I recently got hit by a rogue antivirus ( a particularly nasty evolved version of Windows Security Tool, they had to use military grade software to wipe it off my computer). It was my own fault, I let my subscription to Norton run out and kept on postponing renewing. Now I'm wondering what is the best antivirus software? I don't want anything like this to happen again if I can help it, I lost everything on the computer and had to re-do everything from scratch. The people at Best Buy recommended Kaspersky over Norton, and I'm considering making the switch, since I'm now on a 60 day free trial of Norton that came when I re-installed the OS, and haven't purchased anything yet. I've got nothing against Norton, I don't blame them for the virus since it was my own stupidity and laziness, but the people at Best Buy did recommend Kaspersky. I'm also getting a Netbook soon, and I'm wondering which one is better for Netbooks. Kaspersky advertises right on their box that their program works great on Netbooks, but I'm actually wondering if there's a difference.
Both programs allow for installation on up to three PC's in the same household, so a subscription to either will cover both my computers. Or is the best program neither Norton nor Kaspersky? I'm not really into any big computer stuff, generally all I do is download media, stream media, type documents, that sort of basic thing. Also, do I need the comprehensive program (the more expensive one), or the basic program? I was generally leaning toward paying a few extra bucks and getting the comprehensive program, since I'd rather pay 15 dollars more than have to spend $60 on a complete system wipe like I had to recently, but if the comprehensive program only protects me from stuff I am very unlikely to get, then maybe I don't need it.
So, basically, which antivirus is the best for both laptops and netbooks, and should I spring for the comprehensive verison or just get the basic version? I'm willing to shell out the extra bucks if it means protecting my computers better, but if it won't make much of a difference than I'd rather not.
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AVG has been extremely reliable to me in the past. It's also free. I've also had very good experiences with Comodo Internet Security, which is also a free download.
I've heard good good things about Avast and Microsoft Security Essentials as well, but I've never used them personally. IMHO, paying for anti-virus doesn't provide you ANY added security. All the worst horror stories I've ever seen come from the big-name software (Norton and MacAfee), and they sometimes even act like malware themselves, spamming with messages that safe programs are viruses, or continuing to run after uninstalling.
What's really the best way to stay safe on the internet? Use your brain. If a site looks suspicious, STAY AWAY! Don't click on pop-ups, don't accept any downloads unless you were searching them out, don't read e-mails from people you don't know, etc. etc. If you're unsure, err on the side of safety. You wouldn't follow a stranger into a dark alley in real life, so just use the same common sense on the internet. I have seen computer-illiterate people destroy computers running the exact same protection as other ordinary people who have no issues at all. You should never think your security software will protect you from everything. That kind of thinking will only cause more trouble than it's worth.
IMHO, the only thing you 100% need is a decent firewall, which all modern operating systems come with installed. An antivirus program and a pop-up blocker are probably good ideas to run as well. Also remember to keep your programs up to date (specifically your web browser and e-mail client).
As for the "comprehensive vs. basic" distinction, I can't speak for the programs you've looked at, but typically the non-premium versions have everything an ordinary user would need.
Oh, and I can't stress this enough, back up your data! Data is cheap. You can get decently sized external hard drives for $60, the same as your repairs cost. You can backup all of your data regularly, and then, if you ever have any really bad virus issues, a clean reformatting of your computer will clear everything up. Backing up your data is also a good way to stay organized.
On side note:
they had to use military grade software to wipe it off my computer
Really now? That must have been one impressive virus!
Sounds more like something they would tell you in order to charge you more.
I wouldn't trust AVG at this point. a few months back they made a business deal with Limewire, a popular peer-to-peer file sharing program that's the electronic equivalent of the worst ghetto you can imagine, inhabited by pirates, with ninjas smoking crack on the corners.
Avast! is a program I typically recommend to users whom wish to use a free service. if you're vigilant about updating it regularly and scan your computer once a week, you shouldn't have any problems.
However, I stand behind Sunbelt Software's Viper Antivirus. it's a beast, plain and simple. it does a great job keeping the boogey men out, and getting rid of them should they come in. I use it on my job as a PC Technician, and install it for the local businesses. I really can't recommend it enough.
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I've also had very good experiences with Comodo Internet Security, which is also a free download.
Thanks for this recommendation. I had never heard of Comodo before your post. I had gotten the Microsoft/Windows Security Essentials a few weeks ago and it never detected a single bad thing. The first scan with Comodo found 10 infections. Can't thank you enough!
If anybody is wondering, the free Comodo program was very easy to download and install, the update went smoothly and the program is pretty easy to use!
Also a bad idea is to roast people for their opinion of the appropriateness of the post in question when your entire defense is based on your opinion of the appropriateness of the post.
I just started using Microsoft Security Essentials. So far so good, seems to run pretty lightweight, plus a lot of reviews that I have read about it says its one of the better free ones out there too!
I would not use AVG Free. It is powerless at detecting and stopping rootkits, which have become a common tool of use for many malware programs today.
As long as whatever anti-malware program you use is capable of removing rootkits (especially the more common ones like TDSS), you'll be fine. Rootkits are a major pain the ass to remove and usually require special programs to detect and remove, if not wiping the computer.
Also, the best first line of defense against malware is to keep your computer updated. Don't ignore Windows updates at all. All the safe surfing and not opening up suspicious files in the world does nothing to stop drive-by downloads, which hammer outdated machines and inject malware into your system without you doing anything at all.
Chiming in on the anti-AVG wagon. I used to really like them, but in the past year or so their quality has nose-dived, and things were getting through that shouldn't have. A seriously nasty virus punched through all my defenses by exploiting AVG and complete nuked my computer - every file was simultaneously affected, and all I could do was go to this rogue anti-virus scam site. I wiped the whole system and started from scratch.
And say what you will about pay services, I have felt far more secure with a paid service with some responsibility behind it than just another freeware program. What price security, I guess.
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Nothing against free software, but Spybot has never done anything for my computers. Scanning takes forever and its not halfway capable of removing problems (at least doing so permanently).
@Glitch: They didn't charge me any more because of the military grade software, they charge a flat fee and that's it, even if that fee is bit higher than I would prefer. I chose the D-ban (resetting every single byte to 0) over the virus removal, because the virus removal was a complete rip off at $199, and the D-ban was about $60. They explained to me that the virus was initially resistant to their attempts at wiping the system and would lock the software out of the system and then force the system to crash itself. They could have told me that story in order to scare me into buying one of their antivirus programs, I suppose.
I would hesitate to rely on a free antivirus program. From what people are saying, it sounds like some of the free ones are a little unreliable. Maybe it's just psychological, but it just wouldn't feel right relying on a free antivirus program.
@Jack from NC: I did some checking on Viper (or VIPRE) Antivirus, it looks pretty solid. Just a few questions: does my subscription include multiple computers like Norton and Kaspersky, do I need to pay extra to cover multiple computers, or does my subscription cover both my computers? Also, is what they say on their website true, at least as far as other programs hogging up computer resources and slowing them down, but VIPRE doesn't do this? If VIPRE covers both my computers for no extra charge and their website info is accurate and honest, I think you might have sold me. I'll still probably try the 30 day free trial first, though. Oh, one other question: do I uninstall Norton first, or do I download the VIPRE and then uninstall Norton?
I'll also take everyone's advice and make sure to keep the computers updated, and watch my surfing habits, but I think I'd only feel comfortable using a commercial antivirus program, I wasn't even aware that there were free ones when I started this thread, but I just don't feel comfortable trusting my computer's security to a free program.
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I wasn't even aware that there were free ones when I started this thread, but I just don't feel comfortable trusting my computer's security to a free program.
The reason free programs exist is because people don't want any viruses ANYWHERE. Think about it, if all the people who couldn't afford/didn't want to pay for virus software went unprotected the situation would be extremely out of hand. What I'm trying to say is that people develop good free anti-virus software to help try to keep everyone clean, as to help make sure they themselves remain clean. The more of an overall control we have on the situation the better everyone is.
Also a bad idea is to roast people for their opinion of the appropriateness of the post in question when your entire defense is based on your opinion of the appropriateness of the post.
Both programs allow for installation on up to three PC's in the same household, so a subscription to either will cover both my computers. Or is the best program neither Norton nor Kaspersky? I'm not really into any big computer stuff, generally all I do is download media, stream media, type documents, that sort of basic thing. Also, do I need the comprehensive program (the more expensive one), or the basic program? I was generally leaning toward paying a few extra bucks and getting the comprehensive program, since I'd rather pay 15 dollars more than have to spend $60 on a complete system wipe like I had to recently, but if the comprehensive program only protects me from stuff I am very unlikely to get, then maybe I don't need it.
So, basically, which antivirus is the best for both laptops and netbooks, and should I spring for the comprehensive verison or just get the basic version? I'm willing to shell out the extra bucks if it means protecting my computers better, but if it won't make much of a difference than I'd rather not.
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I've heard good good things about Avast and Microsoft Security Essentials as well, but I've never used them personally. IMHO, paying for anti-virus doesn't provide you ANY added security. All the worst horror stories I've ever seen come from the big-name software (Norton and MacAfee), and they sometimes even act like malware themselves, spamming with messages that safe programs are viruses, or continuing to run after uninstalling.
What's really the best way to stay safe on the internet? Use your brain. If a site looks suspicious, STAY AWAY! Don't click on pop-ups, don't accept any downloads unless you were searching them out, don't read e-mails from people you don't know, etc. etc. If you're unsure, err on the side of safety. You wouldn't follow a stranger into a dark alley in real life, so just use the same common sense on the internet. I have seen computer-illiterate people destroy computers running the exact same protection as other ordinary people who have no issues at all. You should never think your security software will protect you from everything. That kind of thinking will only cause more trouble than it's worth.
IMHO, the only thing you 100% need is a decent firewall, which all modern operating systems come with installed. An antivirus program and a pop-up blocker are probably good ideas to run as well. Also remember to keep your programs up to date (specifically your web browser and e-mail client).
As for the "comprehensive vs. basic" distinction, I can't speak for the programs you've looked at, but typically the non-premium versions have everything an ordinary user would need.
Oh, and I can't stress this enough, back up your data! Data is cheap. You can get decently sized external hard drives for $60, the same as your repairs cost. You can backup all of your data regularly, and then, if you ever have any really bad virus issues, a clean reformatting of your computer will clear everything up. Backing up your data is also a good way to stay organized.
On side note:
Really now? That must have been one impressive virus!
Sounds more like something they would tell you in order to charge you more.
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Avast! is a program I typically recommend to users whom wish to use a free service. if you're vigilant about updating it regularly and scan your computer once a week, you shouldn't have any problems.
However, I stand behind Sunbelt Software's Viper Antivirus. it's a beast, plain and simple. it does a great job keeping the boogey men out, and getting rid of them should they come in. I use it on my job as a PC Technician, and install it for the local businesses. I really can't recommend it enough.
Thanks, Heroes of The Planes! You guys are great!
Actual Truth:
Thanks for this recommendation. I had never heard of Comodo before your post. I had gotten the Microsoft/Windows Security Essentials a few weeks ago and it never detected a single bad thing. The first scan with Comodo found 10 infections. Can't thank you enough!
If anybody is wondering, the free Comodo program was very easy to download and install, the update went smoothly and the program is pretty easy to use!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/products/mse.aspx
As long as whatever anti-malware program you use is capable of removing rootkits (especially the more common ones like TDSS), you'll be fine. Rootkits are a major pain the ass to remove and usually require special programs to detect and remove, if not wiping the computer.
Also, the best first line of defense against malware is to keep your computer updated. Don't ignore Windows updates at all. All the safe surfing and not opening up suspicious files in the world does nothing to stop drive-by downloads, which hammer outdated machines and inject malware into your system without you doing anything at all.
And say what you will about pay services, I have felt far more secure with a paid service with some responsibility behind it than just another freeware program. What price security, I guess.
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Nothing against free software, but Spybot has never done anything for my computers. Scanning takes forever and its not halfway capable of removing problems (at least doing so permanently).
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I would hesitate to rely on a free antivirus program. From what people are saying, it sounds like some of the free ones are a little unreliable. Maybe it's just psychological, but it just wouldn't feel right relying on a free antivirus program.
@Jack from NC: I did some checking on Viper (or VIPRE) Antivirus, it looks pretty solid. Just a few questions: does my subscription include multiple computers like Norton and Kaspersky, do I need to pay extra to cover multiple computers, or does my subscription cover both my computers? Also, is what they say on their website true, at least as far as other programs hogging up computer resources and slowing them down, but VIPRE doesn't do this? If VIPRE covers both my computers for no extra charge and their website info is accurate and honest, I think you might have sold me. I'll still probably try the 30 day free trial first, though. Oh, one other question: do I uninstall Norton first, or do I download the VIPRE and then uninstall Norton?
I'll also take everyone's advice and make sure to keep the computers updated, and watch my surfing habits, but I think I'd only feel comfortable using a commercial antivirus program, I wasn't even aware that there were free ones when I started this thread, but I just don't feel comfortable trusting my computer's security to a free program.
In Modern:
:symu::symw::symr: Holy Rollers (Geist Tempo)
My NovelJoy author profile: http://www.noveljoy.com/userInfo?wid=189
I write mainly horror/scifi/fantasy type short stories. Please read and feel free to send me feedback.
The reason free programs exist is because people don't want any viruses ANYWHERE. Think about it, if all the people who couldn't afford/didn't want to pay for virus software went unprotected the situation would be extremely out of hand. What I'm trying to say is that people develop good free anti-virus software to help try to keep everyone clean, as to help make sure they themselves remain clean. The more of an overall control we have on the situation the better everyone is.
no reason not to run it. plus it is free.
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