Windows 7 anti-malware products compared

[King Arthur]

So far MSE is co-existing with Avast, but I have a fresh clone of W7 just in case.

If you have both MSE and Avast running on one computer I strongly suggest you completely remove one or the other. Running two or more AV software concurrently is an open invitation to all kinds of bad stuff happening.

 

[meebers]

So far MSE is co-existing with Avast, but I have a fresh clone of W7 just in case.

If you have both MSE and Avast running on one computer I strongly suggest you completely remove one or the other. Running two or more AV software concurrently is an open invitation to all kinds of bad stuff happening.

OK, what kinda bad stuff? If you have a link, I would like to read about it

 

[TVeblen]

Google "run 2 av at the same time".
Way too many links to post here.

 

[carwiz]

https://blog.kaspersky.com/multiple-antivirus-programs-bad-idea/

One antivirus program is better than two | PCWorld

Some combinations will just flat BSOD the system as each tries to grab memory pages.

 

[A Guy]

While I agree, many have had great success running Avast and MSE together. I decided against it. I do have Avira with the active protection turned off. I use it as an On Demand scanner

A Guy

 

[ThrashZone]

There's no reason to have two antivirus security on one machine,
Most of Avast issues are with it's updates and Internet explorers new security features which often clash,
Causing Internet explorer to be a frustrating experience which most people stop using Internet explorer instead of dropping Avast like a hot potato,
I personally have no idea why people like Avast ?
Cheers.

 

[King Arthur]

I personally still use Avast v7.0 (I haven't gotten around to updating the actual client) on my Pentium 4 Windows XP machine because I found MSE was ironically just slightly heavier than Avast that it was making the Pentium 4 have a rough time.

Seeing as MSE will be retired from XP next year I'll probably stick with Avast on that machine, though I would definitely prefer to use MSE instead as Avast has given me plenty of grief as I've outlined in earlier posts.

My Japanese Windows XP VM that I have on my Windows 7 desktop (in my system specs) uses MSE, and needless to say my Windows 7 desktop and laptop both also use MSE.

 

[MrWhoopee]

I personally have no idea why people like Avast ?
Cheers.

I am a big fan of "free". When I am servicing a client's computer, if I find that they have no AV or an expired subscription (both remarkably common), I will install good, free AV. This leaves them with a good feeling about my intentions and more money with which to pay me. In the past I used AVG. That was until I encountered a root-kit infection on an AVG protected machine. Once I got AVG functioning again, it scanned and reported the system clean, even though the symptoms clearly indicated otherwise. I removed AVG and installed Avast, which promptly found and removed the problem. Since then I have used Avast, both for my clients and myself. It has never caused me any problems, other than the increasing number of unnecessary pop-ups. Based on the AV-Test results, I am trying Panda and will probably begin installing it for my clients, especially since it protects better and produces no unnecessary pop-ups.

 

[mjf]

Are people talking about real-time anti malware conflicts? I've been running Norton (NIS, 360) for a number of years now for real time protection and Malwarebytes (free) that I run periodically as an additional check.
I like some of the Norton features but wouldn't trust it 100%. In my experience Malwarebytes has been more prone to false positives but that's ok.

 

[windude99]

I like MSE because it has VERY FEW false positives (unlike Avast). Honestly, if Microsoft Security essentials misses anything, I will just clean it up with SUPER Anti-Spyware and Malwarebytes. I can also use the Windows Malicious software removal tool and the Windows Defender offline scanner. The best protection of all (as I have heard and agree with) is being careful in you email and on the internet. That gets you a lot of protection right there. Then, use user account control. Keep Windows up-to-date (and DO NOT have an unsupported OS hooked up to the internet). Finally, run an up-to-date AV (which is MSE) and I also tend to recommend Malwarebytes t be run with it. No need to run some bloated up free or paid AV with a lot more false positives. These are my opinions (you are allowed to disagree).

 

[TVeblen]

Are people talking about real-time anti malware conflicts? I've been running Norton (NIS, 360) for a number of years now for real time protection and Malwarebytes (free) that I run periodically as an additional check.
I like some of the Norton features but wouldn't trust it 100%. In my experience Malwarebytes has been more prone to false positives but that's ok.

Yes, real time or full time AV. That which loads at startup and runs in the background for the entire session.

Malwarebytes runs just fine as a "standalone" test and does not interfere with running AVs, just like they advertise.

Same thing with Windows Defender, Spybot, and Malicious Software Removal Tool.

When I get around to running a scan I run Avast, Malwarebytes, Defender, and Spybot all at the same time. Nary a problem.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

...I personally have no idea why people like Avast ?
Cheers.

Because it works and works well with IE10.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I personally have no idea why people like Avast ?
Cheers.

I am a big fan of "free". When I am servicing a client's computer, if I find that they have no AV or an expired subscription (both remarkably common), I will install good, free AV. This leaves them with a good feeling about my intentions and more money with which to pay me. In the past I used AVG. That was until I encountered a root-kit infection on an AVG protected machine. Once I got AVG functioning again, it scanned and reported the system clean, even though the symptoms clearly indicated otherwise. I removed AVG and installed Avast, which promptly found and removed the problem. Since then I have used Avast, both for my clients and myself. It has never caused me any problems, other than the increasing number of unnecessary pop-ups. Based on the AV-Test results, I am trying Panda and will probably begin installing it for my clients, especially since it protects better and produces no unnecessary pop-ups.

If you set Avast properly, you will get no unnecessary popups; or any popups, if you so desire (I personally like to know if Avast has blocked anything).

 

[TVeblen]

I personally have no idea why people like Avast ?
Cheers.

Because we get to pretend to be pirates, and the sexy virus lady voice is just so damned HOT!

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I like MSE because it has VERY FEW false positives (unlike Avast). Honestly, if Microsoft Security essentials misses anything, I will just clean it up with SUPER Anti-Spyware and Malwarebytes. I can also use the Windows Malicious software removal tool and the Windows Defender offline scanner. The best protection of all (as I have heard and agree with) is being careful in you email and on the internet. That gets you a lot of protection right there. Then, use user account control. Keep Windows up-to-date (and DO NOT have an unsupported OS hooked up to the internet). Finally, run an up-to-date AV (which is MSE) and I also tend to recommend Malwarebytes t be run with it. No need to run some bloated up free or paid AV with a lot more false positives. These are my opinions (you are allowed to disagree).

Funny. I've had only one false positive in all the time I've used Avast (four or more years).

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

...When I get around to running a scan I run Avast, Malwarebytes, Defender, and Spybot all at the same time. Nary a problem.

I get the same results running Avast, SAS (SuperAntiSpyware), and Spybot S&D at the same time. I do daily quick scans and weekly full scans with Avast and SAS and daily full scans with Spybot (it doesn't have a quick scan). I follow up with Glary Utilities to get rid of any remaining temp files and any registry entries that no longer point to anything. Since my machine runs 24/7, I have MBAM Pro set to automagically do a quick scan in the wee hours every day and a full scan in the wee hours once a week.

 

[windude99]

I like MSE because it has VERY FEW false positives (unlike Avast). Honestly, if Microsoft Security essentials misses anything, I will just clean it up with SUPER Anti-Spyware and Malwarebytes. I can also use the Windows Malicious software removal tool and the Windows Defender offline scanner. The best protection of all (as I have heard and agree with) is being careful in you email and on the internet. That gets you a lot of protection right there. Then, use user account control. Keep Windows up-to-date (and DO NOT have an unsupported OS hooked up to the internet). Finally, run an up-to-date AV (which is MSE) and I also tend to recommend Malwarebytes t be run with it. No need to run some bloated up free or paid AV with a lot more false positives. These are my opinions (you are allowed to disagree).

Funny. I've had only one false positive in all the time I've used Avast (four or more years).

Sorry. I should've phrased that better. I haven't had many false positives with Avast, but a few Is more than enough. Honestly, my setup works great and unless it gives me a problem, I shouldn't alter it. I like using the Microsoft Anti-Virus with the Microsoft operating system. Plus, it doesn't slow down my computers (especially the old ones) like Avast does. Avast is also bad about ads and it has trouble opening files that Security Essentials open just fine during scans. I will take a much slower scan time if everything gets scanned properly. AGAIN, this is MY opinion. If you disagree, you can keep using what you are using. I won't force you to switch lol.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I like MSE because it has VERY FEW false positives (unlike Avast). Honestly, if Microsoft Security essentials misses anything, I will just clean it up with SUPER Anti-Spyware and Malwarebytes. I can also use the Windows Malicious software removal tool and the Windows Defender offline scanner. The best protection of all (as I have heard and agree with) is being careful in you email and on the internet. That gets you a lot of protection right there. Then, use user account control. Keep Windows up-to-date (and DO NOT have an unsupported OS hooked up to the internet). Finally, run an up-to-date AV (which is MSE) and I also tend to recommend Malwarebytes t be run with it. No need to run some bloated up free or paid AV with a lot more false positives. These are my opinions (you are allowed to disagree).

Funny. I've had only one false positive in all the time I've used Avast (four or more years).

Sorry. I should've phrased that better. I haven't had many false positives with Avast, but a few Is more than enough. Honestly, my setup works great and unless it gives me a problem, I shouldn't alter it. I like using the Microsoft Anti-Virus with the Microsoft operating system. Plus, it doesn't slow down my computers (especially the old ones) like Avast does. Avast is also bad about ads and it has trouble opening files that Security Essentials open just fine during scans. I will take a much slower scan time if everything gets scanned properly. AGAIN, this is MY opinion. If you disagree, you can keep using what you are using. I won't force you to switch lol.

I would much rather have a few false positives than to have any viruses slip through. Avast can be set to not pop up any ads. 90% of the complaints I've seen about Avast can be fixed by browsing through the settings tab.

 

[windude99]

Funny. I've had only one false positive in all the time I've used Avast (four or more years).

Sorry. I should've phrased that better. I haven't had many false positives with Avast, but a few Is more than enough. Honestly, my setup works great and unless it gives me a problem, I shouldn't alter it. I like using the Microsoft Anti-Virus with the Microsoft operating system. Plus, it doesn't slow down my computers (especially the old ones) like Avast does. Avast is also bad about ads and it has trouble opening files that Security Essentials open just fine during scans. I will take a much slower scan time if everything gets scanned properly. AGAIN, this is MY opinion. If you disagree, you can keep using what you are using. I won't force you to switch lol.

I would much rather have a few false positives than to have any viruses slip through. Avast can be set to not pop up any ads. 90% of the complaints I've seen about Avast can be fixed by browsing through the settings tab.

I don't want to have to walk people through a bunch of settings to get their antivirus working the way THEY want it to work. Also, you have to renew every year and if people don't do that, then it stops updating. With MSE, you install it and you are done (though you can set up more thorough scans etc. if you want) You set it up and forget about it. I think people appreciate that more than having to change several settings AND have to do registrations every year. Most people want their computers to "just work" and not have to worry about it. I don't think I have ever accidently gotten a virus with MSE, up-to-date Windows, and UAC turned on. I don't need to change my setup and I will keep using it and use it on customers' machines until it is proven ineffective.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Sorry. I should've phrased that better. I haven't had many false positives with Avast, but a few Is more than enough. Honestly, my setup works great and unless it gives me a problem, I shouldn't alter it. I like using the Microsoft Anti-Virus with the Microsoft operating system. Plus, it doesn't slow down my computers (especially the old ones) like Avast does. Avast is also bad about ads and it has trouble opening files that Security Essentials open just fine during scans. I will take a much slower scan time if everything gets scanned properly. AGAIN, this is MY opinion. If you disagree, you can keep using what you are using. I won't force you to switch lol.

I would much rather have a few false positives than to have any viruses slip through. Avast can be set to not pop up any ads. 90% of the complaints I've seen about Avast can be fixed by browsing through the settings tab.

I don't want to have to walk people through a bunch of settings to get their antivirus working the way THEY want it to work. Also, you have to renew every year and if people don't do that, then it stops updating. With MSE, you install it and you are done (though you can set up more thorough scans etc. if you want) You set it up and forget about it. I think people appreciate that more than having to change several settings AND have to do registrations every year. Most people want their computers to "just work" and not have to worry about it. I don't think I have ever accidently gotten a virus with MSE, up-to-date Windows, and UAC turned on. I don't need to change my setup and I will keep using it and use it on customers' machines until it is proven ineffective.

According to professional tests, MSE is ineffective.

Renewing Avast every year isn't that big a deal. And once Avast has been set (it's not the big deal you are making it out to be), you can forget it.