norton

[BlackenedBodom]

when i bought my laptop it came with free norton for a while and now it is expired im looking to get around paying what anti virus programs are cheap,free or downloadable and trust worthy enough to use or download?

 

[Hopalong X]

MSE antivirus. Free.
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Turn on the Windows Firewall.

Avast free AV.
avast! Free Antivirus - Download Software for Virus Protection

Both AV's are good.

Mike

 

[whs]

Avira is pretty good too. But none are as good as Norton 2011.

 

[intel 4004]

I sometimes hate Norton because I can't find where I can tell him that "this file is safe". My dad like to use NOD32 because it cheap. I like it a little bit because I can tell it "this file is safe". I like free stuff more so Microsoft SE.

 

[win7clutz]

There's no such thing as free. I spend way to much time cleaning infected machines that run MSE. It's unfortunate that it receives so many Kudos from this site as they are certainly not deserved. If you really want to save money in the long run, spend the $45.00 or so on NIS2011 and be done with it...

 

[Kari]

There's no such thing as free. I spend way to much time cleaning infected machines that run MSE. It's unfortunate that it receives so many Kudos from this site as they are certainly not deserved. If you really want to save money in the long run, spend the $45.00 or so on NIS2011 and be done with it...

OK, you don't like MSE, that I can understand. But that you have to use pure BS to express your opinion, that I can not understand.

OP: if you really need to spend money, buy Norton. Or some better commercial product like F-Secure. If spending money is not your first priority, MSE is one of the best free alternatives. At least it's as good as Norton.

Kari

 

[whs]

There's no such thing as free. I spend way to much time cleaning infected machines that run MSE. It's unfortunate that it receives so many Kudos from this site as they are certainly not deserved. If you really want to save money in the long run, spend the $45.00 or so on NIS2011 and be done with it...

I feel with you. I caught 2 buggers running MSE too (on Vista).

But the worst was free AVG. We used that in the computer club. 6 systems - all triple booted, got very heavily infected right under the eye of AVG. It took us (3 people) a week to sort that out. Reinstalling 18 operating systems with all the settings for a dozen instructors was no fun.

The probably cause of the infections were members coming in with infected USB sticks or SD cards.

 

[Hopalong X]

Well I will add to my first post.

I run MSE and Avast. Both AV's. Yeah they aren't supposed to work together but they do quite well and others are running both also on the forum.

Once every week or two I run a Malwarebytes scan just in case. None of the three have ever found anything on my PC.
Of course if you go perusing the porn sites and free pirate software sites you are more likely to get something.
Just like real life.

Malwarebytes link. Free is big blue button on left top.
Malwarebytes

All 3 are Free!!
Mike

 

[whs]

I run MSE and Avast. Both AV's. Yeah they aren't supposed to work together but they do quite well and others are running both also on the forum.

Actually they have been tested together and are working very well side by side.

Threatfire Test with MSE and Avast 5 |

 

[eiger]

And sometimes you can get those paid AV for FREE by promotion. Cheers.

 

[Ryan2320]

All products have there benefits and downfalls no AV is perfect..

I would do some research on your part for the many types of AVs and find one that best suites you.

My suggestion (since you asked) is you already have Norton so keep it. Norton is great and I have had no issues with it. You can probably get a good deal at these times.

But if you want to Go the free route, I would recommend Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) and Malwarebytes both are free and use the built-in Windows 7 Firewall.

Hope this Helps,
Ryan

 

[yowanvista]

No AV is 100% effective
http://www.sevenforums.com/system-security/72070-whats-best-anti-virus.html

 

[Hopalong X]

Thanks WHS!

Proof it works besides my usage.

Mike