Best free antivirus software
- Thread starter JudJer
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learninmypc
Posts: 9,675 +724
Personally, I'd say none better than https://www.techspot.com/downloads/223-avast-home-edition.html
captaincranky
Posts: 19,657 +8,798
This is an old , old argument. It really isn't going anywere.
Norton used to have different products. A straight up AV program, and an internet security suite.
Off the top of my head, I'd say any of the top three free AV products, (Avira, Avast, & AGV), are all better than Norton.
I use AVG Free for porn, and M$E (Microsoft Security Essentials) for banking. I use Firefox as a browser, with the "NoScript" add on. That helps a bunch.
At the moment, AVG Free is the top rated product.
captaincranky
Posts: 19,657 +8,798
I wish people would catch on to the idea that both the free versions of these programs aren't actually "running". Both programs offer a scanning mode only, not active protection. You need to purchase a license to be able to "intercept" malware during a session.
"Superantispyware" (free), is kind of nasty. It doesn't offer active protection, but won't initialize if you don't allow it to run at startup. Hence, I removed it. Kept Malwarebytes though. And "CCleaner" that's always good to have around.
Having active script blocking in your browser, (I feel), is as important as the AV software you choose.
MrBlkfx1
Posts: 860 +206
I didn't know Norton was something you'd want to compare a AV to when looking for quality protection. I thought the only thing Norton was good at was resource hogging.While the article is old, it is still for the most part true. I would go with MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) and Malwarebytes as a supplement for scanning.
cliffordcooley
Posts: 13,141 +6,441
AV's are all useless, if the user goes around clicking any link they see. If the user gets wise to the types of links/pages that will infect, AV's become apps that are hardly needed.
learninmypc
Posts: 9,675 +724
I've heard so much bad about AVG, I personally wouldn't put it on any pc.
I've removed it from several pc's,too.
I've removed it from several pc's,too.
captaincranky
Posts: 19,657 +8,798
Like I said earlier, nothing is going to be solved by this thread.
AVG Free is the top rated AV at the moment.
Yeah tho I walk though through the valley of computer diseases, I will fear no evil, for AVG art with me.
You should probably consider what others, more knowledgeable than you or I have to say about the issue, before "boldly going where it is unnecessary to go".
AVG's footprint is a bit heavy, I'll grant you that. You do know I don't hang around safe havens like Techspot all day, don't you?
I've used the AVG for years, even when our "in house experts" were posting crap in bold and all different colors trying to ram "Avira" down my throat. Hell, I got infected with that nagging crap, at a site that had always been safe.
The "expert" is gone, and I've never been infected, nor have I had to reformat since I installed any version of AVG. My goodness, I've never even seen a blue screen.
learninmypc
Posts: 9,675 +724
captaincranky, correct, nothing will be solved by this thread. On a few of the related threads in here , I was tempted to post link(s) from another forum I used to post at but I didn't .
I myself never liked AVG when I had it which is why I went with Avast.
I myself never liked AVG when I had it which is why I went with Avast.
Wepynx
Posts: 22 +3
captaincranky
Posts: 19,657 +8,798
That's nice but, if you're going to recommend something, full disclosure is the best policy.
To me, a program that lets things pass, only to be held in "high esteem " for finding them later, is an analog of a person creating his own problem and situations, then expecting to be praised for resolving them later.
Every statement in these types of threads usually involves a pissing challenge, a statement of accomplishment in procedural expertise, and a pronouncement of, "purity of heart and soul"? So what? It won't be the poster using the program should that advice be taken.
Since off site testimonials have found their way into play once again, I'll share this with you. My son's wife managed to kill that Avast nonsense, with Facebook.
My "cranky", offbeat opinion is this, a person needs a couple of reformats to smarten them up. Trial by ordeal, that's how you learn and mature.
captaincranky
Posts: 19,657 +8,798
I think it's a pretty safe bet we have.
Wepynx
Posts: 22 +3
I understand you captaincranky buddy, I was just stating what I use, I will use the word "recommend" if and when I recommend any software or utility. Also my friend, I maybe new to TechSpot, but I'm an old hand at forums, under another name, I've gathered a nice little record for myself, but that was then, and this is now. Have a good one buddy.
learninmypc
Posts: 9,675 +724
I have to agree with you. I've been in other forums too & where I thought what they were talking about was gospel, but it turned out most of the members feared telling the the OP (s)he was full of crap.
Yes, "recommend" does sound better.
captaincranky
Posts: 19,657 +8,798
Here's my actual point. When any "senior" member states that they "use" "xxxxridsoneofmalware", no matter what language or syntax is in play, it is more than likely interpreted as an "endorsement".
My particular exception is is with the normally, "mentioned" anti-malware FREE programs which are passive.
All too often, I read, "I use Malwarebytes". A beginners mistaken impression is that these programs offer protection from malware. They do not. And whenever the conversation turns to free anti-malware programs, (NOT free anti-virus which offer active protection), the concept that they DON'T stop anything, should really come to the forefront, to avoid confusing, or instilling a sense of false security in a novice user.
If you want them to actively protect you, you gotta pay. It's that simple.
Right on cue.
Wepynx
Posts: 22 +3
I don't claim to be an expert buddy, I just know I've helped alot of users save money and sanity, all I want to do is try to help, the same way years back, I was helped. If anyone has a problem with that, so be it. I'm very easy to get along with. Hard times and a dangerous past employment made me thankful and grateful to just want to lend a hand. See you later cc buddy.
captaincranky
Posts: 19,657 +8,798
No sweat. I'll consider myself duly patronized, and you can take it from here.
There are dozens of out there! Some are
Comodo Antivirus - Available in free and paid versions http://antivirus.comodo.com/
Avast antivirus -Available in free and paid versions http://www.avast.com/
Kaspersky- Available in free and paid versions http://www.kaspersky.com/
You can choose some out here by finding which suits your features of PC.
Comodo Antivirus - Available in free and paid versions http://antivirus.comodo.com/
Avast antivirus -Available in free and paid versions http://www.avast.com/
Kaspersky- Available in free and paid versions http://www.kaspersky.com/
You can choose some out here by finding which suits your features of PC.
m4a4
Posts: 3,792 +5,422
It depends on what you do. If you do go into "unsafe" stuff, then the best option is a paid anti-virus (paid version of previously mentioned I would recommend), and maybe an anti-malware to feel safer. If you go on the internet for Facebook and the simple things, then any free anti-virus previously mentioned should do (and again maybe an anti-malware to feel safer).
I honestly have only used a free anti-virus (Avast) and besides the rare site blocked by it, it hasn't let me down once...
I honestly have only used a free anti-virus (Avast) and besides the rare site blocked by it, it hasn't let me down once...
As far as I know, there's no 'best' AV..
just pick one free or paid AV then make sure you keep it updated
here, I copy-paste several links that's always suggested for read by TS malware remover (from virus and malware removal section)
info about malware and prevention
http://www.helpmyos.com/t1516-preventing-malware-and-being-resistant-to-the-dangers-of-the-internet
How did I get infected?, With steps so it does not happen again
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic2520.html
Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/keep-your-computer-safe-online
just pick one free or paid AV then make sure you keep it updated
here, I copy-paste several links that's always suggested for read by TS malware remover (from virus and malware removal section)
info about malware and prevention
http://www.helpmyos.com/t1516-preventing-malware-and-being-resistant-to-the-dangers-of-the-internet
How did I get infected?, With steps so it does not happen again
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic2520.html
Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/keep-your-computer-safe-online
I recommend you try Unthreat Antivirus, I've been using it for a while now and I'm really happy with it. It doesn't slow down my system when scanning and I haven't had a virus since I downloaded it. Try it - It's a free antivirus so what have you got to lose?
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