McAfee versus AVG which is better?

I think you'd find that most people here would choose to never install McAfee on their own computers.

It is a resource hog, but to be honest, if you are a complete novice, it's probably better to have a commercial all in one software package since they tend to be a bit easier to use (generally, you don't have to even do anything). I have never used AVG, so can not speak about how user friendly it would be to someone who doesn't know computers (since you do use it, you would know). I use Avira AV and Comodo firewall.

I would absolutely ask your friend before you do anything. They may have paid the 50 or 60 bucks it cost for the subscription.

If you talk to them and they do want to go ahead and use something else, make sure you use the McAfee uninstall tool.

 

I would also like to make the suggestion that your best bet is to go to the Malware Forum here on major geeks and run through the thread stickied at the top of the forum titled READ AND RUN ME FIRST.

You are much more likely to be successful at removing all the malware from the computer by doing that than just scanning the computer with McAfee or AVG.

 

Yes, Comodo is an excellent Firewall.

I would suggest you read this thread that our Malware Expert has put together: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=44525

I also saw there was a note about AVG, so I would take a look at that too (I didn't read it). If you uninstall the McAfee you will definitely need an AV, a Firewall, and Real Time Blocking tools for malware (in addition to the AV).

Also, please make sure that you download the .exe files (do not install at this time) for all these before you uninstall McAfee. Also download the McAfee Removal tool. Then make sure you are not connected to the internet. Uninstall McAfee. Run the McAfee removal tool. Reboot. Run it again. Reboot. Then go ahead and install all the new software.

 

Did you run through step by step? I think you are probably going to be running into the same problem over and over even with AVG. Most malware these days is not easily removable. What happens is it creates files that change names and then just restart themselves again after the initial cleaning process.

The Removal guide is recommended, and then I would strongly advise posting your logs in the Malware forum for the experts to go through them and kill anything that is left on the system. In the long run, it really will save you time.

 

It sounds like your friend was not keeping their McAfee up to date. I really don't know if AVG can totally clean the computer.

As I said, please perform all steps in the READ & RUN ME FIRST. Malware Removal Guide and then attach all your logs for the experts to go through.

It really is the only way to be sure to get rid of all the malware. It would be a shame for you to go through all this effort for your friend and then have it all just come back.

 

As per Chas:

 

It was an FYI. I'm not saying whether it's wrong or right, although I have to think that they would get one of the better sampling of people in Malware coming to them asking about things that their AV 'detected'.

I have no experience with AVG. Avira has had one FP in the year and a half I've been using it.

 

happycmpr46, I'd also scan with malwarebytes. It finds and removes malware/trojans/rootkits.