Interesting article on Avast!
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Another online scan I used in the past was F-Secure's.
And it is possible to download for free AV software from Kaspersky and F-Secure that you can put on a CD and run a scan on a computer. But both the Kaspersky and F-Secure CDs run in versions of Linux and I don't know if they would work okay on Windows 8/8.1 O/S computers. I have used both on Windows computers before Windows 8/8.1.
You can also download from Microsoft (for free) the Windows Defender Offline and put it on a CD. It runs in a compact version of Windows.
If you own the ESET AV you can download a version of ESET that will run on a CD. But I tried that twice and it was hard to do so I have never run the ESET AV on a CD.
And it is possible to download for free AV software from Kaspersky and F-Secure that you can put on a CD and run a scan on a computer. But both the Kaspersky and F-Secure CDs run in versions of Linux and I don't know if they would work okay on Windows 8/8.1 O/S computers. I have used both on Windows computers before Windows 8/8.1.
You can also download from Microsoft (for free) the Windows Defender Offline and put it on a CD. It runs in a compact version of Windows.
If you own the ESET AV you can download a version of ESET that will run on a CD. But I tried that twice and it was hard to do so I have never run the ESET AV on a CD.
Okay... so does this mean Avast now isn't favorable or should be uninstalled if it contains a nasty?
How about no antivirus then maybe run ESET Online Scanner once a week or when needed? (have never ran ESET)
I have Avast and Malwarebytes right now. Was just MSE before, but Avast seemed a strong recommendation back when I made the change.
How about no antivirus then maybe run ESET Online Scanner once a week or when needed? (have never ran ESET)
I have Avast and Malwarebytes right now. Was just MSE before, but Avast seemed a strong recommendation back when I made the change.
You want to run an AV even if it is MSE or Windows Defender. The ESET Online Scan does not scan all the time and you have to have an active AV all the time to protect yourself.
According to AVTest the free Panda AV performed very well in a six month endurance test. I guess if I was going to use a free AV that would be it.
Malwarebytes is also free if you download the free version and why not? It is free. You just have to remember to keep it updated and run it sometimes.
Personally I am not going to run a free AV. I care about my information enough and the security of my computer so that I will search for the best paid AV.
According to AVTest the free Panda AV performed very well in a six month endurance test. I guess if I was going to use a free AV that would be it.
Malwarebytes is also free if you download the free version and why not? It is free. You just have to remember to keep it updated and run it sometimes.
Personally I am not going to run a free AV. I care about my information enough and the security of my computer so that I will search for the best paid AV.
Originally Posted By: Errtt
Okay... so does this mean Avast now isn't favorable or should be uninstalled if it contains a nasty?
How about no antivirus then maybe run ESET Online Scanner once a week or when needed? (have never ran ESET)
I have Avast and Malwarebytes right now. Was just MSE before, but Avast seemed a strong recommendation back when I made the change.
You can keep Avast, I think the only issue is in the browser extension. I personally switched from Avast to Bitdefender free and I think it's a lot better than Avast.
Okay... so does this mean Avast now isn't favorable or should be uninstalled if it contains a nasty?
How about no antivirus then maybe run ESET Online Scanner once a week or when needed? (have never ran ESET)
I have Avast and Malwarebytes right now. Was just MSE before, but Avast seemed a strong recommendation back when I made the change.
You can keep Avast, I think the only issue is in the browser extension. I personally switched from Avast to Bitdefender free and I think it's a lot better than Avast.
Another thing to take into consideration is how much does the AV slow down the computer. According to information at the AV-Test website both F-Secure and TrendMicro slowed computers down somewhat. And a couple of AV programs had false positives and you don't want that either. In their six month endurance test that I saw they had about five or six programs at the top. I can't remember what they are were. I remember Kaspersky and Bitdefender were at the top.
ESET was not at the top but it was high up.
ESET was not at the top but it was high up.
Originally Posted By: Mystic
Another thing to take into consideration is how much does the AV slow down the computer. According to information at the AV-Test website both F-Secure and TrendMicro slowed computers down somewhat. And a couple of AV programs had false positives and you don't want that either. In their six month endurance test that I saw they had about five or six programs at the top. I can't remember what they are were. I remember Kaspersky and Bitdefender were at the top.
ESET was not at the top but it was high up.
Yes, Bitdefender always seems to be near the top, this is the main reason I looked into their AV when I was thinking of switching to something other than Avast. Bitdefender is very lightweight.
Another thing to take into consideration is how much does the AV slow down the computer. According to information at the AV-Test website both F-Secure and TrendMicro slowed computers down somewhat. And a couple of AV programs had false positives and you don't want that either. In their six month endurance test that I saw they had about five or six programs at the top. I can't remember what they are were. I remember Kaspersky and Bitdefender were at the top.
ESET was not at the top but it was high up.
Yes, Bitdefender always seems to be near the top, this is the main reason I looked into their AV when I was thinking of switching to something other than Avast. Bitdefender is very lightweight.
I don't think a person could do much wrong by choosing Kaspersky, Bitdefender, or ESET (in the USA). And judging from AV-Test results the free Bitdefender and free Panda AVs are worth consideration.
In Europe in addition to the above F-Secure, G-Data and Avira would also be good.
In the testing that I saw Norton and McAfee actually ranked fairly decently but based on my recent experiences even if those programs ranked number one and number two I would not use them.
I came across some AVComparatives testing that indicated that the Windows firewall was perhaps even better than the ESET firewall in ESET Smart Security. I don't know about that but the ESET NOD32 AV for one computer is not very expensive at all. You could use it with the Windows firewall and the Windows Smart Screen.
In Europe in addition to the above F-Secure, G-Data and Avira would also be good.
In the testing that I saw Norton and McAfee actually ranked fairly decently but based on my recent experiences even if those programs ranked number one and number two I would not use them.
I came across some AVComparatives testing that indicated that the Windows firewall was perhaps even better than the ESET firewall in ESET Smart Security. I don't know about that but the ESET NOD32 AV for one computer is not very expensive at all. You could use it with the Windows firewall and the Windows Smart Screen.
Yea the tests aren't everything. If the AV isn't any good in real life, where it ranked on a test doesn't mean very much. I used Norton a while back before I tried McAfee and it was "okay". But it was very bloated. McAfee was just worthless.. Then I tried AVG and found that to be awful as well. It gave me fake viruses notifications and told me it couldn't clean them.. Also, who wants a antivirus that infects your computer with a browser hijacker that is almost impossible to remove?!?
Then I went to Avast for over a year and just a month ago switched to Bitdefender. I still would say that Avast is one of the better free AV programs, but I won't be using it anymore.
Then I went to Avast for over a year and just a month ago switched to Bitdefender. I still would say that Avast is one of the better free AV programs, but I won't be using it anymore.
Originally Posted By: ClutchDisc
Yea the tests aren't everything. If the AV isn't any good in real life, where it ranked on a test doesn't mean very much. I used Norton a while back before I tried McAfee and it was "okay". But it was very bloated. McAfee was just worthless.. Then I tried AVG and found that to be awful as well. It gave me fake viruses notifications and told me it couldn't clean them.. Also, who wants a antivirus that infects your computer with a browser hijacker that is almost impossible to remove?!?
Then I went to Avast for over a year and just a month ago switched to Bitdefender. I still would say that Avast is one of the better free AV programs, but I won't be using it anymore.
I found Google Chrome wouldn't work on my laptop with Bit Defender, so I ended up switching to Avast.
Yea the tests aren't everything. If the AV isn't any good in real life, where it ranked on a test doesn't mean very much. I used Norton a while back before I tried McAfee and it was "okay". But it was very bloated. McAfee was just worthless.. Then I tried AVG and found that to be awful as well. It gave me fake viruses notifications and told me it couldn't clean them.. Also, who wants a antivirus that infects your computer with a browser hijacker that is almost impossible to remove?!?
Then I went to Avast for over a year and just a month ago switched to Bitdefender. I still would say that Avast is one of the better free AV programs, but I won't be using it anymore.
I found Google Chrome wouldn't work on my laptop with Bit Defender, so I ended up switching to Avast.
Originally Posted By: Mystic
I don't store data in the 'cloud' (NSA spying, etc.)
Then it seems to me that you may want to avoid using software developed in the U.S.; after all of the stories we've heard from all of the developers in the states who've disclosed that the NSA approached them about inserting mal-ware into their products (then, to think that these are only the ones who were NOT pressured into saying "OK", which would include non-disclosure!)
Just remember, Mystic, that nations do not develop software and software does not hold a passport. Software developed in the states was probably done with H-1B visa-holding immigrants, anyhow; and software developed in Russia or France or canada or wherever would have been developed by individuals, just like in the states; except there'd be no NSA spying on you.
I don't store data in the 'cloud' (NSA spying, etc.)
Then it seems to me that you may want to avoid using software developed in the U.S.; after all of the stories we've heard from all of the developers in the states who've disclosed that the NSA approached them about inserting mal-ware into their products (then, to think that these are only the ones who were NOT pressured into saying "OK", which would include non-disclosure!)
Just remember, Mystic, that nations do not develop software and software does not hold a passport. Software developed in the states was probably done with H-1B visa-holding immigrants, anyhow; and software developed in Russia or France or canada or wherever would have been developed by individuals, just like in the states; except there'd be no NSA spying on you.
You live in Canada. Do you want for there to be employment opportunities in Canada? Do you want for there to be programming and engineering jobs in Canada?
Right now the NSA is out of control, but the entire federal government in the USA is out of control right now and after there are changes after new elections things can change. There will probably have to be change because people are not going to put up with all of the nonsense.
Not all software developed in the USA is being developed by immigrants. It is true that a lot of people have come to the USA to escape from conditions in their own country and there have been engineers and programmers coming in from other countries. Believe it or not but there are actually American born engineers and programmers in the USA. Do you really believe that there are no American born engineers and programmers?
But there are too many corporations in the USA that outsource to other countries to reduce costs but they are not thinking long term. If an American AV company outsourced development to Ukraine, for example, and with developments in that country their work has been seriously interrupted, it is sort of that company's fault. Short term profits but long term problems.
What would happen to Apple if China nationalized the Apple factories in China?
Believe it or not I know that countries do not develop software. I know software is typically developed by corporations. You underestimate me as usual. I know Microsoft developed Windows and Steve Jobs and programmers developed Mac OS X. I know that corporations develop fighter planes and corporations build ships for the US Navy, etc. I have a cousin who is retired now who was a welder involved in the construction of US Navy submarines. I have a brother-in-law who is involved in the construction of satellites and he works for a corporation. Do you really think I am not aware of all of these things? How silly is that statement that ..."nations do not develop software and software does not hold a passport." Everybody with any sense knows that various corporations develop stuff for the government but SOME CLASSIFIED software probably was developed by programmers working for the US government and certain software is highly classified and will not be allowed to leave the country.
I think I know a lot more than you think I know. I have used Apple Computers for a very long time. I know the story of Steve Jobs and programmers developing Mac OS X in a mansion that Steve Jobs owned in California when he at the time was not working for Apple. I know that story in detail. I know what software Mac OS X was developed from. I know who financed much of that development. I know a lot about satellite development and construction. But you think I know nothing.
There are a lot of people working for Kaspersky. And Kaspersky is supposed to be a close friend of Putin in Russia. Maybe we don't have to worry about the NSA, but any potential issues there?
It is kind of hard today for one person to develop software. It happens but typically many people are involved. Do you have any idea how many people over the years have worked on Photoshop?
And maybe we don't have to worry about NSA spying with software developed in another country but what prevents that country from putting something in software developed in that country from spying on us? I bet you never thought of that! Maybe those countries have their own version of the NSA.
What is your world view? Do you think the USA is evil and all other countries are good? Ever hear about all of the alleged Chinese spying on the US?
Personally, I would be more concerned about mainland China spying on me than the NSA. With future elections the problems of the NSA will be dealt with. That is all just a matter of time.
Right now the NSA is out of control, but the entire federal government in the USA is out of control right now and after there are changes after new elections things can change. There will probably have to be change because people are not going to put up with all of the nonsense.
Not all software developed in the USA is being developed by immigrants. It is true that a lot of people have come to the USA to escape from conditions in their own country and there have been engineers and programmers coming in from other countries. Believe it or not but there are actually American born engineers and programmers in the USA. Do you really believe that there are no American born engineers and programmers?
But there are too many corporations in the USA that outsource to other countries to reduce costs but they are not thinking long term. If an American AV company outsourced development to Ukraine, for example, and with developments in that country their work has been seriously interrupted, it is sort of that company's fault. Short term profits but long term problems.
What would happen to Apple if China nationalized the Apple factories in China?
Believe it or not I know that countries do not develop software. I know software is typically developed by corporations. You underestimate me as usual. I know Microsoft developed Windows and Steve Jobs and programmers developed Mac OS X. I know that corporations develop fighter planes and corporations build ships for the US Navy, etc. I have a cousin who is retired now who was a welder involved in the construction of US Navy submarines. I have a brother-in-law who is involved in the construction of satellites and he works for a corporation. Do you really think I am not aware of all of these things? How silly is that statement that ..."nations do not develop software and software does not hold a passport." Everybody with any sense knows that various corporations develop stuff for the government but SOME CLASSIFIED software probably was developed by programmers working for the US government and certain software is highly classified and will not be allowed to leave the country.
I think I know a lot more than you think I know. I have used Apple Computers for a very long time. I know the story of Steve Jobs and programmers developing Mac OS X in a mansion that Steve Jobs owned in California when he at the time was not working for Apple. I know that story in detail. I know what software Mac OS X was developed from. I know who financed much of that development. I know a lot about satellite development and construction. But you think I know nothing.
There are a lot of people working for Kaspersky. And Kaspersky is supposed to be a close friend of Putin in Russia. Maybe we don't have to worry about the NSA, but any potential issues there?
It is kind of hard today for one person to develop software. It happens but typically many people are involved. Do you have any idea how many people over the years have worked on Photoshop?
And maybe we don't have to worry about NSA spying with software developed in another country but what prevents that country from putting something in software developed in that country from spying on us? I bet you never thought of that! Maybe those countries have their own version of the NSA.
What is your world view? Do you think the USA is evil and all other countries are good? Ever hear about all of the alleged Chinese spying on the US?
Personally, I would be more concerned about mainland China spying on me than the NSA. With future elections the problems of the NSA will be dealt with. That is all just a matter of time.
Originally Posted By: Mystic
What is your world view? Do you think the USA is evil and all other countries are good? Ever hear about all of the alleged Chinese spying on the US?
I hear alleged things about all sorts of governments and people and corporations. It seems, though, that it goes far beyond allegations when it comes to the NSA and other elements of the U.S. government. They seem to be head-and-shoulders above everyone else when it comes to lording over their own people.
My heavens, you get defensive easily. I am not sure what in my two-paragraph post responding to your preferences of software's nationalities prompted this rant of yours. Have I offended you somehow?
What is your world view? Do you think the USA is evil and all other countries are good? Ever hear about all of the alleged Chinese spying on the US?
I hear alleged things about all sorts of governments and people and corporations. It seems, though, that it goes far beyond allegations when it comes to the NSA and other elements of the U.S. government. They seem to be head-and-shoulders above everyone else when it comes to lording over their own people.
My heavens, you get defensive easily. I am not sure what in my two-paragraph post responding to your preferences of software's nationalities prompted this rant of yours. Have I offended you somehow?
I have Avast and have liked it so far.
I just checked extensions in FF and i have had the "Avast online security" part disabled from the beginning. (That's the same as the "browser extension", correct?)
So I guess I'll keep using it for now.
I just checked extensions in FF and i have had the "Avast online security" part disabled from the beginning. (That's the same as the "browser extension", correct?)
So I guess I'll keep using it for now.
Originally Posted By: 97tbird
I have Avast and have liked it so far.
I just checked extensions in FF and i have had the "Avast online security" part disabled from the beginning. (That's the same as the "browser extension", correct?)
So I guess I'll keep using it for now.
Yes that is correct. You are fine to keep using it.
I have Avast and have liked it so far.
I just checked extensions in FF and i have had the "Avast online security" part disabled from the beginning. (That's the same as the "browser extension", correct?)
So I guess I'll keep using it for now.
Yes that is correct. You are fine to keep using it.
I think I would use the free Bitdefender or the free Panda. Apparently the free Bitdefender is even endorsed by Microsoft.
If you go to the page where Microsoft lists acceptable AV programs they have a list of programs for Windows 7 and earlier Windows O/Ss. They say Windows Defender covers Windows 8/8.1, A free AV that is endorsed by Microsoft uses Bitdefender.
windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/antivirus-partners#AVtabs=win7
If you go to the page where Microsoft lists acceptable AV programs they have a list of programs for Windows 7 and earlier Windows O/Ss. They say Windows Defender covers Windows 8/8.1, A free AV that is endorsed by Microsoft uses Bitdefender.
windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/antivirus-partners#AVtabs=win7
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Originally Posted By: Mystic
Right now the NSA is out of control, but the entire federal government in the USA is out of control right now and after there are changes after new elections things can change. There will probably have to be change because people are not going to put up with all of the nonsense.
Mystic, part of changing the product out there isn't just changing the government - political and I'm going to stay out of it. Supporting products or companies that do things they way one wants things to be done is another way.
Phil Zimmerman didn't accomplish what he did by knuckling under.
Right now the NSA is out of control, but the entire federal government in the USA is out of control right now and after there are changes after new elections things can change. There will probably have to be change because people are not going to put up with all of the nonsense.
Mystic, part of changing the product out there isn't just changing the government - political and I'm going to stay out of it. Supporting products or companies that do things they way one wants things to be done is another way.
Phil Zimmerman didn't accomplish what he did by knuckling under.
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