Anti-virus program-free. Day 90.

[Mystic]

I checked out some of the most recent testing by AVTest recently and Kaspersky really looks good. Kaspersky scored a 6 (the highest) in protection along with programs like GData, Bitdefender, and Bullguard but also scored a 6 in cleanup, higher than the other programs. But I do think a rewrite of Kaspersky is necessary so that some of the technology (such as sandboxing) is compatible with 64 bit operating systems. It also worries me that apparently some Kaspersky code was leaked out onto the internet. I don't think somebody can beat Kaspersky however especially if they have a 32 bit operating system.

I really like NOD32 (or the Smart Security version) and I have used it in the past. It does not slow a computer down much and Esset has a great long time reputation. But I sort of have mixed feelings about NOD32 because I witnessed myself Trojan Horse programs get past an earier version. And in the recent AVTest testing Smart Security did not look all that good.

I don't know how Microsoft Security Essentials even passed the testing. Microsoft Security Essentials scored a 2 in protection. Should that not be a fail? Even McAfee did better and I would not buy McAfee whatsoever. It would be great if a free antivirus like Microsoft Security Essentials could get the job done. But I just don't think it is adequate based on what I have been able to find out.

I have wondered for a long time why antivirus software like Kaspersky is not produced in the United States. American companies can't get the job done?

 

[saberz]

I haven't paid for one in years. I use MSE as well and it does the job fine.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

It's all about where you go on the internet - what attachments you open - email sources that you reply to .... etc. That's half the battle
Do regular antivirus, malware and spyware scans and regular cleanups of temporary files, flash cookies, caches....etc. That's the other half of the battle.

Your internet travels and how you apply common sense will make free antivirus programs look good - or look bad.

Personally, I would rather have my website searches run slower and have it catching bad guys with a subscription antivirus program -- versus a fast internet and a free antivirus program that's not rated well. What I believe to work best may not work well for you - plus vise-versa.

I was about to ditch McAfee, but decided to purchase their AntiViruys Plus 2012. Why? Because I have traveled on the internet for the past 12 years and the first seven years I would average one virus and a dozen trojans per year using free programs like AVG, Avira and Ad-Aware. For the past four years with McAfee, no viruses and only average 3-4 trojans per year.

This new one year subcription only cost me $9.95. I use other programs for spyware and malware. I feel safe with McAfee and I know it works good. Sure - my computer runs slower than those with AVAST, MSE.... etc, but I really don't need extra fast web surfing. I use the computer for recreation, not work.

 

[DragRace]

Simply relying on an antivirus program as your sole form of PC protection,is a bad idea,regardless if it's free or paid.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Originally Posted By: DragRace
Simply relying on an antivirus program as your sole form of PC protection,is a bad idea,regardless if it's free or paid.


You replied to poster Popinski and he doesn't use an antivirus program.

What do you use DragRace?

I'll give you my list...

McAfee AntiVirus Plus 2012
SuperAntiSpyware
Malwarebytes AntiMalware
Spybot
CCleaner

 

[DragRace]

Originally Posted By: Triple_Se7en
Originally Posted By: DragRace
Simply relying on an antivirus program as your sole form of PC protection,is a bad idea,regardless if it's free or paid.


You replied to poster Popinski and he doesn't use an antivirus program.

What do you use DragRace?

I'll give you my list...

McAfee AntiVirus Plus 2012
SuperAntiSpyware
Malwarebytes AntiMalware
Spybot
CCleaner


Sandboxie
No Antivirus
Malwarebytes AntiMalware
HitmanPro
CCleaner

 

[kc8adu]

if you set cookie handling right its never an issue.block 3rd party and dump everything on browser close.ad exceptions for sites you want cookies kept for.
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Comodo user here, along with their firewall, both free and work great. I have Malwarebytes anti-malware and it never finds anything, yet Super Anti-Spyware finds lots of tracking cookies. All programs were free, I just don't understand all the hype surrounding Malwarebytes?

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Originally Posted By: kc8adu
if you set cookie handling right its never an issue.block 3rd party and dump everything on browser close.ad exceptions for sites you want cookies kept for.


You won't get very far surfing the web doing that. I'm talking most forums, messageboards, blogs, newspapers, sports websites...etc... especially those requiring sign-ins. You'll also be restricted at many email houses like Yahoo...etc.

 

[saberz]

You do have to have a multitude of tools. My laptop is using:

MSE
MW-bytes


My Desktop which used to be my primary rig(its in storage right now) was my share to my laptop and had additional software installed and scheduled to run between 2-4 AM every day to ensure it was clean.

My Wireless Router Netgear WNR3000/3500(can't remember) was flashed with DD-WRT and using custom Linux scripts and an up to date SPI Firewall/DB and I used to monitor it weekly(logs) to see what was up.

Only on one occasion did I ever have anyone get into my home network and my PC detected it(prompted for file sharing). I quickly black-holed their IP's and then disconnected the modem to get things secured.