2006-07-06 06:11:37 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
The free ones work as good as the "brand names" for protecting against viruses IF you keep them updated. However many of the brand name ones also block spyware, spam, include a firewall etc. They offer more features. With the free ones, you usually have to run five or six programs to get all the features. (But they are all free too). So its price versus ease...
2006-07-06 06:20:33 · answer #1 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there,
Many people seem to be infatuated with AVG, Spybot and Lavasoft Ad-aware, but I am no longer one of them. A couple of years ago I too would have recommended these programs, however over the last 18 months they have all been on a very steep decline. Most people blindly recommend these programs completely based on them being free - but I would strongly advise you to avoid these unless you seriously don't mind running the risk of being infected with malware.
The program I have since swapped allegiance to is Prevx1. This is an all-in-one solution that takes care of all your PC security needs and is the only program i now have installed along with my Windows firewall. Unfortunately this program isn't free, but can be bought for as little at $20.
Prevx1 really has proven my point on many occasions recently as I've been going around installing their Free Trial on friends computers that only have AVG, Spybot and Lavasoft installed. On many occasions Prevx1 is proceeding to find in excess of 30 malware infections that these other "fantastic free programs" are completely missing. And these infections aren't harmless cookies or anything unthreatening like that - but extremely harmful Trojans and Rootkits that have keylogging abilities (which could steal your bank details) and other forms of communicating your computer data to their sources.
The main problem is that people in general are not aware of this, and it is a very difficult message to get out there when people like those answering above are all recommend these programs with little or no knowledge about them.
So I ask everyone reading this who has these three programs installed - please just try the Prevx Free Trial and let it show you what your current security is missing. If you don't like Prevx1, then it's only a trial and you can uninstall it immediately at no cost - so what do you have to lose? And to everyone else on here - please stop recommending these programs as you don't know what appalling pc security you are pushing onto people.
You can read more about Prevx and download their free trial from their website here:
http://www.prevx.com
2006-07-06 08:19:45 · answer #2 · answered by Secure Expert 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AVG Free by Grisoft is easy to use (autopdates - usually once a day - in the background).
There are other free AVS packages
One looks like a car radio. Cute, but more bells & whistles than _I_ feel are neccesary.
There are also free Firewalls & spyware detectors/removers.
Windows Defender (antispy) runs 24/7 if youv/e got broadband. I recomend SB S&D, Ad-Aware & SpyBlaster loaded on your PC,
2006-07-06 07:29:18 · answer #3 · answered by What_Did_You_Expect 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use avast by lavasoft. Highly recommend it. I have gotten computer bugs with both norton and mcaffee, the high dollar ones, and have NEVER had a crash since switching to avast 3 years ago. This is free for personal use at Lavasoft.com
2006-07-07 09:28:39 · answer #4 · answered by nik named mom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well Yes Av's really works... i have lots of experience... even i made a worm, My av didn't detected... it but after a week it got idetected... there are lots of powerful anti-virus softwares now.... they're GOOD...
Some powerful Av's are... Norton nice eats lots of RAM , Trend Micro, >>Sophos << Very good at detecting new viruses... latest threats.. Avg provides nice internet.. security... Avast! similar to avg but i find it's better, Kasper... + Mccafee are also Fine...
NEW RELEASED EWIDO ANTI-SPYWARE 4.0 IS ULTIMATE... I THINK TODAY'S #1 WORKS AS ANTI-VIRUS AND SPYWARE KILLER...
2006-07-06 07:26:30 · answer #5 · answered by Umax 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend AVG Free, it has proven very reliable and even the computer techs will install it on your computer if you don't have another virus protector.
Here are a list of products I would HIGHLY recommend for your PC:
Winpatrol - this program is great for keeping unwanted items from running in the background. http://www.winpatrol.com/
Ad-Aware - helps stop spyware and all those little nuisances. http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
Yahoo Toolbar with Anti-spy and Pop-up Blocker - I love the pop up blocker, it gets rid of 99% of all annoying pop ups! http://toolbar.yahoo.com/
Spybot - Great for getting rid of spyware. http://www.tucows.com/preview/310138
Ccleaner - it is great for optimizing your PC and keeping it cleaned up - http://www.ccleaner.com/
2006-07-06 06:22:27 · answer #6 · answered by TMH 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're usually low quality meaning they don't have all the features of the regular antivirus software that you buy at the store.
2006-07-06 06:13:31 · answer #7 · answered by id_ram 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been using Clamware for about a year. It has served me well. However, I am also careful not to do anything which is likely to attract more viruses/spyware.
2006-07-06 06:17:26 · answer #8 · answered by Steve S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had good experience with Avast. It works well and has protected my machines for a few years now.
2006-07-06 06:14:01 · answer #9 · answered by Norm 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AVG software from grisoft.com is the best....great freeware to have on your machine; updates automatically
2006-07-06 06:19:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋