antivirus software

[webangel]

what's the best antivirus software right now? :p

[malcolan]

I think that AVG from Grisoft provides the best all-around protection. Plus, it's free.

http://free.grisoft.com

:cool:

[Redair]

what's the best antivirus software right now? :p

I use an relatively unknown company called Panda. it is cute, and very fast on updates for specific threats.

Please remember that Antivirus is only one part of your defense. That is why i use a slightly less well known brand. the well known brands are - in my opinion - more likely to be attacked. I have a long speel on it :)

Firewall is also a good idea, zonealarm is a free one. This is particularly relevant if you are using win2k or older. WinXP comes with it's own.

Also a final suggestion is to check you have your operating system fully updated, which normally means going to microsoft etc.

Sorry if i got a bit off the subject, I also use Antivir, and the main trick with that one is to use the "update" feature in it each day. Otherwise it can take up to 2 weeks to automatically update itself.

[ofcdn]

Symantec currently stands as number one. Not the internet security...just get the virus checker. If you also add Counterspy by Sunbelt-software.com for $19.00 per year. You will have most of your bases covered. Of course an external firewall is almost mandatory in todays world of broadband. Netgear makes an excellent firewall/router...but there are others. As long as they are "true" firewalls. But again, the most for your money is the Symantec (they own Norton's) anti-virus only, windows firewall, Counterspy, and external firewall...you are in great shape.

[webangel]

i thought panda eats up a lot of memory... and slows down the system? and i noticed the free edition of AVG cannot heal some viruses. :rolleyes:

[annie5]

Norton and McAfee!! They are the best... But they kinda slow down your computer!

[Redair]

i thought panda eats up a lot of memory... and slows down the system? and i noticed the free edition of AVG cannot heal some viruses. :rolleyes:

Panda:-
Yes panda does like 128MB or even better 256MB of Ram.
But this is because it does a lot of checks.
If it was to go on an older computer or a laptop I would turn off the "TruPrevent" option. (under unknown threats in security protection / settings)

AVG
Well - it is free. Dont expect something all singing and dancing for free

Norton / McAfee
These are certainly the best known, probably with Sophos. The disadvantage that these companies have lies in the people who make malicious code. When they write the code that attacks a computer, they write it to attack the anti-virus too (as well as the operating system, and normally the browser).

And because these are the three largest, there is a chance that these will be targeted more by malicious code than other anti-virus programs. This doesnt mean to use them or to not use them. But it is another piece of information.

The Ranking of antivirus programs is very hard. What do you rate them on? I personally look for speed of updates against new threats. Panda regularly comes out near the top for that. Being the largest doesnt mean they protect better. I have heard that the Norton renewal site is very "contrary". Another example.

Personally, I use Windows XP (because I cant be bothered learning Lynx etc)
I use Panda, because it has some of the quickest patches and updates against new threats in the industry. I use Mozilla and Opera web browsers as much as possible (and Internet Explorer only if i haev to). All of this is to try and not get hit with spyware and malicious code.

Finally - it will also depend what your situation is now. If you are about to have an antivirus package expire, you will have to find out how to un-instal your current anti-virus program. Because they protect you antivirus programs instal themselves deep into your operating system. You cant just turn one off.

If you are building your own new system you are in luck. The best way to instal in my opinion is straight onto a clean computer.

However, if you have a computer without protection, you are likely to have problems. Instaling protection onto a computer that is comprimised is tricky and can often erquire extra fiddling. A good suggestion I believe is to uninstall and re-instal your chosen anti-virus program should you have problems.

What ever you decide, good luck, it is a hard choice. Especially as once made you are unlikley to change before you get a new computer!

[ict-cramps]

I Had Nortons 2004 , 2005 and 2006 and after 2006 thats it i would never use them again. so i downloaded a free version of kaspersky. i was amazed. it even got 6 stars (top) from a pc magazine (nortons 2 stars). Kaspersky 6.0 is the best anti-virus i have ever had. it includes loads of features packed into an easy layed out program. other anti virus i had were avg , nod32 , nortons and mcafee. mcafee i would never ever use again i would stay well away from it. mcafee caused aload of problems for my pc and laptop.

My advice is to buy kaspersky 6.0 or download a free version of it. its easy to set up and has everthing and anto-virus should have.
kaspersky 6.0 antivirus or kaspersky 6.0 internet security

[\../Pwnx0r\../]

Norton and McAfee!! They are the best... But they kinda slow down your computer!

Installing Norton/Mcafee is just about the worst thing you could do to your computer. 2nd only to smashing it with a giant rock.

Anti Virus isn't nearly as important as a good firewall especially when it comes to a home computer / network.

The chances of encountering an actual "virus" are low. More likely it's a trojan that's going to want internet access. If it does, the firewall will tell you. Whether it asks or the trojan tries to kill it, you find out either way.

[mac_cloudninecomputerservicesdotcom]

Use Avast! It's free and great. Find it at www.download.com

mac@cloudninecomputerservices.com

Mac