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Free Anti-Virus program recommendations

  • 3,299
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    19
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    I don't know if this is the right place for this thread, but I need a computer program question answered. If it's not, maybe the mods here can move it to the right forum section.

    Last month, I got myself a new laptop for my birthday. I made a blog entry about it.

    My question is... do any of you have any recommendations on a good anti-virus program that is free to use? I only have the standard Microsoft Security Essentials program, which every PC has. I do have a subscription to Norton 360 and one more install key to use, but not a lot of people are fans of Norton and I want to save that key in case my Mom buys a new desktop to replace the XP we have right now.

    I have heard about Avast being really good and maybe AVG being a good alternate as well.

    I would like to get something on here to protect my new laptop before any bad stuff pops in. Can you guys help me?
     
    Since when has Microsoft Security Essentials come standard with every PC? I thought you still had to go out to Microsoft's website to download it still?

    Anyway, here I was, all set to recommend Microsoft Security Essentials, and I start reading and I see that you already have it. From personal experience, it is considerably better than either Avast or AVG, and doesn't turn up as many false positives as Avira does. MSE is also far less of a resource hog than those other 3 I've mentioned. From what I've experienced, it's the best free one around right now. Something worth noting is that it shares the same virus detection engine as the antivirus that Microsoft sells to other corporations. So, basically, in MSE, you're getting corporate grade protection for free. You don't really need to replace MSE if you're only looking for freeware stuff. It's what I use on both of my PCs and what I recommend to others, seeing as you can update it easily using either the AV client itself or by using Windows Update, but always check for updates for it at least daily. I'd even go so far as to say it's probably better than Norton 360, seeing as you don't have to worry about your license running out with MSE, and it also offers a comparable level of protection using far fewer system resources than Norton, and the biggest reason it's free for individuals is because Microsoft was tired of people using subpar AVs or no AVs at all and then complaining that Windows sucked because they got infected with a horrible virus.

    Even so, your best AV protection is always going to be smart browsing.

    As for stuff that costs money, nod32 is one I've always been recommended by those who actually have money to go out and buy an AV.
     
    Since when has Microsoft Security Essentials come standard with every PC? I thought you still had to go out to Microsoft's website to download it still?

    Anyway, here I was, all set to recommend Microsoft Security Essentials, and I start reading and I see that you already have it. From personal experience, it is considerably better than either Avast or AVG, and doesn't turn up as many false positives as Avira does. MSE is also far less of a resource hog than those other 3 I've mentioned. From what I've experienced, it's the best free one around right now. Something worth noting is that it shares the same virus detection engine as the antivirus that Microsoft sells to other corporations. So, basically, in MSE, you're getting corporate grade protection for free. You don't really need to replace MSE if you're only looking for freeware stuff. It's what I use on both of my PCs and what I recommend to others, seeing as you can update it easily using either the AV client itself or by using Windows Update, but always check for updates for it at least daily. I'd even go so far as to say it's probably better than Norton 360, seeing as you don't have to worry about your license running out with MSE, and it also offers a comparable level of protection using far fewer system resources than Norton, and the biggest reason it's free for individuals is because Microsoft was tired of people using subpar AVs or no AVs at all and then complaining that Windows sucked because they got infected with a horrible virus.

    Even so, your best AV protection is always going to be smart browsing.

    As for stuff that costs money, nod32 is one I've always been recommended by those who actually have money to go out and buy an AV.
    I agree wholeheartedly on almost every point, although NOD32 is only an AV. ESET Smart Security is the full suite. Alternatively, Kaspersky and Norton Internet Security are good. Norton 360 is a little bloated with all of the extra rubbish you don't need.

    On the free front, I wouldn't bother with anything other than MSE. Avast is a pig when it comes to file access and AVG couldn't catch a cold. Avast has annoying ads when you update and as donnavannj mentioned, it has a high false-positive rate.

    Donavannj, you're right that MSE doesn't come with Windows because they legally can't (Windows Defender does, however), but it is now provided by some OEMs, such as Gigabyte (with their pre-built systems, at least). It will also come with Windows 8, albeit in a different form that deactivates if another AV is installed.


    tl;dr - stick with MSE. Norton is fine, but consumes extra resources and you said you want to keep the key.
     
    I totally agree with Archer and donavannj.. MSE is top-notch for free antivirus and it gets the job done. I use Security Essentials on all of my PCs and not once have I run into an irremovable virus/trojan since installing Security Essentials.
     
    Like everyone else have said, stick with MSE and do remember to enable automatic updating in Windows/Microsoft Update, preferably daily. One thing I know about MSE is that it's ridiculously fast compared to other solutions bar the trial of NIS that I've been tinkering with for two months with my dad's laptop.

    Avast is too baggy and full of nags at this point, it's hard to recommend it.
     
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