Category: Geeks r Us
So I am in need of a anti virus program.
Can anyone recommend one that is both jaws friendly, low on false positives and does not use a ton of resources to run? I've heard avast is really good as well as AVG. but from what I also hear, AVG isn't what it use to be.
Also, do I still require an anti spyware program as well?
Microsoft Security Essentials is your friend. that is if you're not using a mac. if you are, I have no idea what's compatible. But honestly, ever since I've starting using MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials), I have literally been able to forget about viruses, but it's not too intrusive either. there's never any popups or ads, and it updates right along with other windows updates that you already get.
I'm with Nod32 and I like it better. each their own.
As per the malwares and trojans, I recommend Malwarebytes.
Also use C Cleaner for registry and cleaning up your temp files and so on.
Raaj.
yeah I heard a lot of good stuff about MSE, but I am a little hesitant to use it since the one before it was so utterly horrible.
I haven't had any problems with the latest version. I'm not sure about earlier versions, though.
yeah. I like C Cleaner as well. it's quick, easy to run, and again, not intrusive at all. although, like Raaj said, it's only designed for temporary files, cookies, and registry. it's not a proper malware program in the sense that it doesn't monitor your computer in realtime, and doesn't specifically detect spiware. having said that, it's free, and easy to get rid of if you decide you don't like it. Just beware of the option in the installer package that wants you to install a toolbar. I really discourage installing those as they can often crash your browser.
For free MSE is great. Now for a paid program I like vipre www.sunbeltsoftware.com You can try it completely for 15 days free, and you get a full copy. It is screen reader accessible, does all the things C cleaner does, and is a complete care package used correctly. You can buy it for 1 computer or for about $60 per year protect all computers you use. The main selling point is if you should happen to get something you get free 24 7 help from a tech support agent. If you can't clean it up the company will do it for you as long as you are subscribed. It has many settings for everything, so you can customize it to suit you without compermising the main protection section.
I forgot to add that they produce several free weekly news letters with lots of information in general about your computer, so when you go to the sight, if you decide read one to see what I mean, such as Win 7 news.
To add something here about AVG, I wants was a AVG user infact I bought their security sweet. Over time I noticed AVG slowing down my system while scanning and jaws studdered. Yes even with 2 gigs of ram and fore my other laptop a windows7 laptop 4 gigs.
haha. also this norton is the king of slowing down as far as I've noticed. mainly norton internet security.
Raaj
yes AVG ever since seven has not been very good unless you get the pro version.
I heard that nortan 2011 is really really good and is a top scorer on many of the tests they've conducted and doens't slow down your system. Right now though, I think I am leaning towards AVAST
I really, really don't like Vipre. Just my opinion. it slowed down my system horribly, and was really intrusive. Of course, I was using it on an XP machine with only 1 GB RAM, but even AVG didn't slow down the same computer that bad. Again, just my opinion. if you like it, by all means go for it.
bit defender is also a good one. I have to use my JAWS cursor sometimes, but other than that, it's pretty good. they have a free version or a paid version, but the free one at least covers the basics. You also have the option of running a deep scan or quick scan. the only thing I really don't like about that one is when installing it, you end up restarting your computer two or three times before you've got it completely set up. I would still recommend MSE over Bit Defender for its simplicity, but Bit Defender definitely gets the job done.
Bit defender is good. Interesting why Vipre slowed your system down. I even use it on a netbook, so. Norton is strong, because it has to be to keep its customers. The only drawback to Avast is its not complete, so if it were free MSE would be my choice. Avast is also, or was difficult to remove. That is actually how it should work, but if you don't like fooling around and just want it gone it is hard. The reason I say that is how it should work, because it is defending your system incase the removal is a virus, but it needs something built in to tell it if the removal is by you. I still stand by Virpre so far. Next year now, we'll see. I guess these things are only as good as the people that develop them and maybe the AVG folks got lazy.
Hmm... maybe the AVG people did get lazy even when you by the pro version it still slows your system. The security version is a paid version with more then antivirous, malware protection but if it slows my system no thank you.
I honestly don't have a good opinion on freewares. most of them are just for tempting the people or users to buy the pro or premium versions of their products.
Once I've installed trojan hunter demo version and they said in their site as it's fully functional for fifteen days or something if I remember it right. but after scanning all the computer for an hour time, ... that said, 11 trojans found, for fixing it, you've to buy the premium or the bloody pro version. I was quiet anoyed...
Raaj.
That's honestly why I stopped using AVG. I got pop up ads every few hours trying to get me to buy the pro version. No thank you. In fact, while I'm at it, I'll just uninstall your product altogether and go with something that doesn't inhibit me from using my own computer with their persistent advertising. MSE has never done that to me. Vipre doesn't do it either, at least not when I used it, so for that I'll give it credit.
Right now I use AVG free version, but am seriously considering microsoft security essentials.
I also use winpatrol. It monitors your system and tells about any potential changes that a program or website want to make to your system. It's very unintrusive and it's free.
Sorry I don't know the website.
Bob
yeah its amazing how much AVG has changed. It use to be rommended by everyone you talk to and now, its horrible.
I too would recommend MSE. It's been the least intrusive antivirus program I've ever used, and I've been through several: AVG, Avast, Avira, Kasperski (that one is by far the worst.) Ever since I bought my new computer, I've had no problem with MSE at all. On my old XP machine it stopped updating automatically, I have no idea why but I don't really care now that it's working great on my new machine. I also recommend C Cleaner, but watch out when installing the latest version because it installs Google Chrome without giving an option to skip it, unless they've fixed it since then, as I discovered this about a month ago and was quite disgruntled, so I went back to an older version. I also recommend Threat Fire. It runs alongside whatever antivirus program you have and catches what it doesn't. It too is unobtrusive and free. Spybot Search and Destroy is also good.
The Norton products are not accessible now. So you would be waisting your time even buying the products. They are quite slow, and get in the way of everything. for both payed and free things, MSE(Microsoft Security Essentals is your friend. ) Nod32 is good for something payed. for spyware, I recommend Super antispyware, or malware bytes. For just cleaning out Trojans, I recommend Trojan remover by Simply super software, I think that's the website, but do a search for it on google.
I personally feel, if you're ready to pay for an antivirus, eset smart security is the best one and accessible as well. it has a firewall too. Nod32 is also ok but no firewall with it.
Raaj.
i use malwarebytes, eset smart security, and also have a c cleaner knocking about too.
I use MSE and like it. A friend recommended it to me. I just yesterday installed Malware Bytes; the tech dude that fixed my laptop recommended it to me. So far I realy like it. I have a couple questions, though. Do I have to buy it? 'Cause there's a register button. I was under the impression that it was already free, but apparently not. Lol. I wouldn't mind paying though, as so far it's been helpful and easy to use. And, if I do have to buy it, how much does it cost, exactly? Thanks.
No you don't have to buy it, but you get more features if you do. About 29 per year I think.
Yeah it's a shareware.
Raaj
odd i am using norton, and yes i do need someone to set up when i want it to do a daily scan, and a full scan, but the quick scan i can do on my own. i've not had problems with it and have had it for almost a year.
the one i had before it was avera and let's just say something tried to eat my computer. and that was a year ago.
but for me i don't mind getting my mother's help when it comes to anti-virus stuff. i'm not paying for norton she is. for her comp as well as mine.
so,
if the day came that that wasn't an option then i would go to mse cuz that's aparently what everyone uses.
I haven't used Norton for a long time, but it use to be accessible, so I wonder what happened to that?
It is but the jaws cursor is used a lot with it my super viser uses it fore his laptop.
blah. no more norton to me. unless I get a good speed broadband.
Raaj.
I installed avast anti virus and it seems to be working well and offers probably the most features of any free anti virus program including sand box!
So she has made her choice. Yea! Lol I like it when Avast talks to you. It is the only one I know that does. Lol
Sandbox? Lol. what's that do?
MSE all the way...but I was not able to do Malwarebytes. But then agian, I have Window-Eyes 7, so that explains a lot lol.
There is a tool that removes worms, trojons and etc called stinger. its not a full fledge virous scanner but it does do the job. I like microsoft security assintuals.
sand box is when avast or other anti virus programs open a potentially dangerous program in a closed off, isolated environment so if it ended up being dangerous, the danger would be contained and nothing would be affected by it. I"ve been using avast for many momths now and I love it so far. And call me cheap, but I like how you don't lose any protection when you have the free above the paid although the paid offers more security when doing online shopping and banking. Since I don't do that as it is, I could care less.
If anyone is interested, Microsoft has released this ingenious tool to remove malware which you have to put on a CD and it runs at boot up. It is from what I heard the best available anti malware solution I've ever seen since it acts before windows can be loaded therefore picking up the malware easily.
I'll have to check out the malware tool. Not that I think I have any, but sometimes I just wanna find out lolz.
for people wanting to try it out, They can visit:
http://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper
Instructions on how to use it can be found at:
http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/2011/06/setting-up-microsoft-standalone-system.html
Keep this in mind that for jaws user or any screen rreader users, you won't be able to use this since you need to have sight to be able to navigate around and obviously since windows hasn't been loaded, there won't be any sounds from the sound card.
So, I recommend you get someone sighted to help you out if you so choose to try this tool out.
Most good program have what is called a boot scan as well. You just restart the computer and wait until the scan is complete. Avast even being free has this feature. The Microsoft scan even from a CD should run if your computer is set to boott that way.Most are.
I was an AVG user, free then paid, but ended up ditching it a couple years ago because it was slowing down my system. Norton and McAfee are garbage at this point. I can't comment on MSE as I haven't used it yet. I've had great results with the free version of Avast. Someone asked about anti virus for the Macintosh... OS X by design is very secure but I still recommend that people enable their firewall in system preferences. (it is off by default when you do an OS X install.) Just to be safe, I do use Mac scan to be extra secure. Finally, be sure to backup your machine, whatever operating system you're using. Not only is there the risk of a virus/trojan/rootkit killing your machine, but hard drive failure and power spikes etc can also turn your machine into an expensive door stop.
actually you're incorrect, firewall is on by default with mac OSX
I've done a reformat and fresh install using OS X SL v 10.6.3 and 10.6.4 and it was certainly off by default under security in system prefs. one was an included version specific to the mbp it came with, and the other install was on a mac pro desktop using a retail version.
there's where you're missing something. i believe it's after 10.6.4 that firewall is on. i've redone my mac on many times now and firewall has always been on, even with factory install
Ah! That is probably the answer then.
I recently installed Microsoft Security Essentials, and now I cannot download music from my favorite site, could it be blocking it, just says windows media player has encounterd a problem now, and, Norton is not compatible with system access.
no, it wouldn't do that and certainly not with windows media player
Bummer, wonder why all of sudden it won't let me download, I can play the songs I already downloaded with no problem.
Bummer, wonder why all of sudden it won't let me download, I can play the songs I already downloaded with no problem.
If you are using windows 7 or Vista Media player might need resetting, but it shouldn't have been because of Microsoft. If you think so turn it off, than try to download. Repair the media player. If need instructions say so and I'll post it.
My self, I really like and use Microsoft's Security Ecentuals.
I have been using this program for a while and haven't had any problems what so ever!