AntiVirus Software

[Kheldarson]

I got an unexpected check change amount and decided that instead of just going into savings, I'd get a desperately needed new computer tower (haven't had a new computer since I started college and with me trying to get into a doctorate program, I have got to start learning languages and Rosetta Stone was not going to fit on my old comp).

But now the new comp is bugging me to go ahead and allow the free 60 day norton antivirus software. I've had Norton before and while it's not bad, I get tired of having to shell out the sheer amount of money they demand. So my question is, is there another antivirus that is cheaper and/or better? I run adblock and noscript on firefox, so I'm not terribly concerned, but still would like something.

[Elspeth]

I use Microsoft Security Essentials on all my computers at home and at work. Works great and it is free.

[Chromatix]

Avast comes highly recommended here - it catches more crap than Norton and doesn't get in the way.

It tends to make a lot of noise by default, but you can set it into "silent gaming mode" globally to fix that. It's free, you just have to re-register every year.

[Hawaiian Eskimo]

Another one for avast - I just switched to it from Microsoft Security Essentials and I'm loving it so far.

Just make sure you turn off the voiceover sounds - unless you like hearing VIRUS DATABASE HAS BEEN UPDATED every time you turn on your computer.

[fireheart]

Another one for avast - I just switched to it from Microsoft Security Essentials and I'm loving it so far.

Just make sure you turn off the voiceover sounds - unless you like hearing VIRUS DATABASE HAS BEEN UPDATED every time you turn on your computer.

And a third one for Avast! as well. My boyfriend recommended it for me.

His and mine are both set to "pirate" mode, so everytime my laptop turns on, it says something along the lines o those "scarvy sea dogs be safely aboard".

You can also run a quick scan or a full-on scan. I would still recommend adding something like Malwarebites which is slightly more thorough in terms of scans.

[Kheldarson]

Yeah...went ahead and downloaded Avast. We'll see how it compares before I pull the 60 days free off for Norton.

[Laund-o-rama Mama]

I've used Avast and it's great. AVG also comes highly recommended.

[ADoyle90815]

Vipre Antivirus is another great software. I also like Microsoft Security Essentials and AVG.

[Salesmonkey]

You might check with your ISP - I know that AT&T includes a free subscription to McAfee on its DSL / fiber plans. I've been happy with Microsoft Security Essentials too.

But Norton is a real resource hog. When clients complain of how slow their computers are, they're always happy with performance when I switch them from Norton to MSE.

[crazylegs]

I use AVG - never had any problems with it - YMMV, but seeing as you've already chosen my advice is a little moot!

[Kheldarson]

I'll still keep it in mind, crazylegs, if I find I don't like Avast. I just don't want Norton again!

[corwin02]

Use antivir , it is free , lightweight , reliable and is updated on a daily basis , Norton is a memory hog and costs way to much compared to what it delivers.

[TheSHAD0W]

I've had issues with Norton before; not quite as bad as McAfee, but it wormed its way so far into my system that it could never be completely uninstalled or reinstalled.

I use Avast also. One caveat though; I recommend you go into Settings/Sounds and disable some of the sound events, especially automatic update. It can be really loud and unexpected!

[Zaiida]

I use COMODO Internet security Premium. Have to use the full name because it can be hard to find the exact free combo. Install the wrong one and you have do uninstall and try another one.

Once it's up and running it works very well and you can customize the levels of protection up to paraniod . Name is apt if you use that one, jumps on anything which can be dreadfully annoying so stateful is usually the best. I've used it for 6 years along with occasional spybot use and have only had one major intrusion that took out my computer via flash drive because I hadn't installed the firewall. Learnt that lesson and had a computer paperweight for 2 weeks until it was fixed. Stupid porn virus bomb.

[Duelist925]

I use avg and Malwarebytes. havent had any issues. Tho if Avast has a pirate mode, I am entirely too tempted to switch to that...