Which antivirus software do you use?

[Joe Link]

I know many here aren't particularly savvy when it comes to computers, meaning a conversation regarding antivirus software might be beneficial. I'm no expert myself, and to be honest I've been relying on Windows Defender. Looking at recent comparison testing, it's pretty incredible just how poorly it's ranked. I just purchased Kaspersky Total Security for my systems, and I'll be making the switch from Avast to Avira for the systems running free AV (friends and family). Newegg has their Kaspersky downloads on sale right now.

From what I understand these sites are quite reputable in their AV comparisons.

https://www.av-test.org/en/
http://www.av-comparatives.org/

Which antivirus software do you use?

Read More

 

[etrain16]

I've use Bit Defender and Kapersky, but I currently use Avast. Honestly, I don't know if I can tell the difference in what they do for me, but Avast won for me 2 years ago on two points - price and use of resources. Bit Defender was awful when I had it, it was bogging down my computer, always flashing popups for updates, etc. Avast pretty much works quietly in the background without using up a bunch of resources and the price was good since I needed to cover 3 laptops.

 

[RicInOR]

Number one is MS - microsofts package Security Essentials: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download

On my mobile devices I am using Avast currently.

I used to like AVG - but they have gone all hard-sell and that piss*d me off so I ripped it out.


I also keep a copy of Malware Bytes Chamilion package handy.
https://www.malwarebytes.org/chameleon/




My work computers use what IT installed.

 

[Garg]

I have had a few bouts with a nasty virus in the past, from time to time, I usually just use defender, but you have got to be careful. On my main systems, I use Avast, as I believe it is what MS uses on their IT build. I hate norton, Mcaffee, and bit defender, as they are gas hogs.
The Mal-warebytes is a great piece for mal ware, and can kill pretty much anything in it's tracks.
Sometimes you have got to boot to it, to really clean up a system, but it is what it is.
I also used to like AVG, but Avast is now my go to.

It has been some time since I did this for a living, but I would say 30% of the tech work I used to do was killing virus'. The rest was hardware failures, and printing problems.

 

[Kruel J]

Avast. On both the Windows box and the Macs.

 

[Capn Jack]

ADV Free and stay off of the Hacker and Porn sites.

 

[The Heretic]

http://www.clamav.net/

 

[mkwerx]

Pull out method (ditch the site when I get malware warnings)

Honestly though - I've run AVG, Avast, BitDefender, Norton... still got malware with all of them. Regardless of what AV you use, the best solution seems to stay on top of all your security updates, be careful where you go, and have a good utility on hand for that electronic penicillin injection when you do get a bug. There's way more bastards out there writing malware than there are people making anti-malware products. And it seems that most of the AV software anymore is about as effective as the TSA.

 

[Member 5605]

None.

I also run naked through the corn field.


#1 way if crap on your computer is not through virii.

Here is my approach to Internet security:

1. Open DNS. Block servers and groups of servers that are dangerous. Use OpenDNS as your filter to the web. I run the dns on my router so every device on the network is protected and sites are blocked. You would be surprised how many websites are blocked by security experts.
2. Web browsers and scripts. Use chrome or Firefox. Get adding that block JavaScript from running without YOUR permission. You can temporary exceptions or you can allow sites that you trust (such as this one) on a permanent basis. The ability to configure it is amazingly simple. Block the script and block the path the malicious software gets on your computer.
3. SpyBot S&D. Malware and spyware are a greater threat than virii. SpyBot adds permanent protection by closing pathways that may be open on your computer. There is active and passive protection modes as well as a way that if any settings are attempted to change it alerts you. Helps if something slips through and tries to run on next startup.
4. Don't download from Untrusted sources.

In the last 17 years of running the most basic forms of security on my computers I have had no virii. I have ran Nortons/McAffee and a host of other software to verify I'm not crazy. I have installed, scanned with no results then uninstalled.

System secure.

As some have already said, antivirus software does not stop malware or spyware..... That's why blocking that group of sites is important through a DNS and having proper malware/spyware protection.

 

[Caveman Jim]

I used Norton/McAffee years ago but Kapersky now.
Like Dyjital said, watch where ya go & DO NOT download any untrusted stuf!!!

 

[Garg]

Yeah, I think that is one thing a lot of people do not understand. You CAN still get a virus, no matter what you have, if you do something not so smart. It CAN happen.

 

[Aaron Todd]

Windows defender, and malwarebytes for the malware! Every once and awhile I will run kaspersky TDDkiller and Norton power eraser just to make sure everything is cool. Oh yeah, no porn, and no free kid game websites!

 

[Bazooka Joe]

Avast! Not a fan of Kaspersky, Norton or McAfee suites. They tend to do too much, take up too much resources, and protect you against stuff you don't really want to be protected against -- like your emails.

 

[The Nothing]

I don't and haven't run anything since the 90s.
If I do suspect an issue, I'll run things through http://housecall.antivirus.com

 

[PiratePast40]

I'm using Kapersky. Mostly because 5 licences came with one of the laptop packages I bought this year.

I have PCtools but it's not nearly as good as it was several years ago. Now you need to be online to do a virus scan. Kind of defeats the purpose if you actually have a virus and want to run in safe mode without any outside interference.

 

[Garg]

They all have to "be online" to update, and such.
There is no single solution.

 

[PiratePast40]

They all have to "be online" to update, and such.
There is no single solution.

Not just to update. To run period.

 

[Garg]

Not just to update. To run period.

That's no good....

 

[jackrv]

I use AVG and have had no trouble with it. I used to use Avast but didn't care for the rebooting the computer whenever it twigged on something.

 

[DuneHopper]

AVG, superantispyware. spybotsearch and destroy, privatefirewall 7.00
and a host of script blockers for surfing as well as some settings in my router. I dont use any of windows stuff just slowed me down