I used to use AVG paid version, whenthey came out with 8 it turned into a resource hog, so I did a little research, and Symantec completely re-did their software, (re wrote code etc beyond me but that is what they did) so i purchased Norton Internet Security, let me tell you, this is not the old Norton, very little resources, and catches just about everything, Maximum PC did a rating of anti virus software, hence my choice for Norton, the purchase also comes with a license for 3 pcs, very easy to set up, and for the most part the default settings are just right, just some very minor tweaking here or there, so theres my 2 cents, actually i think it is up to 8 cents now on another note, i used Mcafee suite that comes with comcast, what a huge resource hog, slow your system to a crawl, so i would highly recommend Norton Internet Security
Yet here I am running AVG Free with Windows automatic updates set to ask me before downloading, and not using the MS site for them, and it didn't get through here. And I'm more than willing to bet my net activities are more, er, "dangerous" than hers.
I'm going to guess someone turned off automatic updates on it, Jonnan.
I use Kaspersky on three different machines. I used NOD 32 at one time is was also a very good Anti Virus. I do not use Suites. I use an AV program and various other forms of protection Malware Bytes, Spyware Blaster and Windows Defender
Kaspersky is your best option.
Free services suck, I have people tell me all the time how they have no problems, yet I see probably 40 computers a week come in with AVG or Avast or such on there with various virus related issues.
Oddly enough, Windows Update has been doing a pretty good job on getting rid of some widespread attacks lately, i.e. all the fake AV/AS software.
I like Avast! myself, it scans the files as you browse them, and doesn't slow my computer to boot!
As you found out there allot of opininos and option for you to pick from.
Most the AV`S are ok but can not be relied on alone You`ll be told watch how, you surf where you surf, and when you surf.
And you`ll be OK ,....But that is just not true.
let`s see we need a AV and a fireWall and a malware and a spyware and a Trojen Hunter and a,....HEY why do I need all that.!!!
Well that because no one program can do it all yes norton and some of the other network security suites do catch most,..But
they still miss things.
I`ve used most all there is to use at one time or another!! and I try to use the free ones only because my money is so tight!!!
google these they we help you a free AV you can use is Moonsecure (verison 1) it is free and I`ve been using it for almost a year.
Lavasoft Ad-Aware and Spybot - Search & Destroy these are free too they are for malware and spyware. also Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware it got the last bug when everything else failed!!! it`s scaner part is free fire wall there are free ones of those but i`m not using a free one so i`ll let some one else handle that one.
I just paid for Outpost security suite pro because I got a life time license for a one year Price!!! is it worth it !!! Don`t know yet!!!
Any ways what i`m using is Outpost security suite pro and ParetoLogic Anti-Spyware it`s not free but it`s as good as the free ones and not really and better I just like it better and was able to get it thru a trade I did.Also using Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.
On the other PC i`m using moonsecure and outpost firewall with Parelogic and Malwarebytes.
I scan at least weekly if not more often if I feel it is needed.
Once again it`s up to the user which program they like!!
Hah - sarry but no, I verified that. XP may have not updated properly, there may be an additional hole it got through, or something else entirely, but automatic updates was in fact on.
Not that it matters - like I said, I've recovered what I could and she's on Ubuntu now.
Jonnan
For most users browsinghabits a single security suite will keep them safe. I use *only* norton internet security 2009, and it keeps my computer clean from everything that has been thrown at it. I do occasionally scan with other tools just to make sure, and I have yet to see a single nasty that has slipped through.
I prefer to have a smooth running computer rather than install a dozen or so apps to "protect" me.
More than one antivirus = lots of viruses.
So keep one...
Nod32 or Avast
Ummm... No. It's a recipe for software conflicts though...
I guess i did not make it clear only one AV scaner sorry,.. Yes you are right if you try more the one AV Program they fight each other,... But you can use a single security suite if it suite you.
I have Norton 360, don't listen to people that tell you that it sucks. I have had Norton since 2003 and yes back then it could give problems. In vista it has given me no problems with it as long as it can scan once every week. When you do a comprehensive scan it even defragments your computer which most people do anyway. I have tried several antivirus programs and did not like them but I would not go out to say they are bad. I game and it has never given me a problem. If you want a good one get Norton 360 or internet security.
PS: it is a resource hog, very big hog
PS.
Wouldn't it be nice if we stop this discussion to confuzzle him not anymore. The problem is that from too many suggestions pointing in different directions to whom should he listen.
By the time he would have got his antivirus. And most antiviruses do the job these days if they are kept up to date.
I meant the same.
I wonder if Nequa is even reading this post anymore. It was originally posted 6 months ago, and he may have already chosen an AV solution. Meanwhile, I, who already had AV software I like, am reading about microwaves and refrigerators.
There is no best but some come close. Currently I prefer using the following applications on my machine to prevent any malicious spread of bugs. All use minimal resources since I need all the grunt for my gaming of course and all free since I like free stuff
Enjoy!