Community weekly poll: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to use?
- 11/17/04 12:12 PM
Re: which anti-virus software to use? free AV versions
by AsparaGus - 11/19/04 3:35 AM In reply to: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to use? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
A long time (in computer time) ago, I used a free AV called InnoculateIt (which had become a paid version but updated for former free users. I've run the free trial versions of Norton and MacAffee -- though not always to the end of the trial period. Norton Anti-Virus was always a problem with its LiveUpdate and adding in the Personal Firewall made for such a system hogging combination that I sadly had to walk away from the 'brand name' product.
The freeware version of AVG is/was my choice. At first, the idea of a daily system scan gave me thoughts of major slow downs and resource problems. Time proved that it was discrete and thorough -- even set at a time when I was actively using the system, the slow down was negligible. That can be worked around with the ability to schedule it in 'off hours' (my system is virtually never off and my reboots are usually those required for an installation or removal.) Updating could also be scheduled to run in the wee hours more to lessen the strain on their servers -- the process could be configured to run without reboot.
The email scan was configurable and allowed adding certify message (or omitting what mught be considered an ad -- one well deserved, I feel.)
I said 'is/was my choice' because the 7.0 version is new on my machine and is looking good. The older version was a visually trimmer interface, but new users may find the fuller GUI more attractive and intuitive (or more extensively labeled.) The biggest sign of Grisoft's commitment to service is the redesign of the download page -- making it much easier to find.
Re: which anti-virus software to use? free AV versions
by wscoaster - 11/19/04 4:42 AM In reply to: Re: which anti-virus software to use? free AV versions by AsparaGusI use Nortons 2000 & AVG 6(the free version). They coexist together nicely & the only virus that got past the two of them was one that spread very quickly & struck b4 they had their AV defs out. Symantec had a removal tool on their website however which was just as well as it was disabling the updates of both of them.
Re: which anti-virus software to use? free AV versions
by flaht - 11/19/04 8:27 AM In reply to: Re: which anti-virus software to use? free AV versions by wscoasterI just updated AVG 6.0 to AVG 7.0 - latest build. It was the easiest and smoothest update I have ever seen!! Many credits to Grisoft for their fine software and superior user interface. I really like the better visibility and clarity while running the new version.
Re: which anti-virus software to use? free AV versions
by pipevine - 11/19/04 9:51 AM In reply to: Re: which anti-virus software to use? free AV versions by wscoasterI have some question: Can u have 2 Antivirus programs on your PC @the same time? I thought you would have to remove an existing before installing a different version, (even from same Company). My Symantec update subscription expires in a week,and was going to stay with NAV, in case I needed help removing the NAV 2002 Version, before installing NAV 2005.I've kept Norton because that is what was installed when I purchased PC, and as a Newbie was hesitant to try any downloaded freebie Version, without the documentation that usually comes with a purchased one & installing from a CD.My concern also was, if I uninstall current Anti Virus program, and go on line to download AVG, will I be subject to a virus while getting the download? TIA Lydia
Re: which anti-virus software to use? free AV versions
by John Robie - 11/19/04 12:25 PM In reply to: Re: which anti-virus software to use? free AV versions by pipevineHi Lydia,
If you are going to purchase and download NAV 2005, you should download to "save" instead of 'open'. It will download to the desktop or a folder, watch where it downloads. I do this to any program/game that is downloaded, and also check it for virus while there before INSTALLING. So, you will not be uninstalling/disabling your NAV 2002 while downloading.
OK, after downloading 2005, uninstall 2002, then click on the icon of the downloaded (to save) 2005 and install.
Re..procedures for uninstalling NAV2002. Did you read my post to you and get the link for Symantec procedure on unistalling NAV 2002, 2003, 2004?
http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6132-0.html?forumID=32&threadID=45196&messageID=539345&tag=
Re: which anti-virus software to use? free AV versions
by hrnichol - 11/19/04 6:12 AM In reply to: Re: which anti-virus software to use? free AV versions by AsparaGusI also used AVG (and will be using 7.0).
When I moved to a Server as my primary computer prior to setting my home network, I found that 7 was not available for server but 6 is still viable until 12/31/04.
When my workstation is set, I will be using two, both freeware. AVI and AVG work well in tandem and are unintrusive, doing what they do well without a lot of overhead. Since using AVG, I have had viruses but they seem to be caught at point of entry and not after infecting my system.
I have tried both MacAfee and Norton--they like to dominate the system to the point of making any real work impossible.
Gotta go with AVG
by jboisseau - 1/11/05 4:28 AM In reply to: Re: which anti-virus software to use? free AV versions by AsparaGusI follow newsgroups and read reviews. I take reviews with a grain of salt as they always seem to pick the biggets players with the largest advertising budgets. That aside, the techies in the newsgroups are in the trenches and usually provide solid feedback. That said, I switched from Norton to AVG and never looked back. Not a single virus since switching to AVG and AVG does not take near the system resources that Norton does. Also, getting off of Outlook for e-mail has really helped to reduce viruses.
Re: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to u
by pixman - 11/19/04 8:03 AM In reply to: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to use? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Research, research, research. I use Norton. Been with Norton for years. Must note: Keep-it-up-to-date! No matter what you use, it won't work for long if you just let it sit there. Notice some folks switching to McAfee but have yet to deduce exactly why. Please enlighten this old-timer.
Re: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to u
by skycatcher - 11/19/04 8:24 AM In reply to: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to use? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Some AV software may have a good rating for catching viruses but, like Norton AV, slow your PC down by a ridiculous amount. If you can afford it (small business or keen home user) I would recommend Sophos. It's small, fast, strings of 100% awards, free email warnings etc., with lots of other goodies for businesses.
Re: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to u
by leroy38 - 11/19/04 8:27 AM In reply to: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to use? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I read a lot of reviews then started using AVG-6
on my at home computer it has stoped all virus's
At work thier was a computer that got a trojan
on it, norton could not do any thing about tried Ad-Adware Spybot-S&D they did not find it. The norton subscription ran out so I loaded AVG-6 while it was going thru setup it found the trojan, three files
that it said needed to be deleted, did it and the trojan was gone
Re: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to u
by Thomas L Clements - 11/19/04 11:10 AM In reply to: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to use? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have a suggestion that the answer to this question brings to mind. I think that often more than one choice or vote is appropriate and probably wanted to be made by more than myself. Also a Misc. or 'Other' choice with a brief (30 character) description to go with it would help &/or be appropriate. I feel that I'm cheating the one I can't choose especially when multiple answers are true... I look for the cheapest, most popular, with best track record, that is reliably compatible Antivirus Program. How about making choices with numbers such as 0 - 10 with 1 the best and allow 0 or blank for not even considered or applicable. Use duplicate numbers or ratings for choices that are felt the same about. The type of question and its possible answers contribute everything to its bias and/or correctness. Thanks, Tom.
Re: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to u
by rfred0707 - 11/19/04 1:49 PM In reply to: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to use? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I read reviews for all products, and Cnet does have some good ones. Recently, I found a site called www.spywarewarrior.com. It reviews many spyware products, and chooses which ones are best. I found the link to it on PC magazine's site, so I believe it is reputable. It has forums and you can get a free membership. It also lets you ask questions and educates you about different kinds of anti-spyware programs. These include both preventve ones and ones that search and destroy (think Spybot). As for anti-virus, I use PC-illin because it is better than Norton and it has a small built in firewall. As for a real firewall, I use Zone Labs Zone Alarm Pro.
Re: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to u
by ruger - 11/19/04 1:51 PM In reply to: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to use? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
A friend told me of a new AV software that was in Beta years ago. I signed up as a Beta tester and found it to be the best I had ever used. I had used at one time or another the "big 3" and found all to have problems. The Beta was great. When it went to market I got a very good price on it and have never gone back. It is still the best and I have never had a virus get through. The reviews (when you can find one) are always good.
Re: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to u
by pmcniffe - 11/19/04 3:27 PM In reply to: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to use? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Well when I bought my computer 4 years ago it came with McAfee installed. I have used this program for the last 4 years. I have up-dated it renewed licences etc. I have never had a problem. It has notifed me of virus` in e-mails etc. As the saying goes. IF IT AIN`T BROKE DON`T FIX IT. So that is they way I am even downloaded the new Virus scanner which I have no problems with. Even though I have an old computer I feel the McAfee scanner works better. Paul
Re: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to u
by vladimirtamarez - 11/19/04 4:14 PM In reply to: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to use? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I will use an antivirus sofware to work as an scanner, (examples: Norton, Bullguard, etc.) becuase the logical antivirus can decide that your computer has a virus and it cann't be true. Whereas the scanner antivirus needs update to have the information about the virus to avoid any damage of new virus. It is used more than the logical antivirus.
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