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General discussion (archive)Best free virus software?(59 posts)(59 posts)
(59 posts)
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This is my favourite topic
Posted December 09, 2014
I use Security Essentials on my Windows boxes. Never had any problems, though I apply also common sense (meaning that I don't usually install stuff from unknown sources and autorun is disabled for all devices).
Posted December 09, 2014
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LJChronx: My 30 day trial of McAfee virus software is about to expire. Should I pay service for virus software or are there plenty of good free ones? Thx for any advice.
First things first, kill McAfee with fire. I had a free trial of it with a laptop once and it hounded me constantly for months about buying it until I cleared it completely from the computer.

Secondly, I would say just be careful. I have never really used anti virus and never really had any problems. I have malwarebytes and run it if I see symptoms of a problem or worry that I may have visited a dodgy website or downloaded a bad file.

I did use AVG for a while until I realised that was why my computer took about half an hour to start. And once or twice a week it would hold up the whole computer for an hour or so to update its files. Which considering I never had viruses it was far more trouble then it was worth.
Posted December 09, 2014
Antivirus is like the last barrier, I am really careful but you cannot prevent all downloads from websites into your profile.

A couple of days back, when I checked what is in Autostart, I noticed this crap got somehow onto my machine to be started out of my user's profile:
Akamai NetSession
Removing it from autostart and deleting the executable got rid of it, but the same way something harmful could have been installed.
Posted December 09, 2014
+1 For Avast and Malwarebytes.
For firewall I use Private Firewall.
Posted December 09, 2014
I have Avira on my Windows xp and I'm very happy with it. All the others (free) antivirus were a bit heavy for my pc.
Posted December 09, 2014
At the moment I am trying Bit Defender Free Edition (http://www.bitdefender.co.uk/solutions/free.html). It seems to be working quite good so far, and is very lightweight. Absolutely no options, though, it is an install and forget software.
Posted December 09, 2014
Forgot to mention, as with all software (especially free stuff) never just click on the 'install' button without checking what you are actually installing. Many programs will try to install additional software, like tool-bars or search engines. So always choose the 'custom' installation and uncheck any additional stuff that you don't want.
Posted December 09, 2014
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_Slaugh_: There's also <span class="bold">Avira Free Antivirus 2015</span>, which is very effective and light on system resources. Just avoid installing Avira SearchFree, as it's a disguised version of the "Ask toolbar" (an annoying spyware). The new version of Avast is a bloatware, and AVG uses too much resources for what it does.

If you're willing to pay for a commercial one, I highly suggest <span class="bold">ESET NOD32</span> (very light and effective, and lightning fast updates). Avoid Norton and McAfee at all cost, they're better for their marketing than their products...

To get a better idea of all the antiviruses, I highly suggest to take a look at <span class="bold">AV comparatives</span>. They test all the current antivirus solutions, including the free and the commercials ones, and also check for false positives.

MalwareBytes is one of the best free antimalwares. It can be installed even if an antivirus is present, but only if the resident protection is not installed (only available for the pro version).
If you do want to go commercial, I would recommend Webroot (http://www.webroot.com/us/en/). It is the fastest and most lightweight AV software out there
Posted December 09, 2014
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Tallima: The safest practice, of course, is to stay away from the dark side of the Internets.
As I always say: PICNIC! (Problem In Chair Not In Computer) :-D
Posted December 09, 2014
I think you're all missing the point. He asked for free virus software, not antivirus.
Posted December 09, 2014
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Tallima: The safest practice, of course, is to stay away from the dark side of the Internets.
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_Slaugh_: As I always say: PICNIC! (Problem In Chair Not In Computer) :-D
I prefer PEBKAC - problem exists between keyboard and chair.
Posted December 09, 2014
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ZFR: I think you're all missing the point. He asked for free virus software, not antivirus.
ROFL :-D

Then, I suggest him <i>Flame</i>, a nasty malware! :-)
Posted December 09, 2014
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_Slaugh_: As I always say: PICNIC! (Problem In Chair Not In Computer) :-D
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Maighstir: I prefer PEBKAC - problem exists between keyboard and chair.
I also know this one, but i prefer PICNIC, it sounds better! ;-)
Posted December 09, 2014
I have used some different antivirus softwares during the years. As for the free ones, I guess I mostly liked AVG and Avast. I have also used the purchased ones, like Norton Internet Security, Kaspersky. Those were good. Malwarebytes anti-malware seems like a must have program to me. Saved my skin many times.

It really depends, on how you use your computer and the internet. I had no problems for years now. Anyway, one of those more known free antivirus softwares will do the trick. They are good.
Posted December 09, 2014
BitDefender free edition, it's light on resources;
We become partners with bitdefender, got a certification from them also.
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This is my favourite topic
Community
General discussion (archive)Best free virus software?(59 posts)(59 posts)
(59 posts)