Anti-virus: how can freebies be good?

Because my McAfee subscription expires in November, I've been reading posts about freebie anti-virus software. I'm certainly not disputing anybody here, I just wonder: 1. How can anyone provide freebies that are as good as the big-names? 2. Why haven't the freebies run Norton and McAfee into bankrupcy? 3. Is it just marketing that makes be feel that if it costs money, it has to be better?

 

Also, when you buy a big name pc (face it...the majority of pc users buy big name pc's) they come with the name brand software, usually with a free subscription. so when that subscription runs out, the user usually buys another one. plus, you don't really hear of the free programs unless you are a "computer nerd".

 

Speak for yourself.
Some of us are QUITE the opposite. When I have time, I use a box dedicated to getting trashed by just those methods you mention. In emulation on the Mac I will actively look for a new virus just to study it. Sometimes the virus gets out of the box, but never past the first router so I infect two machines at the worst. Nortons anti-virus gets a daily update and almost always catches a problem.

Why do this?
It is fun and I am always ready with an answer when a friend calls.

 

very helpful

Your replies have been very helpful. I have ZoneAlarm because of MajorGeeks, and I probably will get a free anti-virus program because of this site. Now, is there any advantage to getting, say AVG, right now when my McAfee subscription doesn't expire until November? Should I run two anti-virus programs so I can compare them? Thanks again.

 

i know goldfish runs two anti-virus programs. if you do, don't run them at the same time. I only run AVG.

 

OK, back on subject.
I use Norton's for the ease in updating multiple computers. You probably do not need all its features. A free antivirus will do you fine. The company pays for Norton so I don't have to run all over the place updating virus defs.
If you are running a personal firewall (Sygate, Zone Alarm, Black Ice) and a good antivirus - free (see above examples) or not (Mcafee, Norton) and are at all careful what you do, you should have no problems.

I got Sub Seven Virus this morning on my "at risk" box from a sample database application. I am contacting the vendor as we speak. I am off to clean up or Ghost the box...

The truth is out there, unfortunatly so are the lies.

 

Well, AVG crashes on my windows 2003 box on every other boot, on a fresh install, but Norton does not. It is easily reproducible, i.e., I can format and the same will happen next time I install it.

Price justifies the software in this case.

 

I am also trying Windows 2003 at home. It is stable with Nortons, have not tried AVG.
If you want a user friendly OS, this is NOT it. I gave up trying to share files in any reasonable form. Since this is a home, I just want the Windows 98 share where anyone can do anything. I need no permissions, passwords or protection from my wife, daughter or son. We are running XP Pro which is somewhat difficult to set up for full sharing. Windows 2003 is MUCH worse.

Microsoft is trying to make some $$ with training on this one! For some reason MS wants to make sharing more and more difficult, which is not the same as more secure.

 

Well, I cant say I liked the attitude of the statement above, but whatever.


I dont recall 2003 being supported under Norton either, yet it works. Yeah, now you know someone who uses it in a home environment, but not as a desktop OS. I use XP Pro as a desktop OS.

I am perfectly within AVG's usage guidelines.

I mentioned a reason why i prefer Norton, didn't really expect to be grilled about it.

 

no one grilled you about it. he just stated that he was unaware of 2003 being a supported operating system by AVG. This could be the very reason you have problems running AVG.

calm down...don't take things so personal.

 

Calm down? I am prefectly calm.


"Dont know anyone using 2003 in a home environment... until now?"


This statement to me added nothing to the reply, other than to convey an attitude. If I was wrong then, oops. I am human.

I am perfectly calm. Anyone who remembers me as Bullet from ex 3dfiles knows what its like when I am not calm


Relax. I felt there was a certain negative vibe in the reply, and answered accordingly.


BTW, are there are any AV programs out there that say they support 2003?

 

How is Suse 8.2? I was thinking about getting it.

Regardin 2003, I haven't used it too much. It isnt my primary OS, I have it running on a box on the side, trying to get IIS6 to work through my router, grr.

Its very fast, which makes me like it a lot more than 2k Server.


By the way, Major Attitude=Tim??

Just a guess

I actually signed up here a long time ago, but dont post on forums nears as much as I used to at 3dfiles.


I still remember the greats, like Da Man, Vyyper (still talk to him on AIM) KnightRT and a few others.

 

I will say this. THe Free version of Innoculate IT was by far my favorite of any AV

 

You can add me to the list of people using 2K3 at home. Hell M$ gave it for free and paid for shipping, why not see how many times I can tweak it till it breaks? I have 6 months.
Your AV:
Free eTrust Antivirus v7 for Windows Server 2003

 

2003 is fine as a daily OS in most areas. I have had trouble with games, some older software, and file sharing. I am sure the latter is my own ignorance of how to set it up.

I still stand by my post that MS really needs to be taken to task on how to set up user and file permissions. 2003 is just really badly done. You will spend hours learning how to do what should take seconds.