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What's the best free antivirus programme?

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2

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    #32
    TimeToShine
    Registered Users Posts: 4,881 ✭✭✭TimeToShine


    GarIT wrote: »
    You do know Microsoft have asked people not to use Security essentials as anything other than a backup to help your real antivirus? Malwarebytes will only help you if you scan with it regularly and Ccleaner won't do much for you at all.

    Why wouldn't you scan with it regularly? You can set it to scan automatically quite easily. I agree that Ccleaner is irrelevant but a lot of people start complaining that their laptop is running slowly and they think it's a virus when their cache is just packed with crap. To be honest if you use a sandboxed web browser you'd probably never need to worry about a virus.

    I used to have Avast and AVG installed but I deleted them, hell I even had the cracked eset Nod32 for a while (which is probably what I'd recommend) but they just seemed to be a waste. Perhaps I've been lucky up until now and if that's the case I'll gladly take your advice.


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    #33
    GarIT
    Registered Users Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭GarIT


    Molester Stallone wrote: »
    Personally not a fan of avast, have seen it bypassed a little too easily at times. But I'm sure you have the same issue with avg

    I've tested both in depth and Avast is much better, Avast is better than most paid products. Avast is the most annoying thing you could ever put on your computer though.


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    #34
    Molester Stallone
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,313 ✭✭✭Molester Stallone


    GarIT wrote: »
    I've tested both in depth and Avast is much better, Avast is better than most paid products. Avast is the most annoying thing you could ever put on your computer though.

    From my experience, it's the opposite, but when a customer comes to me my preference for a paid product is always Norton internet security. As long as no one asks for, or suggests bullguard I'm happy


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    #35
    the_syco
    Registered Users Posts: 37,301 ✭✭✭✭the_syco


    Boskowski wrote: »
    P.S. I found the best free anti virus software is Linux.
    How does it play with all the latest games? :P
    emmetkenny wrote: »
    You can buy a cd key for Norton at www.g2a.com for €14.50. I've bought fifa 14 off them and the code was sent in 15 minutes and worked perfectly.
    Norton will slow down any machine. I'd even advise AVG over it!

    =-=

    I find Bitdefender Internet Security to be good. Lets nothing in or out, and detects virus the moment you unzip it from a rar file (and sometimes before).

    I am not a fan of the updated interface, however, now their new way of scanning, so I won't recommend it.


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    #36
    GarIT
    Registered Users Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭GarIT


    TimeToShine wrote: »
    Why wouldn't you scan with it regularly? You can set it to scan automatically quite easily. I agree that Ccleaner is irrelevant but a lot of people start complaining that their laptop is running slowly and they think it's a virus when their cache is just packed with crap. To be honest if you use a sandboxed web browser you'd probably never need to worry about a virus.

    I used to have Avast and AVG installed but I deleted them, hell I even had the cracked eset Nod32 for a while (which is probably what I'd recommend) but they just seemed to be a waste. Perhaps I've been lucky up until now and if that's the case I'll gladly take your advice.

    Usually you'll forget, Malwarebytes only works automatically in the paid version. Most people forget that they need to be scanning before they do any banking. A decent sandboxed browser would keep you safe but most people think it's too much effort and give up after a few days. You would be surprised with how many people would think it is OK to click I know this program is safe, or click later on updates.

    I wouldn't say you have been lucky, just normal. On average it would take you between 1 and 2 years to come across a noticeable and harmful virus. Then when you consider how often the average person you will see that your security program does very little. On average if you were using avast it would probably take you 100 years before you had your bank details stolen, if you look at that as a group of 100 people using avast, on average 1 would have their bank details stolen each year. From my point of view I rather pay the €20 to get 98-99% protection from Norton than take the less than 1% risk of having my life savings cleared out, other people take that risk and I suppose that's up to them.

    For the average user though Avast is the only free product that I would consider acceptable.


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    #37
    GarIT
    Registered Users Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭GarIT


    the_syco wrote: »
    Norton will slow down any machine. I'd even advise AVG over it!

    =-=

    Bitdefender Internet Security

    From Norton Internet Security 2012 onwards they are piratically the lightest around, slowing down your computer was the only fault Norton ever had and they have done great work on improving that. I've run Norton 2013 on Atom netbooks and not seen any problems.

    Bit defender is good, it's at the upper end of the paid products but a bit off Norton on detection.


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    #38
    the_syco
    Registered Users Posts: 37,301 ✭✭✭✭the_syco


    GarIT wrote: »
    From Norton Internet Security 2012 onwards they are piratically the lightest around, slowing down your computer was the only fault Norton ever had and they have done great work on improving that. I've run Norton 2013 on Atom netbooks and not seen any problems.

    Bit defender is good, it's at the upper end of the paid products but a bit off Norton on detection.
    What's Nortons firwall like these days? Both incoming and outgoing. I've caught one or two programs calling home that shouldn't be in the directory that they were in.

    It used to be fairly pointless upgrading your laptop if you were installing Nortons. I'll look into how their product in 200 days (when my years sub is running out).

    BTW, how much can you configure it, and does it have some sort of "auto-pilot" mode (so I can configure other machines, and then let others use them)?


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    #39
    zenno
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,377 ✭✭✭zenno


    Using free anti-virus software just shows a lack of caution with most folk. These anti-virus software products are not good enough, and are also no good at stopping real-time nasty viruses from entering your system.

    AVG is terrible, as I have purposely throughout the years infected my test system with some bad viruses/keyloggers and malware and AVG didn't even notice they were there. Norton is not a good choice either for a paid subscription as it is on the lower scale imo.

    Kaspersky internet security and bit defender came out tops at removing all viruses from the test machine with a reboot. Some PUP's (potentially unwanted programs) were easily removed using the free malwarebytes software.

    Also, if using firefox, you should install the free addon add-blocker called... Adblock Edge 2.0.9. Kaspersky has a built-in anti-add-banner but Adblock Edge is much better if using firefox.


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    #40
    beauf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,648 ✭✭✭✭beauf


    GarIT wrote: »
    From Norton Internet Security 2012 onwards they are piratically the lightest around, slowing down your computer was the only fault Norton ever .....

    Speed was not the only problem. IMO Norton used to be worse than having an virus. As for slow, it could make a glacier look fast. Uninstalling it was a nightmare, and personally it took so long to fix you were better re-installing the OS. It was soooo bad.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norton_AntiVirus#Criticism

    They may have sped it up. Personally I'll never trust it. Even in the bad old days it topped the charts in all the reviews, but this wasn't reflected in my experience of it in Real Life. For a very long time, for me, "is Norton installed" was up there with "turn it off and on again" as the most common support phrase.


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    #41
    biko
    Registered Users Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Lots to chose from. There's reviews and comparisons available
    http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2388652,00.asp
    http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/best-free-antivirus-9-reviewed-and-rated-1057786


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    #42
    zenno
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,377 ✭✭✭zenno


    I always hear the statement that AVG and all the other free anti-virus software work great because after the scan nothing is found and people assume their system is clean, well think again, it just isn't finding the viruses/keyloggers/malware/spyware.

    If you really want piece of mind and a generously working anti-virus scanner, purchase one. They are not all 100% but the best ones will do the job well as long as definition files are automatically set for updates. Free ones will just not cut it.

    Would you rather your home, half secured, or fully secured to the best of your ability ? the same goes with computer systems, lock it up well so no-one can find it easy to get in through the back-door. Free will not cut it. Sure a person can purchase kaspersky internet security suite 2014 for 1 pc for €20 on Ebay UK for a full year, so I see no excuse with taking a chance.


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    #43
    BloodBath
    Registered Users Posts: 10,299 ✭✭✭✭BloodBath


    Zenno stop trying to sell people crap they don't need.

    Avast hands down is the best AV solution I've ever used including compared to paid services.

    Combined it with the odd scan with Malwarebytes and the use of Adblocker and you're covered. Don't expect the programs to completely make up for ignorance.

    AVG, Norton and MSE are complete bollocks in my experience.


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    #44
    padma
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,874 ✭✭✭padma


    Avast here the past 4 years.


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    #45
    AirBiscuit
    Registered Users Posts: 1,060 ✭✭✭AirBiscuit


    Common sense.


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    #46
    200motels
    Registered Users Posts: 2,604 ✭✭✭200motels


    I use Panda on my Windows and find it very good and light on resources, I don't like Avast as it's a resource hog, but as been said common sense is always important, I use no Antivirus on my Linux Mint and that's what I use most but you still have to be careful.


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    #47
    Mr. G
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 4,621 Mod ✭✭✭✭Mr. G


    As far as free Anti-virus goes, Microsoft Security Essentials or AVG.

    Of course, no Anti-virus will protect you if you do not run scans regularly or keep it enabled/updated.


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    #48
    GarIT
    Registered Users Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭GarIT


    Mr. G wrote: »
    Microsoft Security Essentials

    Microsoft has asked everyone not to use Microsoft Security Essentials as it is not good enough to properly protect you, and that you should only ever use it as a backup to your real protection.


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    #49
    BloodBath
    Registered Users Posts: 10,299 ✭✭✭✭BloodBath


    GarIT wrote: »
    Stop right there, letting in 50% of threats is not OK. What everyone needs is Norton internet security, it goes for €20 every now and again in argos.

    If you are doing anything with money, banking or shopping, you absolutely need Norton.

    Bollocks. There are far better free and paid options than Norton. Do you work for Norton?
    GarIT wrote: »
    I have studied computer security and tested most security products and I can assure you they are not fine. Most free products offer less than 70% protection. To be fair the average user comes in contact with approx 5 pieces of malware each year but where shopping and banking is concerned I rather be properly protected.

    Let's have a look at your conclusive testing evidence then.


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    #50
    beauf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,648 ✭✭✭✭beauf


    Personally I don't trust Norton or the scores it achieves. Microsoft seem to be slowly dropping MSE, for a couple of reasons, they want to move away from XP, and MSE gives people an excuse to keep it. Also they have AV built into to Windows 8. The intent to move people to Windows 8 is pretty obvious. AVG got very bloated. So I no longer use that.


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    #51
    noel farrell
    Registered Users Posts: 289 ✭✭noel farrell


    I have been using avast seems to work fine in the background, for me Norton is worse than any virus it will slow your PC to a crawl ,and boy is it hard to get off your computer, I had to get their Norton remover to get rid of it, and even then it was a battle, I guess some of it is still bidding in my laptop weighting to pop up,,


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    #52
    PropJoe10
    Registered Users Posts: 5,305 ✭✭✭PropJoe10


    I still maintain that if you use any of the well known free antivirus programs, along with Malwarebytes, your PC is pretty well protected.


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    #53
    White Heart Loon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,788 ✭✭✭White Heart Loon


    PropJoe10 wrote: »
    I still maintain that if you use any of the well known free antivirus programs, along with Malwarebytes, your PC is pretty well protected.

    Malwarebytes offers no protection unless you pay for the premium version.


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    #54
    yoyo
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,016 Mod ✭✭✭✭yoyo


    GarIT wrote: »
    Microsoft has asked everyone not to use Microsoft Security Essentials as it is not good enough to properly protect you, and that you should only ever use it as a backup to your real protection.
    Not totally correct. Microsoft state that MSE is a basic anti virus product, which does not offer the same "features" i.e: bloat that many commercial products do. They never stated not to use MSE. MSE is as good as any other av program, nothing will help you when it comes to zero day attacks. I have fixed plenty of computers that have been running up to date Kaspersky/Norton/McAfee which still got infected.
    beauf wrote: »
    Personally I don't trust Norton or the scores it achieves. Microsoft seem to be slowly dropping MSE, for a couple of reasons, they want to move away from XP, and MSE gives people an excuse to keep it. Also they have AV built into to Windows 8. The intent to move people to Windows 8 is pretty obvious. AVG got very bloated. So I no longer use that.
    Windows Defender in 8 is MSE, just with a different name. I'm using Avast Free at the minute which is fine, but the best anti virus is keeping your computer/browser plugins (Flash, Java, Reader etc.) up to date as well as common sense. "Dodgy" sites or "dodgy" emails with attachments are the most likely cause to lead to infection, likewise insecure browser plugins.

    Nick

    My Beer Glass collection site 🍺

    My Irish Callcards site



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    #55
    Big Lar
    Registered Users Posts: 1,429 ✭✭✭Big Lar


    I use Microsoft Security Essentials and Adblocker for Chrome and stay away from the porn and illegal sites and you'll be fine.


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    #56
    beauf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,648 ✭✭✭✭beauf


    I don't where people get all the virus'es from. I see them so rarely these days. Even the most IT illiterate person who gives me their PC to look after, I never see a virus on it. Now and then the odd minor spyware but nothing serious. Even at work where there's hundreds of PC's its just not that common.

    Except, now and then you get one user who's machine is riddled, and they don't learn they seem to always have crud on their machine when it gets checked. So as someone said earlier, common sense goes a long way. User behavior is a lot of the problem regardless of what you install.


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    #57
    beauf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,648 ✭✭✭✭beauf


    yoyo wrote: »
    ...Windows Defender in 8 is MSE, just with a different name....

    Yes but its sitting on Windows 8 which architecturally more secure. So MSE is running on much better base.


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    #58
    uncle_sam_ie
    Registered Users Posts: 3,191 ✭✭✭uncle_sam_ie


    beauf wrote: »
    I don't where people get all the virus'es from. I see them so rarely these days. Even the most IT illiterate person who gives me their PC to look after, I never see a virus on it. Now and then the odd minor spyware but nothing serious. Even at work where there's hundreds of PC's its just not that common.

    Except, now and then you get one user who's machine is riddled, and they don't learn they seem to always have crud on their machine when it gets checked. So as someone said earlier, common sense goes a long way. User behavior is a lot of the problem regardless of what you install.

    Yeah, it's malware that you need to watch out for these day's.
    I use the free version that comes with windows 8.1, Windows defender and the paid version of Malwarebytes. It only cost me something like 20 euro for a lifetime license. Plus, I use Chrome with Adblock and DoNotrackMe. I also run this before every scan, http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/rkill/


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    #59
    Allyall
    Registered Users Posts: 10,381 ✭✭✭✭Allyall


    GarIT wrote: »
    Stop right there, letting in 50% of threats is not OK. What everyone needs is Norton internet security, it goes for €20 every now and again in argos.

    If you are doing anything with money, banking or shopping, you absolutely need Norton.

    Norton is way too big for the average user, and you are talking about the paid version of that product, yet referring to the free versions of the others.

    Norton is more effective in some areas, but what a home user sacrifices to use it, is not worth it.
    Running on a server it's good, but not on a laptop or old home pc.

    AVG professional comes up for free every now and then, as does Avast (less often).

    For what it's worth, it's not 50%, although that could change on any given day.
    It's officially around 10% - 20% that seep through, as new malware/viruses come out every day. Free versions are used to gather new information and test beta detection rules, so can not and should not be compared to a professional paid version.

    Malwarebytes is also very handy to have (not running in the background) to update and scan every so often.

    Malwarebytes Pro beta Free


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    #60
    PropJoe10
    Registered Users Posts: 5,305 ✭✭✭PropJoe10


    White Heart Loon wrote: »
    Malwarebytes offers no protection unless you pay for the premium version.

    It does from malware and spyware, which is what I meant.


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    #61
    White Heart Loon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,788 ✭✭✭White Heart Loon


    PropJoe10 wrote: »
    It does from malware and spyware, which is what I meant.

    No it doesn't, the free version does not offer any protection at all. The free version needs manual scans to remove malware and spyware after you've already got them, no protection


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