What's the Best Anti-virus?

[Dallas 7]

I must say I never had a problem other than lack of support. Bitdefender has a very good rating better than avast. The other thing that was irritating me about it was added functionality which they would implement without questioning me. For instance an add on was put into my browser caused me problems.

I've had Bitdefender for about 6 months. Overall it's done a good job, but I've ran into a few small functional issues. I had Kaspersky before that, the protection was excellent and it always ran smoothly.
When my Bitdefender subscription expires, I plan on going back to Kaspersky.

 

[Horus28]

I thought they were okay but when I asked for service got nothing.

 

[hameshtigi]

Symantec, for business systems.

 

[UsernameIssues]

Symantec, for business systems.

It has not been very good at detecting ransom-ware. Here is but one thread where users have complained about that: CryptoLocker | Symantec Connect

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Symantec, for business systems.

Not wanting to sound rude but really you couldn't give it to me free and the same goes for AVG MuckAfee and Trend. The thing I dislike as much as anything else in Norton is that their removal tool does not remove all reg entries.

I have used Kaspersky for the last six years never had any problems with it on my machines or android stuff. It is of course not infallible which is why I also use the free SuperAntiSpyware and MBAM scanners - ADWCleaner at times but Kaspersky is not real keen on that when I do - just a matter of disabling KISS while I run ADW.

Again for any readers this is one of my favourite sites Free Windows Desktop Software Security List | Gizmo's Freeware < a lot of choices for all situations but the real time stuff is good

 

[edassange]

Layered security from different programs seems prudent. They can all be good, but will always find different things. Besides, get past the moat, and the attack dogs are there. Get past the attack dogs, and the booby traps will get you. Etc.
A Guy

Yes. Layered protection for me is also the key to effective security.

Panda Free Antivirus 2016, light and one of most effective antivirus.

This would also be my choice for a free antivirus. Light, simple to use, reliable and effective, requiring pretty much zero user input to do its job, making it ideal for everyone including granny.

Combined with, say, ZoneAlarm firewall (steer clear of Comodo Firewall unless you want a nervous breakdown trying to uninstall/clean install new versions!), Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit Free, WinPatrol Free and VoodooShield, you will have an outstanding free combo which gives excellent all round protection.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Well I have already said what I use (Kaspersky ) and for around AUD$0.04 a day I get 3 PCs covered for 2 years each so I really am at a loss why some are so intent on getting free stuff when it costs so little as per my AV. Plus I get full support on tap where the free stuff you are basically on your own.

I still use SuperAntiSpyware MBAM and ADW Cleaner the first two on a regular basis and in six years on six machines I have never had any problems. To me it is a no brainer.

 

[Dallas 7]

I use Kaspersky also, and I like it. Just out of curiosity I tried Bit Defender for a while, but it didn't take long to switch back to Kaspersky.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

I use Kaspersky also, and I like it. Just out of curiosity I tried Bit Defender for a while, but it didn't take long to switch back to Kaspersky.

Yes Dallas I did that too and tried Comodo (awful nagger) Avast and Avira on my test desktop and like you went back to KISS and for $0.04 a day on six machines for 2 years each (two licences) a no brainer.
Tip if you need to use ADW Cleaner Kaspersky doesn't really like it so you need to disable KISS if that happens.

Edit That is disable for the tie you are using ADW

 

[AmericanPharaoh]

I use Norton 360, it is free with my Comcast ISP subscription. A few times a year, while surfing the Net, I'll pickup something which Norton alerts on... then removes. So far, nothing has gotten through.

Periodically, I run scans with other specialized cleaners to remove other threats, such as, Malware, Adware, Spyware, PUPs, cookies, etc.

I use Malwarebytes, AdwCleaner, JRT, Superanitispyware, and CCleaner.

If you have trouble removing a program, reboot into Safe Mode, remove from Programs, then use CCleaner to pick up left- overs. Check to see if the program has a specialized removal tool, or Revo Uninstaller Pro, does a great job, too.

John

 

[Dallas 7]

I use Kaspersky also, and I like it. Just out of curiosity I tried Bit Defender for a while, but it didn't take long to switch back to Kaspersky.

Yes Dallas I did that too and tried Comodo (awful nagger) Avast and Avira on my test desktop and like you went back to KISS and for $0.04 a day on six machines for 2 years each (two licences) a no brainer.
Tip if you need to use ADW Cleaner Kaspersky doesn't really like it so you need to disable KISS if that happens.

Edit That is disable for the tie you are using ADW

Hey CIT, have you ever had that problem with MBAM/KIS? Or is MBAM fully compatible with KIS?

 

[The Howling Wolves]

I use a very inexpensive one called... COMMON SENSE!
It can be updated daily by just looking in the bathroom mirror.
JMHO

 

[A Guy]

Dennis! Long time no see my friend

A Guy

 

[Automata]

This thread is pretty pointless. Viruses arent the problem these days. Exploits that drop malware like rootkits and keylogging RATs are the problem.

Exploit mitigations are the most important type of security software you can use to prevent modern malware.

Most antiviruses are worse than useless and can be a way for malware to infect a system, since they often have administrator priveliges and dont protect themselves from exploits with techniques such as ASLR.

Windows Defender is actually very good, but only when paired with exploit mitigations that use generic techniques and NOT signatures. Malwarebytes Anti Exploit or Microsoft EMET are exploit mitigations that use generic techniques.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

I use Kaspersky also, and I like it. Just out of curiosity I tried Bit Defender for a while, but it didn't take long to switch back to Kaspersky.

Yes Dallas I did that too and tried Comodo (awful nagger) Avast and Avira on my test desktop and like you went back to KISS and for $0.04 a day on six machines for 2 years each (two licences) a no brainer.
Tip if you need to use ADW Cleaner Kaspersky doesn't really like it so you need to disable KISS if that happens.

Edit That is disable for the tie you are using ADW

Hey CIT, have you ever had that problem with MBAM/KIS? Or is MBAM fully compatible with KIS?

Sorry late reply mate have been overseas and the mail didn't come though with your post.

Anyway I did have an issue with the paid for MBAM and KISS the latter not liking another kid in the playground LOL!! so I used to have to disable KISS when I was using MBAM or be bombarded with warning Will Robinson warning !!

No idea what the issue was and I am just using the free MBAM now Kaspersky seems to tolerate it.

This thread is pretty pointless. Viruses arent the problem these days. Exploits that drop malware like rootkits and keylogging RATs are the problem.

Well I tend to agree and I have said for years anything can be cracked, hacked, smacked call it what you will if anyone wants to - even Microsoft like Google and Apple are collecting data from anyone using them so I just use the ones I have at least it keeps the adware and rot like that at bay.

 

[Automata]

Then avoid Windows 10.

And yes, any software can potentially be vulnerable. It is security best practice to assume your network has been breached and use techniques that work with that mentality like two factor, separate devices and backups.

That being said, some ogf the latest exploit kits will NOT attempt to infect a system running MBAE since all it does is get their campaign discovered and shut down. I think that speaks for itself.

 

[A Guy]

This thread was started over 6 years ago. the landscape changes daily. basic security behavior still applies, and a system with Antivirus is still more secure than one without. Sure there are other methods, and one must keep abreast of advances, but that is also a topic for discussion.

A Guy

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hey CIT, have you ever had that problem with MBAM/KIS? Or is MBAM fully compatible with KIS?

KIS runs just fine alongside MBAM Premium + MBAE Premium on Win7 (and Win10).
I have been using that combination on at least 5 systems for years...
There are no compatibility issues at this time.
To the contrary, neither MBAM nor MBAE is on the list of "incompatible software" for KIS.

But, each computer is unique. And some users prefer to proactively set mutual exclusions between KIS and MBAM.
(If you'd like help with that, we can explain how to do that.)


Cheers,
MM

 

[looked]

Trying to revive this thread.
I need suggestions on the best alternative antivirus to Microsoft Security Essential.
Many people say Avast is the best while other people have a different opinion so say what you think based on your experience.
Also and important, I still don't understand if Avast (free) includes the firewall and should I keep Windows firewall and only uninstall Microsoft Security Essential?

 

[Laith]

Trying to revive this thread.
I need suggestions on the best alternative antivirus to Microsoft Security Essential.
Many people say Avast is the best while other people have a different opinion so say what you think based on your experience.
Also and important, I still don't understand if Avast (free) includes the firewall and should I keep Windows firewall and only uninstall Microsoft Security Essential?

Avast is pretty bad in my opinion and it's an antivirus so it is not recommended to use it along side MSE. I'd say MSE + Malwarebytes works pretty well.