WEll my Norton security w/e ran out of its 90 day free trial so I was wondering if there are some decent virus protection software ect than anyone knows of that is good as well as free, lol.
Opinions are welcome.
How-To Geek Forums » Windows Vista
Virus Protection
(28 posts)
SSDF,
Although it will slow your machine down if not configured properly, this appears to be what many are using.
http://free.avg.com/ww.downloa.....ee-edition
Configuration is ALL important as it starts and runs as Services.
Search on google as there are numerous other good ones.
Regards,
Rick P.
OK, understand. If you want to go with a free one, then AVG is probably your best choice. Just make sure you also have a good data backup strategy including the registry with ERUNT http://www.softpedia.com/get/T.....nt-g.shtml . Then you are not in such a bad shape the day you have to reinstall because of some malware. Also download this free program http://filehippo.com/download_superantispyware/ This is one of the best spyware scanners around.
whs, I assume that you mean SuperAntiSpyware is one of the best spyware scanners? It does not claim to be a virus scanner at all. Where is there an anti-spyware comparison website like the anti-virus comparisons at av-comparatives.org ? I would like a second opinion on which anti-spyware program is best.
Lately I have been scanning in Vista with Kaspersky and Panda ActiveScan. For XP, I use Blink and Windows Live OneCare. All of these are free versions because I don't like paying for AV software either. I have been scanning the ads looking for a good sale on a commercial AV program.
well i would say that as long as you aren't going to iffy site and downloading from places that you don't know very well i think that almost any anti virus s/w would work. and i you use internet explorer or firefox you could get the add on mcaffee site advisor
firefox: http://www.google.com/url?q=ht.....t-MCX1QYfQ
ie: http://www.google.com/url?q=ht.....hMwXsfVxGw
it shows which sites are know to be good or bad according to the color of the oval (green good, red bad)
Computers on which we perform our tasks, need to be protected from viruses, worms etc. For protecting your computer you can use any of the antiviruses like Norton, symentic, kesperspy, avast etc.
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alizia
Edit by mod. What did that (removed) link have to do with this topic?
i agree with the comment "you get what you pay for". i would never trust a free security program. or anything with the name norton on it. after using all the brand name antivirus programs most sites are paid to push off on everyone i've determined they're mostly junk. if you paid good money for your computer or want to keep control of your computer, purchase nod32. for back up the free programs could be useful, try a-squared free and spywareblaster. just don't gum up your computer with "an arsenal" of free realtime security programs. this is just how i run mine, i like speed on my screen, when i click something it's instantly there. no lag, no waiting.
0zSpitt,
I somewhat agree with you. I have never run anti-virus programs in real time and never had a virus issue. I prefer to run anti-virus programs, when needed, as a part of routine scheduled machine maintenance.
(Disclaimer) I do run my machines behind a router with all unnecessary ports closed plus I don't open E-mails with attachments from unknown sources and I don't download files from unknown sources, etc, etc....
Also, the only (REAL) way which I know of to (ENSURE) virus removal is to boot a machine from another O/S on a USB memory stick, old floppy drive or in a CDrom PE environment and let an anti-virus program check MBRs, Partition Tables and ALL Files on the HDs. F-Prot use to have a program that would do this but they have discontinued it.
I feel sure many, many will totally disagree with my approach to security but that is OK as each must define their own comfort levels with their equipment and usage requirements.
Regards,
Rick P.
raphoenix, I think your approach is viable provided you have a good backup/restore strategy. An even safer approach is to run everything in a sandbox and have every file checked by a website like this.
http://www.virustotal.com/ - and it's for free.
whs, Lighthouse and jack7h3r1pp3r,
My backups are Totally Clean Ghost Partition Images on HDs which are Disconnected in every machine. Can be loaded and "good to go" in under (10) minutes (The Old Server Strategy).
Not sure about sand boxing and on-line file scanners as they are easy to breech and there are (have to be) files in use on the Operating System HOWEVER understand Lighthouse's (Real Time Must Do Position) as we would all be in trouble.
All Have Made Excellent Points.
Edit by mod. I checked that link out long ago :). But you should really post it in "Off Topic" :)
Regards,
Rick P.
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