Best anti-virus software?

[Ralf Skirr]

Hi guys,

I'm looking for recommendations for anti-virus software, the one I'm using is outdated.

I tested a few and they slowed down my PC beyond belief.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Ralf

[alan mac]

I used to use Nortons which I found very slow and not always that good.

I have just switched to Kaspersky which is much better. I did a fair amount of research before and it seemed to come out well in reviews.

I got it off Ebay for about £15

Thanks Alan

[dsmpublishing]

The only time ive had a laptop completely free of viruses is when ive had norton on it but avg is supposed to be good

[RinggitHit]

My vote will go to Bitdefender, Kaspersky & ESET/Nod32...

p/s: I've tried them all but currently using ESET Smart Security...

[Eric Lorence]

If you want a free solution, go for AVG.

If you don't mind spending a little, definitely use Kaspersky.

Both are easy on the system.

[David Neale]

I just installed the 15 day free trial on two computers. Seems good so far... doesn't seem to slow anything down.

Malware Protection, Spyware Protection & Email Security from Sunbelt Software

I also installed the free version of Zone Alarm to see what my computers are trying send out... just in case.

ZoneAlarm by Check Point - Award winning PC Protection, Antivirus, Firewall, Anti-Spyware, Identity Protection, and much more.

[kumar]

Surprisingly, no one has mentioned McAfee. I've used Norton and Kapersky too, but found McAfee to be the best among them.

[Ralf Skirr]

Hey guys,

thanks for your suggestions, I'll check them out.

I used a trial of ESET Smart Security and found it quite good but I for one of my PCs I lost connection to the network and ESET support was not able to help. Otherwise I would have bought it.

Ralf

[Lloyd Buchinski]

I was using avg for years and it worked pretty well with one
exceptional problem. However it does not work well with Vista.
I had 2 serious problems that were both finally solved by
uninstalling avg. One was difficulty logging in to my host, and
the other was a drastic internet slowdown.

Harvey Segal also mentioned that he had to get rid of it to
solve a duplicate email problem in a thread just about 10 days
ago. Everything changes and maybe its best days are over.

I installed Avast instead, also free, and got rid of one minor
annoying thing, and it has worked well for about a year now.

[Charles E. White]

I have used AVG for over two years without a problem.

Lloyd, I think Vista is the problem not AVG LOL

I do know Norton is a resource hog and slows everything down.

[LivingCovers]

AVAST for sure sh'ld be among the top 10. It updates automatically once you get connected to the 'net. Ever since i've started using it for both computer systems, it has been performing wonderfully. Olatunde.

[athena08]

Norton always seems to use up a ton of resources and sloooow down a system so I stay away from this. I have been using AVG for many years and have absolutely no problem with them. I use the free version and have a system with Windows XP.

[Liquification]

My day job is a computer tech. If your looking for just Anti-virus go with Kaspersky. If you have Vista or want a full firewall and anti-virus go with Norton Internet Security. Stay away from norton 360, it's a resource hog.

[rosetrees]

Originally Posted by optimum

I thought most comupters dont need software cause windows explorer has a in built security

The quickest way to disaster known to man. No security and IE. Get with it man.

[Spike SpiegelIM]

I use Avast for quite a long time now. It's lightweight and updates regularly, works wonders for me. I have the professional version and it's worth it..

[Rod Cortez]

Nod32 freaking rules.....blows Norton and MacAfee right out of the water and isn't even 1/10th of the resource hog they are.

RoD

[mccflo99]

I definitely would go with Norton 360.

Best Antivirus Protection - Online Backup - Norton 360 Version 2.0

Great all in one solution and it protects you from adware, spyware, viruses, worms, etc. Also has a built in firewall and cleans the registry, runs degrags, does automatic backups, even has an identity theft function which I don't really use.

It takes the Norton Security Suite to the next level.

Pretty much a security, virus & maintenance all in one powerhouse and it's always protected me.

I don't like having to have a virus software, a popup blocker, a spyware scanner, a seperate firewall, etc so 360 works great for me and allows me to forget about maintenance for the most part.

It also covers 3 computers which is just right for my house so the per computer costs is very low and you get all the cool features.

Definitely two thumbs up.

Also, on AVG...

An update for the AVG virus scanner released yesterday contained an incorrect virus signature, which led it to think user32.dll contained the Trojan Horses PSW.Banker4.APSA or Generic9TBN. AVG then recommended deleting this file; this causes the affected systems to either stop booting or go into a continuous reboot cycle. So far, the problem only appears to affect Windows XP, but there is no guarantee that other versions of Windows don’t have the same issue.

I read several reports that people had to reinstall windows because of this, yikes!

Good luck ya'll,
Chris Elliott

[kkchoon]

Definitely ESET NOD32!

Advantages:
1. Fastest detection speed
2. Less resources
3. Doesn't interfere with application

Disadvantage:
Pricey!

Highly recommended!

[Clyde Dennis]

Originally Posted by optimum

I thought most comupters dont need software cause windows explorer has a in built security

To quote a once GREAT Tennis player "You cannot be serious?"

I've used AVG on XP system without an issue for quite a while now. Very happy with it.

[tomm]

One more recommendation for NOD32

I removed Mcafee and installed NOD32, what a difference! It feels like I added 2 gigs of RAM, Vista is so much faster now.

[warriorprocessing]

I'm a fan of AVG

[ejfern22]

I have been using a program called stopzilla. I think this is the best program available. If your computer gets attacked by a virus or spyware it automatically blocks it from causing any damage to your computer. It doesn't take up as much space as norton either. I would recommend this product to anybody. You can even get a 15 day trial for free.

[Trieu]

besides anti virus software, what other software do I need for security?

[The 13th Warrior]

Wow, just like when I went to CNET for users and professional critics review, no major consensus.

Anyone used the new Viper????....last I checked, it was up at the top or top 3.

Seems like no matter what anti-this software comes up, one person percieves a weakness in it and the other person percieves a strength.

The problem with reviews, people seem to can't be 100% objective.

I might LOVE peanut butter, mustard, pickles and turnip sandwiches, but I should have some empathic perception that this is not the norm and figure this is W-A-Y out to the average joe.

True objectivity is a gold mine if you can find a good source.

ConsumerReports graph style comparisons and surgical pluses and minuses as it relates to average users, critics and professional users seem, at least to me , to lead to pack.

If there is a better or equal source, please don't hold back.

If I can find a very cheap way to get there mags, I may just do that.

The 13 th Warrior

[Spike SpiegelIM]

Originally Posted by Teo

besides anti virus software, what other software do I need for security?

You might wanna invest on a good Anti Spyware / Malware software. And get some security plugins for your net browser.

[dmderoeck]

I've had nothing but problems with Norton, slow and unreliable.

I like either AVG or Avast... plus its free.

[ebiz96]

Originally Posted by dmderoeck

I've had nothing but problems with Norton, slow and unreliable.

I like either AVG or Avast... plus its free.

Totally agree..

I have

AVG

Zone Alarm

Spybot

And Adware.


A perfect solution..


Ash

[EcoverGuru]

I used Norton before, but then i change to AVG for my computer in the last 2 years, and it is easy and simple to use..definitely one of the great anti-virus.

[Ralf Skirr]

Wow, lots of replies, thanks guys.

Amazing how diverse your experiences are.
It doesn't really get easier. :-)

Maybe I check ESET again, if it hadn't disconnected one of my PCs from the network when testing I would have bought it a few months ago. What I liked is that it did not slow down my PC.

Ralf

[Matt MacPherson]

Kaspersky is great but don't forget about Nod32.

In general, stay away from popular Anti-Virus programs like Norton and MCafee. The people who create viruses always test against the big names with the most market share.

It's kind of like why Macs are "more secure". The market share for a Mac is much lower than that of a PC and thus virus coders don't bother. In short.

Regards,
Matt

[ThomasShay]

I work on computers every day and I have a few recommendations.

With these five programs you have a great arsenal to protect your computer, which all Internet Marketers need to run their business.

Anti-Virus: AVG Anti-Virus
Spyware: Spybot Search & Destroy
Adware: Ad-Aware
Registry Cleaner: CCleaner
Malware Remover: Malwarebytes

Using these five programs are great for keeping your computer running fast and virus free. I use these four programs at work and home and have no problem with them and the best thing is they are all FREE to download and Use.

You can safely download these through CNET, just do a google search and you will get their download site.

[hyp959]

Nod32 is best I think!

[Rob Whisonant]

Hmmmmm... Best anti-virus software??? Switch your operating system to Linux.

Works like a charm.

Re's
Rob Whisonant

[David_Thompson]

Avast is a good virus program been using for a couple years now
and love it...

--David

[JazzOscar]

Difficult to say what's best. Can only tell you what I use myself. It's Panda Internet Security.

I think it slows my PC down somewhat during startup, but feel that it run's ok after that. What I think is important is; I almost can't remember the last time I had a virus or malware problem.

In my offline life I've been into IT support for about 25 years know, mostly for businesses. I also sell Panda solutions to my customers, but, don't misunderstand me, I'm not a big reseller and would have no problem switching both me and my customers away from Panda immediately if I didn't feel the solution performed the job it is supposed to.

When some home user places a PC clogged up with all kinds of viruses and malware on my desk, asking if I could fix it, the tools I use for the job are as follows;

* CCleaner
* Ad-Aware
* Spybot Search & Destroy
* CWShredder
* HijackThis
* Pandas internet based scanner

HijackThis can be a dangerous animal if you're not relatively professional. You have to take decisions about removing or not startup programs that it might be difficult to find out whether is legitimate and essential for your system or just dangerous crap.

If the home user don't have some kind of antivirus software, and don't want to buy one, I usually install the free version of AVG.

When it comes to Norton and McAfee solutions, I don't sell them. Maybe I'm just an old stubborn guy with experience.

[Dave OSullivan]

Ralf,

I use NOD32 Antivirus Protection for Your PC: Antivirus for Windows XP and more it's just the antivirus package, not the Smart Security one.

It's not at all resource hungry, I've never had an issue with it and I've been using it since early Version 2.

Dave.

Originally Posted by Ralf Skirr

Wow, lots of replies, thanks guys.

Amazing how diverse your experiences are.
It doesn't really get easier. :-)

Maybe I check ESET again, if it hadn't disconnected one of my PCs from the network when testing I would have bought it a few months ago. What I liked is that it did not slow down my PC.

Ralf

[sarthakbehl]

Hi

I use northorn antivirus and it works well...

[onlineleben]

Try out NOD 32.
System load of this is very low - updates daily (sometimes twice daily).

[Ralf Skirr]

Thank you all for your suggestions.

I bought licenses for ESET NOD32.


I will also check out the other suggestions you made:
CWShredder
HijackThis
Pandas internet based scanner
Spyware: Spybot Search & Destroy
Adware: Ad-Aware
Registry Cleaner: CCleaner
Malware Remover: Malwarebytes

I never cared much about anything than anti-virus, but it might be worth a look.

Thanks again,
Ralf

[fthomas137]

Best Anti-virus?

Careful browsing. Don't work with an account that has administrator rights on your computer and finally use AVAST home version.

It's free, doesn't bog your PC down and it actually works pretty good.

Careful Ralf, too much crap to stop the crap and you put yourself in the crap.

[esr]

I've been using the free version of AVG for years. Never, ever had a problem and it automatically updates every day.

AVG Free - Download antivirus and antispyware software for Windows XP and Vista

[Kirk Ward]

Originally Posted by The 13 th Warrior

Wow, just like when I went to CNET for users and professional critics review, no major consensus.

Anyone used the new Viper????....last I checked, it was up at the top or top 3.

Seems like no matter what anti-this software comes up, one person percieves a weakness in it and the other person percieves a strength.

The problem with reviews, people seem to can't be 100% objective.

I might LOVE peanut butter, mustard, pickles and turnip sandwiches, but I should have some empathic perception that this is not the norm and figure this is W-A-Y out to the average joe.

True objectivity is a gold mine if you can find a good source.

ConsumerReports graph style comparisons and surgical pluses and minuses as it relates to average users, critics and professional users seem, at least to me , to lead to pack.

If there is a better or equal source, please don't hold back.

If I can find a very cheap way to get there mags, I may just do that.

The 13 th Warrior

Hello 13th,

I use both of Sunbelt Software's products and think they are fantastic. Vipre and the personal firewall. On a side note, the firewall used to be Kerio, which was the same as the Windows firewall, except it is updated, whereas MS didn't update their copy for years. The firewall is a service, not an application, so it is updated in real time. Vipre contains virus protection, spyware protection and adware protection. I have mine set to download updates every four hours, and there seem to be several a day. It also takes a fraction of the system resources that others take.

Another point that no one mentions is support. Sunbelt is the only malware company that also offers free telephone support.

My vote goes for Vipre and the personal firewall from Sunbelt Software.

Kirk

[Ralf Skirr]

Kirk,

thanks for the firewall recommendation.
Personal Firewall by Sunbelt Software - Full Version & FREE Firewall - Kerio

Now that anti virus is updated I will update my firewall as well.
Ralf

[ebiz96]

Hi Ralf

This is what i have on my PC.

AVG free version

Zone Alarm Firewall

Spybot ...Kills Spyware & lot of other malicious threats.

Ccleaner.

Adware.


This works fine for me.


Ash

[Josh Anderson]

Norton and Mcafee are system resource hogs and a over zealous in many areas causing occasional false positives and effecting how the internet is viewed and behaves (internet security versions).

Traditionally Norton has behaved more like a virus notification system rather than an "anti virus.'

Trend Micro used to be great and among the top rated but in recent years it too has become a burdensome system resource hog.

AVG is great for free.

However, I am now using Nod32 which is an excellent solution that does what its supposed to do without being a pain in the resource.

I also have Bit Defender for my secondary computers which for a couple years has ranked in the number 1 and 2 spots for reviews.

Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0 is the top rated solution by cnet if you want obsessive total security control but it is also a system resource hog.

Check out the cnet reviews:

http://reviews.cnet.com/1990-6600_7-6768133-1.html

[Ralf Skirr]

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

Trend Micro used to be great and among the top rated but in recent years it too has become a burdensome system resource hog.

Josh, that's what I was using until they stopped supporting my 'old' TrendPCillin licenses. Then I tried their current software and came to the same conclusion.

Ralf

[GeorgR.]

kaspersky
NOD32

Kaspersky has better "overall" detection of malware, NOD32 not bad (little less detection rate than Kaspersky) but it is more "light weight" than KAV.

[tiger325]

I switched recently to AVG and my computer has been running much faster

[PeterLepacus]

Have used them all. NOD32 is by far the best.

Someone sent me a 25% off link a while back, I will see if I can find it and post it.