Best anti-virus you used

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<div class="IPBDescription">Looking for an alternative to Free Avg I have</div>I am using Free Avg for close to 4 years now and for the past 2 weeks, it seams to have problems getting an update or even connecting. Since it is a free version I won't have any support for it. I am using a free version for the moment because I only use Windows XP for the softwares I cannot use in a Linux variant (I have 2 Ubuntus 8.10 + 1 Fedora 10)

So I am just curious as to what other anti-virus software is out there but need some feed backs. I am currently looking at the site <a href="http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/" target="_blank">http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/</a>

1) Which anti-virus are you using ?

2) How much are you paying per year (unless its a free versin) ?

3) What kind of problems have you encountered with other softwares on your PC ?

4) Did it ever had problems removing a virus ?

5) How easy is it to use ?

Kouji_San

Using AVG as well, and also have some trouble with the auto update manager... Although annoying, it is easlily fixed by simple going into the AVG user interface and press the Update now tab.

On another note, I did use Avast! a long time ago. Twas free as well...

X_Stickman

I use Avast!, mostly because I can't be bothered looking for another free one, and when the AVG free stopped being updated for free, it was recommended to me.

KungFuDiscoMonkey

<!--quoteo(post=1699220:date=Feb 2 2009, 11:01 AM:name=X_Stickman)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(X_Stickman @ Feb 2 2009, 11:01 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1699220"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I use Avast!, mostly because I can't be bothered looking for another free one, and when the AVG free stopped being updated for free, it was recommended to me.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I thought AVG still did free updates for the basic version.

X_Stickman

I can't even remember. I just kept getting messages that my version of AVG was no longer being supported after x date or something. The date kept changing, but if nothing else the constant popups were driving me mad, so I just switched.

That_Annoying_Kid

they do, but sometimes they bork and you have to hit the update tab, or do it manually

Mullet

I've been using AVG for around 5 or 6 years and it has never let me down. The automatic update works about 95% of the time, which is the least of my worries when it comes to viruses/trojans/rootkits/etc. I still think AVG is the way to go, but I've heard AVAST is superb.

RuBy

I'm a big fan of Nod32. Lightweight, easy updates.

My primary means of protection, though, is being careful on the interwebs.

KungFuDiscoMonkey

<!--quoteo(post=1699222:date=Feb 2 2009, 11:19 AM:name=X_Stickman)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(X_Stickman @ Feb 2 2009, 11:19 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1699222"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I can't even remember. I just kept getting messages that my version of AVG was no longer being supported after x date or something. The date kept changing, but if nothing else the constant popups were driving me mad, so I just switched.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

I think they released a new version of AVG so they stopped supporting the old one, but I think they do still support the newer free version.

Kouji_San

<!--quoteo(post=1699230:date=Feb 2 2009, 09:06 PM:name=KungFuDiscoMonkey)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(KungFuDiscoMonkey @ Feb 2 2009, 09:06 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1699230"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I think they released a new version of AVG so they stopped supporting the old one, but I think they do still support the newer free version.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Exactly. AVG is now on version 8, they are no longer supporting versions below that.

locallyunscene

I used to swear by symantec sygate(not free) before I switched to Vista, but now AVG is where it's at for me.

Kassinger

I've been using avast for a long time now, and I'm quite happy with it. The menus are a bit tacky though. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />

DOOManiac

> 1) Which anti-virus are you using ?
Common sense with a mild dash of paranoia.

> 2) How much are you paying per year (unless its a free versin) ?
$0

> 3) What kind of problems have you encountered with other softwares on your PC ?
None.

> 4) Did it ever had problems removing a virus ?
Nothing an fdisk wouldn't solve.

> 5) How easy is it to use ?
Harder than you'd think for most people.

TinCan

AVG 8+ all the way

<a href="http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?tag=contentBody;mostPopTwoColWrap&cdlPid=11001323" target="_blank">http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Fre...cdlPid=11001323</a>

TychoCelchuuu

<!--quoteo(post=1699254:date=Feb 2 2009, 06:07 PM:name=DOOManiac)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DOOManiac @ Feb 2 2009, 06:07 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1699254"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->> 1) Which anti-virus are you using ?
Common sense with a mild dash of paranoia.

> 2) How much are you paying per year (unless its a free versin) ?
$0

> 3) What kind of problems have you encountered with other softwares on your PC ?
None.

> 4) Did it ever had problems removing a virus ?
Nothing an fdisk wouldn't solve.

> 5) How easy is it to use ?
Harder than you'd think for most people.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
+1. As long as you've got a firewall running and you don't download porn that ends in .exe, and then run the porn, and then stare at a command prompt trying to get hard, you should be okay.

Kouji_San

3 )What kind of problems have you encountered with other softwares on your PC ?

A) Gamespy doesn't work, without bypassing AVG somewhat awefull...


Also LOL TychoCelchuuu <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />

ZeroByte

Obviously the best antivirus solution is Symantec. They have <a href="http://odeo.com/episodes/258307" target="_blank">sweet solutions, in revolutions</a>.

Shockeh

<!--quoteo(post=1699264:date=Feb 3 2009, 02:28 AM:name=TychoCelchuuu)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TychoCelchuuu @ Feb 3 2009, 02:28 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1699264"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->+1. As long as you've got a firewall running and you don't download porn that ends in .exe, and then run the porn, and then stare at a command prompt trying to get hard, you should be okay.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I don't even manage the firewall. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />

Svenpa

Note that steam hates a bunch of anti viruses so if you frequently use it, check steam support.

radforChrist

Browser, is this box dualboot? If so, don't really worry about a Win AV and just perform clamAV scans on it from the linux side. I just do it when I'm idling for a while. That coupled with <a href="http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html" target="_blank">Spybot S&D</a> (Don't use real time protection (TeaTimer), just update and Immunize it), <a href="http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html" target="_blank">Spyware Blaster</a> (again, just update and enable all protection), and from time to time run <a href="http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php" target="_blank">Malwarebytes Anti-Malware</a> if you feel paranoid you have an infection and you'll be fine. Heck as long as you update the Microsoft Software Removal Tool (which is automatic with Microsoft Updates), just run "mrt" from the command line and let it scan from time to time.

I use AVG on my Windows partition, but honestly, good practices and protecting yourself a head of time will go a long way. As far as the AVG update schedule, just change the time it tries to update. Remember, almost everyone who installs AVG free never change the update and scan times, so when you are trying to update, so are millions of other PC's. Just make it themiddle of the day or the middle of the night. That keeps mine working fine.

zimzum

best avg by far - Avira. Free version available. here's one site i use for updates on av comparisons --> <a href="http://www.av-comparatives.org/" target="_blank">http://www.av-comparatives.org/</a>

while avg is ok, there is better.

Tykjen

For the past years Ive used

Avast Home edition
Spybot Search & Destroy
CCcleaner

And yea, never ever used IE as browser.

= NO Trojans, virus, mal/spy/adware for as long as I can remember.

Rob

<!--quoteo(post=1699264:date=Feb 2 2009, 09:28 PM:name=TychoCelchuuu)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TychoCelchuuu @ Feb 2 2009, 09:28 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1699264"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->+1. As long as you've got a firewall running and you don't download porn that ends in .exe, and then run the porn, and then stare at a command prompt trying to get hard, you should be okay.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

I don't know about you, but command prompts are pretty hott.

Zaggy

1) Which anti-virus are you using ?
<b>Antivir</b>

2) How much are you paying per year (unless its a free versin) ?
<b>It's free</b>

3) What kind of problems have you encountered with other softwares on your PC ?
<b>None</b>

4) Did it ever had problems removing a virus ?
<b>Nope</b>

5) How easy is it to use ?
<b>Pretty easy</b>

bonus tips on usage:
<b><a href="http://www.tipsfor.us/2007/08/15/make-avira-antivir-free-edition-more-usable/" target="_blank">http://www.tipsfor.us/2007/08/15/make-avir...on-more-usable/</a></b>

browser:
<b>Firefox latest + adblock + noscript</b>

other tools:
<b>* SysInternals Proces Explorer, Proces Monitor, TcpView and Autoruns <a href="http://www.stevetrefethen.com/blog/MicrosoftSysInternalsPresentationByMarkRussinovich.aspx" target="_blank">Excellent presentation on usage of named tools</a>
* Virtualbox to test suspicious files in a VM
* zerowine for malware analysis: <a href="http://sourceforge.net/projects/zerowine" target="_blank">http://sourceforge.net/projects/zerowine</a>
* <a href="http://www.virustotal.com/" target="_blank">http://www.virustotal.com/</a> for exe analysis
* <a href="http://anubis.iseclab.org/" target="_blank">http://anubis.iseclab.org/</a> for exe and other</b>

Tips on general pc usage:
<b>* don't open executables (exe files) that you do not trust, run them on a VM if you really have to know
* take caution on what links you open on the internet, noscript stops a lot of crap but there are still persistent ones that make you download notavirus.exe or notavirus.msi and such
* when installing software, don't blindly hit next, I know it's fun, the extra toolbar and changed homepage are not.
* Don't run services/daemons unless needed, everything that runs is a potential target
* Keep your OS and applications updated
* Keep track of known viruses/application issues (if you cba)
</b>

I uhh, added a bit.

Faskalia

What are you looking for exactly?

Just a free virus scanner? ->Get ClamWin.

Or do you want a protective suite? -> Get avast!

Browser_ICE

<!--quoteo(post=1699327:date=Feb 3 2009, 08:38 AM:name=radforChrist)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(radforChrist @ Feb 3 2009, 08:38 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1699327"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Browser, is this box dualboot? If so, don't really worry about a Win AV and just perform clamAV scans on it from the linux side. I just do it when I'm idling for a while. That coupled with <a href="http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html" target="_blank">Spybot S&D</a> (Don't use real time protection (TeaTimer), just update and Immunize it), <a href="http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html" target="_blank">Spyware Blaster</a> (again, just update and enable all protection), and from time to time run <a href="http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php" target="_blank">Malwarebytes Anti-Malware</a> if you feel paranoid you have an infection and you'll be fine. Heck as long as you update the Microsoft Software Removal Tool (which is automatic with Microsoft Updates), just run "mrt" from the command line and let it scan from time to time.

I use AVG on my Windows partition, but honestly, good practices and protecting yourself a head of time will go a long way. As far as the AVG update schedule, just change the time it tries to update. Remember, almost everyone who installs AVG free never change the update and scan times, so when you are trying to update, so are millions of other PC's. Just make it themiddle of the day or the middle of the night. That keeps mine working fine.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


Actually I have a quatrupule boot : Win XP + Ubuntu 8.10 (remote office) + Ubuntu 8.10 (personal) + Fedora 10 (curious about it).

I only use an anti-virus on my windows (keep windows for the things I can`t use in a Linux O/S). I'm only playing 3 games on my Windows XP and my wife has one game on it. I do not do anything else with it except 3dmax.

I am not specifically looking for a free version but would be preferable. I am just looking at options in case I have to much problems with AVG updates (I did de-installed it and re-install a fresh version so so far no problems...)

spellman23

I've actually had zero problems with AVG free for a while.

I also keep my computer immunized with Spybot.

radforChrist

<!--quoteo(post=1699345:date=Feb 3 2009, 12:21 PM:name=Faskalia)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Faskalia @ Feb 3 2009, 12:21 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1699345"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->What are you looking for exactly?
Just a free virus scanner? ->Get ClamWin.
Or do you want a protective suite? -> Get avast!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Yeah, do note that Clamwin is not a realtime protection method. It only works when you manually scan, doesn't do it as you work.

Caboose

I use Symantec, though it was free through my college. I've never had a virus on this computer, though, it is a PPC Mac, probably due to it being a mac, and not so much the anti-virus.

Drfuzzy

Avast! is one of your best free one along with avg

DrSuredeath

Avast! is good. Sooooo good.