How do you choose the best Anti-Virus software?


  1. Posts : 77
    Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit
       #1

    How do you choose the best Anti-Virus software?


    I am currently using ESET NOD32 version 5 anti-virus on my 3 desktop and 1 laptop machine, all running Windows 7 Professional 64 bit. My subscription will expire in a couple of months and I have doing research on the web trying to determine which is the best anti-virus software available.

    Many years ago I used Norton but it literally took over my machines and un-installing it was almost impossible. Then I used BitDefender for a few years and then I read that it was really heavy on system resources and I thought it was slowing my machines down. I have been using ESET NOD32 for the last 2 years. When ever I read reviews, etc. ESET is always at the bottom of the list although the ESET website says it is the best in independent lab tests.

    Last week I downloaded the 30 day trial of Webroot SecureAnywhere anti-virus and I am trying it for 30 days.

    Can anyone give me some thoughts on how to choose a good anti-virus program or recommendations? I am currently using the free versions of SuperAnti-Spyware and Malbytes Anti-Malware to keep my machines free of spyware and malware.

    Thanks very much!
      My Computer


  2. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #2

    ESET is excellent - so is todays Norton (NIS2012). Webroot SecureAnywhere I have never heard about. SuperAnti-Spyware and Malbytes Anti-Malware are scanners that you can run from time to time. But they are no real time protection.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 77
    Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks for your reply and information!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 33
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64 / SP1
       #4

    I have used Norton for over 10 years. I downloaded Webroot SecureAnywhere Essentials 30 day trial and love it. Bought a year license (discounted price).
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,167
    Windows 7 Pro with SP1 32bit
       #5

    If you are looking for a free Anti-Virus Program then try out Avast. There is nothing to beat it. The other two very good free Anti-Virus Programs are AVG and Avira.

    All three free programs can also be upgraded by purchasing the premium versions.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 77
    Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thanks everyone for your information. Is a free program such as Avast as dependable as a paid program?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 19,383
    Windows 10 Pro x64 ; Xubuntu x64
       #7

    artmanphoto said:
    Thanks everyone for your information. Is a free program such as Avast as dependable as a paid program?
    Yes, it can be, and sometimes more so depending on which software you choose to use.

    Regards,
    Golden
      My Computer


  8. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #8

    I have used Kaspersky and found it a bit complicated for the settings.

    MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) is on a couple of my systems, but it is not without fault.

    Free AVG we have used at our computer club and it was a disaster.

    ESET was recommended by Corrine and she is one of the world leading AV experts. Visit her Security garden.

    On my production systems I use Norton Internet Security and it has never failed in the last 4 years.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 435
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #9

    Personally, I would KasperskyPure or Microsoft Security Essentials with Malwarebytes and SuperANTISpyware.
      My Computer


 

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