anti virus

Elin

So, what's the best free anti-virus out there right now? I usually go Avast or AVG. Are those still the top two? I've been using Kaspersky Internet Security, but it's pricey. Are Avast and AVG and such really that inferior to a paid program?

Steev

I switched to Avast over the past year from AVG and have been happy with it. A lot of people on the forum have been suggesting Microsoft's own Windows Live Essentials security lately.

TetraNitroCubane

I recommend Microsoft Security Essentials. It's free, and it just received a pretty nice upgrade. You can grab it here.

Also, I'd recommend having the free version of Malwarebytes Antimalware installed and up to date, too (Manual weekly scans are a good idea). It's a good tool to have on hand, and it can catch a lot of nasties that a majority of A/V software will miss.

Elin

TetraNitroCubane wrote: »

I recommend Microsoft Security Essentials. It's free, and it just received a pretty nice upgrade. You can grab it here.

Also, I'd recommend having the free version of Malwarebytes Antimalware installed and up to date, too (Manual weekly scans are a good idea). It's a good tool to have on hand, and it can catch a lot of nasties that a majority of A/V software will miss.

I use Malwarebytes already, that vector is covered.

Thanatos

I'll do my usual advocacy of "stop using Outlook. switch to Firefox, install a hardware firewall, surf safe, and don't use virus protection at all."

I'm kind of an optimization nut with my computer, though, so I hate having extraneous programs running in the background.

Adus

Web of Trust has a handy Firefox addon that helps identify potentially harmful sites as well. http://www.mywot.com/

Elin

Thanatos wrote: »

I'll do my usual advocacy of "stop using Outlook. switch to Firefox, install a hardware firewall, surf safe, and don't use virus protection at all."

I'm kind of an optimization nut with my computer, though, so I hate having extraneous programs running in the background.

I use Firefox, hate Outlook, have a router, surf safe, but I'm paranoid as I do all my banking and bill paying on my PC. And believe me, I know it's paranoia.

TetraNitroCubane

Elin wrote: »

Thanatos wrote: »

I'll do my usual advocacy of "stop using Outlook. switch to Firefox, install a hardware firewall, surf safe, and don't use virus protection at all."

I'm kind of an optimization nut with my computer, though, so I hate having extraneous programs running in the background.

I use Firefox, hate Outlook, have a router, surf safe, but I'm paranoid as I do all my banking and bill paying on my PC. And believe me, I know it's paranoia.

There's no longer such a thing as 'safe surfing' in my opinion. Constantly evolving threats and compromises of legitimate websites via injection attacks or ad-hijacking mean that even your most trusted site can be a vector. Additionally, Firefox is not a cure-all browser. It's as vulnerable as any other. A little paranoia will go a long way - Or, stated otherwise, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

That being said, if you wanted to be paranoid AND maintain a lightweight system footprint as per Thanatos' suggestion, it's possible to do without A/V software and be very secure against infection. It involves a lot of system configuration to set up a Software Restriction Policy, but running a system under a limited user with SRP is actually more secure than any anti virus. It's just a pain in the butt to change your computer usage habits to conform to an SRP, I've found.

Of course, that's getting afield of your question, so I'll stop babbling now.

fightinfilipino

i'll throw in my usual recommendation of Avira Antivir. it's lightweight and really good at detections.

TychoCelchuuu

Microsoft Security Essentials is my #1 choice these days.

CptnNick

I personally use a combination of Microsoft Security Essentials and the free Comodo Firewall. You might want to check the [Shields Up] thread in the Compiter Technology subforums under gaming as well.

Reiten

I've been using Avira Antivir for quite a while now and it has worked well for me.