Free Antivirus Programs

Lillefot · **on:** July 28, 2009, 04:06:36 PM

Hello Hello, greetings hello!

Now that my Panda Antivirus (loved it) is running out in a few days, and I can't use the keygen to renew it again, I'm in need of a new free Antivirus program.

As it looks now, It's a close race between AVG and Avast! anitvirus programs.
However, I want something that runs smoothly and doesn't go off for the lsightest little thing I'm doing.
This is where you guys come in.
What Antivirus programs are you using? And what is good/bad about it?
Is AVG or Avast! worth a shot?
This could help us all in the long run, so lets make... somewhat of a list and compare.

Apologies if this topic already exists, but I went very far back in this thread before I decided to have a go on a new one.

landbeforetimelover · **Reply #1 on:** July 28, 2009, 04:48:33 PM

If you're doing a lot of pirating, you should know that the idea that AVG produces false positives more than any other antivirus system is a myth. False positives are inevitable when working with hacker engineered programs (such as keygens). If an antivirus system detects less false positives than most other one's that's usually a sign of a bad antivirus system. Kapersky for example detects less than half the false positives that AVG does, however it also lets in a lot more bad crap than AVG does. AVG and Spybot are what I use and they keep me safe most of the time, but I still think the best defense against viruses and other crap is a backup of all your files and a Windows disk.

It'll seriously save you a lot of headaches.

Alex · **Reply #2 on:** July 28, 2009, 05:02:20 PM

I personally couldn't stand AVG. But, everyone else says it's one of the best.

Soooo, after looking at some tech support sites, they say these are the best, with mixed results on each site, but they were always on the 'best' list.

AVG
Avira
Avast!

Any of them seem to be fine, just say away from any Norton products. They have like the lowest detection rating in history.

So basically get anything that starts with 'Av'. (Kind of weird how they all start with 'av'. "Anti-virus". I guess that's what they were getting at?)

Lillefot · **Reply #3 on:** July 28, 2009, 05:39:05 PM

Installed Avast! minutes ago, I'm not quite fond of the interface...
I might try AVG instead, and make up my mind from there.
What would you guys have chosen?

Petrie. · **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2009, 05:52:50 PM

I've tried avast in the past and didn't like the interface either Gustav. We agree there. I'm an ex-avg user and it worked well for me, low on resources and stuff. Didn't block everything, but that's my fault for going to certain places online. If you absolutely can't afford a security suite from one of the top players, I would go with AVG and grab some anti-spyware programs too because the virus program won't catch the malware and other garbage that's out there. Its very limited for free.

Lillefot · **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2009, 05:59:22 PM

I already use Spybot S&D and SuperAntiSpyware for protection against Spyware and trojans.
But it would seem that AVG is the way I shall go, I'll be right to it.
Thanks for your opinions mateys!

Petrie. · **Reply #6 on:** July 28, 2009, 06:03:17 PM

Is there a reason you're not continuing a paid anti-virus program like Panda? Panda's better than AVG in practically every way.

Lillefot · **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2009, 06:11:20 PM

Quote from: Petrie,Jul 28 2009 on 05:03 PM

Is there a reason you're not continuing a paid anti-virus program like Panda? Panda's better than AVG in practically every way.

Because I got this version of Panda by a friend. It was keygened. The gen is now used up so to speak.

DarkHououmon · **Reply #8 on:** July 28, 2009, 06:11:49 PM

There's other free antivirus such as ClamWin and Comodo. Of those two, I'd recommend Comodo mainly because it comes with a firewall. Another free antivirus is Microsoft Security Essentials, which is a beta.

landbeforetimelover · **Reply #9 on:** July 28, 2009, 07:25:39 PM

Ah so you've finally figured out that pirating antivirus programs doesn't work huh? It's just not worth it.

It just gets flagged and you're tough out of luck without an antivirus program.

Lillefot · **Reply #10 on:** July 29, 2009, 06:18:45 AM

Quote from: landbeforetimelover,Jul 28 2009 on 06:25 PM

Ah so you've finally figured out that pirating antivirus programs doesn't work huh? It's just not worth it. It just gets flagged and you're tough out of luck without an antivirus program.

Acctually, it has worked for over a year Austin. It worked like a charm during that time.

But good things rarely last forever.

:

landbeforetimelover · **Reply #11 on:** July 29, 2009, 07:01:08 AM

Serials and keygens are not a reliable way to pirate something like an antivirus system. It's a bit more complicated than that. Sufficed to say over the years I've come to the conclusion that if you want an antivirus system, either PAY for one or get a free version. I refuse to pay so I stick with AVG. I played around with a pirated version of Panda for a few months. I just checked. It's been 2 years now and it's still working.

Still....if there's one thing I'd be willing to pay for it's an antivirus system. Of course I haven't found one worthy of my money yet so I'll just stick with AVG till something better comes along.

I'm very particular about the software that I actually BUY. Photoshop, Office, Adobe Premier.....only the best programs ever see any of my money. When I find an antivirus system I'm willing to pay for, I'll let ya know.

DarkHououmon · **Reply #12 on:** July 29, 2009, 08:51:46 AM

I did get Panda for free a couple times, but only because a friend of mine gave me a serial number. This was different than a crack, keygen, or anything because he had bought Panda, and Panda lets its buyer use the key 3 times before it deactivates. So I had used a legitimate serial number.

Petrie. · **Reply #13 on:** July 29, 2009, 10:38:21 AM

Quote from: DarkHououmon,Jul 29 2009 on 07:51 AM

I did get Panda for free a couple times, but only because a friend of mine gave me a serial number. This was different than a crack, keygen, or anything because he had bought Panda, and Panda lets its buyer use the key 3 times before it deactivates. So I had used a legitimate serial number.

Exactly...no issues there.

I'm making a generalized comment here, but most paid AV programs and their security suites are better at catching rogue files and programs than the freebies when factoring in updates (and how fast they are released) and searching algorhithms.

If you really are searching for good protection, its better to pay for it. I will pay for Kaspersky until it goes under or something. Sometimes you do really get what you pay for.

Grungecat · **Reply #14 on:** July 29, 2009, 04:13:28 PM

I use Malwarebyte's Anti-malware. Runs slow as the scan goes on, but it has never failed me!

landbeforetimelover · **Reply #15 on:** July 29, 2009, 04:25:37 PM

If you want to keep your computer safe, just follow these tips:

*Use AVG Free Edition and Spybot S&D (also free)
*NEVER use Internet Explorer
*Keep Your AVG and Spybot Updated
*Keep your Windows updated
*Take Proximity Warnings Very Seriously
*Keep A Windows Disk and A Good Backup 'cuz no matter what you do you'll eventually run into something that's better cured through a format

Also if you must you can download porn and torrents, but I don't recommend it. But so long as you follow those above rules you should be fine even if you do download torrents and porn. I have plenty of clients that do both and they only come to me for their annual format. I don't understand why so many people here have virus problems. It's just so simple to me. :unsure:

DarkHououmon · **Reply #16 on:** July 29, 2009, 05:39:09 PM

I do have AVG Free but it wasn't with my consent. I had no choice but to get it due some issues I have with this computer. Personally, I feel much safer with Panda on this computer. AVG Free has no firewall nor can it detect rootkits, leaving a large vulnerability. Spybot no longer works for me.

The Great Valley Guardian · **Reply #17 on:** July 29, 2009, 06:27:15 PM

I've got a question about anti-virus software.

I own a Macintosh computer, and while I know there are virus' out there that can and will kill my comp. I was wondering what AV programs could I use to enhance my chances of keeping my files?

*I feel compelled to point out that my Mac comes installed with its own firewall and proxy detector, but I still feel kinda vulerable.

DarkHououmon · **Reply #18 on:** July 29, 2009, 06:32:33 PM

Here's a free one for the Mac: http://www.iantivirus.com/

Alex · **Reply #19 on:** July 29, 2009, 09:34:12 PM

A friend of mine told me if you run your Internet through a router then you don't need a firewall. I don't know if that's true or not, and I'm too lazy to look it up. Just something you should look into if you have a router.