Reliable antivirus

[edyzmedieval]

When it comes to PC protection, I use a combination of Trend Micro Office Scan with a corporate licence I believe, SpyBoy Search & Destroy, Windows Firewall and Windows Update regularly checked. But my Trend Micro is starting to get on my nerves particularly because of the fact that I cannot modify the settings of it without a password (I don't have it) and it blocks some websites which it deems to be not so safe despite them being so.

Can anyone offer any recommendations of a reliable antivirus? I'm talking here about free antivirus programs, and probably the only one I would buy would be Norton because I have used it before.

:bow:

[Lemur]

I use a one-two combo that has been doing very well with minimal fuss:

MSE (http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/mse.aspx)

SAS (http://www.superantispyware.com/)

Between these two, a modern browser (http://www.google.com/chrome), and safe browsing habits (http://zacharychastain.wordpress.com/2010/05/03/safe-browsing-habits-101/), I've had no problems in ages and ages. Only downside is that I have to remember to update SAS once a week or so. Stick a redurring notification in your Google Cal (https://www.google.com/calendar) (or go crazy and purchase a license (http://www.superantispyware.com/shoppingcart.html?action=add&sku=SAS000) so it will auto-update) and you're all set.

[xploring]

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-anti-virus-software.htm

[Lemur]

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-anti-virus-software.htm
They give AVG free eight out of ten stars? Seriously? And the guide was updated less than a month ago?

Sorry, but I've seen multiple computers that relied on AVG with heinous infections. Any site that gives AVG Free a good rating has a credibility problem.

[Ja'chyra]

I use the paid version of AVG with the PC tuneup, but I bought it for 2 years on 3 computers so it didn't work out that expensive, especially if you've spent a week trying to clean out an infected pc and it's worked out fine even with an other half that thinks that FB and email links are for clicking. the free version isn't bad if you use spybot and ccleaner, but you get what you pay for..............

I tried Norton and if I pay for something I don't expect it to tell me what to do, if I want to reboot later then that's what I'll do. I'll never use it again.

[easytarget]

I've used AVAST for, I don't know, at least the last 5 years or so, not a single issue. It's free, updates every day. Works like a charm. Wouldn't give using a different AVS even a second thought at this point.

[LeftEyeNine]

MSE beats out the competition for quite a while now.

I'll have to echo Lemur about your digital safety and security as well. Speaking of which, common sense is the best anti-malware/intrusion solution you can get and it's free for a lifetime.

[easytarget]

MSE beats out the competition for quite a while now.

I'll have to echo Lemur about your digital safety and security as well. Speaking of which, common sense is the best anti-malware/intrusion solution you can get and it's free for a lifetime.

MSE beats out the competition. LOL Even a cursory 5 minute google session disproves this. MSE is one among many perfectly useable free AVS's, it's by no means beating out anyone though.

Definitely agree with the 2nd part though.:yes:

[edyzmedieval]

I'm going to install MSE, surprising I didn't have it. I use the latest edition of Google Chrome and I'm perfectly content with it.

Spybot Search and Destroy has been a trusty software piece, will continue to use it.

[Ibrahim]

MSE, or the one I currently use (malwarebytes and spyware doctor).

the latter is unbelievable: my computer has not had a single serious infection in almost two years-when I installed it, and just the other day-when I had to reinstall the program. Malwarebytes is more like the sapper that does things Spyware doctor can't do as quickly.

I would use MSE, but the CSU server won't accept it.

[CrossLOPER]

MSE and malwarebytes. Throw in some common sense, too.

[Lemur]

I guess I need to eat some crow here, the latest version of AVG free has been getting really good reviews. Just when I was ready to write it off permanently. Oh well. Norton used to be junk as well, and then they re-wrote the code from the ground up, and it sucked much less. I guess these things exist in a state of flux.

Still, seeing multiple computers with AVG running malware by the truckload ... it made an impression at the time.

[CrossLOPER]

I guess I need to eat some crow here, the latest version of AVG free has been getting really good reviews. Just when I was ready to write it off permanently. Oh well. Norton used to be junk as well, and then they re-wrote the code from the ground up, and it sucked much less. I guess these things exist in a state of flux.

Still, seeing multiple computers with AVG running malware by the truckload ... it made an impression at the time.
1.Hear really good things about another antivirus.
2.Switch from reliable antivirus to other antivirus.
3.Desktop disappears.
4.??????
5.PROFIT.

[Lemur]

Hah, no, I'm not switching from MSE for now. It's working, it's free, and its fuss factor is zero. Unless and until I see evidence that it's substandard, it's my ride.