Recommend PC security and anti-virus software

[House of Usher]

My security software expires in 8 days and I was wondering which program to instal next.

I'm currently using McAfee, but I'm thinking of changing it. Does anyone have any recommendations? Should I stick with McAfee or change to AVG or Bit Defender, or something else?

[Dandontdare]

AVG is free and seems to do the job. I also had 'Spybot search and Destroy' installed, but removed it as it was eating up more and more memory at startup. I'd avoid Norton as this also uses up tons of space with it's accumulation of updates.

[Noisybast]

I second AVG. It's worked for me for the last decade.

[Richmond Clements]

I second AVG. It's worked for me for the last decade.

Thirded.

[Emperor]

I second AVG. It's worked for me for the last decade.

Thirded.

Fourthed. I've installed it on a lot of computers and it seems to do the job.

I also use Search and Destroy which helps lock things down against adware/spyware.

You should also make sure you have a good firewall installed, I use Zone Alarm's free version.

See also this thread of software recommendations:

http://www.2000adonline.com/forum/index.php/topic,29011.0.html

[Banners]

AVG jumped the shark a couple of years ago with its 'Linkscanner'. Kaspersky used to be top dog but has become very resource intensive in recent versions, so now I opt for Norton. I think there's a free trial available so it may be worth a try...

M@

[Mardroid]

I believe I've had AVG miss some infected files in the past. This was a while ago though and might have been improved.

At the moment I'm using avast! Antivirus. It seems to work pretty well but it can be quite system heavy sometimes slowing things down a bit during downloads. (I'm not sure it's AV software doing that though.)

[Noisybast]

AVG jumped the shark a couple of years ago with its 'Linkscanner'. Kaspersky used to be top dog but has become very resource intensive in recent versions, so now I opt for Norton. I think there's a free trial available so it may be worth a try...

M@

Just don't install the Linkscanner plugin. It is optional, y'know.

Also, Norton? Seriously? Unless they've changed their game in the last couple of years, it's system-crippling bloatware that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

[House of Usher]

[Also, Norton? Seriously? Unless they've changed their game in the last couple of years, it's system-crippling bloatware that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

Added to which there's their appalling customer service, specifically their billing department (based in India, naturally).

[Peter Wolf]

I cant recommend any of it and neither can i recommend any Windows/MS software either.

[Noisybast]

I cant recommend any of it and neither can i recommend any Windows/MS software either.

Thanks for your input. I imagine it's practically made Usher's decision for him

[Dog Deever]

I have used AVG in the past, I'm currently using Avast antivirus.
I also have Spybot Search and Destroy installed as well as Ad-aware and Malwarebytes.

I used to use pctools firewll plus which worked fine right up until they stopped supporting it a couple of months ago. I now use Online Armour firewall which I've read tussles for no1 free firewall with Comodo firewall. Legendary Shark would recommend this as Comodo offer a fully integrated antivirus & firewall system all free (so he tells me).

If you're using Windows 7, current thinking seems to be that the built in firewall and antivirus software are better than any free or commercially available software anyway (contrary to what Peter says). I've heard this from a few different, unrelated and unaffiliated sources.
However, if you are using XP, you'd best download some software...

[The Legendary Shark]

Comodo Internet Security
Complete protection against viruses and Internet attacks for Windows computers.

Internet Security Includes:

   * Antivirus: Tracks down and destroy any existing malware hiding in a PC.
   * Anti-Spyware: Detects spyware threats and destroys each infection.
   * Anti-Rootkit: Scans, detects & removes rootkits on your computer.
   * Bot Protection: Prevents malicious software turning your PC into a zombie.
   * Defense+: Protects critical system files and blocks malware before it installs.
   * Auto Sandbox Technology™: Runs unknown files in an isolated environment where they can cause no damage.
   * Memory Firewall: Cutting-edge protection against sophisticated buffer overflow attacks.
   * Anti-Malware Kills malicious processes before they can do harm.

http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php


(I'm worried how well DD seems to know me...)

[Dog Deever]

(I'm worried how well DD seems to know me...)

Yes- I hacked your computer and found out about your life, opinions and software choices.
That's some great porn you have there on your hard drive...