Virus Help

[L. D. Jeffries]

Thought I would ask a "?" on a forum where there always is someone who has an answer! My LOML's PC computer has Norton installed; it is about to run out for this year. I have read a lot about how "not very good" this software is and so I'm asking what is a good service to buy. She doesn't have much in the way of "classified" information on it (banking, etc) but does a lot of work on the Internet. Mine is an Apple so I don't worry much about virus's, but hers is another story! So gang, what's your verdict? Thanks in advance.

[OpaDC]

AVG and it's free

http://free.grisoft.com/

[BobSch]

AVG and it's free

http://free.grisoft.com/

I'll second that. I've had AVG installed for over a year and have had no problem.

[Ed62]

AVG again. It's a pretty nice program, and there is a free version as well as a paid version. I'm running the free one.

Ed

[poolhound]

I am also getting pretty tired with Norton and I have 6 PCs to manage across my household. This year I tried the 360 product it has done some strange things and when my various subscriptions come up for renewal I think I will look elsewhere.

I have heard lots of good things about the CA products.

Jon

[LinuxRandal]

Well, my first choice should be obvious by my name.


Second, on my previous to last Windows machine, AVG was the primary.

The secondary was the online antivirus (that was always how I found it, googling "online antivirus), at I believe Trendnet or Trendlines.

My last Windows pc (motherboard died), I believe I also installed AVG, but since it was locked down, except for when I played one game (85% of the purpose of the pc), it never got used.

[MilDoc]

I know people love free, but AVG missed a lot of viruses, trojans, etc in recent tests. And TrendMicro online scan couldn't find a Trojan that recently hit my computer. I had Norton, WebRoot both running at the time and they both let it get through.

After searching for days and trying several freebies and other online scans I finally found one that caught it and removed it, thanks to a friend's advice.

I now run PCTools Spyware Doctor with antivirus. PLUS their FREE ThreatFire which monitors for mischief rather than for known viruses and is highly rated.

NO antivirus pack is foolproof. the newest rootkit circulating is proof of that.

So, no matter what you choose, GET PCTools FREE ThreatFire! It beat other rootkit etc scanners hands down (at least for now).

[doncook7]

It has a strange name and isn't that well known, but is VERY effective once set up...

ESET NOD32 Antivirus Home...Free to try then I think it's it's around 40 dollars.

It has a very small footprint, uses very little System resources, and will automatically update as new threats are found.

I have been using it for over 2 years after switching from Norton and McAfee, and have not had ANY issues.
don

[cgallery]

I now run PCTools Spyware Doctor with antivirus. PLUS their FREE ThreatFire which monitors for mischief rather than for known viruses and is highly rated.

NO antivirus pack is foolproof. the newest rootkit circulating is proof of that.

So, no matter what you choose, GET PCTools FREE ThreatFire! It beat other rootkit etc scanners hands down (at least for now).

Problem is, we routinely get machines in that have Spyware Doctor and are infected w/ malware.

I'm afraid there is no foolproof solution other than 12 inches between the wall jack and your Ethernet cord.

[MilDoc]

Problem is, we routinely get machines in that have Spyware Doctor and are infected w/ malware.

I'm afraid there is no foolproof solution other than 12 inches between the wall jack and your Ethernet cord.

I agree. Right now I am running Webroot, Norton, PCTools, ThreatFire, and Registry Mechanic. All have their strengths and weaknesses. But even running all 5 programs, my system doesn't slow down.

[MilDoc]

ESET NOD32 Antivirus Home...Free to try then I think it's it's around 40 dollars.

nod32 stopped 79% of known malware in a recent test. Not bad compared to some. When tested against AV-Test.org's zoo of 900,000 attacks, it stopped 90%. Even Norton beat it at 96%.

And part of the problem is that if you rely on any one solution, you will never know when your machine has been infected. Good protection relies on more than one solution. And even then, you need to run others (such as free online scans, and security checkers) just to make sure nothing has been missed.

[bobevans]

Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic and it's free.
http://www.free-av.com/

[doncook7]

Excellent point MilDoc.


don

[MilDoc]

Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic and it's free.
http://www.free-av.com/

Avira ranks pretty good, but is not so good at removing malware, and its firewall is not so good, leaving open ports and not entirely hiding hidden ports from attack. I would rank it as highly effective, but not enough all by itself.

[SHADOWFOX]

Here is a quick question on viruses.

If I have an up-to-date virus checker (like Norton) program, is it possible to still get a virus?

How?