Member Avatar for mharnisch

I have an older computer, Compaq Presario 4770 with a Pentium 200 processor, 32 MB RAM, running Windows 98. I am looking for FREE firewall and antivirus programs that will run on my system. I have tried Avast, AVG, and Zone Alarm, but they all require a faster processor and won't work properly. I cannot afford upgrading or buying new. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can try?
:?:

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The machine you describe (Pentium ~200, 32 MB RAM, Windows 98) is too constrained for modern, always-on resident security suites. Replies here have already pointed toward older/legacy installers and free packages; those can work but only if the OS is trimmed and you rely on low-overhead protections rather than heavy resident scanners. ’s hardware limits are the real problem to solve first. Reference suggestions from , and are on the right track — focus on lowering the software footprint and using network-level protection when possible.

Free up memory and stop unnecessary programs at boot: use the System Configuration Utility (Start -> Run -> msconfig) to do a selective startup, disable nonessential TSRs/startup items, and reboot into Safe Mode (press F8 at boot) when you need to uninstall or run manual scans. Also increase Windows 98 virtual memory via Control Panel -> System -> Performance -> Virtual Memory (set a sensible Minimum and Maximum) so on-demand scanners have more working space; always note original settings before changing anything. Back up any system files before editing startup entries. (sony-asia.com)

If a software firewall or resident AV still won’t run, put a small NAT router between that PC and the internet (or use the router already on a home connection). NAT/home routers block unsolicited inbound traffic and give good “free” protection without using the machine’s CPU/RAM. If buying is impossible, unplug the network when the machine is idle or avoid using the browser/email on that PC. (cisco.com)

For cleanup and emergency disinfects, use an offline rescue/rescue-disk workflow: download a bootable rescue ISO on another computer, burn to CD or USB, boot the old PC from it and perform a full scan. Alternatively, update signature files on a modern PC and transfer them to the vintage box for an on-demand scan if the AV supports offline updates. Always back up important files to separate media first. (support.kaspersky.com)

Cautions: keep a written note of every change (msconfig settings, virtual memory values), avoid editing system files without backups, and treat the machine as untrusted for sensitive activities if you cannot get a lightweight resident scanner to run reliably.

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Member Avatar for goldeagle2005

you need to get legacy versions of AV packages, like norton A/V 4 or 5

Member Avatar for caperjack

Hello ,this link may have something you are looking for in older versions of firewall programs .check the security section .
http://oldversion.com/[/u]

Member Avatar for bigjack

With reference to my last message. My system isn't much better than yours W98, Pentium 266, (but I have 256 MB of RAM) and I have no problems at all with Avg or Zone Alarm

PS:- I have just checked the Avg web site and minimum requirements are 486 processor, 32 MB RAM, 30 MB free disk space. It may be your RAM that's causing problems.

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