Anti Virus recommendations etc

Discussion in 'Software' started by ichase, Sep 7, 2010.

  1. ichase

    ichase Corporal

    I know this is a very old thread but it covers my question. I just purchased a new computer for the wife to replace an 8 year old computer that was having issues with adware.
    I have noted that most of the replies have had multiple programs installed.
    This is what the wife does with her computer:
    - Facebook (like everyone else besides 2 % of the population)
    - She runs her own forum with minimal users (access request required, not open)
    - Youtube
    - Realistate sites
    - NEVER Downloads anything that is not from an email from someone she knows. NEVER downloads anything directly from the internet.

    I have been using AVG Free since Version 2 (currently version 9) I have been reading a lot of negatives about AVG after Version 7 came out.

    What is a really good program that will not only detect incoming viruses but also spy ware, adware, malware. I do not need a free program. If one program does all the above, does it well and cost money than I am willing to pay for it.

    Thank you in advance to all that answer :)
     
    ichase, Sep 7, 2010
    #1
  2. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi

    As Malware, Software and Windows versions change over the years as well as advice on what to use for security, I moved your post to a new thread.


    As for what to use, what Windows version and Service Pack are you using, just a quick list of what your CPU speed, Ram amount is will help?


    But my main advice on this is to have a read of this guide How to Protect yourself from malware! as it is kept current.

    But your wife is doing the best security options in not downloading from the internet and likely safe surfing sites also. However some options are a basic rule of thumb of mine

    Avast (can custom install this to add only the scanners needed, if not doing P2P then you dont need that scanner)
    Spywareblaster
    Malwarebytes (for a second malware option)
    Windows bulit in firewall (if using Vista or Windows 7) or PCtools Free Firewall if wanting a software option
    Windows update to keep Windows always fully upto date as well as keep all applications upto date.

    Paid option for me would be Kaspersky Internet Security (but dont run any of the above at some time, apart from Spywareblaster)
     
    DavidGP, Sep 7, 2010
    #2
  3. ichase

    ichase Corporal

    Halo,
    Thank you for your help. What is your opinion of Bit Defender Anti Virus?

    The computer as I just purchased it yesterday is a:
    HP Pavilion p6523w Desktop PC:

    AMD Athlon II 220 dual-core processor
    2.80GHz, 4000Mhz System Bus, 1MB L2 Cache

    5GB DDR3 system memory

    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Edition

    Of course it has Norton Internet Security 2010 (60 days of live updates) But thinking about deleting this due to the fact that Norton is a memory hog.

    But your opinion as well as the other experts is most welcomed. :)
     
    ichase, Sep 7, 2010
    #3
  4. samtal

    samtal Corporal

    samtal, Sep 7, 2010
    #4
  5. ichase

    ichase Corporal

    Samtal,
    Thanks for the advice. Yeah, I planned on using the Norton Uninstaller due to the fact that I have had issues using Windows to uninstall it in the past. The PC De-crapifier I think is going to makes things go a lot faster when un-installing the "crap" I planned on uninstalling.
    The computer is still in the box, did not have a chance to get it up and running last night. Plan on getting everything done and un-installed prior to connecting it to the internet.

    I'm still looking at the best options for anti-virus. After MUCH reading and research, COMODO seems to rank really high with Windows 7 as does Bit Defender. Do you or any one else reading this thread have an opinion? All opinions are welcomed. :)
     
    ichase, Sep 8, 2010
    #5
  6. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi

    I would say if you are getting the full Internet Security packages from either Comodo or BitDefender then either is ok, just remember that it is not advised to run any other live/resident (meaning a background running task) Antivirus, Firewall or Antimalware application at the same time as the full Internet Security packages from Comodo or BitDefender as they will conflict and may cause slowness of the PC as well as random crashes.

    If you install any extra antimalware applications like SuperAntiSpyware or Malwarebytes only use them in their free manual on demand scan versions do not install the paid live/resident versions for the reason mentioned above.

    You can add a free layer of security with Spywareblaster as this applciation does not run but is an easy way to add know malicious websites, activeX componets to the blocked lists of the browser (IE or Firefox) all you do is manually update Spywareblaster each week and then enable all updates.
     
    DavidGP, Sep 8, 2010
    #6
  7. Colemanguy

    Colemanguy MajorGeek

    Do not just jump to the norton uninstaller until after removing it via add remove as best as it can. This is the best way to remove as much as possible, then use a hammer (norton removal tool) to get the rest. As far as security solutions go, i have been loving Kaspersky internet security very much.
     
    Colemanguy, Sep 8, 2010
    #7

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