Nerds & Geeks: Best anti-virus software?

[Miss Critter]

It's time to renew the anti-virus software, and I was wondering whether to continue with NOD32 by Eset or try something else. I haven't had any problems on my desktop with it, but got a nasty Trojan on the laptop. Are those possible to defend against with standard anti-virus?

Your input is appreciated.

[Danny Burns]

I've used Avast for the last two years. The home edition is free and it does prevent against Trojan horses and worms. It's kept things out of my computer that Norton and others could not.

avast! - Download antivirus software for spyware and virus protection

[kurt]

Avast, Avira and AVG are very popular, effective, and free.

Most Popular Windows Downloads - CNET Download.com

[Miss Critter]

Thanks guys! Free sure beats $60.

[Will B]

Doesn't matter what you get but remember...they are only as good as their last update. Keep 'em current!

[Gidget]

I use open source software - it is an alternative to Microsoft Windows/office. Ubuntu Linux is FREE and virtually virus free. I never have to install virus protection.

Just wanted to let you know that there are others options out there.

G

[Lward0617]

Miss Critter,

Both Avast Antivirus :,
FREE antivirus software with spyware protection: avast! Home Edition

And Microsoft's Security Essentials :,
http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

Are both Great solutions that are free. I have been using Avast for years over even AVG and recommended it to all of my clients. Now I actually prefer Microsoft Security Essentials.

If you are using Windows Xp, Vista, or Windows 7. Then the security essentials will have a little more synergy then Avast. And create a little less painful security environment.

It does a great job of running quietly, and as long as you have a steady internet connection it does a good job of updating itself as well.

[Smiling JOe]

I use and like AVG (free) and I couple that with running Malwarebytes and Ad-Aware (two other free malware programs) on occasion.

Works like a charm.

[Johnrudy]

Avast here, too. And do regular maintenence.

[rblessed1031]

I got a nasty bug and the company that I work for used CCleaner and Malwarebytes to remove and maintain.

[croixbum]

I use and like AVG (free) and I couple that with running Malwarebytes and Ad-Aware (two other free malware programs) on occasion.

Works like a charm.

I also use AVG and Malawarebytes, both are free and provide very good protection. I have been IT director in a school district with over 1500 pc's and have fought viruses, spyware and Malware for many years, important thing is to keep it updated and scan frequently.

[wrobert]

It's time to renew the anti-virus software, and I was wondering whether to continue with NOD32 by Eset or try something else. I haven't had any problems on my desktop with it, but got a nasty Trojan on the laptop. Are those possible to defend against with standard anti-virus?

Your input is appreciated.

NOD32 consistently comes out as one of the best products out there.

Since so many people are pointing you to free products, I am assuming it is being used in a non-commercial environment. AVG is not free for a business or school system according to its license. MS Security Essentials scores really high and, if I am remembering correctly, is allowable in a home office set up (commercial use).

[Miss Critter]

Question: How would I know about Avast updates? Are they sent automatically to your inbox, or would I need to do manual search? NOD32 would automatically update daily, sometimes several times a day, depending on threat.

Yes, this is for a home computer.

[Lward0617]

Question: How would I know about Avast updates? Are they sent automatically to your inbox, or would I need to do manual search? NOD32 would automatically update daily, sometimes several times a day, depending on threat.

Yes, this is for a home computer.

A little box will appear in the bottom right hand corner of your desktop that displays "Your virus database has been updated" If you have the sound on..It even says it out loud.

The only fault with Avast is that it doesn't do a great job with mal-ware and ad-ware. But it does manage to grab almost all Trojans and Viruses.
It updates sometimes several times a day as well.

MS Security Essentials runs a little bit tighter ship.

[Smiling JOe]

It is my understanding that virus protection and mal-ware protection typically require different programs to keep your system clean. I've also been told that you don't want to run multiple malware programs because one will often find the bad files quarantined within the other program and think that it needs to quarantine the other program. I typically run Ad-aware for the malware detection/removal. When I got some nasty malware from a FaceBook download, the only thing that was able to handle it was Malwarebytes, but I had to change the name of the software so that the malware wouldn't recognize the file name, and I had to run it in safe mode. Other than that time, I just stick with Ad-Aware for the malware.

[Miss Critter]

It is my understanding that virus protection and mal-ware protection typically require different programs to keep your system clean. I've also been told that you don't want to run multiple malware programs because one will often find the bad files quarantined within the other program and think that it needs to quarantine the other program. I typically run Ad-aware for the malware detection/removal. When I got some nasty malware from a FaceBook download, the only thing that was able to handle it was Malwarebytes, but I had to change the name of the software so that the malware wouldn't recognize the file name, and I had to run it in safe mode. Other than that time, I just stick with Ad-Aware for the malware.

Okay, I was following along quite nicely until this post. . . . . .

[Mango]

Okay, I was following along quite nicely until this post. . . . . .

He said just use one Malware program, I think.
MC, I used Avira on my former laptop and Malwarebytes without incident.
I have a new laptop with Windows 7 and the geek squad installed Kaspersky because they said it was the best. I don't even see when that updates, but for a free one Avira was sufficient and I didn't get any trojans or viruses that i was aware of.

[Smiling JOe]

Mango is correct, I said it is typically recommended to use only one mal-ware program, in addition to your virus protection program. Running more than one mal-ware program can cause conflicts.

[Snerd]

Here is another vote for Avast. Great reviews and great price (free)! And it talks to you if you have the volume on :)

[Beach Geeks]

If you want to avoid the nasty bugs of the internet a Mac is the best form of Anti-Virus / Anti-Malware that is out there :)

Now, for those of us that can't get a Mac right now, or refuse to switch, this is what I recommend for all of my customers right now.

I have been an AVG / Malware Bytes / SpyBot guy for a very very long time. I have found that these in combination far out perform Norton, McAfee, and others. Recently though, I started using Microsoft Security Essentials. It is working fantastic on my systems, and on all of my client's computers. It is free and can be downloaded at http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

It uses very few system resources and that is a major problem with most security suites. That has been my biggest complaint with AVG 9.0 is the amount of resources that it requires.

So try MSE. It is working great for me and all of my clients.

[Beach Runner]

Our organization pushed out VIPRE to the entire campus last summer. So far IT is very pleased with it.

[Hop]

a mac.

[30ABandMan]

Well, I've got a nasty little problem with my computer right now. I was about a week out of my subscription of Norton when I had a pop up "pop up" and start doing the whole scanning files deal and said it was Vista Pro Security. It asked did I want to register my copy and I clicked no several times. It was persistent.

Long story short, it informed my that I was leaving my computer vulnerable. My browser locked up and I had to reboot (install the virus) when my computer came back up, all of my file extensions were disassociated. Norton can't find a virus or any other threat.

While I can still use my computer, it kinda sux. Any advice?

[Beach Geeks]

Yeah, that is a nasty little bugger. I would boot to safe mode (assuming it hasn't been disabled) with networking. Install Malware Bytes. Run a full system scan. Then go back, install combofix.exe and run it as well. Then do the same with SpyBot. That should get it. If you can't get it or don't have time, feel free to let me know and I will help you with it. I deal with that virus on a daily basis.

[30ABandMan]

Yep, it's a little $astard. I'll try your fix. I don't understand why Norton 360 isn't catching it.

[croixbum]

Well, I've got a nasty little problem with my computer right now. I was about a week out of my subscription of Norton when I had a pop up "pop up" and start doing the whole scanning files deal and said it was Vista Pro Security. It asked did I want to register my copy and I clicked no several times. It was persistent.

Long story short, it informed my that I was leaving my computer vulnerable. My browser locked up and I had to reboot (install the virus) when my computer came back up, all of my file extensions were disassociated. Norton can't find a virus or any other threat.

While I can still use my computer, it kinda sux. Any advice?

It is a bad one, I found a very simple fix, there is a fix called Vista_Guardian_2010_Removal_Tool, I am an IT person and fooled with this one for several days until I found this tool, I used all of the other known programs and nothing would touch this problem, good luck with this. You have to run it in safe mode.

[Murray Balkcom]

I think Norton is an anti-virus program, and what you have bandman, sounds like adware. Beach Geek's solution should work, though you might have to download those programs to a jump drive from another computer before running on the problem one, unless you have already downloaded them on that computer.

IMP, Norton stinks and I'm beginning to think that Norton installs little problematic popups when your subscriptions run out. Don't buy intot that crap.

[30ABandMan]

I'm beginning to agree Murray. I had no problems for 3 years of my Norton Subscription and a week out I get nailed. Seems fishy.

[Murray Balkcom]

start>control panel>add or remove programs>select Norton> remove

use AVG for antivirus and malware bytes or adaware, all which are free and work much better.

Note, these free versions don't necessarily protect you fully, but they clean up very well. You can preset the scans to run automatically, maybe at night when you are asleep. If you want live 24 hour protection, they have subscription versions which provide live protection.

[ameliaj]

start>control panel>add or remove programs>select Norton> remove

use AVG for antivirus and malware bytes or adaware, all which are free and work much better.

Note, these free versions don't necessarily protect you fully, but they clean up very well. You can preset the scans to run automatically, maybe at night when you are asleep. If you want live 24 hour protection, they have subscription versions which provide live protection.

Hate that doggone Norton. I did the same as you but installed spybot instead of adaware. So far so good

[Surfrider28]

Another vote Avast.

[NotDeadYet]

I have been an AVG / Malware Bytes / SpyBot guy for a very very long time. I have found that these in combination far out perform Norton, McAfee, and others. Recently though, I started using Microsoft Security Essentials. It is working fantastic on my systems, and on all of my client's computers. It is free and can be downloaded at http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

So would your current recommendation for Windows 7 be MSE/Malware Bytes/Spy Bot?

[Selkie]

Avast

And NoScript for firefox

[Beach Geeks]

So would your current recommendation for Windows 7 be MSE/Malware Bytes/Spy Bot?

Yep, great combination

[Buz Livingston]

Yeah, that is a nasty little bugger. I would boot to safe mode (assuming it hasn't been disabled) with networking. Install Malware Bytes. Run a full system scan. Then go back, install combofix.exe and run it as well. Then do the same with SpyBot. That should get it. If you can't get it or don't have time, feel free to let me know and I will help you with it. I deal with that virus on a daily basis.

Five star service

[wrobert]

Our organization pushed out VIPRE to the entire campus last summer. So far IT is very pleased with it.

I keep thinking of pushing it out to some clients, but, like today, I get a notice that it is causing cpu usage to peg at 100% and stay unless you reboot when it happens. Do not need more tech issues being created so I keep plugging along with AVG. But then last week it started flagging Quickbooks files as a virus. Getting hard to win with antivirus software any more.

[wrobert]

Yep, it's a little $astard. I'll try your fix. I don't understand why Norton 360 isn't catching it.

Go at your own risk. But this site
https://zeustracker.abuse.ch/index.php
tracks zeus bot computers. And shows that the current antivirus detection rate is now below 47%. The writers of viruses are getting pretty sophisticated.

You should consider setting up a regular user account to work out of everyday instead of an administrator account. With win 7, it is no big deal when something needs installing to just enter an administrator username/password to get it installed. But it keeps drive by viruses from infecting your machine because a regular user account would not have install privileges to the registry.

If you are running XP, it is quite a bit more painful since you would have to log in as administrator to do installs then log back in as your everyday account.

And do not let the mac owners fool you. Norton makes a mac version of their software also.

The biggest security holes out there right now are Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, and Java so make sure you update all of those as soon as you can.

[Douglas the Intrepid]

Definitely Microsoft's Security Essentials. Its free, updated all the time, and runs seamlessly with windows. Best of all, its extremely resource friendly and doesn't bog down the system like Mccaffe's or Norton! :)