Best AV protection for PC?

[3for3]

Hello,

I am not computer savvy at all, so please help me pick the best product. I want to purchase an antivirus program for my PC to protect it from malware, viruses, phishing, ransom virus, trojans and any other malicious threats online. I do not know all the tech specs on my system, all I know is that it is a Dell Optiflex 745 desk top computer.

I have researched and narrowed it down to:
Malwarebytes
Webroot
Eset
Bitdefender

Which one should I get? Or, do you have a better product recommendation than what I listed. Thank you.

 

[ClutchDisc]

I would go with Bitdefender or Eset, Webroot isn't very good.

I personally would just go with Bitdefender free, that is what I use, and what I give everyone who needs an antivirus (When I work on their computers). I have never had an issue with it, and have never gotten a virus with it either. It's a very lightweight AV.

 

[dblshock]

Microsoft's Security Essentials.

 

[ClutchDisc]

Originally Posted By: dblshock
Microsoft's Security Essentials.


That is about the worst option you could use. You might as well run without an AV before running MSE.

 

[GiveMeAVowel]

Originally Posted By: ClutchDisc
Originally Posted By: dblshock
Microsoft's Security Essentials.


That is about the worst option you could use. You might as well run without an AV before running MSE.


Actually as long as you are a somewhat careful user and use your head when surfing the web MSE should be more than adequate. If you take some risks then I would agree that one of the others is a better bet.

 

[dishdude]

I ran MSE and Chrome for years, never an issue. Not running anything on my Windows 10, Mint, Chromebook or Android machines.

 

[NHHEMI]

I use Norton Security Suite. I get it free as part of my Comcast internet package. I never used to like Norton as I felt it slowed the system down too much but the newer versions are much better about that. I run Malwarebytes occasionally as preventative maintenance just to snag anything that might get past. Haven't had a problem in I don't know how long? Years and years.

I have used Norton for so long now that I don't really know what other AV programs out there work well? I usually use AVG when I work on someone else's system and they want a free AV program. When a paid one is acceptable I suggest Norton.

One AV I will say to avoid at all costs is McAfee. It doesn't seem to stop anything these days. Have a couple friends and family members who insist on running it and I am constantly working on their systems because something got past.

 

[285south]

Linux. I've been virus, melware, and the black plague free since 2003.

 

[Noobie]

Bitdefender or Kaspersky. Both have shown very consistent reviews based on tests done in the last couple of years by labs or amateur reviewers.
Cant go wrong with either of those.

 

[punisher]

Originally Posted By: Noobie
Bitdefender or Kaspersky. Both have shown very consistent reviews based on tests done in the last couple of years by labs or amateur reviewers.
Cant go wrong with either of those.


This. Both over the long term have been solid.

 

[C1KLTX]

Out of your list ESET/Malwarebytes.

I have used all of those one time or another. Bitdefender is good but it has a popup box saying that it is running and you cant disable it (Which I don't like)

Webroot is ok, was not my favorite if you want a cloud based AV try Panda Cloud.

 

[demarpaint]

I tried Bitdefender on a fresh install of Win10, and used the EICAR test file to see if it worked. It didn't and out came Bitdefender. I'm not bashing Bitdefender but it was very odd it didn't pass the EICAR test. Maybe it was a fluke?

I'm running Comodo now and I'm very happy to have made the change. YMMV.

 

[Garak]

You're not supposed to be playing with Windows at all!

I've still been too lazy to upgrade my Mint, by the way.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: Garak
You're not supposed to be playing with Windows at all!

I've still been too lazy to upgrade my Mint, by the way.


LOL My go to business machine is still a Mint box. I've been fooling around with Win 10 only because its free.

 

[Pokermatters]

I"ve used both Avast free and AVG free over the last 10 years with good results. Before that I had a discounted 3 year subscription to PC-cillin and it did the job.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

Avast works for me, with periodic Malwarebytes scanning.

 

[OVERKILL]

ESET makes a quality product and is probably the best from your list.

 

[3for3]

Ok, thank you all for the replies.

 

[linksep]

https://www.foolishit.com/cryptoprevent-malware-prevention/

On top of that use Firefox with Adblock Edge, MVPS Hosts file, and _____ Free Antivirus (MSE or other) as well as a user that has 5 free seconds in their life to read and comprehend pop-ups then relate them to the action they were attempting to perform. Then take 2 backups a month (one inside your house, another remote) and you're beyond golden.

 

[badtlc]

Avira. I think it has passed bitdefender for speed and is still just a hair better with detection and protection.