Best Anti-Virus

[noneill]

So I just built a new gaming PC and have finished installing all my programs and games on it. Except for one, an Anti-Virus program.

So what do people feel is the best one out there?
I have been using AVG-Free at home for a few years now and am leaning to sticking with that but would like to hear what other DDOers use.

Free is good but if there is a compelling arguement (plays well with games) I might go for a paid program.

[AX1200]

I also use AVG-Free, have been using it for many years. Can't recall ever having trouble with it, most other anti-virus programs tend to demand attention rather than deal with the issue on their own.

[noneill]

Also what programs do people like to benchmark?
Any good free ones?
Everest (now called Aida 64) is pretty expensive to get the advanced version. Same thing with 3DMark, plus they have a bunch of different programs to get.

[learst]

I used to have AVG, then I switched to Avast a couple of years ago. Can't remember the exact reason, but probably it was that the reduced functionality of the "free version" didn't seem sufficient to me.

The only maintenance Avast needs is a yearly activation/renewal, which you will be reminded on and you will receive the activation code almost immediately.

[sacredguyver]

I used to have AVG, then I switched to Avast a couple of years ago. Can't remember the exact reason, but probably it was that the reduced functionality of the "free version" didn't seem sufficient to me.

The only maintenance Avast needs is a yearly activation/renewal, which you will be reminded on and you will receive the activation code almost immediately.
I'll vouch for Avast as a good one, even though I'm using AVG at the moment. ^^;

AVG is nice, but I'll probably be switching back to Avast after I do a maintenance session (cleaning inside, backup of files, manually run all virus/spyware scanners, defragment, registry cleanup, etc) here in a few weeks.

[Tunst]

I use the following.

AVG-free
Ad-aware
Spybot - Search and Destroy

Avg and ad-aware scan my computely weekly, and spybot is just in case something goes wrong. :)
all are free btw and i almost never get a virus, even rare-r that one makes it past those.

once i had one. Virtumonde.dll
had to boot my computer off a disc with spybot on it. >.>

[evilgardengnome]

Half my computers run Avast! and the others run MS Security Essentials. I have found that I like Security Essentials better. Mostly because I don't like the Avast! update pop-ups. They both work well for me but I practice safe surfing and run AV and anti-malware multiple times per week. I even have MSSE set to do a scan every night.


(please no neg rep because I use a MS product.) :)

[d1mitri]

If you are computer savvy, Comodo is great. I don't recommend it to newbies however.

You also get great firewall control. Which is pretty handy if you intend to use it. Sandbox. 64-bit version. Oh yeah, and free, with no lame registrations each year or update pop-ups.

[Hambo]

Half my computers run Avast! and the others run MS Security Essentials. I have found that I like Security Essentials better. Mostly because I don't like the Avast! update pop-ups. They both work well for me but I practice safe surfing and run AV and anti-malware multiple times per week. I even have MSSE set to do a scan every night.


(please no neg rep because I use a MS product.) :)

I've used Microsoft Security Essentials since I beta tested the first version.

1). It's free
2). It's definition files are updated at least 3 times a week, and includes automatic blocking of "troublesome" web and email content on IE and Outlook
3). It has the least impact of any AV software I've seen, and won't start a "Surprise Inspection" in the middle of that raid you've waited for all week.

My config does a full scan every night starting at 1:00 local, and finishes before the start of the nightly 2:30 backup (Windows Home Server, BTW).

[Eladiun]

I've used Microsoft Security Essentials since I beta tested the first version.

1). It's free
2). It's definition files are updated at least 3 times a week, and includes automatic blocking of "troublesome" web and email content on IE and Outlook
3). It has the least impact of any AV software I've seen, and won't start a "Surprise Inspection" in the middle of that raid you've waited for all week.

My config does a full scan every night starting at 1:00 local, and finishes before the start of the nightly 2:30 backup (Windows Home Server, BTW).

Agreed. I have been very pleased with MS Essentials and I have used a number of products both personally and professionally.

[Rodasch]

I use Avast on half my systems and MS Security Essentials on the other half. I recommend MSSE to my clients (I'm a computer technician) because it's free, no-maintenance, and reliable.

I also use Malwarebytes and spybot S&D.

For system maintenance I use Piriform's CCleaner and Defraggler.

I don't bother with benchmarking often, unless it's requested by a customer, It's usually not an issue.

[wax_on_wax_off]

I'll vouch for Avast as a good one, even though I'm using AVG at the moment. ^^;

AVG is nice, but I'll probably be switching back to Avast after I do a maintenance session (cleaning inside, backup of files, manually run all virus/spyware scanners, defragment, registry cleanup, etc) here in a few weeks.

I use Avast and love it. I don't like AVG as it is generally uncooperative.

[Grenada]

I got Norton installed since it also comes with utilities (Norton Utilities work way better at defragging and other stuff than MS stuff does). It was on sale at the time, so pretty cheap.

Honestly though, if it's a gaming computer, as long as you don't do mindless surfing on it you won't need much more than any basic antivirus program (ie, your not doing online banking with it, nor are you saving personal or important RL documents on it, so even if it does get a virus, you just delete the infected files).

Free program should be good enough.

[Melondrop]

Ah dont install norton unless you like slowin your pc down.
I use nod32..its pretty good and runs lighter than norton
and some other of those bloated avs.
For spyware/adware...malware bytes (mbam).
For rootkits...tdsskiller or gmer.
Really tho...you can stop alot of stuff before it comes in
just by running whatever browser you use on high security settings
which turns off javascript/activex.
Just set security to medium when you're on a site you trust.
Theres also addons like noscript and stuff like that for browsers too.
And of course keep the os up to date and dont do silly stuff
like clicking ads for viagra. :D

[Uska]

I like AVG I sub and use the free version for my wife's computer and my lap top and never have had any problems

[SisAmethyst]

I tryed a couple of Antivirus systems meanwhile.

I agree to the poster before, that Norton is more a pest than a tool. Not only have I noticed that it got disabled by some trojans/virus (maybe due to the fact that it is so popular, but nevertheless) but if you finally want to get rid of it or reinstall it for whatever reason you have to hack your own registry to do so. Same goes for McAfee which ones belonged to one of the best but it seems this two finally just take a sun bath on their top position.

I even tryed a couple of free tools including AVG (which is nice), Avira, Avast and AntiVir.

I would be carefull with things like Microsoft Essentials, where the 'essential' part mean it is the pure bare minimum. MS Essentials is pretty much only worth while the minutes, from a fresh windows installation till you installed a real anti virus. The time anti virus tools where able to find a virus by a signature alone is long gone and they need to be able to find small mutations/variations via heuristics not to mention that they need to be able to be updated more often then just one a week.

I personaly like BitDefender and AVG as they come along with a game mode as well as Kaspersky for its engine.

Try them out as it is as well a question which user interface and options you prefer. A tool that is not usable by you due to a bad UI is worth nothing. Some tools may also slow down you machie or don't work with other software on your system. If you really like it it is usually not a bad solution to pay for it, e.g. to get updates more often or enable things like heuristics.

Last but not least you may want to take a look at AV-Test (http://www.av-test.org/en/tests/test-reports/julaug-2011/) for a comparable test overview.

[hecate355]

i liked nod32 a lot, if you pair it with designated malware remover like spybot and/or adaware it more less covers everything
there are valid reasons why nod32 has been in top antivirus lists for long time. it runs light, never had any problem with anything getting through its real time protection and i didnt only visit clean sites.

so based my own experience i do trust nod32, went through lots of garbage with that program being middle man.

[Seladon]

hi

I have used Avast and Malwarebytes for years on one system and am very happy with both.
I use Avast and superantispyware pro on another and am happy with that also.

Oh and i am one of those oddballs who pays for the bigger versions.
But then i paid for shareware also back in the day.

For the troublesome virus the above can't handle i find a large shot of Nyquil followed by a large shot of whiskey to be very effective.

Cheers.

[spinks]

Kaspersky is good, using Kaspersky Antivirus 2012 currently. Not intensive on PC at all, updates as often as hourly. Been using Kaspersky for a few years now, and happy with it.

Microsoft Security Essentials seems to have been fairly well reviewed also.

I would also consider BitDefender as an alternative to Kaspersky.

Personally I dont like McAffee, Norton, AVG or Avaast (or however you spell it). To be fair though, I have not looked at any of them for a few years.

This is a review of various AV products, which may help you also:

http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

[Esserbe]

I like Kaspersky, F-Secure, Nod32 and for those not looking to purchase one, Microsoft Security Essentials and COMODO.

However, the most important one is Common Sense Professional 2011 Edition.

[Miow]

Half my computers run Avast! and the others run MS Security Essentials. I have found that I like Security Essentials better. Mostly because I don't like the Avast! update pop-ups. They both work well for me but I practice safe surfing and run AV and anti-malware multiple times per week. I even have MSSE set to do a scan every night.


(please no neg rep because I use a MS product.) :)

What is a neg rep? Anyway MS security Essentials is free/nice and is also one of the best non-invasive/resource usage anti-virus programs out there. Simply love it.

[sebastianosmith]

I use MS Security Essentials. It has a relatively small footprint, works and plays well with all the other security features built into Windows and is just about the least obtrusive AV app I have every used. Plus it's free and updated frequently.

[dummeskind]

Using Norton Internet Security and Spybot S&D and Norton products since i start using a PC and never have any probs,most of my friends that use Free products get probs.

Only what slow me a bit on Pc when Norton run a Scan and then only when i play on the SSD/HDD where my games are,for that my Scanplan is o the time i normal dont Play.

[Ivan_Milic]

I was using AVG before but it started slowing my comp down so I switched to avast and its great,no problems with it so far,been using it for 2+ years.

[noneill]

I got away from Norton a few years ago, it was very bloated and slowed things down.
I like AVG but noticed it seems to get bigger every year.
I use malwarebytes and the line of stuff from piriform, ccleaner etc.

I might give the MS one a try based on the comments so far.

This is my new gaming pc. Check out this thread. (http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=347283)

But I will also use it for Quicken and other stuff at home. My wife and kids will not be on it though, I turn it off after use and it is in my home office. I have a few other pc's in the house for them to trash and infect :eek: Little kids click on everything.

My last gaming rig went through many incarnations, the last being a dual boot situation where I booted into a copy of Win 7 64 bit that just had DDO on it, no antivirus or other programs, I did not open a browser on use the in game one. I was crash free because of that. Not doing that this time for various reasons but I want to replicate that no crash niceness now.

[Willibold]

I'd just like to say;

I use microsoft's av alongwith panda cloud av with malwarebytes, low overheads and the avs dont swear at each other.

[fco-karatekid]

So I just built a new gaming PC and have finished installing all my programs and games on it. Except for one, an Anti-Virus program.

So what do people feel is the best one out there?
I have been using AVG-Free at home for a few years now and am leaning to sticking with that but would like to hear what other DDOers use.

Free is good but if there is a compelling arguement (plays well with games) I might go for a paid program.

Over any given timeframe, any antivirus is at best 50% effective. The big names go up and down in terms of heuristic- or signature-based detection rates; but they will all be at best 50% effective, as they are reactive in nature. Any of the 8 or so big names will be better than nothing... it comes down to user preference.

[fco-karatekid]

smug moment - with all the products you guys have running, it's a wonder you have any ram or cpu left to run DDO.

linux + clam + the common sense posted prior = done.

[fco-karatekid]

I like Kaspersky, F-Secure, Nod32 and for those not looking to purchase one, Microsoft Security Essentials and COMODO.

However, the most important one is Common Sense Professional 2011 Edition.

+1 on the last one.

[LeslieWest_GuitarGod]

Tested, used, installed and sold many internet security solutions for the past 25 years.

http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/comodo-firewall-pro.png

Comodo offers the best free firewall/antivirus combo there is. Be sure you are not a beginner tho, this is intermediate level software

For the non computer security savvy, you can get away with downloading the free Avast! Avast has insanely great detection and cleaning rates of success.

For spyware/malware, Malwarebytes & Superantispyware offers the best free protection.

So there are no typing errors to devious sites, just get all your software from cnet.com. Owned by Ziff Davis (the largest computer magazine publisher in the world), this site is the safest place to download software on the net.

Use a good secure browser, and yes that EXCLUDES IE! Firefox with the free WOT plugin will be your best friend while surfing unknown sites, and adblock plus plugin will put a stop to 99% of the advertising trickery of the net.

As for those oh so popular file sharing softwares...

http://images.sodahead.com/polls/000004033/polls_disasterPSA.jpg_1754_19190.jpeg_answer_1_xla rge.jpeg

.... Don't do it Davey!

[noneill]

I like Kaspersky, F-Secure, Nod32 and for those not looking to purchase one, Microsoft Security Essentials and COMODO.

However, the most important one is Common Sense Professional 2011 Edition.

Maybe I will try COMODO out myself but where can I find this Common Sense Professional 2011 Edition you speak of ? It would really help on my Mom's, Aunt's and all the other relatives PC's I end up taking care of :rolleyes:





Seriously if you end up being the "computer guy" for your entire family, check out LogMeIn Free, it is so much easier to take control of the pc when they call and can't figure out what they broke this time.

[Osharan_Tregarth]

So I just built a new gaming PC and have finished installing all my programs and games on it. Except for one, an Anti-Virus program.

So what do people feel is the best one out there?
I have been using AVG-Free at home for a few years now and am leaning to sticking with that but would like to hear what other DDOers use.

Free is good but if there is a compelling arguement (plays well with games) I might go for a paid program.

I used avg for a while, then switched to avast. Both seemed to do the anti virus job fairly well.

One of them (I forget which), upon updating, kept trying to get me to install various things (google toolbar, perhaps?) which I find particulary irritating. I've since switched over to the microsoft security essentials, and havn't had any problems with that yet either.

[noneill]

Tested, used, installed and sold many internet security solutions for the past 25 years.

http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/comodo-firewall-pro.png

Comodo offers the best free firewall/antivirus combo there is. Be sure you are not a beginner tho, this is intermediate level software

For the non computer security savvy, you can get away with downloading the free Avast! Avast has insanely great detection and cleaning rates of success.

For spyware/malware, Malwarebytes & Superantispyware offers the best free protection.

So there are no typing errors to devious sites, just get all your software from cnet.com. Owned by Ziff Davis (the largest computer magazine publisher in the world), this site is the safest place to download software on the net.

Use a good secure browser, and yes that EXCLUDES IE! Firefox with the free WOT plugin will be your best friend while surfing unknown sites, and adblock plus plugin will put a stop to 99% of the advertising trickery of the net.

As for those oh so popular file sharing softwares...

http://images.sodahead.com/polls/000004033/polls_disasterPSA.jpg_1754_19190.jpeg_answer_1_xla rge.jpeg

.... Don't do it Davey!

Do you get the Internet Suite or download the anti-virus and firewall separately, or does it even matter? Looks like they have a lot of versions.

[LeslieWest_GuitarGod]

Do you get the Internet Suite or download the anti-virus and firewall separately, or does it even matter? Looks like they have a lot of versions.

Download the entire suite so it installs everything for you in one shot.

[Khanyth]

I'm currently using Webroot Internet Essentials and it does the job nicely.

Nod32 also did a good job

I've used AVG free and Norton to less than stellar success.

[noneill]

I installed Comodo Internet Security (http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php) last night. So far so good.
I was curious about the not for beginners comments so had to try it :D
I do not flirt around with dangerous sites but I like the sandbox feature and the game mode.