Free antivirus software

[absinthe]

Hello all,
I have spent the last few days setting up my parent's first computer ever. I live across the country and its been a chore over the phone as they are completely new to everything. I set them up with Charter high speed internet as this was the only option around them and was told they would get free access to the Charter security suite. When I walked them through setting it up, you could only get it free in their area if you ordered the expensive high speed option.

I looked at the free download from AVG and it looks OK, anyway have experience with a free antivirus software or could recommend another program? Thanks for any help you can give me.

[boosterp]

AVG and Zone Alarm Firewall, add in Malwarebytes and they are set. All free and all very good.

[KingGeno]

I would recommend either AVG or AVIRA. I recently switched over to Avira, because it does a little better job at finding some stuff I noticed.

So I would recommend Avira. You do have to click on a "Purchase the Premium version" pop-up from them daily, but it's well worth it. The heuristic stuff it finds is great (http://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/support/card?id=7&IdIdioma=2).

[opie's twisted balls]

been using the free version of avast and seems to provide all the protection I need

[boobieman]

I use Avast. Seams to work pretty good. One other suggestion is do a online scan. McAfee and Microsoft offer both. they are free. You can have them book mark the pages.

Also get them Spybot...Spyware Blaster and MalwareBytes anti-Malware.

They are all free and just make sure you update them, at least once a week.

Best of luck

SESEYYAYAAA

[LordJezo]

Fuck all that shit.

The only game that is going to be left in town is Microsoft.

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

Just last week (or something close) they released their brand new security suite for Windows. It replaces Windows Defender and also adds in a complete virus scanner package.

Price?

Free.

So far folks are liking it a whole lot, it's doing a better job at detecting stuff than AVG. Avast is still good but I dont think most common people know of it. Now that Mircosoft has their own stuff out they will slowly gain a huge foothold in the industry.


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So I would recommend Avira. You do have to click on a "Purchase the Premium version" pop-up from them daily, but it's well worth it.


Just Google Avira block pop up for a quick fix in Windows to prevent that.

[Death Metal Moe]

I would never fully trust Microsoft with my security.

I've had very good success so far switching from AVG to Avast.

PC world recently ran an article about the top 5 or so free antivirus programs, go check their site. They offer a lot of their printed stuff online.

[weekapaugjz]

Fuck all that shit.

The only game that is going to be left in town is Microsoft.

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

Just last week (or something close) they released their brand new security suite for Windows. It replaces Windows Defender and also adds in a complete virus scanner package.

Price?

Free.

So far folks are liking it a whole lot, it's doing a better job at detecting stuff than AVG. Avast is still good but I dont think most common people know of it. Now that Mircosoft has their own stuff out they will slowly gain a huge foothold in the industry.

so you are against a one world government but are for a one world software takeover?

[Death Metal Moe]

so you are against a one world government but are for a one world software takeover?

The guys around his water cooler told him it was good so he knows he can trust it.

[Hottub]

The guys around his gym locker room told him it was good so he knows he can trust it.

I caught a typo, Moe.:smoke:

[Death Metal Moe]

The head flame thrower down at The White Swallow Spa told him it was good so he knows he can trust it.

I double caught my typo, thanks for the heads up bro.

[boosterp]

I double caught my typo, thanks for the heads up bro.

Good call bro.

[Devo37]

I've been using Avira AntiVir (http://www.free-av.com/) for years without any infections.

as mentioned, it does throw a "the pay version is even better!" pop-up at you when it updates, but i can deal with that.

[opie's twisted balls]

The only game that is going to be left in town is Microsoft.
have another cup

http://blogs.dixcdn.com/shine_a_light/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/kool-aid.gif

[Ritalin]

Any tech-heads got some security tips for a Mac?

[KingGeno]

Any tech-heads got some security tips for a Mac?

GO fuck yourself, Smug Guy. :)

[Ritalin]

GO fuck yourself, Smug Guy. :)

No, I'm not being smug. I'm asking an actual question.

[KingGeno]

Well, have a few friends that use ClamXav. I used to run this back in the day on some windows servers, and never had a problem with it. It has been around a while, and should be ok.

Others have told me Intego VirusBarrier is the best though, all-around.

Myself? I don't really have anything installed, nor do I use the mac much recently.

[boosterp]

Well, have a few friends that use ClamXav. I used to run this back in the day on some windows servers, and never had a problem with it. It has been around a while, and should be ok.

Others have told me Intego VirusBarrier is the best though, all-around.

Myself? I don't really have anything installed, nor do I use the mac much recently.

Agreed on the software. We have similar on Linux platforms and I just run a simple firewall.

[Crippler]

I read this thread & got some good ideas to try out, but I want to ask a more specific question about AntiVirus software.

My Windows XP laptop with 2 gigs of RAM is constantly running so slow that I want to pull my hair out. When I check the task manager & identify the program that's eating up the system resources, then do a Google search, it always seems to be something that's part of my Norton's AntiVirus program.

I've tried McAfee & hated it. I've been happy with the job Norton's does, but if it's the culprit slowing me down I'm ready to move on. I've heard good things about Computer Associates but haven't used it yet myself.

So, here's my question...what's the best antivirus program (free is good, but I've been paying for years so I don't mind) that does the job without running so many programs in the background that it slows your computer to a crawl?

[paulisded]

Somebody tell me how I can disable this stupid Windows Defender that auto-downloaed a few days ago? It's overriding Avira and slowing everything down.

[LordJezo]

So, here's my question...what's the best antivirus program (free is good, but I've been paying for years so I don't mind) that does the job without running so many programs in the background that it slows your computer to a crawl?

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

or

http://www.free-av.com/

AVG is a resource hog. Mcafee and Norton are jokes that people who don't know about good antivirus programs use and spend lots of money on.

[Fallon]

Somebody tell me how I can disable this stupid Windows Defender that auto-downloaed a few days ago? It's overriding Avira and slowing everything down.

I use Autoruns. You can pick and choose what you want windows to start up with. I've shut down so much unnecessary garbage that used to slow mine down.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

[boobieman]

I use Autoruns. You can pick and choose what you want windows to start up with. I've shut down so much unnecessary garbage that used to slow mine down.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

I downloaded autoruns. Now how do I know what I can and can not turn off? I usually use msconfig. I see stuff like from google, I am assuming that is from google earth. But I don't need that to update. Any info you can give me would be great. Or if you know a web site that gives me detailed info on the program.

Thanks. I thought I knew computer crap..but I just know shit.

SSSEYAYAYAAA

[PapaBear]

I use Autoruns. You can pick and choose what you want windows to start up with. I've shut down so much unnecessary garbage that used to slow mine down.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

I downloaded autoruns. Now how do I know what I can and can not turn off? I usually use msconfig. I see stuff like from google, I am assuming that is from google earth. But I don't need that to update. Any info you can give me would be great. Or if you know a web site that gives me detailed info on the program.

Thanks. I thought I knew computer crap..but I just know shit.

SSSEYAYAYAAA
Try Winpatro (http://download.cnet.com/WinPatrol/3000-8022_4-10129149.html)l. It's always done good for me.

[boobieman]

I will try it..Thanks

SSEYAYA