Anti-Virus Software Recommendations?

[Jetpilot5]

I'm going to get some new computer anti-virus software to replace my Norton System Works 2003.  Any recommendations, or should I just go get Norton's latest?

Thanks!

[rocketbunny]

I have no idea if it's the latest and greatest, but I've been using AVG Free Edition for a few months. It's not too annoying and I haven't gotten any virii yet!

AVG

[badger]

I use AVG free.  It is very good for a basic antivirus program and doesn't interfere with other running programs.  www.grisoft.com

[chuck_b24]

I have no idea if it's the latest and greatest, but I've been using AVG Free Edition for a few months. It's not too annoying and I haven't gotten any virii yet!

AVG

++++++++   1

[ksann]

I too have been using AVG free for quite some time, no problems whatsoever, and my computer runs faster (or so it seems) than when I was running Norton.

However, AVG free will no longer be free as of 1/15/07 (or so says a popup from AVG).
I will either buy the AVG version, or go to NOD32, which I have also heard good things about.

But I am the first to admit that I am no expert.

Any experts care to guide us?




ken

[bluedogok]

I dumped Norton on my 4 computers and went with the AVG internet protection package. Cheaper and much faster overall. We have had the corporate version at the office for 2 years without any problems.

[badger]

I too have been using AVG free for quite some time, no problems whatsoever, and my computer runs faster (or so it seems) than when I was running Norton.

However, AVG free will no longer be free as of 1/15/07 (or so says a popup from AVG).
I will either buy the AVG version, or go to NOD32, which I have also heard good things about.

But I am the first to admit that I am no expert.

Any experts care to guide us?




ken

AVG 7.0 is discontinued.  There's a new AVG free (7.5) that I'm currently using.  Go to their download page.  You'll find it there.

[spirit]

Nod32 the best on the market.

http://www.eset.com/

http://www.nod32-anti-virus.com/?src=gaw&campaign=nod32_direct&ad=nod32-12-23-05&gclid=COvnybnJwIkCFS7OJAodLw7tUQ

[spinalator]

I am using avast on five computers and AVG on one at work.

[Against The Wind]

I am using avast on five computers....

Is that like anti-Pirate software?

[jschmidt]

I like Avast. Arrrrrggggg.

[Ken]

AVG and Clamwin are both really good.

[ReynoldsFH439]

clamwin?  LOL  It sounds like some sort of pervy virus or something.

-OrangeSVS

[baldheadeddork]

AVG here. Used Avast for a while but I think AVG is a little thinner and faster. Both are much, much better than Norton.

AVG 7.5 page is here.

[Fudge]

I use AVAST on all of my machines.  Nice quality anti-virus software free to home users.

I wouldn't buy any more Norton software, I think their product sucks system resources and doesn't work all that well.

[Jetpilot5]

Thanks for all the advice.   Sounds like Norton has fallen out of favor.

[Nesbocaj]

  Another plus for AVG!  Works well and and is not a power pig.

Norton is a pig.
Panda is a pig.
Macafee is a pig.

[veefer800canuck]

+15 (or whatever the count is now) for AVG free. Just updated to the 7.5 version too!


Been running it for the last two years on both my home computers, total Virii = Zero.


And that's with a teenage daughter on the 2nd machine downloading tons of stuff and using IM day in, day out.  

[BradleyRas]

AVG

[Penforhire]

AVG 7.5 is free for all of a 30 day trial, no more than that.  I'm bummed about losing such good free AV software.  I'll be trying AVAST.

[levine98]

Just bought Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2007 for my home computers (two desktops and a laptop). Think I paid $49 bucks?

We used Trend at work and had a major attack a couple of months back--was impressed with their response (corporate license) so I decided to give them a try at home when.

Used to use Norton at home--hate it since once installed it seems to take over the machine and was too intrusive for my control freak minded way of doing things.

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

AVG there is a free one thats not a 30 day trial

[veefer800canuck]

Should be found at this address:

http://free.grisoft.com/softw/70free/setup/avg75free_432a861.exe


I just reformatted my HD (not because of a virus) and reinstalled AVG 7.5 as part of the process and was not prompted at any time regarding a 30 day trial.

[baldheadeddork]

AVG 7.5 is free for all of a 30 day trial, no more than that.  I'm bummed about losing such good free AV software.  I'll be trying AVAST.

Should be found at this address:

http://free.grisoft.com/softw/70free/setup/avg75free_432a861.exe


I just reformatted my HD (not because of a virus) and reinstalled AVG 7.5 as part of the process and was not prompted at any time regarding a 30 day trial.

When AVG launched 7.5 they buried the links to the free version. Use the link in Veefer's post, or in mine a little further up. It's still there and just as good as before.

[ksann]

AVG 7.0 is discontinued.  There's a new AVG free (7.5) that I'm currently using.  Go to their download page.  You'll find it there.

Wow thanks, guess that happens when I don't do my research.

I will download it tonight.



ken

[dm_gsxr]

I have a linux firewall with all inbound ports stealthed (well except 113) with an apple extreme and linksys routers. The XP boxes have firewalls (the Windows ones) and the Mac has its own firewall.

The company I'm consulting for provides the workstation (an IBM laptop) which has Symantic antivirus on it but it's never indicated a hit.

My main personal e-mail is read through yahoo with HTML turned off, no loading of remote images, and no preview pane for messages. Comcast e-mail is read through Eudora, again HTML turned off, no loading of remote images, and no preview pane. Personal domain e-mails are read through pine, a text based mail program so no html, no remote images, no preview panes (I also am running spamassassin so identified spam is stuck in a spam folder anyway).

My home systems don't have anti-virus or anti-spyware running on them. I don't have kids running around the house either, sticking their fingers into sockets and tasting the dishwasher soap. I guess I'm beyond the virus writers demographic

The new graphic only ads are amusing. The text is just some paragraph or two snagged from a report. I'll get 20 or so messages that use some boilerplate subject line so they're all the same except for the sender's name. Yea, those are spams. I wouldn't mind if all the stock spammers would choke on their own vomit and die.

Sorry I couldn't be more help, but I had fun

Carl

[xsrider]

I use Avast anit-virus.  It free and I like it.

http://www.avast.com/

[Dr Gil]

Good info guys.  

I've run Norton Internet Security on my home computer for years now and it's always done a decent job of protecting me from virus, spam, etc.  BUT  it has slowed my aging PC down to a crawl!  Just a few months ago I upgraded to the 2007 version and it's almost unbearable.

From this discussion here it looks like the winner for a total internet security package is AVG...I think I'm going to give it a try.  I feel the need for speed.  

Thanks to JetPilot for asking the question and to all who thoughtfully posted.

[twist]

I'm going to get some new computer anti-virus software to replace my Norton System Works 2003.  Any recommendations, or should I just go get Norton's latest?

Thanks!

Sure.  Install Linux or get a Mac  

[Jetpilot5]

Sure.  Install Linux or get a Mac  

Ahhh, so helpful.  

[baldheadeddork]

Good info guys.  

I've run Norton Internet Security on my home computer for years now and it's always done a decent job of protecting me from virus, spam, etc.  BUT  it has slowed my aging PC down to a crawl!  Just a few months ago I upgraded to the 2007 version and it's almost unbearable.

From this discussion here it looks like the winner for a total internet security package is AVG...I think I'm going to give it a try.  I feel the need for speed.

Thanks to JetPilot for asking the question and to all who thoughtfully posted.

Thanks for the compliments. But AVG is not a total internet security package like Norton Internet Security. You'll need to pair AVG with a good firewall and an anti-spyware program to get the protection you have with NIS.

Fortunately, there are better free choices for both firewall and spyware protection than you have with Norton. For a firewall, I've been a long-time fan of Zone Alarm. (I'm also a really big fan of their line of routers/firewalls for home and small business use, but those aren't free.) For spyware detection and removal you can't go wrong with Ad Aware SE, but I've also heard a lot of good reports about Microsoft's  Windows Defender.

If you don't want to be bothered with the piecemeal route, there is one internet security suite that I recommend as long as you don't have a Windows 98 or ME machine - Microsoft's Windows Live One Care. This is a really good package, it runs much smoother than Norton, and you can not beat the value because the license permits installation on up to three computers. If you're patient you can find it on sale at one of the big boxes every few weeks for half of the $50 list price.

[mr. coffee]

AVG here. Used Avast for a while but I think AVG is a little thinner and faster. Both are much, much better than Norton.

AVG 7.5 page is here.

Another one for AVG. I have the paid version which is fantastic. I was using Avast free as well but there was a conflict with it and ZoneAlarm. AVG is far superior.

[Jetpilot5]

If you don't want to be bothered with the piecemeal route, there is one internet security suite that I recommend as long as you don't have a Windows 98 or ME machine - Microsoft's Windows Live One Care. This is a really good package, it runs much smoother than Norton, and you can not beat the value because the license permits installation on up to three computers. If you're patient you can find it on sale at one of the big boxes every few weeks for half of the $50 list price.

I'm happy to hear this, as I just finished installing Microsoft's Windows Live One Care.  The bright young geek at Circuit City said essentially the same things.  Of course, he failed to mention that I could buy it for half price at some discount outlet if I looked around.    Oh well, that's the price you pay for not knowing what you're doing.  

[Dr Gil]

Thanks for the compliments. But AVG is not a total internet security package like Norton Internet Security. You'll need to pair AVG with a good firewall and an anti-spyware program to get the protection you have with NIS.
 

Actually what I was looking at was the AVG Internet Security which is a complete package (with a one year subscription $52 U.S.).  

Includes

    * Anti-Virus protects from viruses, worms and trojans
    * Anti-Spyware protects from spyware, adware and other malicious programs
    * Anti-Spam filters spam and protects against phishing attacks
    * Firewall protects from hackers

Benefits

    * All-in-one, easy to use protection – install and forget
    * New program versions and updates, for free, throughout the license duration
    * Quality proven by all major antivirus certifications (VB100%, ICSA, West Coast Labs Checkmark)
    * 24/7 technical support provided at no extra cost

Features

    * Improved virus detection based on better heuristics and NTFS data streams scanning
    * Unique automatic threat-removal anti-spyware engine
    * Automatic firewall profile switching for improved security and usability

...what do you think?

Gil

[baldheadeddork]

Actually what I was looking at was the AVG Internet Security which is a complete package (with a one year subscription $52 U.S.).  

Includes

    * Anti-Virus protects from viruses, worms and trojans
    * Anti-Spyware protects from spyware, adware and other malicious programs
    * Anti-Spam filters spam and protects against phishing attacks
    * Firewall protects from hackers

Benefits

    * All-in-one, easy to use protection – install and forget
    * New program versions and updates, for free, throughout the license duration
    * Quality proven by all major antivirus certifications (VB100%, ICSA, West Coast Labs Checkmark)
    * 24/7 technical support provided at no extra cost

Features

    * Improved virus detection based on better heuristics and NTFS data streams scanning
    * Unique automatic threat-removal anti-spyware engine
    * Automatic firewall profile switching for improved security and usability

...what do you think?

Gil

I haven't used AVG's firewall or spyware program so I can't give you a review. AVG is good about demos, give it a spin and let us know how it goes.

[bluedogok]

The AVG Internet Security is the one that I use on all of my home computers, a 5-license 2-year subscription was cheaper than 2 Norton Internet Security licenses. It is less intrusive and certainly uses less overhead. I have been very happy with it.

[Baz]

I use zone Labs security suite. It has been 100% reliable.

The new Norton suites are nothing but ram eaters.

[hig4s]

I've been using McAfees  for years... I like it OK, never gotten a virus on my computer or my wifes,, the son has gotten then on his but he is not carefull at all and it has always cleaned them no problem.

I have a router with 4 computers, with the router firewall setup MAC cloning the McAfee automatically updates all 4 computers for the price of one. The new version is a little bit of a pain to learn to set up so it doesn't keep giving you alerts you are not "fully" protected if you don't want all the extras turned on, but not too bad.

I have more problems with spy-ware than viri, so I also run Ad-Aware and Spy-bot every couple weeks.

[Bounce]

+1 on AVG anti-vitus and Zone Alarm. Been using both for years (at least 5 or more). Good stuff and often quicker with updates for new exploits that McAfee or Norton.  One specific case, I was an early "discoverer" or a new exploit on some computers at work. I forwarded the same infection to McAfee, Norton, Trend Micro, and AVG for them to have it to work with.  Trend took about 24 hours to develop an update, McAfee & McAfee were about 72 hours, AVG was between those 2 extremes; ~36 hours iirc.

[ksann]

I just upgraded form AVG 7.0 to AVG 7.5, and the '30 day trial' is:
They download all of the features of the Professional version, however after 30 days, if you do not enter the upgrade code, the additional features are disabled, and you only keep the basic features.

Well, I was quite satisfied with the features of the basic version of 7.0, so I am pretty sure that I will be happy with the basic version of 7.5


For those of you that wanted to know about the 30 day thingy.



ken

[Penforhire]

Thanks for the free AVG 7.5 linkie.  There was no way AVG was going to direct me there.  AVG + ZoneAlarm  =  peace of mind!

[T.RexRacing]

[baldheadeddork]

You probably don't want to know about this.

[bluedogok]

Mac would be alright if the software that you use actually ran on it, for a bunch of us it is nothing more than a nice shiny box.

[nick01]

  Another plus for AVG!  Works well and and is not a power pig.

Norton is a pig.
Panda is a pig.
Macafee is a pig.

+2

[armymedic]

AVG Rocks!! Best when combined with ZoneAlarm (free) and Ad-Aware (free) version. Symantec Sux.

[T.RexRacing]

You probably don't want to know about this.

Well now.Come and get it.If you can.

[kerplode]

I'm running NOD32, AVG Anti-Spyware, Windows Defender, Jetico Personal Firewall, and Sandboxie.  So far, nothing has slipped through.  It's not bad system resource wise, either.

I could probably get by with just one anti-malware program.  Sandboxie is also not really necessary, but it's super cool.

[JonS]

Another one for AVG. I have the paid version which is fantastic. I was using Avast free as well but there was a conflict with it and ZoneAlarm. AVG is far superior.

 I had used ZoneAlarm for quite a while and then started having connection problems. I never put two and two together and got rid of Zone alarm, rather than Avast. Thanks, I always liked that firewall and will change to AVG too.

[s boy]

NOD32 all the way... ! (dumped norton)

[1moreroad]

Old thread so I thought I would revive it.  Switched over from Panda to AVG/Zone Alarm/AdAware.  Combined they use much fewer resources.  I also deleted Dell Support (the computer is 5 years old).  Between the switch and deleting Dell Support, I freed up 150 MB of RAM.

AVG full scan also appears to run pretty benignly in the background.  When I do a full scan on my work computer with Norton, I pretty much have to walk away for an hour or more because everything grinds to a halt.

[jschmidt]

I've been happily using Avast for a good long time, and the Zone Alarm conflict is long gone, but I'm intrigued by all the people who are saying AVG is superior. Can you explain the benefits of AVG over Avast?

BTW, Avast, Zone Alarm, Defender for me with an occasional sprinkle of Ad-Aware and Spybot.

[baldheadeddork]

If you're happy with Avast, I'd stay with it. Both offer excellent protection and use much fewer resources than Norton or McAfee.

I think AVG is a little faster and a little more efficient, but that could just be because I'm so familiar with it. The biggest thing I like about AVG is that the setup and interface are so clean that I can talk a 67 year-old through downloading, installing and setting it up on the phone.

[Allan]

I switched my desktop from Norton Internet Security to AVG Free. I still run Norton on my laptop that is not constently behind a hardware firewall. I have been happy with AGV Free and am considering useing AVG Internet Security if its not the resource hog Norton is.

[xsrider]

I run Avast on my laptop.  Works good for me.    

[JonS]

I've been happily using Avast for a good long time, and the Zone Alarm conflict is long gone, but I'm intrigued by all the people who are saying AVG is superior. Can you explain the benefits of AVG over Avast?

BTW, Avast, Zone Alarm, Defender for me with an occasional sprinkle of Ad-Aware and Spybot.

I used to have Avast, which was ok. I never really liked the interface and the settings weren't intuitive for me. With AGV, it is lean and so easy. Everyday it downloads the updates and just stays out of the way, except the two times it alerted me to a problem. Then it  easily got rid of the threat.
 Last year, I decided to install their anti spyware. You have to pay for it, but I think its worth it. It almost completely eliminates all spyware and evil cookies. Then I will use a Adaware to double check, but it rarely comes up with anything else.

[maddjack]

I have AVG on my laptop and Norton on my desk top,thinking that when the current subscription to Norton expires it will be all AVG.Norton is slow and a resource pig,I had bad bad luck with MacAffe.I also run a bunch of anti spyware programs,Spyware blaster(free) Spybot S&D (free)AVG Spyware remover(free)And Spyware Doctor  with fire wall(subscription )> My next PC will be from Apple