Anti-Virus

[SteveS]

I am looking to install an anti-virus program on my new computer, as it didn't come with one.  What is a decent one? 

[MattC]

AVG

It's free (has some limited features, like you can't schedule auto-scans unless you buy the corporate edition), and it works very well.

This thread discusses it some.

p.s.: it's Vista 64 bit compatible

[RocketMan]

BitDefender works pretty well and is highly rated.  It's not expensive, in the $40 range.
I went to it after being cheated by McAfee.

[cosine]

I'll just mention (before I dive for cover) that I'm using Norton right now, and it works fine. Doesn't seem to slow up my computer any, never had a virus, and does a complete scan in just under two hours, which I don't think is too bad.

[MattC]

cosine, no need to run.  I've used Symantec (Norton) for several years.  Then I learned that AVG was just as good (with slightly less custom features), and when I learned that they supported Vista 64 bit on my new computer I decided to play it cheap and see how it goes.  So far, so good!

[Thor]

My problem with Norton, other than being a system hog is that it misses a lot of stuff, moreso than AVG, Avast! and a few others. Trojans seem to slip by Norton's AV quite easily, even with automatic updates.

Matt, my AVG scans every night between 0200 & 0400, all set up on the scheduler. Updates are automatic, too.

[MattC]

Thor, thanks for pointing that out.  I had tried to create a "New Schedule", which is when it gives me the pop-up notice that I need professional addition, available for purchase.  It does come with a default schedule that you can edit.

[RevDisk]

I am looking to install an anti-virus program on my new computer, as it didn't come with one.  What is a decent one? 

We moved from Symantec to Kaspersky.  Couldn't be happier.  KAV picked up a lot of stuff missed by Symantec, and is a lot easier to use/administrator.  Has a lot of extra features. 

The Free version of AVG is free for a reason.  It's a good program, I install it all the time for home users not wanting to shell out cash.  It's as good as a lot of paid AV's, but it's far from the best.

[Calumus]

Another thumbs up for AVG. It runs on my computer every morning and makes its way through around 120 gigs of data in about 25 mins. Norton hasn't been worth paying for since 03. Cosine, if you think your computer is fast with Norton installed, remove it and install AVG. You'll see quite a difference. If you need a firewall too (and you shouldn't be running Windows firewall, its next to useless) Look at Comodo. Highest rated free firewall out there, and better rated then pretty much every paid firewall you've ever heard of. http://www.matousec.com/projects/windows-personal-firewall-analysis/leak-tests-results.php#firewalls-ratings
Cheers,
Shawn

[Gewehr98]

(Donning asbestos underwear)

I've been running Norton/Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition for a few years now.  To date, I've had no problems, no infections, and it doesn't slow down any of my systems enough to be noticeable.  The nice thing is, if you're a government employee, you can get the Corporate Edition free through a GSA agreement just for asking.  (Uncle Sam doesn't want infected files introduced to government computers when you bring in work from home...)

I don't use the Windows XP Pro firewall, either.  I have a hardware firewall with WallWatcher installed to show me where pings are coming from and going to. 

[roo_ster]

I can get Syamntec free from my employer, like G98 does. 

I still go out and download the free AVG, instead, for my wife's laptop.

On linux/unix I use clamav.

[Calumus]

Same here. I always have access to free software (as someone who's in the industry) I've got unopened boxes of at least half a dozen security suites lying in my office closet that various companies have sent me to get me to start using their product. I still run AVG and Comodo on my personal machines as well as all my clients'. The less overhead that gets used for 'non-productive' software ie:stuff that you aren't doing anything with right now, the better. Cheers,
Shawn

[caseydog]

For those who have Comcast cable internet , they offer McAfee for free to subscribers on Comcast.net. One downloadable copy per e-mail address , up to seven e-mails per account.

Ray

[wmenorr67]

I have Syamntec for the same reason that G98 and jf have it. 

[JimMarch]

The best anti-virus download:

http://www.ubuntu.com/

[Thor]

Jim, I'm not real enthusiastic about ubuntu, yet. It's not bad, but I still can't get my network printer to actually print. The new version is still in beta and I'm not real sure about it.