Which is better AVG FREE antivirus or Symantec antiVirus?

Question

Im using Symantec now... but some of my friends said that AVG is better... where else other said Symantec....

One of my friend that use AVG because when he used symantec to scan his lap top, there stated no virus is found, where else when he used AVG to scan... 13 virus was found.

I dun think the symantec im using now is the lousy one.. because my school paid for it.... But seriously my friend tt used this symantec that my school paying but it can't detect the virus...

So seriously I really need a clear answer... Which is better AVG FREE antivirus or Symantec?

Answer 1

Neither!
First of all, stay away from anything that is FREE when it comes to spyware and antivirus. There is a reason why they free. They are NOT good.
Second, you need some of the best software out there. To protect your pc, you'd need not one but at least three programs: an anti-virus, an anti spyware and a firewall. I've been using for quite a long time three programs: Kaspersky AV (www.kaspersky.com), True Sword (http://www.securitystronghold.com/true_sword.html) and Agnitum Outpost Firewall Pro (www.agnitum.com).
Try it and forget about any problems with malicious programs
Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

You can download ccleaner for free here: http://bit.ly/1Bk5V5C

First open CCleaner
Go to the Cleaner tab and you will be confronted by a very confusing lineup of checkboxes.
To make this brief, below is my recommended setup:
Under internet explorer check temporary internet files, cookies, and last download location. Most users don't really need this stuff. keep history and bookmarks unchecked, history is a maybe, but you don't want to lose bookmarked sites. You can normally leave Windows Explorer, System, and Advanced alone.
Run CCleaner and it will start deleting files.
afterward it will present you with a list of the files deleted, you really don't need to go through it as it will be several pages long.
The registry cleaner is recommended for slightly more advanced users. Use it after uninstalling programs as they will often leave behind incorrect registry entries.
If you decide to run Registry cleaner then review the items detected and always back up the registry (I keep a folder aside for this)
The Tools tab lets you uninstall programs and set startup programs. Why do you need this if Windows has all of these features? Especially with Vista Home Ed. The windows defender software explorer( startup programs) doesn't pick up some entries (however software explorer is easier to use).
Using CCleaner to uninstall programs and then check for leftover registry entries takes less time.
Under Options you can determine how CCleaner cleans your files. I leave this alone.

Answer 4

I would say symantec reason being when AVG is scanning for viruses i find the hole computer slows down until it finished and it take a bit of time to complete a scan

Answer 5

Do not listen to anybody who tells you that free antivirus software is free for a "reason". All antivirus software has been marginalized long time ago. They all do the same job, and if malware comes out too fast, they would all have the same issue, meaning that if vendor is not able to distribute automated updates soon enough, not antivirus in the world will help you.

Avast and others are great, and they stop 100% of computer viruses, and would also prevent Internet and email attacks by warning you of a potential problem before it actually occurs.


As an information security professional, I would recommend using one of the following FREE applications:

1. MicroVirus On-Call - http://www.maximumtrust.com
2. ClamWin - http://www.clamwin.com (this one can be installed and used in conjunction with any other antivirus for extra protection)
3. Avast - http://www.avast.com

I hope it helps.

DM

Answer 6

Personaly, I prefer neither. But if I had to pick, AVG. Only because it uses less resources (but, you'd definitly need a firewall with that, so, please read the rest of my answer)

If your going to go with Symantec then, go with Norton 360.
Which provides the "All-in-One Protection".
It was also rated 4 3/4 Stars & Editor's Choice by PC Magazine.

AVG however, is what I call a "decent" antivirus.

I prefer:

Avast! Home Edition
http://www.avast.com

or

Avira AntiVir
http://www.free-av.com

They have higher detection rates & provide Real-Time Protection.

Along with these AntiVirus'es you are going to need a good firewall.

Use:
Comodo Personal Firewall
http://www.comodo.com

This is a 100% Free Firewall, except its the full edition! This was rated #1 By PC Magazine '06 and tied with the Paid Version of AVG.

Use those two programs + Your antispyware and your good to go.

Answer 7

My advice would be to stop going places that give you viruses ; ) haha. Also as far as AVG goes, the only reason it "found" viruses is because its definition of virus might be different than symantec's . DO BE CAREFUL! Symantec is a well credited virus cleaner and knows what is doing.

Answer 8

In the 20 years I have been in the industry I have used them all and as the years go by, the best available has changed. Currently I recommend AVG for it's ease of use and low system resource usage....nothing else on the market is as good at this time in my opinion

Answer 9

The best anti-virus ap is the one you can easily use & understand what's going on. Next consideration: can it be set to update & run automaticly, and protect itself from attack by viruses. Next consideration: is it a resource hog. Next consideration is price.

I've used several over the years, paid & free, and found that I like AVG Free the best, it does all of the above.
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/downloads-products/us/frt/0?prd=aff

The only difference between paid & free is you get support & handholding with paid, and maybe some additional features, not better, just some bells & whistles
.

Answer 10

I've been using AVG for many years. I did use Norton many years ago but found AVG to be more aggressive when locating viruses. I also like the fact that AVG does not use up allot of system resources the way Norton and McAfee do.