Research on FREE virus scanners (Detection rates and other fun stuff)

computergeekguy · 06 Mar 2012

Currently i have used malwarebytes due to its ability to install and run in safemode and have loved it.

But i here that some things can get past some av.

any way i was wondering if there was a chart showing all the detection rates of different FREE av's

My system is malwarebytes, spybot s&d Edit: i also chose them as they do not conflict with other av"s

I was also interested in bootable av's i heard that they exist. What are some free ones of those that i may research on.

Thanks.

mickey megabyte · 06 Mar 2012

AV-Comparatives - Independent Tests of Anti-Virus Software - Welcome to AV-Comparatives.org

they don't just test free software, but include commercial stuff too.

Phone Man · 06 Mar 2012

Malwarebytes is not an anti-virus. It stops other types of malware and is a great program to supplement a free AV like Avast! or MSE.

Jim

Qdos · 06 Mar 2012

I just don't get peoples expectations with comparisons of free anti-virus products to paid for ones.

Who do you think writes the databases and cleansing routines in free products, when it's obvious that in paid for products the authors are rewarded for their efforts. Free programs do not offer as much as commercial ones, they're not as good at detection, and they're far less frequently updated.

The paid for product I use costs peanuts, does an five star job, and a triple license version was under U$40 each year. Why would anyone want to have 2nd or 3rd class protection and sit there smugly announcing their computer is free of infections just because the anti-virus freebie X, Y or Z says so.

I'd be more inclined to worry about what risks it isn't detecting...

Layback Bear · 06 Mar 2012

No anti virus is perfect. For many years I used nothing but store bought internet security systems. Anti virus + firewall because me and my computer are worth it. Then I switched to MSE. First reason was having problems with my paid for one.
Second reason, who else knows how to protect Windows better than the people who designed it, Microsoft. If one changed their anti virus every time a new review came out you would be doing that once a month or maybe even once a week.
Because as I have stated none are perfect I back it up with MBAM Pro and some other programs also. Keeping you system up to date is also important, such as Jave and Adobe and your browsers which are always being under attack. For that I use http://www.filehippo.com/updatechecker/
Please note: MBAM Pro and MSE are both active and get along with each other.

computergeekguy · 06 Mar 2012

will avira antivirus interfere with any of these antiviruses? Malwarebytes,spybot s&d,avg,mse, or anything like that?

Also are there other av's that have a tendency not to interfere with other programs?

Thanks for all of your replys :)

Edit: oh and one more thing what are some names of what you think is the best bootable rescue disk antivirus?

Once again thanks

sreedhav · 06 Mar 2012

computergeekguy said:

will avira antivirus interfere with any of these antiviruses? Malwarebytes,spybot s&d,avg,mse, or anything like that?

Also are there other av's that have a tendency not to interfere with other programs?

Thanks for all of your replys :)

Edit: oh and one more thing what are some names of what you think is the best bootable rescue disk antivirus?

Once again thanks

Dear computergeekguy,
First off, congrats on filling in your specs. to the Max. This is the kind of info' one needs while trying to address and resolve probs.

You must install an Anti-Virus software, be it MSE(Microsoft Security Essentials) OR IMO, Avira free (scores high in AV Comparatives)! Download site for Avira:Avira Free Antivirus - Download Best Antivirus Software

Now, reg. your query as to which is the best bootable rescue disk (an excellent query,i must say), i vote for Kaspersky! Checkout this link for more choices:Antivirus Review: Bootable Discs and Bootable USBs - eSecurity Planet

regards and best wishes,
sreedhav

sreedhav · 06 Mar 2012

OH! BTW, I have used many commercial sec.suites and none have conflicted with Malwarebytes. So, you will be safe there!
Regards,
sreedhav

computergeekguy · 07 Mar 2012

Hi sreedhav i have checked out kasperky rescue disk 10 and i must say it looks like the one i will go with

Things i noticed about it that i like a lot is

Internet browser

g.u.i looks similar to microsofts g.u.i.

It will update itself and you dont have to put all the updates on the cd.

Thanks for your help

sreedhav · 07 Mar 2012

Dear computergeekguy,
You are welcome!
regards,
sree (sreedhav)