Non-cloud free anti-virus programs?

[vomacka]

I am looking for a free, non-cloud based AV free for my winXP and Win7 systems. Here is what I need:

1) FREE.
2) NOT cloud based.
3) Manual updates. (NOT automatic) The system uses a dial-up modem only. No high speed internet available.
4) No extra programs (BLOATWARE). Just a plain AV program.
5) No ads.

Is there a AV program that fits these criteria?

Thanks for your help.

Scott

 

[Jesse1]

Re:anti-virus

Vomacka,
I have noticed that pretty much all the free anti-virus programs contain adds. I personally only use Microsoft Essentials. It is free and works great.

 

[RolandJS]

From my experience, and unless suddenly something somewhere has changed -- free and ad-free are mutually exclusive when it comes to 3rd party AV programs.

 

[RolandJS]

I just noticed you're using Windows 7; Windows Defender will be ok, however, MSE is probably more robust. Windows Firewall is probably all you need for a firewall. Later on, you might need more powerful 3rd party stuff....
This is only a starting point! I do not mean to imply that you stop with WD or MSE. As other followup posters have indicated - a more robust AV is needed and a more robust AM is needed.

Addendum: Due to excellent followup posts, I amended the above; "aok" changed to so-so "ok"]

 

[vomacka]

What about the "no cloud" part?

I want to do all my updates manually and not have the software "call home" to update.

Scott

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hi:

I just noticed you're using Windows 7; Windows Defender will be aok, however, MSE is probably more robust.

Windows Defender in Win7 is NOT an anti-virus.
It is only a weak anti-spyware/anti-malware application.

For Win7, the comparable, free, MS product is Microsoft Security Essentials.

MSE has both fans and detractors.
It is probably "as good" as any other "free" AV, is relatively easy to use and it does not include ads.

But all of the "free" AVs suffer from hidden costs, such as weak protection, ads, popups, toolbars/PUPs, reduced features and/or reduced support.
Developing and supporting robust security applications costs money.
Most (all, except MSE) "free" AVs are really more of a marketing tool for the vendor than anything else.

The cost of a robust security program works out to pennies a day and is $ well-spent.
There are many options to suit different computers and users.
But no AV or suite of products will protect 100% of computers from 100% of malware 100% of the time.
The most important security component is the part between the chair and the keyboard.
The next most important component is regular practice of backing up data and system images.

Cheers,
MM

 

[DavidE]

What about the "no cloud" part?

I want to do all my updates manually and not have the software "call home" to update.

Scott

There are 2 types of updates. Program updates and virus/malware definition updates.
Do you want no auto updates, including the definition updates, or just no auto update for Program updates ?

 

[MoxieMomma]

There are 2 types of updates. Program updates and virus/malware definition updates.
Do you want no auto updates, including the definition updates, or just no auto update for Program updates ?

Excellent point.
There's more to real-time protection these days than just signatures and databases.

Running an outdated security app -- free or paid -- because one does not enable real-time updates is not much better than none at all.
By the time one is infected with some of today's zero-day and zero-hour threats, especially ransomware, it would be too late.
Most popular AVs provide a means to disable automatic MAJOR program updates (e.g. from version 2016 to 2017).
But few, if any, will run for long in real time with any sort of updating capability (for program updates and especially for "databases") fully disabled.
That would be something more akin to a manual, on-demand, second-opinion scanner, not a real-time AV or security program/suite.

I'm not sure the list of criteria presented can be satisfied AND still provide sufficient protection.

MM

 

[DavidE]

I use
Avast free on Win 7
Avira free on Win 8.1
Panda free on Win 10 (RTM)
Windows Defender on Win 10 (Insider)

Panda:
If news is turned off i get no popups, not even if a new program version is available.
I don't know of a way to stop definition updates (synchronized with the cloud).

Avira:
As far as i know it will eventually auto update to a new program version.
They throttle the auto program update, so it does take quite a while to get it that way.
I get an ad popup when i startup 8.1.

Avast:
auto Program updates can be turned off.
I can't remember the last time i got an ad popup.
I'm not sure what happens if i disable auto definition updates, i never tried that.
Have to be careful installing/updating the program, so bloat doesn't get installed.

MSE/WD
That's up to whatever MS does, updates can come in via Windows Update.
no ad popups.

Personally i want auto updates for definition updates, and to be alerted when a new program update is available.

 

[RolandJS]

MM! Thanks for helping I only mentioned Windows Defender and MSE as a starting point. I did not mean to imply thread starter should stop there. Many rely on Windows Firewall and either WD or MSE - I would rather, like you, have more robust AV and AM -- like the ones you mentioned.

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hi, RolandJS:

I mean no disrespect and do not care to nit-pick.
But your reply about WD being "aok" in response to the OP's question about an AV could be misconstrued.

To reiterate, WD under Win7 is NOT an AV.
So, it would not be "aok" to run only WD, without a real AV.
At a MINIMUM, MSE or another free or paid AV would need to be added.

I merely sought to clarify the wording, both for the OP and for anyone else who might read the thread.

Cheers,
MM

 

[Eric3742]

There are 2 types of updates. Program updates and virus/malware definition updates.
Do you want no auto updates, including the definition updates, or just no auto update for Program updates ?

Excellent point.
There's more to real-time protection these days than just signatures and databases.

Running an outdated security app -- free or paid -- because one does not enable real-time updates is not much better than none at all.
By the time one is infected with some of today's zero-day and zero-hour threats, especially ransomware, it would be too late.
Most popular AVs provide a means to disable automatic MAJOR program updates (e.g. from version 2016 to 2017).
But few, if any, will run for long in real time with any sort of updating capability (for program updates and especially for "databases") fully disabled.
That would be something more akin to a manual, on-demand, second-opinion scanner, not a real-time AV or security program/suite.

I'm not sure the list of criteria presented can be satisfied AND still provide sufficient protection.

MM

OP did not include real time as in the list.

1) FREE.
2) NOT cloud based.
3) Manual updates. (NOT automatic) The system uses a dial-up modem only. No high speed internet available.
4) No extra programs (BLOATWARE). Just a plain AV program.
5) No ads

3. Manual updates is acceptable, as can be updated anytime.

4. As for Bloatware, in some free AV program, it is an option before the installation start.

 

[MoxieMomma]

^^ Not sure what you mean.... ^^

If it's an anti-virus, then, yes it would run in real-time and provide real-time protection.
Otherwise, it's just a manual, on-demand malware scanner.

I guess that we won't know for sure what the OP had in mind unless/until he returns.

As for updates, ummm, yes, with a real-time AV providing real-time, active protection, it would be important to take real-time database updates to stay abreast of new threats.
Otherwise, running with outdated definitions could lead to both false-positives and false-negatives.
I agree with DavidE that (at least major) PROGRAM updates ought to be configured to notify, rather than to silently install.
Most manual, on-demand malware scanners will automatically check for updates before the scan.

As for bloatware, most of the "Free" AVs contain something. In many cases, it is not possible to opt-out during install. That is one of the disadvantages to some/many of the free AVs.

MM

 

[Layback Bear]

I'm a simple bear so I will keep it simple.

Defender in Windows 7 at best is junk.

I use MSE.
One must keep their security programs update, what ever their internet speed is.
Window 7 built in firewall is all I use and so far it works just fine on two systems.

Of course MSE is active and so is the Malwarebytes Anti Malware Premium.
Their is a free version of Malwarebytes one can use (on demand).

So in a nutshell.

Microsoft Security Essentials (free)
Windows 7 built in Firewall (free)
Malwarebytes Anti Malware Premium (not free)

I update everything on my systems manually.

Jack

 

[vomacka]

Thanks guys..

Thanks guys for the info. It is very helpful.

What I don't need is a AV program that automatically downloads/installs apps/programs that I don't need or asked for. (I had this happen with AVG free. It automatically downloaded and installed ZEN and I did not want it or asked for it)

I would like to manually update both program and definitions so I can control what goes on my system. This way I can see if the AV is trying to download/install a app that I do not want. (I manually update my AVG free three times a day)

I also understand that most/all free AV's do have some sort of ads. Perhaps I should have asked for one where the ads are not to "obnoxious"?

Now about the cloud issue. My systems is using dial-up (High speed internet is not available) my speeds are 5-6Kbs download. (pathetic, I know) So I don't know if a cloud based AV would even work with such low download speeds?

Oh, one more thing. I DO NOT use windows updates. (The last time I used it, the system crashed with NO recovery. I lost everything) I am also using Zone-Alarm firewall and have windows FW deactivated.

Can MSE be updated manually without using Windows Updates?

Scott

 

[MoxieMomma]

Oh, one more thing. I DO NOT use windows updates.

Then it probably does not matter what anti-virus or security-suite you install.
Even with a robust AV/IS, such as Kaspersky, it will be akin to bolting the front door and leaving the rear door and all the windows open.

(The last time I used it, the system crashed with NO recovery. I lost everything) I am also using Zone-Alarm firewall and have windows FW deactivated.

If you are months or more out of date with critical and important security updates, then it's really moot which AV you choose.
The solution to issues with WU is to resolve the underlying cause, not to stop using it.
I might suggest looking into getting your OS updated and (if need be) repaired.
If you have also been running without an AV or any other real-time protection, then you may already be infected.

You may or may not even be able to install or run any AV, including MSE, until you get Windows updated and repaired.

Can MSE be updated manually without using Windows Updates?

Scott

MSE is probably as good as any other "free" AV. But there are better choices.

@LayBackBear can answer that direct question, but all AVs I am familiar with have the ability to manually check for updates.
But that is only for "just in time" or specific circumstances.
The whole point of real-time protection is to have it up to date with current databases and definitions and features. Your AV needs to be updating at least definitions (if not program updates) "silently" and "automatically".

If you only plan to update a real-time AV "manually" or "on-demand", then it's not much better than having no AV at all (for reasons already disscussed).
And, as mentioned, if you have not installed critical and important security patches for Windows, .NET Framework, MS Office and other MS applications, then it probably doesn't matter which AV you choose.

NO AV or other security software can protect 100% of computers from 100% of malware 100% of the time. But "unsafe hex" -- such as not keeping one's OS up to date with security patches -- will undermine even the best available software.

Sorry to sound harsh -- but it's a bit of "tough love" to save you time and trouble canoing upstream without a paddle.

Thanks,
MM

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hi, again...

...Sorry, I was multi-tasking earlier and posted without suggesting a strategy.

First and foremost, we need to know if you have SP1 installed (you didn't mention it and it's not in your specs). Without SP1, you will unable to proceed with most of the other steps, including running Windows Update properly or at all. {Perhaps you did mention it and I missed it???}

>>If you are not sure if you have SP1, then type "winver" (no quotes) in the Windows search box and tell us what it says or post a screen shot of the window that appears.
>>Or, for more helpful data, type "msinfo32" (no quotes), then click on "msinfo32.exe" and then, when the window opens, click "file" > "export" and save the log as a *.txt file and attach it here. See HERE.

We will go from there.
Assuming you are not already infected and if you do have SP1, then it might be good to start with a system file checker run or 2, and then a chkdsk.
If your OS and/or disk is seriously damaged, those problems will need priority attention.
Sometimes, if the OS is too badly corrupted or damaged, it's best to start over with a fresh Windows install.

But let's get the "SP1" question answered first.

Thanks,

MM

 

[Callender]

Well my thoughts are:

Virus database definitions would often seem to take be days weeks or months to catch up with some currently circulating malware. So on that basis it's not critical to have an auto updating AV that updates as often as possible.

I use Zemana AntiMalware - it updates definitions every 5 minutes.
Also Comodo CIS (older version) where the user can choose how often to check for updates or disable auto updates and run manual checks.
VoodooShield Pro - no update checks needed but does scan new files by uploading them to VirusTotal and blocks anything suspicious until user approved.
Threatfire - no longer supported
Spy The Spy - executable file monitor
EMET
MJ RegWatcher - realtime registry monitor


Screenshots from Comodo Internet Security Premium 8.2.0.4508

If scheduled updates are disabled you can still update manually.

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Old version is here:
Download Comodo Internet Security 8.2.0.4508 - FileHippo.com

Installation Guide:
How to Install Comodo Firewall | Gizmo's Freeware

Note: I don't recommend installing unless you are an advanced user who can get to grips with configuration and settings. Also there is no dedicated uninstaller or removal tool to fully remove this product.

Also note: I do have a few other security softwares installed.

 

[MoxieMomma]

^^ Excellent advice, Callender. ^^

While every-5-minute updating for zero-day/zero-hour malware may be a bit over-the-top, I agree that a layered approach that adds specific anti-malware to a baseline AV is a good idea.
Ditto for a decent firewall.

For the moment, I was trying to back up the discussion a bit to the basics, until we can determine what kind of shape the system is in (hardware and OS), whether it's infected, why WU is not working, etc.
I have a feeling that the system is months out of date with security updates, may have been running without any robust realtime protection (nothing listed in the specs) and therefore might possibly be infected.

Selection of a security software approach (AV + AM + AE + firewall, etc.) would seem to be a secondary consideration (even though it was, of course the OP's original question)?

Anyway, being a bit data-driven, I would hope to see a bit of minimal information about the system in order to better guide the OP's choice...

That's just me.

Cheers,
MM