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+--- Thread: Dependable Free Anti-Virus Programs (/Thread-Dependable-Free-Anti-Virus-Programs)
Dependable Free Anti-Virus Programs - CLEP101 - 01-08-2010
Since we have a thread about hard drive problems, I thought about starting this one. Can the computer gurus here share what are some of the best dependable free Anti-Virus programs for our computers?
I use AVG Free Antivirus on two of my laptops, Symantic Antivirus on two others, and McAfee on the other two.
Dependable Free Anti-Virus Programs - Ruddigore - 01-08-2010
clep101 Wrote:Since we have a thread about hard drive problems, I thought about starting this one. Can the computer gurus here share what are some of the best dependable free Anti-Virus programs for our computers?(Not a computer geek by any means, though I have a fair bit of exposure to geeks.)
I use AVG Free Antivirus on two of my laptops, Symantic Antivirus on two others, and McAfee on the other two.
My only set policy on Anitvirus programs is avoid Norton like the plague. That evil program caused me nothing but trouble while I had it (internet connectivity problems, clogging my CPU, etc.) until I found a Norton Remove Tool to rid me of it -- for as you know, Norton will not allow itself to be deleted unless you happen to have some special something-or-other account. I have heard good things about avast!, which I have used on occasion to make sure my computers are clean. I don't like AVG because of the way it messes with Google searches.
Personally, I don't use any antivirus software, as the most dangerous thing I download is the 1953 D'Oyly Carte recording of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Sorcerer. If I ever have to hook up to an unsecured network for a long period of time, however, avast! will most likely become my antivirus software of choice.
Dependable Free Anti-Virus Programs - dark_dan - 01-08-2010
I've been happy for the past few years using avast.
And adaware and malwarebytes mixed with ccleaner.
Dependable Free Anti-Virus Programs - TMW2010 - 01-08-2010
Though I use AVG on my main computer (simply because I've been kind of lazy) and am forced to use Norton at work & on our clients computers, I will second the nomination for Avast! I use it on my secondary computer and my munchkin's computer, and it does a pretty decent job.
I've also heard good things about Microsoft's Security Essentials.
*edit* Make that third, Dan beat me to the second.. Heh
Dependable Free Anti-Virus Programs - Ruddigore - 01-08-2010
Oh, and a good word for Spybot - Search & Destroy. It's technically an adware program, not an antivirus program, but it is a fine program the use of which I have enjoyed for over a year now.
Dependable Free Anti-Virus Programs - Lindagerr - 01-08-2010
Or I should say my computer geek husband does. I also run spybot once in a while to check up on adware. I try to stay away from unknown sites too.
Dependable Free Anti-Virus Programs - BrandeX - 01-10-2010
I concur, with the above comment that all the ones mentioned in the OP are junk. Use avast! and you will never have a virus issue most likely.
Dependable Free Anti-Virus Programs - JanusthePhoenix - 01-10-2010
I swear by Trend Micro Internet Security. It is not free, but they do offer a remote virus and malware scan called House Call.
HouseCall - Free Antivirus Scan
That is free for everyone to use whenever, but cannot actively protect your computer like their commercial software. If I couldn't afford the software anymore, I would use a free anti-virus (:ack: ) and scan with House Call every week or so.
Dependable Free Anti-Virus Programs - TMW2010 - 01-10-2010
For some reason, I can never get House Call to work on any of my machines, so I gave up on it.
Dependable Free Anti-Virus Programs - dharmachic - 01-10-2010
I've used all of the above, and I've found AVG can be too resource heavy. Avast is ok, but I like and am using Avira, which pleases me so far because of its effectiveness.
Helen