Community poll forum: 11/19/04 How do you decide which antivirus software to use?

I read reviews mostly, as I did 4 years ago concerning Norton Symantec... and spent 3 happy years in their company...well, happy except for the ongoing progressive increase I noticed in its use of system resources that is...in Feb 04, I was refused updates by Symantec... My sub had until August 04 to run...no matter who I spoke to or what I tried, I could not get Norton 2003 Internet Security, which was my current program at the time updated, I was offered no explanation except that I didn't appear to be in their data base... so, I read further reviews and plumped for AVG 7.00 Network Configuration Version.. and find it excelent...My machines are on-line 24/7, I have much more system resources at my disposal and not had one hit in the 9 months I have been using it...so all in all at what amounts to 12.00 per year for the sub, I am very happy chappie...
Lance

Actually, my decision of the antivirus software is based on the following:
- My past experiences with Symantec (previously Norton)have been A++. I also prefer this because the updates are faster when a virus makes presence, particularly on the WWW; updates are automatic, and it works excellent with infected e-mails. I buy it in the SystemWorks package along with other three apps: CleanSweep, Ghost and Utilities. Overall, I have made SystemWorks as the #1 antivirus on my PC.

I choose with recomendations from the shop I frequent and my friend (very knowledgeable) and find their recomendations fit in with the final votes from sites like this I dont choose from chat rooms find their not always on the ball on whitch is best...

I run Linux on both of my personal computers. I keep my boxes up to date and do not run as root (that's admin for you windows folks). The Linux/Unix/MacOSX security model beats windows hands down making attacks very hard to be sucessful. Are *nix OS's perfect? Nope, you still need to take precautions, but it is less likely a *nix box will get infected.

If you use XP create a separate user and only run as that user and do not give that user admin privledges. Use admin sparingly, only when you need to and log back in as your non-admin user when finished. Windows users need to run AV, spyware blockers, and firewall. Which ones I could not tell you. Research the various choices and do not rely on any one research source for your answers.

IMHO the best AV choice is to get rid of windows, and use a more secure OS such as Linux or Mac.

I chose Others. About two years ago I was suckered into clicking on an enclosure that turned out to be a virus. I had Norton AV installed. It detected the virus and claimed it eliminated. When I booted up again, it was back. I tried MacAfee and PCciliin. Both detected and reported correction, but with reboot the virus was back. I tried Computer Associates EZ trust AV. It found the virus and killed it, absolutely. I have used it eversince and have never again been troubled. I wouldn't consider any alternative, even though it is seldom included in reviews of available and recommended AV software.

What was on the computer.

Howdy all, I choose my AV by reading all available articles on the subject of computer security, referring to others and finding out what they use and checking with local computer shops to see what they recommend. I decided firstly on Nortons, which I found too slow and resource hungry then changed to NOD32 which I found perfect for my needs and easy to configure.:)

I've tried perhaps a dozen of the best known AV and AV/Firewall combo programs. I chose "other" to your survey because you didn't give me the option "WHATEVER WORKS BEST ON MY SYSTEM" which, in my opinion, is the prime criteria.

So many either gum up the rest of the system, screw up networking access beyond belief, or infiltrate every nook and cranny so it's like computing with a chaperone, etc. etc.

I guess all the leading programs "work" to some extent but the only ones that get to watch over my systems must be "secret service" types... almost invisible, unobtrusive, and effective... and when removed, do so without leaving the "house" in shambles like the Symantec stuff so often does.

I use free versions whenever possible... I see no reason to hand over $50-$100 when it's so NOT NECESSARY.

I started out w/one on my system in a bundle deal! It was hard to keep current & finally had virus problems.

System #2,I bought what was touted as the best of all it auto updated & scanned at startup. Always current & eventually had system rebuilt twice all over again!!

Got rid of all the ones advertised & downloaded the same virus control that all those were using in the business of building PC's like mine.

It has been absolutely perfect. Zero problems & completely effective. Love that NOD32!!!