Which antivirus software?

[SilverGator]

I have a DELL m1530 laptop that came with McAfee virus protection for 15 months. Now that it has expired (and that I have installed Windows 7 on a clean install), I need virus protection.

What do you guys recommend?

I've heard stuff about this AVG which is supposed to be good and free. But is it (good)?

Do I just step up and shell out the coin for McAfee or Norton? I am assuming I cannot just download these via one of those "sites" because you need to pay subscription fees these days.

What do you experts suggest?

 

[Dinesh]

We already have a wide open discussion going on: http://www.sevenforums.com/system-security/7106-antivirus-best-win7.html

 

[Subsonic]

Look at Avast 5 beta here: INTRODUCING A new Avast Free AV Beta [5.0.221]

It seems to be getting some good comments in its late stages of beta and it is and will remain free. I was using Avast for a couple of years before I had the chance to try Norton Internet Security 2010. I had been an "Anti-Norton guy for many years (probably since Symantec bought the company) but I am very impressed that they got rid of the bloat and made it a lean and HIGHLY effective product.

 

[aleciopjr]

I am using Free Avira Antivir and it is working very well for me!

 

[pparks1]

This question comes up all of the time, a quick search should provide dozens of threads.

AVG and Avast: I've used both and think both do an adequate job for somebody like myself who is a systems guy for a living, doesn't pirate software or use p2p or illegal torrents, etc.

MSE: This is the new player in town..it's the Microsoft product. While maybe not as fully functional as some of the others, it's free as well and does a good job as far as I am concerned. Tons of people here are using it.

Avira: Is a good product..but their freebie version nags you at every update to buy their paid for product.

 

[SilverGator]

Sorry, I thought the software forum was the correct one. I didn't scroll down far enough.

I think I am stuck between AVG and Avast...though I am someone who does p2p/torrent downloading...but I usually don't ever download programs. Just music and stuff.

 

[Frostmourne]

A paid app is best. It has everything you need, and the free app's slow down their updates - it has a lower priority. I'd go for Norton 360 or Kaspersky.

 

[MSMVP]

Avast Home Edition

 

[Dolfin]

The best (in my humble opinion)

For the last two years I have been usecuritying Comodo Internet Security Suite on Windows XP SP3. I recently installed it on my new Windows 7 Professional. It is, without doubt, the best firewall and has a more than adequate anti virus. It has a user friendly interface and is easy to set up. Whats more, its free! What more could you ask?

 

[Frostmourne]

For the last two years I have been usecuritying Comodo Internet Security Suite on Windows XP SP3. I recently installed it on my new Windows 7 Professional. It is, without doubt, the best firewall and has a more than adequate anti virus. It has a user friendly interface and is easy to set up. Whats more, its free! What more could you ask?

Its huge, fat and adds a lot of hard to remove registry entries.

 

[Jacee]

Avira: Is a good product..but their freebie version nags you at every update to buy their paid for product.

See if this works:

1. Start -> Run -> Type secpol.msc (Local Security Settings)
2. Click on Software Restriction Policies - Right-click on Additional Rules -> Choose New Path Rule
3. Click Browse and find the avnotify.exe file (C:\Program File\\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic)
4. Make sure the security level is set to Disallowed and click OK

What you have done is disallowed the execution of avnotify.exe, which should suppress the popup window.

I have Avira Premium Security Suite, so I don't get the 'nag' pop-up and can't test it on my machines.

 

[Dolfin]

Granted, as a Security suite it is a much bigger program than other stand alone AV's. However I wanted one that I was confident with. AVG became a problem to update at one stage, (although I believe it is OK now), Avast is also huge and has an infantile interface whilst Avira is intrusive. Also, I have Revo uninstaller, which hasn't failed to remove anything yet should I wish to change in future.

 

[BSkiLLs]

here is a good post with a lot of options on them we have had going for a while now over at MS

http://social.answers.microsoft.com...a1faaa5/#db632965-c4da-44b9-a421-fbf039360cd9

check it out and read. Good ones and idea's. Been hearing quite a bit about Microsoft Forefront Client Security lately as well so might want to check it out in the posts on that page as well and read about it.


i currently use Norton 2010 (which i never thought i would use norton again but) Love it. awesome new features and very very lightweight.

 

[Tradewind]

Have been using Avira for I don't know how long now. Moved from such programs as KIS and Dr. Web, they're good, but still, they let you know about themselves too much. But Avira is as quiet as it gets.

Oh, and the best thing is - I've been using premium versions for free all because of the limited time offers they always have. Gotta love it!

 

[Crazy Buddhist]

Avira and Avast have the best detection rates of the freebies. You can turn off Avira nag screen as Jacee says. AVG started sinking down the rankings some years ago and never quite regained it's edge.

Avira sometimes has update issues but only on occassion .. Avira sits quietly doing a very good job and tells you each day the virus database has been updated.

Of the paid suites Bitdefender and Kaspersky are good all rounders.

Matthew

 

[BSkiLLs]

Avira and Avast have the best detection rates of the freebies. You can turn off Avira nag screen as Jacee says. AVG started sinking down the rankings some years ago and never quite regained it's edge.

Avira sometimes has update issues but only on occassion .. Avira sits quietly doing a very good job and tells you each day the virus database has been updated.

Of the paid suites Bitdefender and Kaspersky are good all rounders.

Matthew

W
oohh really has AVG??

That's why it's rated one of the #1's on the top lists uh ??

2010 Security Suites: The Best and Worst - Reviews by PC Magazine

lol

Why are you always comparing things to 5-10 years ago ? and not now in the 21st century ??

Never mind don't answer that cause i don't have time to nor is it worth it to argue with somebody that isn't going to listen. Just as you did in the other thread about this. Can't tell or help somebody when they think they are right and have there mind set to think a certain way and don't want to change that way of thinking so it's a waste of time. Reminds me of somebody that asks a question and answers thier own question even tho you answer them but then they answer themselves because they only want to hear what they have to say and there answer. Even if it is wrong they just have that mind set on that so they dont listen to nobody else..

I don't understand those people. Why even ask the question then? If your going to answer your own question? (most the time incorrectly as it is) but just cause they want to argue and debate something all the time.
i really don't get it.. oohh well i guess.

(not saying you yourself was asking a question here this time but)
Just making a point.

What you do.. leave that thread because the closed it out on you so you come here to argue and debate it again ?? lol.. wth

oohh and yes that was a nice long quote i made over there with a little small reply. lol. It was beautiful. Im glad you liked it. haha

 

[BSkiLLs]

I have a DELL m1530 laptop that came with McAfee virus protection for 15 months. Now that it has expired (and that I have installed Windows 7 on a clean install), I need virus protection.

What do you guys recommend?

I've heard stuff about this AVG which is supposed to be good and free. But is it (good)?

Do I just step up and shell out the coin for McAfee or Norton? I am assuming I cannot just download these via one of those "sites" because you need to pay subscription fees these days.

What do you experts suggest?

read the link i just sent above.

you also might want to try out Norton as said but also for free maybe these recommends if you want to go with a free one. this one is brand new out Microsoft Security Essentials or even Microsoft Forefront Client Security which is a little different type of AV so search and read up on it as its for mass units (big/lots) company like stuff but.. or AVG.

Im using Norton 2010 and love it now. I didnt think i would ever say that about there products. So that might tell you something there on how impressive it is now.

Goodluck with it... and remember it's security so.. i would fork out something and buy one nut go with free unless it's one of those above.

Take care.

 

[Crazy Buddhist]

Avira and Avast have the best detection rates of the freebies. You can turn off Avira nag screen as Jacee says. AVG started sinking down the rankings some years ago and never quite regained it's edge.
...

W
oohh really has AVG??

That's why it's rated one of the #1's on the top lists uh ??

2010 Security Suites: The Best and Worst - Reviews by PC Magazine

lol

Why are you always comparing things to 5-10 years ago ? and not now in the 21st century ??

You seem to be enjoying being offensive. Never mind

http://av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/ondret/avc_report23.pdf

(Report published August 19, 2009)

Is that the 21st century?

Avira removed 99.4% of viruses

Avast removed 98.0% of viruses

AVG removed 94.0% of viruses

Avira and Avast have the best detection rates of the freebies. You can turn off Avira nag screen as Jacee says. AVG started sinking down the rankings some years ago and never quite regained it's edge.
...

You linked to a PAID version of AVG - I rest my case.

 

[scubasteve]

The new Microsoft Security Essentials is fairing very well (enhanced version of One Care). It's the only free software that earned an Advanced+ rating last month for malware removal:

http://av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/removal/avc_removal_2009.pdf

 

[Crazy Buddhist]

The new Microsoft Security Essentials is fairing very well (enhanced version of One Care). It's the only free software that earned an Advanced+ rating last month for malware removal:

Steve,

Do you know if it uses the One Care AV engine or an improved version?

In the latest AV comparatives virus removal tests One Care removed only 90% of viruses. They haven't tested Security Essentials yet as far as I can see.

Matthew