Best Antiviruses EXPLAINED!!

[BatistaCC]

There are alot of antiviruses out here to protect you form the ever growing viruses but which one work and which on dosn't

Here are Some Popluar AntiViruses

AVG 8.0
Avast 4.8
Avira AntiVir 8.0
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009
ESET NOD32
BitDfender 2008
McAfee VirusScan
Symantec Norton Antivirus

So Which one work and which don't

Weel Which and on and Which dosen't is really an understatement
they all work.

AVG 8.0- The new version is from my opinion worse than the old 7.5 version for example it dosn't update automatically and sometimes even dosn't update
But there is a good thing it has a very user friendly interface and Real Time Protection but that about all.
According to AV-Compartives.org it has a detection rate of 98.1%

Avast 4.8- Also the newer version it is a really good AV it updates it does everthing and Antivirus should do but it has some false postives and has a lower dectection rate some of it rivals and its User- Interface it awkard to use how is a AV pose to look like a media player but you can turn the skin off. Plus Real Time Protection
According to AV-Compartives.org it has detection of 97.6%

Avira Antivir 8 - It is a excellent program it has a really good user interface and Real Time protection If you are using the free version it has slower update and not automatic update ans screen that tries to make you upgrade every time you update but The premium version is remarkble and faster update through the premium sever and no popup screen.
According to AV --Compartives.org it has Dectection Rate of 99.6% make it the highest dectection rate

Kaperasky Anti-virus 2009- One of the best AV ever made it is a extremly excellent program it is soft on your system but it quiet awakard to use but either than it stand with Avira Antivir on top of the mountain. It also as great real time protction
According to AV-Compartives.org it has detection rate of 98.3%

ESET NOD32- One of the best AV on the market it is really easy to use great detection rate and really light on the system is highly reccomended to anybody that likes life simple. Great Realtime Protection and best know for cacthing in the wild viruses. And is a highly reccomended AV
According to AV-Compartives.org it has a dectection rate of 97.7%

BitDefender 2008- It is effecient AV but you just don't get that kind of feel you what I mean the feel of a very good antivirus it feels like they got ideas from a hobo and is really naggy and fix issues itself or bu some king of debuger! And High on resources.
According to AV-Compartives It has a detection rate of 96.5%

McAfee VirusScan- A well know and well trusted AV but I just gone into the dark for a fre years I use to be a good solution for home user now Kaspersky and Avira have tooken over that job and McAfee is more of a buisness soultion but still good software
Acoording to AV-Compartives.org it has a dectection rate of 94.9%

Norton AntiVirus- A well know software it actually alright if you take out high resoures so it slow your computer down and has a too simple user-interface which feels like your not protected and doesn't protect you from bot. It is a good soultion for family computer but it want AV that is EXtremly good might as well go With Kapersky or Avira AntiVir or NOD32
According to AV-Compartives.org it has dectection rate of 97.7%

To end I would reccomend Avira AntiVir or Kaspersky or NOD32 to be you AV Solution

Cheers, BatistaCC

[glc]

There are alot of antiviruses out here to protect you form the ever growing viruses but which one work and which on dosn't

Here are Some Popluar AntiViruses

AVG 8.0
Avast 4.8
Avira AntiVir 8.0
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009
ESET NOD32
BitDfender 2008
McAfee VirusScan
Symantec Norton Antivirus

So Which one work and which don't

Weel Which and on and Which dosen't is really an understatement
they all work.

AVG 8.0- The new version is from my opinion worse than the old 7.5 version for example it dosn't update automatically and sometimes even dosn't update
But there is a good thing it has a very user friendly interface and Real Time Protection but that about all.
According to AV-Compartives.org it has a detection rate of 98.1%

Avast 4.8- Also the newer version it is a really good AV it updates it does everthing and Antivirus should do but it has some false postives and has a lower dectection rate some of it rivals and its User- Interface it awkard to use how is a AV pose to look like a media player but you can turn the skin off. Plus Real Time Protection
According to AV-Compartives.org it has detection of 97.6%

Avira Antivir 8 - It is a excellent program it has a really good user interface and Real Time protection If you are using the free version it has slower update and not automatic update ans screen that tries to make you upgrade every time you update but The premium version is remarkble and faster update through the premium sever and no popup screen.
According to AV --Compartives.org it has Dectection Rate of 99.6% make it the highest dectection rate

Kaperasky Anti-virus 2009- One of the best AV ever made it is a extremly excellent program it is soft on your system but it quiet awakard to use but either than it stand with Avira Antivir on top of the mountain. It also as great real time protction
According to AV-Compartives.org it has detection rate of 98.3%

ESET NOD32- One of the best AV on the market it is really easy to use great detection rate and really light on the system is highly reccomended to anybody that likes life simple. Great Realtime Protection and best know for cacthing in the wild viruses. And is a highly reccomended AV
According to AV-Compartives.org it has a dectection rate of 97.7%

BitDefender 2008- It is effecient AV but you just don't get that kind of feel you what I mean the feel of a very good antivirus it feels like they got ideas from a hobo and is really naggy and fix issues itself or bu some king of debuger! And High on resources.
According to AV-Compartives It has a detection rate of 96.5%

McAfee VirusScan- A well know and well trusted AV but I just gone into the dark for a fre years I use to be a good solution for home user now Kaspersky and Avira have tooken over that job and McAfee is more of a buisness soultion but still good software
Acoording to AV-Compartives.org it has a dectection rate of 94.9%

Norton AntiVirus- A well know software it actually alright if you take out high resoures so it slow your computer down and has a too simple user-interface which feels like your not protected and doesn't protect you from bot. It is a good soultion for family computer but it want AV that is EXtremly good might as well go With Kapersky or Avira AntiVir or NOD32
According to AV-Compartives.org it has dectection rate of 97.7%

To end I would reccomend Avira AntiVir or Kaspersky or NOD32 to be you AV Solution

Cheers, BatistaCC

Quoted because for some reason, the post is moderated and will not approve.

I have one issue with your statements - AVG Free 8.0 certainly does auto-update.

[David M]

Nice post!! Should be a sticky. People need to learn you don't need to shell out green backs to be well protected.

[liambl]

Could someone please change the green font, its really hard to read.

[Overkill-GB]

In my experience of using 8.0 its kind of hit and miss whether it auto-updates, I never get a pop up anymore when I log onto windows, but sometimes it pops in a balloon format in the system tray.

But often when I scan daily, I check the updates and there is usually a priority there if not a program update or optional updates.

Rob.

[itsgt]

dosn't update automatically and sometimes even dosn't update

Mine works fine all the time. Not sure what your situation might be though.

Go to Tools, Advanced Settings

Update Options are all the way at the bottom of the directory and the automatic update is the second radio button option:)

Also make sure both update URLS are checked, primary and backup servers

[glc]

Us free users don't get a backup server option.

[juppy]

I've never really understood why some people think Avast's user interface is hard to use, because to me it's quite simple. I mean, it's like anything....once you get to know what buttons/icons do what, there's no more of a problem recognizing and using them than there is with ANY antivirus program. Granted, there's not a big honking neon button that says "PRESS HERE TO SCAN HARD DRIVE!!", but as with anything, if you read the help file, it's pretty straightforward. Plus, you don't *have* to stick with the "media player" look. They have a lot of skins that you can easily install and change the look of the interface. The one I use makes it look like the control panel from the Enterprise on Star Trek: TNG. Even has the same little squealing-beeping noises that their panel has when you scroll over the buttons. :D

[Negeva]

Have you actually tried all of these AV suites? And, by that I mean tested them by installing on a PC and seeing how they fair against real world malware?

No offence but this has the feel of someone that just read a bunch of reviews and made a thread.

[Petef56]

Could someone please change the green font, its really hard to read.

Yeah, I agree. I could not even read the green font due to the
poor contrast with the backgound. However, if you use your
browser's view feature, and increase the font/text size to
about 150% or LARGEST you will be able to read the green font.

---pete---

[David M]

Well at least the did not use white font. :D

[Panama Red]

Could someone please change the green font, its really hard to read.


I couldn't read that lime green stuff either so I changed it to Blue. Shoulda made it Red! Who ever heard of Panama Blue?!:D

[Rapier]

Avira AntiVir 8.0
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009
ESET NOD32
BitDfender 2008

I never got around to the above.

McAfee VirusScan - Cost money.


Symantec Norton Antivirus
I paid for this at first then began keeping an eye out for almost free specials. It really screwed up many times but I thought it was the best and I wasn't caring about free software.

Avast 4.8
I finally had it with Norton. It was a pig and felled my PC once too often. Avast was ok cept for the ball or whatever it was disappearing 2 times a year. It also got the false alarms from viruses that were in my CAB files If I remember right. Until Until Until it screwed up my PC so badly that I thought my memory was shot. I was still under warranty and the local PC fixit guy came out and said AVAST did it. That was the end of Avast.

AVG 8.0

I've been using AVG ever since without ANY problems.

[shadowpr]

I've had no problems with Avast screwing up any computer that I have it installed on. I'm tempted to say that something else cause the problems you had.

[glc]

Not everyone has the same results. It's safe to say that Avast, Avira, and AVG are all on the "good" freebie list.

[sudatsun]

Not everyone has the same results. It's safe to say that Avast, Avira, and AVG are all on the "good" freebie list.

Yeah, I agree with you glc. Not everyone as the same results. I'm currently using Bit defender Internet Security 2008 and I'm happy with its performance. But different AVs acts differently. It's like AVs having sixth-sense ;)

Where one AV detects files as enemies the others treats as friends. So in my opinion none of the AVs are guaranteed, so I'll stick with one and be happy :p

[NewbieGeek]

hey guys .. I was wondering .. if I only got a an anti virus .. will this help me to keep safe from the viruses on the web site which can be downloaded while surfing (not downloading ) ??
I mean is it better to have Internet Security Suit (I have KIS 7 ) with web-anti virus and email anti-virus and so on .. will the usual anti virus keep me safe as the security suites does ??

[Rapier]

hey guys .. I was wondering .. if I only got a an anti virus .. will this help me to keep safe from the viruses on the web site which can be downloaded while surfing (not downloading ) ??
I mean is it better to have Internet Security Suit (I have KIS 7 ) with web-anti virus and email anti-virus and so on .. will the usual anti virus keep me safe as the security suites does ??

Only if your AV doesn't enjoy porn.:eek::D

[glc]

The only way to be totally safe is being mindful where you are surfing.

[NewbieGeek]

The only way to be totally safe is being mindful where you are surfing.

I see .. guess its better to have a security suits ... but the Avira detection rate looks amazing . I will give it a try .. Im running low in cash to buy anti viruses ..

good topic

[glc]

You can have excellent security with FREE applications. Don't buy a suite, most of them are bloated anyway.

[Cricket]

hey guys .. I was wondering .. if I only got a an anti virus .. will this help me to keep safe from the viruses on the web site which can be downloaded while surfing (not downloading ) ??Viruses aren't the only threat on the net...you have to be protected from spyware and trojans too. I think spyware is the biggest problem while surfing on the net, not viruses.I mean is it better to have Internet Security Suit (I have KIS 7 ) with web-anti virus and email anti-virus and so on .. will the usual anti virus keep me safe as the security suites does ??I avoid security suites and just use several freeware security applications to keep my computers safe while on the net. I use AVG Free antivirus (http://free.avg.com/) along with SpywareBlaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html), SuperAntiSpyware (http://www.superantispyware.com/), Spyware Terminator (http://www.spywareterminator.com/) and Spybot: Search & Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.html). Since I started using SpywareBlaster I haven't had a spyware infection in years.I see .. guess its better to have a security suits ... but the Avira detection rate looks amazing . I will give it a try .. Im running low in cash to buy anti viruses .. I used Avira AntiVir (http://www.free-av.com/) for about a year and it seemed to do it's job well until the program got corrupt somehow. Haven't reinstalled it since. I've been using AVG Free for years and have been happy with it's performance.

:) Cricket

[357mag]

I tried a demo version of Kaspersky. It screwed up my internet connection. I completely lost it.

If you're using a virus scanner along with 4 spyware tools all at the same time you should consider other more effective approaches to the problem.

[Blaster3]

I tried a demo version of Kaspersky. It screwed up my internet connection. I completely lost it.

If you're using a virus scanner along with 4 spyware tools all at the same time you should consider other more effective approaches to the problem.

ok, what are 'these' more effective approaches?

[Kuch]

Multiple layers of trusted (and recommended) spyware tools IS the best way to go. Coupled with a good antivirus and possibly a firewall, you should be able to remain infection free for quite some time.

There is no program that replaces smart surfing habits. Knowingly (or unknowingly) downloading nefarious content (key generators, hacked programs) or visiting potential dangerous sites (porn, hacking) or just generally using poor security habits can undo all the benefit achieved from using these programs.

No program can save you from yourself, so think before you click.

[Blaster3]

thanx kuch, but i know that already, & i use several.

my comment was aimed at 357 because he makes an inference that using multiple layers of protection is not a good way & that he knows of 'more effective' ways to secure yourself.

so again, i would like him to explain what these 'more effective ways' are.

[glc]

You can use as many tools as you want, but you should only have ONE active antivirus and ONE active antispyware and ONE firewall type app running at the same time. ALL others need to be set to be used as manual on-demand scanners only. One "suite" qualifies as all of those at the same time.

If you try something and it causes problems, get rid of it and try something else - isn't that common sense?

Case in point - I've been on the phone with a friend of mine back in Chicago for the past couple of days. He has a machine that I built for him about 5 years ago with Win2K. He's in the process of replacing it with his aunt's 2 year old Dell because she just had to be moved into a nursing home. It has XP MCE. He has Comcast with a modem directly connected (BAD idea but his son took his router with him when he moved out). He was running old versions of Zone Alarm, Ad-Aware, Spybot S&D, and AVG on the 2k box and it was working just fine. This guy is pretty sharp and is very conscientious about protection and keeping his system clean and lean. The XP box has been giving him fits. He put AVG on it - works fine. He put ZA on it and it killed his connectivity, we couldn't get it working right. So.....he tried Comodo. It started off fine but after a while it locked the thing up tight. Uninstalled it, set up the XP firewall for now, I recommended that he order a BEFSX41 even though he only has a standalone machine. Installed Ad-Aware 2008, he hated it. Okay - gone. Installed Spybot S&D, TeaTimer drove him nuts. Disabled that, just going with Immunize and SDHelper now. I'll be recommending Malwarebytes as a manual scanner. I won't be recommending SuperAntispyware just yet as it does install some background stuff just like Ad-Aware does now.

[Blaster3]

i moved my reply to its own thread

[357mag]

A more effective approach than using this antispyware and antivirus nonsense is to reformat and reinstall Windows. When you get to the desktop load all necessary drivers and load which programs you want. At this point your computer is squeaky clean. It hasn't even been on the web yet. Make all your personal settings. Get your machine set up exactly the way you want it.

Then use a backup utility like Norton Ghost or Acronis True Image and make a full system image of the entire computer in it's pristine state. Store this image on a second hard drive.

If your computer gets hosed all you need to do is recover it from a backup image and within minutes your machine is back to it's pure state.

I highly recommend that everyone do this.

Also, dump Internet Explorer. It's the worst browser on earth. It uses Active-X controls and VB Script. Both of these is what malware writers use to install their junk on your computer. Plus spyware writers target Internet Explorer not only because of this but also because they know most people use it.

Use Opera instead. It does not support the use of Active-X or VB Script. So it is a much more secure browser. Plus it's highly customizable and fast. Even Firefox and Safari would be better choices than Internet Explorer.

Another thing you can do is what the moderator said. Be mindful of the sites you go to. Prevention is always a better cure than using some piece of software to try and remove something that has already found a home on your computer.

These above approaches are a much better way to deal with the malware problem than using these anti-tools that simply are garbage and don't work. Plus they consume memory and you are forever downloading updates and shelling out money for ongoing subscriptions. It's a failed approach.

[Blaster3]

thanks, thats a classic!

i already have multiple back-ups in place for just such a reason

but to simply ignore any saftey protocalls just because you have a back-up plan seems a little ridiculous to me

for instance...
your surfing the internet, some spyware attacks your comp, in your case you wouldn't know about it for quite some time, by then your identity & bank accounts are gone, albeit, that you can restore your comp quickly your way, but exactly when would you know you were infected?

in my case, same scenario, one of my anti-spyware, anti-virus might let me know sooner, so i have a better chance of protecting my personal info. then i can restore my comp with one of my back-ups.

[glc]

and shelling out money for ongoing subscriptions

Who said anything about that? We have been recommending FREE tools here!

Use whatever you want - and if nothing is what you want, fine - it's your computer. However, I'd bet the majority of members would rather use something and avoid the constant reformatting and reimaging. The intent of this entire thread is to recommend the best "somethings".

Not only that - if you use nothing, I'd bet that you would be clueless if someone got in and compromised your private information. Reformatting is like shutting the barn door after the horse escapes.

[Cricket]

I'll be recommending Malwarebytes as a manual scanner. I won't be recommending SuperAntispyware just yet as it does install some background stuff just like Ad-Aware does now.I've been out of the computer loop since last December and haven't even heard of Malwarebytes until today. George, you're saying it's something worth looking at? Good enough for me. I'll download and install it once I get home today. A more effective approach than using this antispyware and antivirus nonsense is to reformat and reinstall Windows. Nuke and pave every time your system gets a spyware infection? No thanks. My computer is 4 years old now with the original installation of WinXP Home (now updated to SP3). I use the security software I mentioned in my previous post and have never had a severe spyware infection yet...I believe it's because I use SpywareBlaster to block spyware. It's free as is all the other security software on my computer. I can't see myself going onto the net "naked" with no security software at all. I'd rather be safe than nuking and paving all the time.

:) Cricket

[glc]

Malwarebytes and SAS are probably the best 2 freebies out there for finding and fixing problems these days. Spybot S&D is in 3rd and the antispyware built into AVG is 4th.

[357mag]

Contrary to what people think, every web site on the internet is not infected with malware. If you stick to legitimate sites put up by legitimate companies, you simply will not get infected with malware. Companies like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Symantec, Microsoft, and Ebay simply cannot afford to host spyware. They never would consent to such tactics. And I know what sites host spyware.

If you're keeping sensitive information on your computer, consider changing that also. It makes me laugh in unbelief when I read the box of one of these products and they mention stuff like "protect your private and personal data and account numbers..."

Why on earth would anyone keep such sensitive information like credit card numbers and social security numbers on their hard drive? That's just foolish. I keep nothing on my hard drive. Nothing. The only thing on my computer is Windows and the few programs I use. That is it. Everything else is stored offline.

I gotta reiterate. These anti-virus/anti-spyware tools are useless. They don't report all that is there. Or else they report it but can't remove it. Plus they report false positives. Once I used Trend Micro and it tried to convince me a word processor I was using was spyware.

Needless to say I took out my 357 and promptly put an end to Trend Micro.

Watch where you surf, dump Internet Explorer for Safari or Opera, make a complete system image. These steps yield far better results than wrestling with incompetent software.

[glc]

Do you order anything online? How do you know you haven't had a keylogger silently installed? You don't even have to go anywhere for that to happen, all you have to do is be connected to the Internet.

I'm going to strongly disagree with your term "wrestle with incompetent software" and further, tell you that it's irresponsible for you to recommend to other members to fly naked. What you do is your own business, but as the forum administrator, I have to ask you to please stop recommending that others do the same. Just so there's no misunderstanding, this is an official request as per forum rule 7. Thank you.

[357mag]

The guy asked me what methods I use. I told him. Simple as that. After reading all the posts on this forum by people that are using antispyware tools, and the problems they still have, it's more than obvious these tools don't do what they promise. And I've met more than one person who has come to the same conclusion.

But I'm not gonna argue with you. We each have our own opinions on the matter. To each his own.

[NewbieGeek]

The guy asked me what methods I use. I told him. Simple as that. After reading all the posts on this forum by people that are using antispyware tools, and the problems they still have, it's more than obvious these tools don't do what they promise. And I've met more than one person who has come to the same conclusion.

But I'm not gonna argue with you. We each have our own opinions on the matter. To each his own.

hahahaha .. having some methods to prevent potential disasters is better . at least when u screwed up u will say " oh well .. at least I tried ! "

in the same time " Care brings grey hair ! " .. I have my work and study on my pc .. so securing it is important ..

btw .. someone said " u need ant-virus , ant-spyware and a firewall " ..
I got avira now (viruses protection ) .. got ad-aware 08 and malwarebytes (spywares ) . but wait ! they are not real time protection , are'nt they ?!

in addition .. about the firewall .. do u I need that ? when I got kaspersky internetsecurity .. I had painful days configuring it to suite my needs and my applications .. so is there powerful , secure and easy to deal with firewall ? I have vista 's firewall enabled if that one in enough ?!

[shadowpr]

I use vistas firewall only. Plus I'm on a router. If you're behind a router, then just use windows firewall. It should be enough.

Read some of the other post about geting some other programs for anti-spyware.

[NewbieGeek]

hey mate .. what is the difference when Im behind a router or not ? (I have a router ..

[Cricket]

hey mate .. what is the difference when Im behind a router or not ? (I have a router ..Read this article on NAT routers. (http://www.grc.com/nat/nat.htm)

:) Cricket

[glc]

Excellent article. What is even better is a NAT router that also has a SPI (stateful packet inspection) firewall. Good examples are the Linksys BEFSX41 (wired only) and the WRT54GL (wireless) which are both about 60 bucks from Newegg.

[NewbieGeek]

thanks for the link Sir Cricket

[The Village Idiot]

These days I let the routers in built firewall handle most of the nasty stuff, I have Windows Firewall but only to stop the big red icon flashing at me.

[Khalil]

A few years ago I found out about Clamwin from the emails I get from PCMECH. In the email it said how light it was and how it did not utilize much of the system resources.

I tried it, since then I have installed it on all my Machines. I regularly contribute money to help the project. I have tried and seen so many that come into my shops, Norton's AVG and all types including McAfee and in my opinion the all suck including Panda.

Clamwin is not designed for the average dill weed internet surfer. It is designed for those who are smart enough to scan everything they download before they open it.
It works really well with Outlook and keeps viruses coming in emails at bay!