AntiVirus

[yesican]

My new computers trial run of Norton antivirus runs out in 6 days.&nbsp; I've paid for and had free antivirus software.&nbsp; With all the changes on the net along with all the possible infections, what is the best and least expensive antivirus software out there?&nbsp; I am not a nerd, but there are a great many on this site who are.&nbsp; Can you enlighten us to what would be our best option?&nbsp; Thanks.<br /><br />Rae

 

[She]

I know you may think this is crazy but I use something called peer block and have not had a problem since. Oh and its free. Just look it up hard to explain what it does.&nbsp;Basically&nbsp;what it does is this...it stops who "talks" to your computer.

 

[ice_maiden]

I use AVG ... it's free<br /><br /><br />you can get it here &nbsp;<a href="http://www.avg.com/us-en/free-antivirus-download"> http://www.avg.com/us-en/free-antivirus-download</a>

 

[Seraphim]

AVG always worked fine.

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Comodo Internet Security, which is about the best out there.. Norton blows chunks. Just so there's less argument, and to show I'm not just blowin' smoke outta my a**, check out&nbsp; http://www.wilderssecurity.com/&nbsp; and look it and others up under 'other firewalls/antivirus'. These are the people that know their stuff. ..Willy.

 

[mockturtle]

After AVG let me down several years ago, the computer repair tech recommended Avast, and it has worked well for me.&nbsp; Although it's free, this year I chose to spend $20 on the optimized version.&nbsp;

 

[rvwandering]

&nbsp;I use Avast too.

 

[Pikachu711]

In the past I've used AVG free anti-virus software but it does have it limitations. It's still good software but there is better out there.<br /><br />I've been using Norton AV Software for many years. I swear by it! I won't go online unless I have my NAV running. But that's my opinion FWIW!<br /><br />In the past I've also had McAfee AV software but uninstalled it after it conflicted with Windows applications. The McAfee AV software came installed on a laptop I bought years ago. I've never been satisfied with McAfee AV software. But to each his own!

 

[Guest]

I have had several different antivirus programs and my computer guy says there isn't much better than Microsoft Security Essentials....easy free download...<br /><br />I just had him take off the Ubuntu I had on my nettie and load WinXP back on it....he loaded MSE on that too. It doesn't spend half the time you are online downloading updates like many of them do.<br /><br />With this new load of WInXP and MSE,my nettie boots up in no time at all. That was the thing I liked most about Ubuntu...It took about 30-45 seconds to boot up.

 

[offroad]

Using Avira Antivir free version for several years.&nbsp; never fails.&nbsp; Supplement with Malwarebytes to scan once every month or two.<br /><br />Never have a virus, and have visited all the scary sites on the internet.&nbsp; No virus.&nbsp; Also have installed many many trial applications to test them.&nbsp; Still no virus.&nbsp; Several virus have been detected and removed over the years, so know its working.<br /><br />WIN7 running for about a year with no reinstall.<br /><br />

 

[yesican]

Looking back on this post, I realize I haen't thanked everyone for their input and helping me...It is greatly appreciated.<br />Rae

 

[Ballenxj]

<span id="post_message_1274861192"> Comodo Internet Security, which is about the best out there.. Norton blows chunks. Just so there's less argument, and to show I'm not just blowin' smoke outta my a**, check out&nbsp; <a href="http://www.wilderssecurity.com/ " target="_blank">http://www.wilderssecurity.com/&nbsp;</a> and look it and others up under 'other firewalls/antivirus'. These are the people that know their stuff. ..Willy.

<br />^^ THIS! ^^ <br />I also use Avast (the free one) and it has had a nice easy life. Comodo grabs the bad stuff in an instant, blocking it while it lets you know what just happened. It just blocked one for me a couple hours ago. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br />Nortons? I wasn't very happy with them. They are all invasive and are a real pain to get rid of. Have to format to do it. So much for their uninstall engine.&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <img src="/images/boards/smilies/mad.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> Also, Their customer service was non existent. I made up my mind to never use or recommend them again. It's been said about them that they are the virus. <br />-Bruce<br /></span>

 

[Ricekila]

I renewed my Norton 360 a while ago -- I also run "Malwarebytes" <img src="/images/boards/smilies/comp.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />Malwarebytes catches questionable stuff first ---- when Norton expires ---- I might let it slide ? I do a general "D &amp; C" every night and also run CCleaner <img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" />

 

[sl1966]

I just run PandaCloud AV. It's not the best but it is free. The thing that I also use that really protects me is running PeerBlock. I turn it on to block everything and update each time I turn on my laptop. I haven't run into a problem in over 6 years.<br /><br />

 

[adi]

I have had several different antivirus programs and my computer guy says there isn't much better than Microsoft Security Essentials....easy free download...

Been using MSE here for a few years now, zero issues with it, I can't even tell it's running even on my super low power machines. Free, wins awards, backed by Microsoft, can't go wrong.

 

[Spirituallifetime]

I just started using Microsoft security essentials, it was time to renew McAfee I didn't want to pay the price for it. And it would slow the computer down when it was updating. I read on the Kim Komando web site that the paid anti-virus programs were not any better than the free ones. Microsoft security essentials is supposed to be the best of the free. I almost went for Eset nod 32, it's cost about $30 per year which cheaper than norton or mcafee.

 

[VanGirl]

I work in the computer and wifi business everyday. For my personal computer and smart phone I have been using AVG Free edition for many years. It does not slow your computer down as many do. I have tried all the top dogs including Microsoft. Nothing beats AVG.<br /><br />Never run two antivirus programs at the same time. One will think the other is a virus and slow your computer to a crawl.<br /><br />The best defense against a virus is to stop opening all those cute little emails that everyone sends around. Never open an email with an attachment from someone you don't know. Even if you do know them let your antivirus scan it first. <br /><br />If you think you have a virus clean your system with AVG. If it is still slow spend the money to purchase a program called RegCure. Between the two programs you can save most bills at the repair shop or the cost of a new system before it is really needed.<br /><br />VanGirl

 

[Rbratcherjr]

I've been using Zonealarm Security Suite to protect my computer (it's a firewall plus antivirus) for several years &amp; it protects my computer very well. Updates are easy &amp; I don't mind paying the yearly fee Of course I also have Malwarebytes on the computer too....

 

[Ballenxj]

I renewed my Norton 360 a while ago -- I also run "Malwarebytes" <img src="/images/boards/smilies/comp.gif" /><br /><br />Malwarebytes catches questionable stuff first ---- when Norton expires ---- I might let it slide ? I do a general "D &amp; C" every night and also run CCleaner <img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" />

<br />I was unaware of Malwarebytes before, but now have it on my laptop. Thanks for the heads up. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" /> <br />RE; Nortons? I'd get rid of them, but that's just me. <br />PS, The only way to truly be rid of Nortons is either format your hard drive, or by a new machine. It won't leave gracefully. (very invasive) <img src="/images/boards/smilies/mad.gif" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[Varmint]

I thought I'd share some valuable info regarding win-doze security, but I don't really want to put it on this site, as it's long, so I'm sharing a link to my own website where I've stored it. I'm not the original author of this, so I obtained permission from him to share it freely with others. It was originally sent out on a mailing list, which is also mentioned in the post.

Here's the link: http://mphamilton.motd.org/windoze-security/

Those of you that still use windoze should find this valuable. Properly done, a windoze computer will likely not require an antivirus scanner running on it. I scan my system every now and then with a copy of Linux, but you could use ClamWin AV (it's free) if you're intimidated by Linux.

I should tell you all up front that I haven't had any antivirus or anti-spam software or email scanners on my computers in over five years. My son uses Win7 and makes good use of some of this info, and he also hasn't had any problems. He keeps Avast Home Edition on his system just to be safe.

Our browser of choice is Firefox, and our email client of choice is Thunderbird. I also use Sylpheed on some of my setups for email. We use these because they're more secure, especially when properly set up. I use a few plug-ins, or add-ons, called NOSCRIPT, DO NOT TRACK PLUS, and PHZILLA for the Firefox browser. I NEVER store cookies, prefering they be deleted every time on shutdown. My settings are tighter (I'm a bit paranoid) than my son's, but he also never has problems with his system either.

Your mileage may vary from mine if you use this info, so take responsibility for your own stuff. I'm a bit more adventurous than most, and not afraid of risks. Re-installing everything on my computer is no big deal to me. I did this weekly for fun back in the Win3.11 days, and doing it with Linux is even easier for me. I understand if you don't feel that way, as we're all different.

73 de Varmint