Solved AntiVirus Question

[Sandie]

My new PC came with A free 30 day trial of McAfee.
I was told to try the (free)Microsoft Security Essentials, when the trial runs out. Does anyone know how good it is, or have any other recommendations. It doesnt necessarily have to be free, I just have no clue about Anti Virus, etc. Thanks Sandie

 

[Athene]

Hi Sandie,

It's best if you read this thread to get an opinion on various antivirus programs - I have read reviews by many people who are satisfied and dissatisfied with MSE. There will always be satisfied and dissatisfied customers with each antivirus program ;-D
Make sure that your computer fulfils the minimum system requirements demanded by the antivirus program and remove any preinstalled antivirus software.

I agree that you should remove McAfee when it runs out. In order to do this, it is strongly recommended to run the McAfee Removal Tool twice, rebooting after each run (should happen automatically) - all antivirus software is very sticky, and it is normal to use the vendor's removal tool when switching to another antivirus program or if you experience a flawed/failed un/installation. You can get the McAfee Removal Tool and instructions over here:
http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS100507

Please disconnect from the internet during the removal process as a safety precaution and also make sure that you've already got the installer for your new antivirus program handy (on CD or saved to your computer) before the removal procedure.

 

[whs]

Many people say MSE is fine. But I caught 2 viruses when I was using it. So I returned to my trusted Norton Internet Security 2011 which I personally think is the the best.

I am sure you will get a lot of different opinions. It is like:" What is the best beer". But for McAfee you will not get a lot of positive feedback - I am pretty certain. Make sure you use the removal tool that Pallas posted.

And if you want to experiment with other options, here are the removal tools for most AV programs. Those MUST be used. Normal uninstall will not do. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/78961-av-uninstallers.html#post690028

 

[Borg 386]

You're going to get a lot of different opinions here about AV's. In the end, the decision will rest with you & whatever you feel comfortable with.

MSE gives good basic protection. If you want to shell out $$$ for a paid AV, Norton rates well.

McAfee, from my personal experience (and several other members here) has caused nothing but trouble and probably should be removed.

Just remember that avoiding viruses starts with you. It's all about common sense. Not clicking on everything that pops up, staying away from shady web sites and avoiding cracks will go a long way in preventing your PC from being compromised.

And be aware that having an AV with out of date virus definitions does you no good, as new threats are emerging continuously.

And running additional on demand scanners is also recommended, such as Malwarebytes.

Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer

 

[Athene]

Yes, that's a very good suggestion by Borg 386 - Malwarebytes (free version) as an on-demand additional layer of protection is very popular with users.

 

[Wishmaster]

I agree with the suggestions given so far.



But, regardless which AV you prefer or decide on using, one other thing I really like and would recommend using alongside any AV is SpywareBlaster.

It doesn't scan or interfer with any program you choose. Basically all it does is Blacklist known bad URLs in your webrowser.


So if by chance something tries to re-direct you to one of these sites, its blocked already.
The only downside is you'll need to manually update and apply new definitions periodically on the free version, just like with malwarebytes. but a small price to pay IMHO.


This is NOT a substitute for a AV or for Malwarebytes however. Just an extra layer of security.

 

[Sandie]

Thanks for all your advise, its very much appreciated, will definately check into some of the options mentioned. Thanks Again Sandie

 

[Athene]

You're welcome - we're always glad to help :-D

 

[bru]

I agree with the suggestions given so far.



But, regardless which AV you prefer or decide on using, one other thing I really like and would recommend using alongside any AV is SpywareBlaster.

It doesn't scan or interfer with any program you choose. Basically all it does is Blacklist known bad URLs in your webrowser.


So if by chance something tries to re-direct you to one of these sites, its blocked already.
The only downside is you'll need to manually update and apply new definitions periodically on the free version, just like with malwarebytes. but a small price to pay IMHO.


This is NOT a substitute for a AV or for Malwarebytes however. Just an extra layer of security.

I've had SpywareBlaster for a while and had a vague understanding on how it works but your description made it much easier to understand. Does it give a warning if it stops a redirect? It's never given me any prompts so either way I guess that is good.

I use MSE for realtime protection. For on demand I use MBAM and SuperAntispyware(SAS). Also SpywareBlaster. There are other good on demand scanners for when one gets infected but hopefully I won't need those.

 

[Wishmaster]

Bru,
I could be mistaken here, but I think you just get a blank page stating the browser could not display the page.

I prefer and use Internet Explorer myself, so it just says "Internet Explorer can not display the WebPage".
So it should be a simlar message depending on your browser of choice.

Someone please correct me if wrong here, but as far as Im aware thats what will happens if directed to one of SpywareBlasters blacklisted URLS.

 

[Jacee]

Here is a SpywareBlaster tutorial Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware, Hijackers, and Malware

 

[marsmimar]

If you ask 10 people what anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall to use ... you'll probably get 10 different opinions.

If you want basic protection against viruses, spyware, and other malicious programs, I recommend Microsoft Security Essentials. This is a free product made by Microsoft, updated at least twice daily by Microsoft, and designed to work with Microsoft operating systems including Windows 7. It does not use a lot of system resources and runs quietly in the background giving real-time protection.

Virus, Spyware & Malware Protection | Microsoft Security Essentials

I find that the included Windows Firewall is adequate for my needs and many people feel the same way. They don't use anything other than the Windows Firewall. Once you turn it on it just runs in the background and seems to do the job. Other people say the Windows Firewall isn't good enough. Only you can decide if you need something different.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/522-windows-firewall-turn-off.html

Just in case some virus or spyware slips through I also use Malwarebytes free, SuperAntispyware free, and Hitman Pro free. These products are called on-demand scanners. They only scan your computer when you tell them to. In other words, they are not "on" all the time and they do not conflict with Security Essentials or the Windows Firewall.

Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer

SUPERAntiSpyware.com | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware!

Hitman Pro 3 - SurfRight

 

[Sandie]

Okay, so my McAfee Av runs out in 2 days, now should I 1st Uninstall using the Windows 7 Uninstall, and then use the McAffe MCPR that I just downloaded to remove also, or should I just use the McAfee removal tool. Thanks

 

[marsmimar]

IMPORTANT: You must uninstall using the Windows software removal utility (Add/Remove Programs in XP, “Programs and Features” in Vista and Windows 7) before running MCPR. Failure to do so can result in the number of your licenses being incorrectly counted.

Source: How to uninstall or reinstall supported McAfee consumer products using the McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool (MCPR.exe)

Although this recommendation has to do with your licensing, I believe it's best to follow the suggested procedure. I'd also recommend rebooting after running MCPR and then run it a second time and rebooting a second time.

 

[Sandie]

Thanks so much, I thought that was what you did just wasnt sure, TY again. Sandie

 

[marsmimar]

You're welcome, Sandie. Let us know how it goes and if you have any other questions don't hesitate to post.

 

[jenios007]

Ηi Sandie. I want to give you my opinion about which antivirus to choose. After reading that, i wouldn't prefer MSE to protect my pc.

Microsoft Security Essentials ranked second last in AV-Test's protection rating - Neowin.net

Instead, i think that antivirus products, such as Panda Global Protection 2011, is the best (paid) solution to keep your pc safe from viruses.

jenios007

 

[Britton30]

Sorry, late to the party. AVG products have also caused problems with Win7.

 

[Sandie]

Thanks everyone, I ended up going with Norton (advise from my son in law), so will see how that works out. I did everything mentioned to get rid of the McAfee totally. Thanks again, Im sure Ill havemore questions somewhere down the line lol. Sandie