Anti malware software you choose?

Rajesh R Subramanian

Joan Murt wrote:

PS: it seems that in my couple computer Microsoft Security Essentials has allowed some critters to go in without advice... Dead

Mostly because you had loopholes in your computer? Couple of days back there was a thread here on how java runtime is a piece of crap and how it could potentially open up security holes to your system. Mind you that computer was running symantec, which is commercial and there was a firewall (kaspersky) before that, both of which let the malware in. Symantec did "catch" the malware after the damage was done though. I can't think of even a commercial anti-malware utility that could give you 100% peace of mind, leave alone the free ones. It largely depends on how careful the user is in visiting sites, installing activex controls, screen savers, etc., If I were to suggest a free utility, I'd suggest MSE (yes, still). If it were to be commercial, I'd recommend NOD32. But then again, none can guarantee you anything.

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Lost User

We get free Symantec Endpoint at work but there isn't a Win7-64 version as IT doesn't support that yet so I have Microsoft Security Essentials installed and my PC is happy.

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Brady Kelly

I've got Norton 2010. I've had complaints with previous versions, but this one is very smooth. Plus a client gave me a licence. :) On the free side, I've always used AVG before, but I did get a virus in 2009 that it neither detected nor could remove. However, a simple system restore to the morning before infection fixed everything.

chrissb

Don't run an Antivirus (AV) product all the time, it's pointless. If you can't figure out why, ask and I'll explain but you should be able to get it. Get a decent firewall, Commodo is ok, run that constantly. And make sure all your programs and OS are up to date. No point having an AV without a firewall and a secure system. Once a week, update and run Malwarebytes, it's an antimalware program and quite good. Then update and run Spybot Search and Destroy. PC = secure and happy. That's for a Windows based PC anyway.

Lost User

AVG[^] provide a purchase and a free version. I have used both and found them quite effective.

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PIEBALDconsult

Avira AntiVir[^] I've been using it for about a year. A colleague recommended it to me and I've heard others speak well of it as well. I've heard rumors that the free (nagware) version is better than the paid version.

BillWoodruff

For three years I used a paid subscription to Kaspersky: when that expired I chose MS's Security Essentials based mainly on a long discussion here, on the Lounge. Now, in addition to the free MS Security Essentials, I use Panda AV (Cloud based), and run MalwareBytes Anti-Malware. Both Panda and Malwarebytes have located risks that MS Security Essentials missed. I do believe Panda AV may produce "false positives" when using Microsoft Windows Media Player, however. I particularly like Malwarebytes clean user-interface. I plan to upgrade to the purchased version of Malwarebytes. best, Bill

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Eaverae

None, I don't use Malware software to begin with ;) Anyway, my suggestions (don't know if already posted): Super AntiSpyware i.c.w. Malwarebytes. 99% success rate, and they're free. Good luck.

electroNik87

Hm... Nobody mentioned Comodo. I've been using it for more than a year, and it great. And also free. See how it compares to other: Test results

NDWolf

Avira antivir and Spybot S&D it's a good combination

MikeD 2

My experience is that no one product can do it all even within one area and my votes go to AVG 9 for antivirus and firewall Malwarebytes and Spybot Search and Destroy for malware Plus keep your operating system and add-ons as up to date as possible

kirankss

For malware, per se I would suggest using: Threat Fire -> freeware

abaginskie

Malware Bytes Free version is great for removing Malware once you get it. I haven't used the paid version so I'm not sure how good it is at catching the Malware before it takes over your computer. I would like to hear some comments on how good the paid version of Malware Bytes is since I have considered getting it for my company. Does it catch/pick up the Malware before it strikes? For a free solution Malware Bytes and AVG work nicely. The Free version of Avast isn't bad either and it allows you to do boot time scans, which some of the other Anti-Viruses I've used don't have that option. Surf Dog

IncredibleMouse

I don't personally run A/V or MW cleaners, except for a scan once every 6 months to a year just to affirm my suspicions that my common sense practices haven't failed me. Unfortuntely, my clients consist of many individuals with varying degrees of common sense or knowledge of security practices. I highly recommend ESET AntiVirus (not free but works very well with low over-head and a low nag level). For malware MBAM (MalwareBytes) is free and decent. However, for better Malware proection you'll want to register MBAM because it will perform scheduled scanning. For those clients who click every link they see in front of their face, you'll want that, and the ESET firewall on high-guard. Then for the problem children, who can miraculously get infected as soon as they look at a computer, I would turn on some content protection like ContentWatch, add blacklists to the router, and then finally terminate their employment. rofl.

BC3Tech

i run Panda Cloud on my netbook because it's lightweight, and i run MSE on my desktop. so far i've had no issues on either, and i've seen MSE grab stuff. both are free

JasonPSage

I'd like to hear your thoughts on "Don't run an antivirus app all the time" if you care to share! Thank You, Jason P Sage

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AshesMukherjee

Symantec - bar none

Toto1107

I have been using the paid version of Malware Bytes for about 1 year, problem free for home computer. I have it running with Avira no problems. I've had McAfee, Norton, and Symantec in the past and have gotten hosed (kids). Malware support spent 4 days helping me clean up the mess - Friday thru Monday, answering emails within a 2 hour window. For a one time fee, I was impressed with the response & quality of the help. McAfee & Symantec had non-existant customer support, and impacted the performance. Don't notice performance issues either with Malware & Avira. http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php[^] http://www.avira.com/en/solutions/home_home_office.html[^]

Toto1107

vbjay net

AV-avast pro High praises the free edition is great but I like the added script stuff. I have used AVG but hated the way it updated and slowed the machine down. (Find update-install-reboot-look another update.) Malware-MBAM, spybot s&d system tools to handle the stuff those can't-sysinternals Love autoruns

Steve Naidamast

I have been using "AVG Anti-Virus" for years and have recently added "Super Anti-Virus". I do alternating scans with both tools and have had no problems in years... I also have PC-Tools "Spyware Doctor" and "Trojan Hunter" but don't seem to need them...

Steve Naidamast Black Falcon Software, Inc. blackfalconsoftware@ix.netcom.com