Tales from the toolroom - AVG free v. the rest

[kimsland]

Highly unlikely.

But in the off chance you are correct ie False Positives
Then upload your "exe" files here: http://www.virustotal.com/

And post the report

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

http://www.virustotal.com/analisis/87075c6a97bee0fe34dae5e54f2ba698

If your curious, its a Starcraft loader...

 

[kimsland]

Hmm

You will need to submit it here: http://analysis.avira.com/samples/index.php
Oh I believe you now too

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

The file 'scloader2b.exe' has been determined to be 'MALWARE'. Our analysts named the threat TR/Agent.84930.A. The term "TR/" denotes a trojan horse that is able to spy out data, to violate your privacy or carry out unwanted modifications to the system.

not sure if these link acually work or if they will say anything more O.o:
http://analysis.avira.com/samples/details.php?uniqueid=MT16WjYF1KE21U3fbDLF3cvPXGwNAsIW
http://analysis.avira.com/samples/d...jYF1KE21U3fbDLF3cvPXGwNAsIW&incidentid=281189
http://analysis.avira.com/samples/d...jYF1KE21U3fbDLF3cvPXGwNAsIW&incidentid=281190

 

[kimsland]

Please let us know of the outcome of your submitted False Positive.
I expect Avira will remove the False Positive within 3 days (max)

 

[bobcat]

All AV’s give occasionally (very rarely) false positives, this is the reason quarantine exists. Also the reason why AV developers allow reporting of such positives.

Usually, the more thorough and secure an AV, the more false positives it tends to give, but of course this is not absolute.

Particularly prone to giving false positives are the pro-active components, because they rely on behaviour rather than signature analysis. Sometimes, it’s possible to adjust their sensitivity to achieve best compromise between security and comfort.

Also, some software, such as hacking tools, provoke by their nature a positive response, because they can cause damage, and the AV doesn’t know who put them there and for what purpose.

It is most unwise to ignore a positive, if you don’t know for sure what you are doing. It’s equally unwise to change your AV on the grounds that it gave what you believe to be a false positive.

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

http://analysis.avira.com/samples/d...jYF1KE21U3fbDLF3cvPXGwNAsIW&incidentid=281190

File ID Filename Size (Byte) Result
25294370 scloader2b.exe 82.94 KB FALSE POSITIVE

Please find a detailed report concerning each individual sample below:

Filename Result scloader2b.exe FALSE POSITIVE

The file 'scloader2b.exe' has been determined to be 'FALSE POSITIVE'. In particular this means that this file is not malicious but a false alarm. Detection will be removed from our virus definition file (VDF) with one of the next updates.

I told you it wasn’t a virus .
That means it should be good after I update my Avira?

 

[kimsland]

Install (the much better ) Avira free AntiVirus

All Done :grinthumb

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

Do you know how much load Avira puts on the system and what it does as it starts up? Can I completely disable Avira and the guard and just completely scan every little while?
Oh also, when I had Avira installed before, I deleted and backed to quarantine (don’t see how this is different than move to quarantine) some stuff...right now the list is empty, does that mean their all deleted?

 

[kimsland]

Well on my installed Avira (Oh and I've fixed a few hundred or so, Malware threads)
Says 1 service is 1Meg, and another service is 8Meg

Compared to the usual 30Meg (often 60Meg) or so on other Antiviruses (including AVG) pretty sure that's good :grinthumb

You can also right click on it and disable the protection (if working offline)
But due to the negligible amount of system Ram used, why bother.

 

[h0w13r]

Ok, I am a certified computer technician and I work in the IT field. I also own my own computer repair business. I have used many of the programs you have mentioned, but AVG is actually considered a 'best practice' to use with infected PCs today. However, AVG isn't going to protect your PC from everything. Another good program is Malwarebytes. If you haven't heard of this one, well now you have. It's the best program out there for removing malware and viruses. The next program I have in my arsenal is Spybot S&D. This program is the **** because it picks up a lot of spyware that malware bytes doesnt catch.

If you are using Avast and thinking that your PC is safe, you are wrong, And if you are going to a certain antivirus program because of resources used you are looking at virus removal the wrong way. What you want to do is be careful when you are online and you won't get viruses. Also, smart surfing does not make you immune to viruses, all it does is cut out the need for an internet security suite package. If you surf smart then you wont have to run antivirus programs in the background 24/7. And if you do contract a virus on your PC then you just run the required scans and you're done.

I highly recommend AVG, whether it be the free version or not. If you have kids, just run AVG's Internet Security Suite and you will be OK.

I have just given you an entirely free arsenal of infection removing software, you should all try them out some time against your current software, I think you will be surprised.

 

[kimsland]

It's very sad that some people still feel this way about the horrible AVG8
Anyway, Avira is best and AVG8 I'd say about.. well its about last.
As I've proven this well over 100 times, you're just going to have to trust me on this one.

By the way this is about 6th thread we've had on the horrible AVG8, on all threads AVG8 came out to be the worst. No doubt I'll have to quote them all under debate (even though a waste of time)

Even our 8-Step Removal Guide thankfully doesn't include AVG8, this is because... (oh forget it, I've said it too often I'm sick of it, just search for yourselves)

If you've been using AVG8 for a while (over a month or more) Then you are highly likely infected. As they are both free, uninstall it, run the removal tool (get this - uninstall won't completely remove it! ) And install Avira and do a full scan. Best to get rid of the Viruses, don't you think

As for Spybots with allow or disallow, very bad idea for users to quote this, most usually just press allow, who knows what the file or program is that wants to connect. At least you mentioned Malwarebytes, without a doubt one of (if not) the best Malware removal program.

So in a nut shell (waiting for that play on words quote)

Avira (oh this is the best Antivirus )
Malwarebytes (updated scan every couple of weeks)
Firewall (really any - Comodo will do)
SuperAntispyware (although don't leave it starting with Windows, slowing you down)
Windows Security Updates (fully complete)
Java Updated
Firefox (this is now my preferred browser)
Safe surfing (this really requires a multi page guide)

And any other specialized tools, obviously requires users in the know.

Oh and all of the above are free
Oh )) and stay away from Internet Security packages, total waste of downloads and money)

 

[captaincranky]

Democracy in Action........

It's very sad that some people still feel this way about the horrible AVG8

I feel the need to report (yet again) that when running Norton, Avast, and > most recently< Avira, I've gotten infections. And, with Avira, a reformat was required.
Anyway, Avira is best and AVG8 I'd say about.. well its about last.

As I've proven this well over 100 times, you're just going to have to trust me on this one.

Proven is sort of a subjective term, which can, in stressful times, give rise to the counter question, "to who"?

By the way this is about 6th thread we've had on the horrible AVG8, on all threads AVG8 came out to be the worst. No doubt I'll have to quote them all under debate (even though a waste of time)

With martyrdom comes rewards in paradise.

Even our 8-Step Removal Guide thankfully doesn't include AVG8, this is because... (oh forget it, I've said it too often I'm sick of it, just search for yourselves)

This should be a slam dunk, since I thought it was you who forced it's removal.

If you've been using AVG8 for a while (over a month or more) Then you are highly likely infected. As they are both free, uninstall it, run the removal tool (get this - uninstall won't completely remove it! ) And install Avira and do a full scan. Best to get rid of the Viruses, don't you think

Well, the infections that Avira has allowed into my machine have been obvious, even to a dullard such as myself. Whereas, all the infections that AVG has let in, you feel I'm too stupid to know about. So, riddled with infections as it my be, bad motherboard and all, my Emachine boots up and runs perfectly. Ignorance is bliss.

As for Spybots with allow or disallow, very bad idea for users to quote this, most usually just press allow, who knows what the file or program is that wants to connect.

No, I press "no"?

Firefox (this is now my preferred browser)

Here, I'm speechless! Maybe not quite. But I believe both you and Tw0rld have extolled the virtues of IE vigorously. So, to someone who refuses to use IE, (unless absolutely necessary), this comes as either a revelation or an admission of hypocrisy. My always sunny disposition is extolling me to say, "welcome aboard". The "cranky angel" on my left shoulder however, wants me to inform you otherwise. Perhaps, "big deal, it's about time, or maybe "stop preaching to the choir". The simple fact is I've been using it for years, and without permission.

Oh )) and stay away from Internet Security packages, total waste of downloads and money)

Well yeah, I'm on board here :wave:

 

[kimsland]

I changed to Firefox just as I lost the respect for AVG

Basically AVG7 was good, and therefore my very early posts said install it
Well times change and so do Programs (ie AVG)

Now this "subjective" In my opinion issue

Let it be known from this day forward, everything I say comes from me (Strange I know)

I am 100% sure AVG8 is useless. I have proved this over and over again
To who? To myself and every single member that has then scanned with Avira (after losing AVG8) on the Virus Malware forum that I have thankfully informed them of this. So many thank-yous it's incredible. I'll just post below again so everyone knows the real truth.

===> AVG8 is USELESS <===

Edit:

Oh and I voted for AVG to be removed from the guide that's true
But all the Malware experts had to agree first, before it was removed
So thankfully others felt (knew) the same as me. AVG8 is useless

 

[captaincranky]

I was going to mention this as an edit, but your your notoriously prompt response, actually precluded that.

I changed to Firefox just as I lost the respect for AVG

Here, one of the uninformed such as myself, might draw the erroneous conclusion that Firefox is partly responsible for the improvement with Avira and that IE was partly responsible for the failure of AVG.

Here, I'm not certain that changing 2 variables at once can elicit a positive conclusion as to if one variable was responsible for the mentioned result.

Let it be known from this day forward, everything I say comes from me (Strange I know)

Wow, now that has me stumped on so many levels.

So many people have complained bitterly about AVG's link scanner, when a simple right click is all that's necessary to disable it. When you do, the tray icon turns black, then this generates an additional complaint, "my AVG icon is black". Well, my response would be, "of course it is stupid", you crippled the program. The program is working correctly, it's telling you that is not fully functional. Obviously my response would cause additional controversy, and believe it or not, I've mustered enough self restraint just to simply ignore the thread. Well OK, then the thread will get answered with something to the effect off, "that's because AVG sucks"! No, only a half truth, if that.

SNGX1275 says the he fights evil with personal (computer) hygiene, rather than with an AV regimen. If it works for him.

But it does obviate the fact that many of the people that have been, "thanking you profusely" (loose quote) in the malware forum, are there of their own doing. Ergo, profuse thank yous should be mandatory..

AVG has released Version 8.5 free, here's hoping anybody has the openness of mind to give it a shot.

We obviously disagree here, I'm good with that. For the record though, despite my surly reputation, please take note. I didn't feel it necessary to try and shout you down with red bold type, capital letters, equal signs, underlining, and arrows (also red).

 

[kimsland]

We obviously disagree here, I'm good with that. For the record though, despite my reputation, please take note. I didn't feel it necessary to try and shout you down with red bold type, capital letters, equal signs, underlining, and arrows (also red).

Yes I respect that
The bold and red etc were actually for others quickly viewing, to catch their eye as it were

Oh and I put Firefox and AVG in the same sentence only because of this thread (about AVG)
IE obviously is still required (and used) for Windows updates (and minor other things)
That's just one more area (discussed above, "in a nut shell") that Users should do

Go Avira, he's our man, if he can't do it, no one can :grinthumb

 

[h0w13r]

Lol you guys can ***** about avg all you like, but the fact of the matter is that I've been running this along with malware bytes and spybot at work and for clients without ANY problems at all. They catch the infections EVERY time. You can be the noob who has to argue and stick with their little known av due to having no credible experience in the IT field and really no experience at all. If you proof that avg is useless, I'm calling you out on it. I want some real technical proof and maybe some screenshots.

 

[bobcat]

Comparing AV’s is a complicated task. But no task is so complicated that with a little effort you can’t make it even more complicated. And I think I can contribute to that.

My experience with fora (if you know Latin) or forums (if you don’t) of various kinds, has taught me certain truths, proven to myself, ipso facto, since I’m talking about my experiences.

1. No matter how many threads there are on AV’s, a new one will always attract heated attention. It’s a new horse race, a new chance.
2. Often, several such races…er…threads are running simultaneously in several sections, relevant or not, or even in the same one.
3. It’s not a one horse race, all AV’s do an adequate job against prevalent viri (if you know latin) or viruses (if you don’t) or virii (if you think you do but don’t). Prima faciae at least (I pretend I do).
4. People tend to be happy with the AV they’ve got and will support it, rather like one supports the horse he has put his money on.
5. As inevitable result of 3 & 4 above, there is usually plenty of disagreement and a tendency for all horses to be the winners…and the losers, at the same time.

Without doubt, the opinion of experts can decide the race, provided of course they can agree with each other, which is not a sure bet.

So, what is my opinion? I’ve expressed it earlier in this here thread. But though it’s here, it’s neither here nor there. Not being an expert, my opinion does not come from the horse’s mouth. After all, I am a cat.

Now, where are my binoculars? C’mon Antivir…you can do it…cut the corner and get in front …that’s my boy…

 

[captaincranky]

Oh Cheers and Cheerleaders..........YaY!

Yes I respect that
The bold and red etc were actually for others quickly viewing, to catch their eye as it were

Right, you just felt the need for everyone to know you think I'm wrong. Sadly there are consequences, even when using a non lethal weapon such as altruism.

Oh and I put Firefox and AVG in the same sentence only because of this thread (about AVG)

So, I guess that means than you still haven't grasped the correlation between using FF and safer browsing, and you're still choosing the let all the credit reside with Avira.

IE obviously is still required (and used) for Windows updates (and minor other things)

I've been aware of that for quite some time. Were you aware that repetition is a principle form of propaganda?

Go Avira, he's our man, if he can't do it, no one can :grinthumb

I actually dated a cheerleader, she had muscles in places that even the snake never told Eve about. And those pompoms! My goodness what she could do with those pompoms, and what I briefly considered telling you what to do with yours. :evil: :haha:

I just wrote this little self induldency, but you might enjoy cheering along. Pompoms ready? "Captaincranky he's our man, but you still can't convince him, no one can"!

 

[kimsland]

Give me an "A" give me a "V"

Oh etc etc, you get the rest

Edit:

Lol the rest is "IRA" how funny

 

[captaincranky]

I was going to let your entire original cheer post slide, I never would have been able to live with myself if I did.

 

[kimsland]

Ok well I've made light of the subject, but some actually might want to know

There have also been quite a number of previous threads on this subject, including:

What do you think is the best Antivirus right now?

What's the best antivirus program?

AVG Free Antivirus

Instead of AVG? free antivirus recs please

and Recommended antivirus/malware programs? https://www.techspot.com/vb/topic121226.html

I feel this debate will go forever, due to:

Personal Choice
Changes in Antivirus revisions
Actual abilities of Antivirus softwares
Varying Reviews across the Net (Here's another external review: http://www.av-comparatives.org/

So, there you go

 

[captaincranky]

PC World Mag runs an AV or security suite comparison fairly frequently. For obvious reasons they tend to concentrate on paid versions. As you suggest, brands wax and wane, plus they all have skill sets that differ from category to category of malware to which they are exposed. Simple AV detection and removal seems to be almost 100% though, in most suites tested.

I actually have Avira installed on a second computer, but I use that machine infrequently. So. with one principle email address it doesn't seem likely I could (or should) get a second copy licensed. I actually kinda see where these companies are coming from and their policy of one free copy, one computer, one address, is as much as we should expect.

Being an old fuddy-duddy, I don't have a bit torrent client installed, don't belong to a PnP network. or game on line. I'm no fun to be sure, but I don't reap the "benefits" of those sorts of behaviors either. And don't get me started about facebook, I'm a recluse, and where that site is concerned a "germophobe". Whaddya gonna do though, no fun, no infections.

It's unfortunate that you've trivialized the major impact (which I believe exists) with FF's designed inability to handle ActiveX, and the "No Script" add-ons effectiveness as a preemptive measure. With no script active, there's no vibrance ads, no clever hyperlinked words, no popups of any kind. As we discussed the other day, if you OK yahooapis script, then you can't edit titles. Is that what's supposed to happen? Because to me that just seems poorly written. I'm going to take a screen shot of the smilies and try to commit them to memory, then type them in by hand. I guess advertisers think that script blocking is a nightmare, but for me, it's a dream come true.

Believe it or not, (I say that tongue in cheek, since you obviously will) AVG let a virus slide the other day (didn't catch the tag # though) and of all things, Adaware (free) caught it and removed it.

I just ran the M$ Malicious Software Removal tool for March, and again, it didn't find anything. It does beg the question, exactly how hard should I go looking for trouble.
Sorry but, you have to be infected because you don't use Avira, is more opinion than fact. I found Avast to be tempermantal, useless and flaky, yet it also had a heyday at TS.

What the hey, with a 4 year old P-4 Prescott Emachine running dandy, how could any of my results be anything but atypical. Know what, I'm so used to this box, you could almost consider me attached to it. :haha:

 

[SNGX1275]

I'm going to post just because I can.

I run no AV on my machines.
I just today deleted AVG 7.5 on my dad's laptop, installed Avira whatever, it found some thing that it didn't really identify, i told it to quarentine whatever, but I didn't ever really see what it was complaining about.

I fully uninstalled avg per the earlier instructions, and in turn did avira. See above on what it said. Whatever I installed it. I think it is total bullshit seriously, because I don't think that you will ever make me enter some link where I get infected.

 

[kimsland]

Well this is obviously dependent upon where on the Internet you go, and basically your browsing habits.

But I've never had my AntiVirus pop up with Virus found (although I have run full scans in the past and it has found some basic stuff (like one file I've had since Dos days )

So for me I always wonder why I have it
I mean does everyone have their Antivirus popping up with Virus detected when it's set for resident protection? On a regular basis?

It's just about responsible safe surfing, and running the scans every now and then, in my view. Basically users need to be aware of where they are venturing and what they are downloading. As I've said many times if you want to venture into the unknown, or use File Sharing, or you're a heavy down loader (I was once) Then use Linux, you can even use a free one like Ubuntu (I only pick this one because it seems to be the most common, that many are aware of)

Safe surfing