What Virus Protection Do You Use And Do You Like It?

[RhymesayersDU]

It's time for me to renew Norton, which came on my laptop pre-loaded. Wondering what people used, if I should change, etc.

[Steve Prefontaine]

I have a friend that works for Symantec (Norton Antivirus). He recommended to me to use a free program called Avast instead of paying for Norton or McAfee. I've been using it for over a year without any problems. Don't pay for antivirus as long as this program is free.

http://www.avast.com/i_kat_207.php

[RhymesayersDU]

I shall check that out. Thanks.

[Tombstone RJ]

AVG Free addition. It's free and suites my needs just fine. Down loads updates automatically, scans for viruses and spyware automatically, then gives me a report.

Last month it did find a virus. I gave it permission to thow the virus in the vault, not delete it. Well, my 'puter got infected and I had to erase Windows and reload it. But my puter's fine now.

I don't know what it was that got me, but AVG, IMO saved my computer. I had to deal with a little inconvenience, but AVG worked. Good stuff.

[watermock]

I reformatted awhile ago and it gave me a new "trial" for Norton. I was told Norton is better than McAffee. I sent the link to my desktop...it needs more icons anyway. Ha!

[Wes Mantooth]

Trojan Brand

[FISH]

AVG for certain. Mcaffee and Norton are Viruses themselves in my opinion. NOTHING should weave its way into a computer system like those programs do. I am convinced they are trying to take over the world one computer at a time. Anyway....yes...the free version is outstanding. By the by...you can also get the free AVG anti-spyware which works very well. Also....I know where you can get a completely free Office suite that allows you to work with MS Office stuff and create your own. Here are some links:

AVG http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
OpenOffice: http://www.openoffice.org/

[scttgrd]

Surprised no votes for Spybot Search & Destroy yet, i use that and Ad Aware together. I'd rathe not rely on one solution to protect my personal info. Besides both are free.

[Crushaholic]

etrust EZ Antivirus from CA (Computer Associates) is what I use, along with Spy Sweeper. That combination seems to work to find everything...

[LordHelmchen]

Surprised no votes for Spybot Search & Destroy yet, i use that and Ad Aware together. I'd rathe not rely on one solution to protect my personal info. Besides both are free.


well, maybe because both aren't virus protection ? ;)

I use Avira (sometimes). I like bitdefender as well.. though, usually I have none running.

[RhymesayersDU]

Here's a dumb question:

I'm seeing "Internet Security" and "Anti Virus" as different options on these websites. What is the difference, and what do I want?

[LordHelmchen]

Use Spybot and Ad-Aware against spyware, Avira as virus protection and a free personal firewall (for waht they are worth...) like agnitum outpost or kerio or sygate. If you connect via a router to the net, that takes care of most risks (concerning firewall issues) anyway.

Internet Security : firewall + spyware protection

[slatimer]

I freelance computer repair on the side.

Norton is the worst followed a close second by McAfee. Avoid them at all costs.

I use AVG Free antivirus in combination with AVG Free Anti Spyware. In my opinion the combination of those two you should have no problems.

Both are free.

http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/


Every computer I repair and put those two on I don't have to go back..well which sucks for business but good for them.

[Broncoiler]

I have a friend that works for Symantec (Norton Antivirus). He recommended to me to use a free program called Avast instead of paying for Norton or McAfee. I've been using it for over a year without any problems. Don't pay for antivirus as long as this program is free.

http://www.avast.com/i_kat_207.php

I second this. I've been using this for a couple years and I've never had an issue.

[RhymesayersDU]

I believe I will get all the norton stuff off my computer and give AVG a try.

Let me ask this: Is there any reason to upgrade to the AVG versions that cost money? I really just want my laptop safe. If AVG Free does the job, awesome... But if there's a good reason to upgrade to the pay, I wouldn't have a problem with it, unless it's outrageous.

[LordHelmchen]

I freelance computer repair on the side.

Norton is the worst followed a close second by McAfee. Avoid them at all costs.




I'd have to agree ... from personal+business experience years ago. Haven't tried out any Symantec product in years, but once you develop a certain negative attitude towards a specific brand.. it doesn't go away easily. For that reason I'd never buy a DFI mainboard for example, even if they get excellent reviews.

[Sodak]

AVG Free Edition, Spybot, Adaware. All free.

Norton and MaCafee suck.

[LordHelmchen]

I believe I will get all the norton stuff off my computer and give AVG a try.

Let me ask this: Is there any reason to upgrade to the AVG versions that cost money? I really just want my laptop safe. If AVG Free does the job, awesome... But if there's a good reason to upgrade to the pay, I wouldn't have a problem with it, unless it's outrageous.

You are the main factor when it comes to keeping your laptop safe...
sometimes I run my computers for months without protection (for Virus+Spyware). When I do a scan after that time, the only thing that ever gets detected are some tracking cookies, nothing more. The free stuff should be sufficient.

[Sir Mawn]

For Antivirus I use: NOD32. No hassles and doesn't nag when updating like AVG does.

For spyware: AVG Spyware free edition. This one works fine.

[UltimateHoboW/Shotgun]

I believe I will get all the norton stuff off my computer and give AVG a try.

Let me ask this: Is there any reason to upgrade to the AVG versions that cost money? I really just want my laptop safe. If AVG Free does the job, awesome... But if there's a good reason to upgrade to the pay, I wouldn't have a problem with it, unless it's outrageous.

How were you able to get rid of the pop ups from norton?

[slatimer]

avg free does just fine. no need to buy the professional version.

[Ratboy]

I hear Kaspersky is good. I don't use any, but i usually use norton

[Pezman]

NOD32 or Karparsky

Anything else, and you're either in for sh*tware, bloatware, or something that will slow your system to a crawl. I'd only put Norton or Mcafee on my machine if I was a sadist.

[Tombstone RJ]

I was wrong about the AVG Free Spyware, it does not update automatically, you have to manually update the software, but it just takes a few seconds, then you have to manually scan your puter. However, I think its still better than Spy Bot and Ad-aware.

I used to have all three (Spybot, Adaware and AVG) but I noticed that AVG was finding things and Spybod and Adaware weren't. However, if you sweep your puter with all three free versions, you'll most likely never (never say never) get a hidden virus.

[telluride]

Switch to Mac!

:sunshine:

[LordHelmchen]

hmm... now I wonder how long it takes till Popps chimes in ...

[Sassy]

I've had no problems with McAfee or Norton.

[Willynowei]

Running on Windows XP and recently Vista, i haven't been infected with a single spyware attack, or viral attack despite using the internet pretty frequently. This has been the case for over 2 and a half years.

I have no third party security programs on my PC either. The secret is to sit behind a router, and avoid porno :wiggle: sites & the obvious scam sites.

Also from my understanding, free antiviral programs can be a bad idea, b/c of the way the "virus protection" industry works... think of Mcafee and Norton as the Mob, and your periodic fee is for protection from their swarming packs of hackers that come up with viruses that only they can fix first.

Of course, what they want you to believe is that the worlds most talented hackers are actually fat slobs in their basement with nothing better to do. God forbid someone highers one of those fat slobs to a high paying job to give McAfee and Norton something to defend against.

[alkemical]

AVG Free addition. It's free and suites my needs just fine. Down loads updates automatically, scans for viruses and spyware automatically, then gives me a report.

Last month it did find a virus. I gave it permission to thow the virus in the vault, not delete it. Well, my 'puter got infected and I had to erase Windows and reload it. But my puter's fine now.

I don't know what it was that got me, but AVG, IMO saved my computer. I had to deal with a little inconvenience, but AVG worked. Good stuff.



Ditto on using/liking AVG.

[alkemical]

AVG Free Edition, Spybot, Adaware. All free.

Norton and MaCafee suck.

lol, ditto again.

[atomicbloke]

What's an anti-virus?

I wouldn't know... I use a mac :D

[Rascal]

AVG Free Edition, Spybot, Adaware. All free.


That's what I run.

[Rock Chalk]

What's an anti-virus?

I wouldn't know... I use a mac :D

Bwahahaha. It was bound to happen. Some Mac tard would chime in on it.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Norton is worse than any virus I've ever had.

[Sassy]

What the heck are you doing here bobo?

[smalltowngrll]

I have been using McAfee on my home pc's and laptop for years now. It has a spyware portion as well.

I've also used TrendMicro and Norton on work pc's before. Never any issues with any of them either. All in all, I've never really been infected with a virus. Some spyware, but always have been able to clear it out easily and without any problems whatsoever!

[Los Broncos]

Pc Cillin is very good.

[Sodak]

My computer at work was infected with a worm. It destroyed the CPU and memory. $600.00 later, I decided to axe the MacAfee garbage and install AVG. I have it on about 6 of my computers now. All virus, worm, trojan, etc. free. I will never pay for resource sucking Norton or MacAfee ever again.

[Bronco Yoda]

I just use the force on this trusty commodore 64.... but the tin-can-&-string has bandwidth issues.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

I'm behind a router but am currently using NOD32, probably the best or top 3 out there. Symantec Corp (not Norton) works very well too.

What's an anti-virus?
I wouldn't know... I use a mac :D
Ha!
I love how the MAC users think their machines don't get viruses and don't protect themselves.

Found: 543 Secunia Security Advisories, displaying 1-25 (http://secunia.com/search/?search=apple)

[Crushaholic]

Norton is worse than any virus I've ever had.

speaking of viruses...

[Bronco_Beerslug]

AVG Free addition. It's free and suites my needs just fine. Down loads updates automatically, scans for viruses and spyware automatically, then gives me a report.

Last month it did find a virus. I gave it permission to thow the virus in the vault, not delete it. Well, my 'puter got infected and I had to erase Windows and reload it. But my puter's fine now.

I don't know what it was that got me, but AVG, IMO saved my computer. I had to deal with a little inconvenience, but AVG worked. Good stuff.
:) Sounds to me it like it didn't work. I think I'd try something else that stops it once it captures it.

[ZONA]

If you're a gamer, like me, then Norton and Macafee are the worst to have. Just install one and then open your system monitor and watch the performance hit your CPU takes from either of those pieces of crap. Then load up AVG and be amazed at how little resources it uses from your system to run. I've been running AVG for 4 years now and I love it. I also run Spybot Search & Destroy weekly along with Spyware Blaster. Make sure you immunize after you update with those.

Every time I boot up I run ENDITALL2. Closes down every non critical process running on your system and then as you open apps, it allows them to open. This makes sure nothing is running that you don't want to be running. I work on all my friends and family's computers and they always end up with junk on their systems so ENDITALL2 has been a life saver for me in that regard.

[Tombstone RJ]

:) Sounds to me it like it didn't work. I think I'd try something else that stops it once it captures it.

It did capture the virus, but I didn't liquidate it immediately. I tried sending the virus to the vault and I that was my fault. It was toxic, whatever it was and I should have just had AVG erase it immediately. However, I didn't want to lose a, perhaps, important file, so I tried the vault. Stupid mistake.

[ZONA]

:) Sounds to me it like it didn't work. I think I'd try something else that stops it once it captures it.

You can choose either Delete or Virus Vault. The Vault really is not a true fix. I use the vault first if the infected file is a Windows System File. If you used delete, it would be lost. Then you don't know whats missing. I find out what file it is that is infected and go find the replacement for it and download it. Then I delete the infected file and replace with the newly downloaded System file. What sucks is when you get a virus that screws with your registry. Trying to find the exact fix, then dig into your registry to fix it sometimes is a pain in the arse.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

It did capture the virus, but I didn't liquidate it immediately. I tried sending the virus to the vault and I that was my fault. It was toxic, whatever it was and I should have just had AVG erase it immediately. However, I didn't want to lose a, perhaps, important file, so I tried the vault. Stupid mistake.

Well, if NOD catches one of those nasties it's worse than SuperMax, they never get out. :)



http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3835/nodur0.png

[Wes Mantooth]

Switch to Mac!

:sunshine:

This statement sums up the most retarted concept in all of computing.

[Wes Mantooth]

I'm behind a router but am currently using NOD32, probably the best or top 3 out there. Symantec Corp (not Norton) works very well too.


Ha!
I love how the MAC users think their machines don't get viruses and don't protect themselves.

Found: 543 Secunia Security Advisories, displaying 1-25 (http://secunia.com/search/?search=apple)

A mac user has no idea who that Sequnia guy is.

[ØrangeÇrush]

Just save yourself all the trouble and install VMware. That way your real operating system is trouble free. If you get a virus you just kill your vmware image, and restart it from your original snapshot.

Another good way to protect yourself is to just do a fresh install on your OS, and virtualize all your programs. Lock up the OS and run everything virtually. I'm running a virtual version of firefox right now. When I'm done, I'll deactivate it, and it will be like it was never installed.

Virtualized software is the best...no registry entries, all required dll files are loaded into memory at run time, and theres no performance hit.

[Tombstone RJ]

Just save yourself all the trouble and install VMware. That way your real operating system is trouble free. If you get a virus you just kill your vmware image, and restart it from your original snapshot.

Another good way to protect yourself is to just do a fresh install on your OS, and virtualize all your programs. Lock up the OS and run everything virtually. I'm running a virtual version of firefox right now. When I'm done, I'll deactivate it, and it will be like it was never installed.

Virtualized software is the best...no registry entries, all required dll files are loaded into memory at run time, and theres no performance hit.

What kind of memory/power/RAM does it take to run OS and everything else virtually? Sounds like you need a powerful system to handle all that and run smoothly.

[UKBronco]

What kind of memory/power/RAM does it take to run OS and everything else virtually? Sounds like you need a powerful system to handle all that and run smoothly.

Good question.

The hamsters in my machine can only run so fast. :)

[ØrangeÇrush]

What kind of memory/power/RAM does it take to run OS and everything else virtually? Sounds like you need a powerful system to handle all that and run smoothly.


it depends on the type of virtual system you want to use.

VMWare takes very little resources to run. The default configuration for a virtual OS is an easy load. However, building virtual software is a bit of a pain in the ass if you don't have a lot of RAM. I build all my virtual software on a slip streamed XP SP2 machine that is absolutely bare boned with 2 Gigs of RAM and it takes a while to package all the dll files.

However, if you use something like Altiris, I can package and run all my Apps virtually from my POS laptop with 256 mhz of ram.

It depends on what you want to use. I have four different VMWare images. KNOPPIX, Fedora Core 5, Fedora Desktop 7, and WIN XP. I can run anyone of these on my Wife's computer and she runs 512 Mhz of Ram and 60 gig hard drive.

[ØrangeÇrush]

The one thing about virtual machines is that it makes using P2P software a breeze. I have a virtual version of Lime Running on a VMWare version of XP. This way, I'm not getting any of the crap that comes with downloading stuff like that. Another plus of virtualization is that depending on the software you use, you can edit what is actually loaded when you run the software. This way you can remove any extra crap that people might load on your box when you install freeware or shareware.
As long as your not violating your EULA you'll be allright.

[DeuceOfClub]

I use BitDefender, on both my home and office computers.
It’s not free, but it is cheaper than the big two.

For all I know it does the job well, I wasn’t infected since installing it. The version that I have, which is the basic one (just antivirus) also prevent programs from changing it’s registry (don’t ask me what that is, lol)

The one thing I really like about it is the costumer service. I get answers on the phone after a short waiting and e-mail back after 24 hours.

Downside (IMO) is too many updates during the day which slow the computer till it’s done (usually 10-15sec’)

http://www.bitdefender.com/

[alkemical]

Just save yourself all the trouble and install VMware. That way your real operating system is trouble free. If you get a virus you just kill your vmware image, and restart it from your original snapshot.

Another good way to protect yourself is to just do a fresh install on your OS, and virtualize all your programs. Lock up the OS and run everything virtually. I'm running a virtual version of firefox right now. When I'm done, I'll deactivate it, and it will be like it was never installed.

Virtualized software is the best...no registry entries, all required dll files are loaded into memory at run time, and theres no performance hit.

that's what i told 'em too....

[baja]

I have a Mac and most of the time I run it behind an Airport Extreme but I do travel quite a bit and usually take my G-4 with me and use it on many different networks. I have not had any problems but am I vulnerable to a virus as I have no protection what so ever?

[alkemical]

Baja,

In the world of computers there is always an "at risk" factor. If there's a way to exploit it, it will be exploiten (or something).

[bendog]

I've got spy bot and adaware and avast. I rotate them. One of my wife's clients put AVG on the puter when he installed a new cd/rom player. It seems to work pretty good.

[clarkster]

Trojan Brand

i was going to say that except with the side note of IF i use it...