTHIS 1.99.1: Although the latest version (2.0) requires Windows 2000/XP/Vista, version 1.99.1 can be used in Windows 95. It is free and useful for finding spyware, but requires some technical knowledge to use. Alternatively, the computer can be scanned and the log generated by HiJackThis can be posted on a relevant technical support forum for assistance.