"Best" antivirus program?

novicegeek

Member
Tell me something. Right now, we've got Norton 360 on the computers. I'm happy with its performance, but it pulls a lot of memory. Are free programs, such as AVG or Avast, just as good (with less drag on the memory)? Am I just paying way too much for something I could get for free? What do you computer security experts think? Bear in mind that I'm not a security expert, so I realize, with Norton, I may be paying for features that protect me from my own ignorance.

Can I get an expert opinion? Thanks a lot.
 

MyCattMaxx

Active Member
Remember that all the answers that will show up in this thread will be opinions.

I use Comodo Internet Security.
They have a free version.
It has AV, Firewall, Sandbox and surfing protection.

I have used the others you mentioned long ago.
 

tremmor

Well-Known Member
For free it would be Microsoft Security Essentials or Avast.
I purchased Kaspersky internet security that works well.
 

spirit

Moderator
Staff member
I stand by Microsoft Security Essentials and/or Avast if you want a free AV!

Norton 360 is horrible uninstall it now and install one of the above instead, but don't install both.
 

Darren

Moderator
Staff member
I use Microsoft Security Essentials. Works quite well. Very small but effective. Scans every day and I notice no performance decrease at all. And it's a quick scan.

I used to have Avast but I switched to MSE to try something different and I'm not going back. MSE just seems more lightweight and effective. Either will do a good job.
 

novicegeek

Member
Thanks folks, I appreciate your advice on the subject. I don't think I'm going with Norton's again - too expensive for what I can get for free. Thanks again.
 

The_Other_One

VIP Member
Assuming you do get something besides Norton (which I HIGHLY recommend) be sure and run the Norton Removal Tool. As mentioned, it's a pain to remove, and the uninstaller can leave stuff behind.

And might I also give a +1 for Security Essentials. If you need a firewall, Windows 7 Firewall Control is my recommendation. It just gives more control over Windows built-in firewall, such as popups when new programs try to access the network.
 

Okedokey

Well-Known Member
A bit by bit ISO updater on a 18 hour routine.

Every 18 hours, my computer completely reinstalls the operating system from a slipstreamed version I have made. It doesn't change anything else. Job done. I use AVG as a part of that slipstream, but its really unecessary.

Point all application installation folders to your storage RAID arrays or similar. Then simply use (freely available), bit by bit recorders. Create and install your favourite slip-streamed Windows install version, and then set a routine in Windows to firstly initiate the resintall on next restart at 17.5 hours, and then a restart every 18 hours (T18) unless being used. Remember, it only takes about 20 minutes for my full slipstreamed Windows 7 install to replace. Ive had longer shits.

Windows routines and cloning software (free), you can set it up, leave it to run on its own. It will install a fully functional Windows version (along with routines), with applications working. All you probably need to do is check for driver updates and double click on the Steam.exe for gaming.

After that you just set your back up to copy your personal folders, the latest patched ISO for the clone software, and let it do its job - GAMING>

The reason im crapping on is forget worrying about viruses. Just replace the operating system regularly enough and run a standard free antivirus.
 
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novicegeek

Member
The Other One, thanks for the tip. Yes, we're definitely getting something besides Norton's (probably MSE). I just talked to my wife about it today, and she expressed that she wasn't happy with it either. You've probably saved me a great deal of hardship by your recommendation.
 

spynoodle

Active Member
I stand by Microsoft Security Essentials and/or Avast if you want a free AV!

Norton 360 is horrible uninstall it now and install one of the above instead, but don't install both.
^Agreed. I use MSE on some of my rigs and Avast on others. I like both of them, but if I had to choose one, I would probably go with MSE given that it is more lightweight and does not contain in-program ads for a paid version. Avast is constantly trying to sell you their premium version, which gets rather annoying after a while.
 

johnb35

Administrator
Staff member
^Agreed. I use MSE on some of my rigs and Avast on others. I like both of them, but if I had to choose one, I would probably go with MSE given that it is more lightweight and does not contain in-program ads for a paid version. Avast is constantly trying to sell you their premium version, which gets rather annoying after a while.

I run avast on a few computers here at home and don't have an issue with ads.
 

spynoodle

Active Member
I run avast on a few computers here at home and don't have an issue with ads.
I guess I worded it a bit wrong. There aren't really "ads," but at every possible opportunity it asks you to upgrade to the premium version. There's also that stupid banner when you open the program.
 

Machin3

New Member
I used to use AVG, never really used Avast, but AVG also has some ads to upgrade to premium. So now I use Microsoft Security Essentials. Was skeptical about it at first but I've never looked back since. Its lightweight, not stupid ads, works quite well and no stupid bloatware. Scanning doesn't slow the rig down at all either.

I don't get viruses either way but just as a precaution I use it and would recommend it over anything else.
 

novicegeek

Member
Thanks, again, for all the advice. I've actually used AVG before and my wife had Avast installed on her computer by a repair guy (so I'm just a little familiar with it). But I think I might give MSE a try, given the positive things I've heard about it on here. I'm I'm always willing to try something different. Definitely not going back to Norton's - way too heavy on the memory. Thanks again for all your insights!
 
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