What is the best Anti virus that is free, and whats the best one you pay for.
I would also like to know if the pay is a monthly thing or a one time payment. I am confused about that. Right now I am using a Free AVG version but my parents need one for their new computer.
Vista (will upgrade to windows 7 probably since they get a free upgrade) if that helps.
Thanks.
What antivirus do you reccomend for...
ajc2123
moriz
i use Windows Security Essentials, which is currently in the beta stage. even once it's gone retail, it will still be free. it's both antivirus and antimalware, and uses very little system resources.
other alternatives include Avast Antivirus, which was what i used before.
other alternatives include Avast Antivirus, which was what i used before.
T-D-C
Free would be AVG or Avast.
Paid for would be the new Norton Internet Security 2010. Honestly the program installs in under a minute and uses less system resources than most other AV/Security programs. Most peoples impression of Norton is based on the bloated 2008 and earlier releases. Just run the trail of NIS 2010 and you will like it.
LINK
Paid for would be the new Norton Internet Security 2010. Honestly the program installs in under a minute and uses less system resources than most other AV/Security programs. Most peoples impression of Norton is based on the bloated 2008 and earlier releases. Just run the trail of NIS 2010 and you will like it.
LINK
gone
Avira (free)
been using Avira (*and the others mentions in prev posts) for...well, years. paying for an AV prog is silly. please don't waste your/parent's money.
for 'normal users' all that paying for an AV prog will do, is allow you to use options, that you will probably never use.
*norton was quite literally a pain in the ass. I will probably never use it again, no matter what people say*
been using Avira (*and the others mentions in prev posts) for...well, years. paying for an AV prog is silly. please don't waste your/parent's money.
for 'normal users' all that paying for an AV prog will do, is allow you to use options, that you will probably never use.
*norton was quite literally a pain in the ass. I will probably never use it again, no matter what people say*
Elder III
I used Norton and McAfee in the past and hated both, the only paid version I've used and been content with is CA, I've heard good stuff about Kapersky, but seriously for the home user just get one of the "3 A's" Avast, Avira, or AVG - I've been using Avast on every PC I've owned or worked on over the past 3(almost) years and I've been extremely pleased with it.
Jumping Is Uselss
I've used Norton before and hated it. Too many pop ups and very bloated.
I currently use ESET NOD32.
I currently use ESET NOD32.
Showtime
I still use avast for free. If you don't mind paying... Norton 9/the latest norton has really good reviews and isn't bloated like before. You can get it for free once in a while with a rebate and upgrade. Check deals sites like fatwallet etc.
MyInnerChaos
I have kaspersky and if you are willing to deal with: allow now, allow always, make trusted prompts for almost everything then go ahead. It's similar to the vista user control panel. Sometimes on the prompts things are grayed out so every time you run the program kaspersky butts in and asks if you want the program to execute. It can be highly annoying. You can make changes in the settings, but it still will prompt for some stuff no matter what.
wilebill
Norton and McAfee have left such a bad taste in my mouth from previous horrible experiences that I will not use either.
I use AVG Free. Avast I have also tried and it works too.
I use AVG Free. Avast I have also tried and it works too.
Fril Estelin
I like Kaspersky a lot. Cost me £50 for 3 years on 3 PCs for the full Security Suite. It is rock-solid and lightweight, it even has a "game" mode, a very neat virtual keyboard, IE-in-a-sandbox, and a few other tiny goodies. I highly recommend it. (UK customers of Barclays bank: I think you can have it free for one PC via the online banking website)
AVG and Avast are good free choices.
AVG and Avast are good free choices.
subarucar
I use ESET NOD32.
I have used other antiviruses (McAffee, Norton) and I find they tend to use to much resources, to many "Are you sure" popups, or they delete various files because they are apparently viruses.
I have used other antiviruses (McAffee, Norton) and I find they tend to use to much resources, to many "Are you sure" popups, or they delete various files because they are apparently viruses.
Tarun
Free: avast
Pay: NOD32 has a lot of good things I've heard, but I'd probably go/stick with avast.
Pay: NOD32 has a lot of good things I've heard, but I'd probably go/stick with avast.
ajc2123
Ok I see a lot of Avast for free. That is what I already installed on their computer however it said it will be ending soon or something? I don't quite understand it, that's kinda why I asked lol.
Abedeus
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Tarun
Free: avast
Pay: NOD32 has a lot of good things I've heard, but I'd probably go/stick with avast. |
But right now I'm temporarily using AVG Internet Security, multi-purpose protection tool.
riktw
free, avg or avast, but if you use avg, when sinatlling make sure you put daily scans OFF.
paid:
nod32 wins hands down
paid:
nod32 wins hands down
Elder III
Quote:
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Originally Posted by ajc2123
Ok I see a lot of Avast for free. That is what I already installed on their computer however it said it will be ending soon or something? I don't quite understand it, that's kinda why I asked lol.
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DarkGanni
Avast, Avira and AVG are the best free antiviruses around IMO. I personally use Avira for almost a year and runs on low system resources. No viruses as of yet, highly satisfied with it.
- Ganni
- Ganni
KZaske
If you are using a 32bit OS, there are a lot of choices that would be good. If you have a 64bit OS (yes NOD32 works, but only for 32bit viruses). My wife and I have had Avast has let more than a few viruses through. Currently I use Avira, nice clean programming (what else would you expect from UNIX programmers?) and I have not had a single virus slip through. Best part: NO FALSE POSITITIVES.
Cuilan
I've been using Avast for quite a while. Seems great except for the very loud sudden update message.
fusa
Quote:
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Originally Posted by KZaske
If you have a 64bit OS (yes NOD32 works, but only for 32bit viruses).
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Darth The Xx
Avira free version is excellent. Had a few viruses over the years but all detected right off the bat. The updates every 3 hours are kind of annoying but extremely good when you think about it in terms of anti-virus.
vamp08
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Darth The Xx
Avira free version is excellent. Had a few viruses over the years but all detected right off the bat. The updates every 3 hours are kind of annoying but extremely good when you think about it in terms of anti-virus.
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Elder III
something that ought to be mentioned is that at least half (and likely it should be more) of any "anti virus" protection stems from the user's internet habits. If you stay away from suspect sites, don't download porn or illegal torrents, don't click on ads, and don't open emails from unrecognized sources (esp. if they have an attachment) there is very little chance that you will ever get a virus. Caution and common sense will go further than any bit of software can. 
Of course everyone should have a good, reputable AV program installed and updated as well.
my 2 cents
Of course everyone should have a good, reputable AV program installed and updated as well. my 2 cents
Fril Estelin
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Elder III
something that ought to be mentioned is that at least half (and likely it should be more) of any "anti virus" protection stems from the user's internet habits. If you stay away from suspect sites, don't download porn or illegal torrents, don't click on ads, and don't open emails from unrecognized sources (esp. if they have an attachment) there is very little chance that you will ever get a virus. Caution and common sense will go further than any bit of software can.
Of course everyone should have a good, reputable AV program installed and updated as well. my 2 cents |
Caution and commonsense are not enough to protect you from programs, but they are indeed important to protect you from scams and phishing that human devise. You may feel safe because you have "good Internet habits" (which are super important!) but you're not really.
KZaske
Quote:
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Originally Posted by fusa
Nod32 works on both 32 and 64bit OS's and detects viruses and malware fine on both. It's supported 64bit for over 4 years now.
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Nod32 works fine in a 32bit enviroment against 32bit viruses.
fusa
Quote:
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Originally Posted by KZaske
Too bad you did not read what I wrote. Yes, it works in a 64bit enviroment. But if you have a virus written for a 64bit enviroment and you are using a 64bit enviroment, it does not detect or prevent it. At least when I tried it that is the way it was last year.
Nod32 works fine in a 32bit enviroment against 32bit viruses. |
ant12ant
Free: Avira or Avast
Pay: Kaspersky...
Pay: Kaspersky...
Elder III
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Fril Estelin
Caution and commonsense are not enough to protect you from programs, but they are indeed important to protect you from scams and phishing that human devise. You may feel safe because you have "good Internet habits" (which are super important!) but you're not really. |
did I suggest that people not have a quality AV program that is up-dated regularly? I've always stated that doing so is of the utmost importance, combine that with good Internet habits and you will have little to fear.
SilverRanger
Free AV: Avast
Paid for: BitDefender AV suite
Paid for: BitDefender AV suite
KZaske
Quote:
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Originally Posted by fusa
Try reading what I wrote. Eset has had a 64bit version that works fine for 64bit OS's since 2005. 64bit Nod32 detects both 64bit and 32bit threats for 64bit OS's. Also check: http://www.infoworld.com/d/security-...it-windows-084 http://www.eset.com/company/article/...?contentID=520
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Snograt
It would help if they changed the name to NOD64, eh?
Fril Estelin
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Snograt
It would help if they changed the name to NOD64, eh?
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fenix
Free: Avira
Pay: NOD32.
If you get anything else, you're doing it wrong. Everything is inferior.
Pay: NOD32.
If you get anything else, you're doing it wrong. Everything is inferior.