jja1313,
In your case, I would recommend two things:
First:
Get the paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. It gives you the resident protection against the spyware items the AV won't catch, and automatic updates.
It's about $25 USD or so, and it's only a one-time fee.
Second:
Install the mvps HOSTS file. It will protect against thousands of known malicious websites.
Instructions:
-----------------------------------------------------------Replace the Current HOSTS File with MVPsDownload
HostsXpert and unzip (extract) it to your computer, somewhere where you can find it.
- Double click on HostsXpert.exe to launch the program. Give whatever Permissions are required.
- In the bottom half of the left pane, click on File Handling
- If the first button at the top is labeled Make Writeable?, click on it so the label changes to Make Read Only
- Click third button from the bottom, labeled Download. A couple new buttons will appear at the top.
- Click on the top button labeled MVPs Hosts and choose Replace
- When asked to verify if you want to Replace present Hosts file, click OK.
- When it finishes , click on File Handling again.
- Click the button at the top labeled Make Read Only, so the label changes to Make Writeable?
- Hit the X in the upper right corner to exit HostsXpert
If you have a separate third party firewall, or Winpatrol, you may have to give permissions at various times to Unlock the present default HOSTS file and install the new one.
Good Luck,
askey127