Home Forums Discussions General Discussion Antiviral software

I am looking for recommendations anti viral software. I have not had much luck with in the past with anything I have tried.

Look at AVG. I have the network edition and, although I am not sure I really know all the bells and whistles, I managed to install it on my server and push it out to the clients and I am a computer idiot. But it is much better, IMO, than McAfee or Nortons which overtake your system. I tried Nortons and everything slowed down so it was awful. Then when you try to uninstall it is like trying to get rid of ants in your house. The little b@#$%&ds are everywhere!

Avast! is another pretty good one.

I was previously using free AVG, but it was annoying because of the constant tricky popups trying to sign you up for the pay version. And it seemed to be constantly failing to update automatically, and I would have to update manually.

I have switched to Microsoft Security Essentials, which has been very easy to install and use, and is free. No nagging to upgrade to the pay version. Auto update and scans seem to be quite fast. I am hopeful that Microsoft, at least, will be able to develop a anti-virus/anti-spyware product that won't conflict with other programs.

I can tell you right off that it's a great question, but 20 different people will give you 20 different answers. I'll make that 19, because I won't even recommend one.

Having said that, there are two points. One is DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EVER BUY NORTON OR MCAFEE.

The other is that it depends on whether you are purchasing commercial-grade networked AV (basically runs on one computer and can monitor the others -- virus definitions are downloaded by it, and it sends them to the clients) or home versions (which are still good).

Also, I am not a fan of Internet Suites that combine everything. I would recommend to start with a good AV program and then scan for other malware with a free program like...damn....I almost recommended one. Well, since it's not a true AV program, Malwarebytes'Anti-Malware is hard to beat.

And, before I offend anyone with the McAfee and Symantec comments, I have plopped down at least $2500 for Symantec products. They will catch the viruses, there are just other issues besides that they are overpriced for what they do. Just remember once you go with Symantec, you can't go back.

Avast! is pretty good, and I am still hoping at 19 since it was already mentioned.

And, John, you are right about the popup thing with AVG, but there is one way to fix that....:)

I'd second that, and not just because you are locked in. I'm sure some of you saw this news story about a recent McAfee upgrade hosing thousands of their users' computers.

Yikes!

Bert,

Can you include viral protection in your Backup/Security talk at the ACUC?

What do you mean once you buy Norton or McAfee you are locked in?

They are very difficult to uninstall and often slow down your system if they are not completely uninstalled. Simply using their (or windows) uninstaller is NOT adequate.

Sometimes they make it difficult to install another antiviral to replace them.

On a single computer, F-Prot is also pretty good. Simple, cheap, small, effective, and does not try to take over your life. I, also, came to loathe Norton.

Another vote against Norton and McAfee. So slow and bloated, and they don't do the job.
I have been happy with AVG. The only time I see a pop-up is when they come out with a new version, which is not too often. For me it is a "set it once and leave it alone" type of program. And the price is right.