Virus software

[Worf]

I previously had McAfee virus software and wasn't happy with the product. I had problem with the computer, but McAfee said everything was fine.

I downloaded a trial version of Kaspersky and the thing is extremely complicated. It monitors everything. Nothing goes in or out without this thing noticing. Kaspersky told me that my computer was infected. I haven't tried Norton yet.

Any suggestions for which one to keep? I also need one that doesn't hog my resources and slows the computer down.

 

[calloway]

I've tried most of them... but like the free Avast version the best.

http://www.avast.com/

 

[eagle1man]

I've tried most of them... but like the free Avast version the brest.

Is that a Freudian slip (or flick) of the tongue?

 

[WoodPeckr]

I've tried most of them... but like the free Avast version the brest.

http://www.avast.com/

I'll second Avast, been using it since sept 2006 with no problems. Like it better than McAfee and Norton which I used for years. Right now I'm using the free 60 day demo of McAfee on a new laptop and when it runs out I'll put Avast on.

 

[skidor]

anti virus / anti spyware

You should try AVG free for antivirus and Webroots antispyware for spyware.


I've been using AVG free for years.

I found out about it when a company I used to work for used the free version
and they had several branches with multiple computers.

The company I work for now is much larger ( national) and we also use it.

I was on google the other day and when I clicked on the site I wanted,
the threat was caught right away.
You then move it to the virus vault then just delete.

Its caught trojans for me many times.

I use this in conjunction with Webroot Spysweeper and they have been flawless.

 

[jwmorrice]

Have a look here for a comprehensive comparison of the various anti-virus programmes: http://www.av-comparatives.org/seiten/ergebnisse/report17.pdf

jwm

 

[kumamake]

You should try AVG free for antivirus and Webroots antispyware for spyware.

i have used AVG for years and had problems also use webroot for spyware.

 

[Worf]

Well, as I have always known. You can get any help you need from the guys on Terb. Much appreciated.

 

[onehunglow]

I repair computers for a living.

There is no one program that does it all. You need to use many to completely protect yourself.

I have experienced, tested and researched most of the anti virus and spyware programs out there and these are my personal choices.

They also happen to be free which means you need to manually update them and run them once a week unless you decide to purchase their paid or business versions

AVG antivirus

Spybot Search and Destroy

Adaware

Spyware Blaster

The first 3 you update and run once a week. The last one you update only and it works on its own.

Currently AVG also has an antispyware program as well that is free and i have found that it almost does the job of Adaware and Spybot.



The key is to update them all and run them once a week.


Norton takes over your system and uses a lot of resources while McAfee is just plain crap.


There are many others out there but they are expensive and do not do any better than the free ones.

AVG antispyware - SpyBot Search & Destroy - Adaware have protected all of my systems personally and a majority of those i service. No problems.


It is also wise to stay away from gambling-porn-any sharing of files sites-free
downloads from bad sites and screensaver. You know, the good stuff!

Good Luck

 

[vavog]

Kaspersky and Nod32 are my favs. Nod32 especially on older (slower) machines.

I concur with the views on Symantec and McAfee.

 

[WoodPeckr]

It is also wise to stay away from gambling-porn-any sharing of files sites-free
downloads from bad sites and screensaver. You know, the good stuff!

Here's another reason to use/learn linux.
On linux I can hit all that 'good stuff' without fear!

 

[Jimmy C]

NOD32 with Spyware Doctor. Was Using Kaspersky with Spysweeper but new combo is faster and just as efficient.

 

[onehunglow]

Nod 32 is great if you can get a "free" version. wink wink!

 

[Doh]

Nobody knows about Corporate Symantec?

I run version 9.0, and it is very very differently than the consumer version (Norton Anti-Virus). They are written in different programming languages, with the 'Corporate' version much easier for the cpu to digest. Startup of the puter is much faster than with regular Norton, and it is very discreet and unobtrusive. No need to have the Norton firewall when you have one already with XP. The only thing is trying to find a copy of Corporate Symantec... it's not for sale... but it is out there... LOLZ
I run Spywareblaster as well. Avoid Spyware Doctor at all costs, it actually puts crap on your system . Spybot Search and Destroy is past its prime and no longer viable. Ad-aware is not really that great, but I'll run it once in a while for the heck of it. My favorite program is CCleaner, which basically gets rid of all internet files, history, cookies, temp files and other accumulated 'crap' *(CCleaner used to be called CrapCleaner).
Windows Defender is also good to have, but make sure you schedule the scans when you are going to be away for a long period of time.. it is a resource hog during scans.

 

[onehunglow]

XP's firewall is the weakest part of the program. If you rely on it you will regret it. If you're Grandma and send and receive 4 emails a week you are probably fine but anyone else is in trouble. Many of my clients use the XP firewall until i show them how they are being "invaded" easily.

Like i said, no 1 product does it all, you need many to do the job of what one should be doing.

Research on the net, make a decision, install the programs, run them often and stay away from dangerous sites.

 

[Horney_Senior]

Research on the net, make a decision, install the programs, run them often and stay away from dangerous sites.

Trend Micro's firewall flags TERB as a dangerous site.

 

[wpguser]

You might want to look into a new product called The Shield. I just purchased a new laptop and instead of using the pricey Norton I had a look at The Shield as it was one of the top rated on C-Net's website.

 

[onehunglow]

Trend Micro's firewall flags TERB as a dangerous site.

Its not Terb thats dangerous, its us!!!!!

 

[bobistheowl]

I use Avira Antivir:

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

It does a good job, and auto updates daily. You need to be near the computer when you do a full scan, though, because it stops with each detection, and resumes after you tell the computer what you want to do with the file, (delete, quarantine, ignore, etc. ). Sometimes serial cracks and keygens contain flagged files, but those may or may not be malevolent.