recommended virus software?

[killer_carlson]

Any suggestions?

Used Kapersky, something else at the office, something called fortinet as well.

not married to any brand, just want the best value that gets the job done.

[Yellefan]

I just use windows defender on my windows pc, it comes with windows 8 and seems to work fine, never had a problem.

[rbochan]

Avast free is what I use. Do a custom install and remove all their cruft ("tools") and turn off the sounds.

[Thor]

Windows defender, it does the job. There is no reason to pay for virus software today, honestly if you just watch what you install you'll avoid the biggest problem these days is malware which people install unknowingly by just hitting next next next when installing something.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by rbochan

Avast free is what I use. Do a custom install and remove all their cruft ("tools") and turn off the sounds.

+1. I really like silent/gaming mode.

Once in a while, I will install the Nod32 trial to see if there is anything that was missed by avast.

For malware, I'll use the malwarebytes trial for the 30 days to check.

I've also been playing around with Kingsoft PC doctor which has many other functions other than antivirus.


Windows defender is probably more than enough on a windows 8 PC, but for anything earlier than 8, I'd consider other options.

[rbochan]

Originally Posted by rbochan

Avast free is what I use. Do a custom install and remove all their cruft ("tools") and turn off the sounds.

As an addition, I use Firefox with the Adblock Plus and Flashblock extensions. Spybot S&D (older version) for the immunization function helps as well.

[MrCallahan]

I've been a fan of NOD32 for years, and have always stuck with them. Small foot print, sits there and does it's thing pretty quietly. I only used the anti-virus, so I can't speak to the full ESET security suite.

[DoubleF]

If Nod32 was free, I'd definitely use it exclusively. Unfortunately, I'm cheap.

[photon]

Yeah NOD32 is great. I'm trying out Bitdefender right now and am pretty happy with it, a lot less intrusive than others I've used and it does seem to be light on the system resources.

I'm not sure I'd recommend Windows Defender (or MSE or whatever it is now) any more, it used to be right up at the top in tests but recently it's fallen off.

Avira is another one that's supposed to be good: http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus

Panda is also supposed to be good though maybe a little heavier on resources: http://www.cloudantivirus.com/en/

[ricosuave]

bitdefender free

[DoubleF]

Avira and Panda aren't bad, but used to have lots of false positives IIRC. But things may have changed.

AVG was decent, but like MSE tumbled down the rankings as time went on. I don't know if they've redeemed themselves since I last used them about 4-5 years ago. Not great impressions for these two from me, but apparently AVG won an award recently?

I hear some of the higher end Norton versions are pretty good and not like getting an actual virus like McAfee and Norton used to be (in terms of wasting computer resources). But if I pay, I would go Nod32 over Norton. I think if anything is worse than McAfee on your computer for resource hogging, it's Kapersky. Again, things could have changed, but I don't have a good impression of Norton, McAfee and Kapersky for paid programs.

Heard some good stuff about Sophos and Trend Micro Titanium, but haven't used personally unfortunately.

[Igster]

Panda is free and one of the best IMO. Bitdefender as well is pretty decent. For the love of God though, don't pay for anti virus software.

Windows Defender or Microsoft Security Essentials is crap IMO.

[photon]

Paying isn't so bad either, I've paid the last few times but I wait until some kind of black friday type sale where they're 80% off.

[MrCallahan]

I have no problems paying if it's fair, $60 for a 2 year license? I've spent more on worse, or even at the Dome eating/drinking during the game.

I always look for decent free stuff when I'm helping fix family/friends computers though, make it easy on them.

[DownInFlames]

I pay for Bitdefender. I'm savvy enough to avoid malware (at least I think I am) but it's good to have peace of mind, and Bitdefender doesn't hog resources at all.

[Igster]

Originally Posted by photon

Paying isn't so bad either, I've paid the last few times but I wait until some kind of black friday type sale where they're 80% off.

Point is, there are so many excellent and in many cases, better, free alternatives, why pay for AV software? I'm not advocating pirating or anything, just pick an excellent free alternative. Panda and Bitdefender both have amazing free alternatives that beat the paid competition IMO.

[Dion]

Norton Security for me.

[Vulcan]

Still on Bitdefender Free here along with Malwarebytes free edition and SuperAntispyware. The last two I have to run manually but they don't interfere with Bitdefender and pick up cookies and PUPs that Bitdefender miss. These PUPs can be annoying and take up resources. I'm careful when downloading that I uncheck these Pups but still they seem to sometimes get in.

If you're really into keeping your computer clean or have run into trouble, you can try adwcleaner and Sophos Virus Removal Tool.

[GoinAllTheWay]

What about laptops that travel a lot and see numerous open wifi networks (hotels, airports, cafe's), are the free options still good enough for that? Obviously viruses aren't the main concern here but many paid options also keep an eye on network activity.

I also use ghostery and adblock on my travel laptop, any other suggestions?