Anti Virus Program really needed?

[bonkers72]

Is it really necessary to still have a anti virus program installed with Win 7? I thought it is pretty secure already. Thanks.

 

[C-11]

Yes, Win 7 should have an antivirus program.

If you haven't had one the download & scan with Microsoft Security Essentials

Another great program to use also is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

 

[Borg 386]

Even with a AV installed, you're at risk anytime you step onto the net. Viruses are fast evolving and new variants/strains are being released every day.

Have a look here to weigh the pros/cons of the various AV's available:

http://www.sevenforums.com/system-security/72070-whats-best-anti-virus.html

 

[indianacarnie]

Wouldn't leave home without one

 

[bonkers72]

Thanks for all the responses.

 

[bonkers72]

Hava Avira now. Want to try Avast. Are there pop ups with the free version? With Avira I was able to disable the pop ups. If it has pop ups, is it possible to do the same with Avast? Thanks

 

[DavidE]

Avast 7 free does not have popups prompting you to upgrade to a paid version.

There are popups for Info, Warnings, Updates, etc. and those can be configured or turned off.

 

[SteelHP]

I would say AVG.
Used it, for a WHILE, even on my Vista.
Never tried Avast; might be good, might not; same with Avira.
But AVG, has protected me from 29 viruses, altogether, I think.
~SteelHP

 

[M1GU31]

My answer to you would always be yes because they are a helpful tool and most of the time catch intruders. Though at times they can slip by but better to have at least something. Then there's other people like a friend of mine who refuse to use it and say they are tech enough and when they catch something they go through the registry manually and do all the dirty work on their own. I wouldn't suggest that route though because i'm sure he has something possibly lurking anyways and says he used malwarebytes just to check it once and says it's fine . Anyways it's your choice but the other route without a anti virus is going to be a bit bumpier and I wouldn't recommend not having one. Any good free alternatives if short on cash are better then nothing, I use comodo anti virus internet security premium and it comes with a real good firewall and use their free version since I feel it is sufficient for my needs at the moment.
Anyways this is my recommendation, really good anti virus/firewall combo. If you decide to use it I suggest after install to uninstall geek buddy and the comodo browser which are not needed.

Link is in blue below.
http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php