Totally off topic, but what AV software?

[Uriah Heep]

What do most of yall use? AVG or Avast, or some other?

 

[NuSair]

I use Norton 360. I get it from Amazon each year for a fraction of the normal price.

 

[Uriah Heep]

That's what I had, never had a problem. Think I'll go back to it

 

[Gidge]

I use Avira. Other than an ANNOYING POP UP! at start up bottom left (which you can circumvent of your not afraid to fiddle with things) I've never had a problem. Some say they've had issues with it upon installing asking to uninstall things like Spybot S&D but I didn't.

 

[Maximus Neximus]

Norton and McAfee are the worst.

But to be semi-helpful http://www.asecurelife.com/avast-vs-avg-vs-avira-vs-norton-vs-kaspersky/

 

[BeaIank]

Windows Defender does the job wonderfully for me.

 

[Smoot]

bitdefender. its worth it. sometimes you can find deals. i even use the free version on the one laptop i rarely use and have been very happy with it.

 

[Krinkle]

If you want free, stick with Defender. if you want premium, Nod32 is recommended by the TechGuy.

 

[NuSair]

Norton and McAfee are the worst.

But to be semi-helpful http://www.asecurelife.com/avast-vs-avg-vs-avira-vs-norton-vs-kaspersky/

No, they aren't. That is one of the biggest fallacies that's been running over the net for years.

Mostly spread by people who don't know what they are talking about or just hate all corporate entities.

 

[Spiritless]

Mostly spread by people who don't know what they are talking about or just hate all corporate entities.

Or just people with long memories. Norton had a deservedly crap reputation for being resource heavy. To this day, this negative rep precedes it.

AV is snake-oil anyway. Don't buy one. Windows Defender is fine. Just make sensible decisions about what you download and install and you'll be okay.

 

[NuSair]

I am 44 years old and was in IT when Windows for Workgroups came out, I am quite familiar with their history.

While Norton did have a large footprint and was a resource hog (all the good AV at that time did, honestly), it wasn't a bad AV. I would categorize a bad AV as one that didn't stop viruses.

Was it a resource hog? yes. Did it work? yes.

 

[The Craftsman]

Windows Defender does the job wonderfully for me.

*gulp* You trust your system to be kept safe with Windows Defender?? I'd seriously consider a different option if I was you. Relying on Windows defender is a bit like jumping out of an aeroplane holding a blanket above your head. Sure it might slow you down a bit but investing in a proper parachute is probably wiser. The more I think about it the more I think you are teasing us

I used to use Kaspersky which was excellent but they discontinued the retail package I used so now use McAfee and it works pretty well. I tried Norton once and whilst it did the job I found it resource intensive and just plain annoying.

 

[G.v.P]

I would assume Norton and McAfee are bad in the same way Internet Explorer is bad with regards to these programs as being well used, known brands, which hackers might target directly. I'm not sure if they provide any other kind of vulnerability or loophole besides being well used, but for the most part, my goal has always been sensible decisions, as Spiritless said, coupled with a free solution.

Therefore, when I browse the Internet, I run a few browser-specific extensions/add-ons which help limit action scripts and cookie tracking. By being selective about each one of those areas, you are in effect blocking certain malicious scripts and denying certain malicious trackers. By preventing these actions, your anti-virus program should have less clean up to process. That preemptive strategy, however, depends on how technical you want to get, and how much work you want to do prior to selecting an anti-virus program.

With Firefox, I use:

Adblock Plus
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/adblock-plus/
This add-on not only blocks potentially harmful content, it also blocks ads in general, meaning you can watch things online without interruptions.

Avast Online Security
(add-on provided with free version of Avast)
https://www.avast.com/en-us/index

NoScript
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/noscript/
Hands-on add-on which allows you to select which websites will allow script usage.

YouTube High Definition
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-us/firefox/addon/youtube-high-definition/
Forces browser to play YouTube in higest definition possible.

Tile Tabs
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-us/firefox/addon/tile-tabs/
Allows you to split a browser window into different tiles.

In addition, I go to Options, then Privacy, and for "Tracking," I choose, "Do not..." in order to prevent cookie tracking. With both NoScript and this option checked off, you are required to do quite a bit of manual choices until you tread the web a little bit, but it's really useful against all of the ad sites out there. You need to be careful, however, when purchasing something while using NoScript; sometimes it's best to turn NoScript off globally in this case if you aren't sure what to block or not block.


With Chrome I use:

AdBlock
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/adblock/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom
This add-on not only blocks potentially harmful content, it also blocks ads in general, meaning you can watch things online without interruptions.

Avast Online Security
(add-on provided with free version of Avast)
https://www.avast.com/en-us/index

I use Chrome when Firefox can't handle website content for any reason.


With Internet Explorer I use:

I don't use Internet Explorer.

 

[Pinco]

What do most of yall use? AVG or Avast, or some other?

I'm using Kaspersky for several years and I've never had any malware or virus since then, so I think it's the best

 

[DJAd]

Microsoft security essentials.

 

[FrejaSP]

I had used Trend Micro for years, it do the job for me.

 

[BeaIank]

*gulp* You trust your system to be kept safe with Windows Defender?? I'd seriously consider a different option if I was you. Relying on Windows defender is a bit like jumping out of an aeroplane holding a blanket above your head. Sure it might slow you down a bit but investing in a proper parachute is probably wiser. The more I think about it the more I think you are teasing us

I used to use Kaspersky which was excellent but they discontinued the retail package I used so now use McAfee and it works pretty well. I tried Norton once and whilst it did the job I found it resource intensive and just plain annoying.

Been using it since it was introduced in Vista, back in 2008.
Never had any problem with my laptops when running it. No virus, no malware, nothing.

 

[The Craftsman]

Been using it since it was introduced in Vista, back in 2008.
Never had any problem with my laptops when running it. No virus, no malware, nothing.

Thats a bit like saying youve not been wearing a seat belt whilst driving a car for the past 7 years and never been killed in a crash. However when you eventually do crash it wont be pretty. And no matter how carefully you drive theres no guarantee someone wont crash into you. Point is if you do get targetted you are extremely vulnerable using Windows Defender and it wont end well.

 

[Mervyn]

No script

 

[MalagAste]

I've tried a few over the years but always end up back with Norton.... Currently I'm with Norton 360. I did use Pareto at one time... they had a wonderful system I could put on a stick and use on any computer it did everything from Malware to virus protection... then it got super bulky and pricy so I quit using it and returned to Norton. Norton not only protects my PC but they are extremely helpful on their hotline... they will remotely help you with any problem you might be having if you think it might be virus related... Extremely helpful wonderful folk I've never had a problem with them.

They have "fixed" my computer more than once and it wasn't even a virus a couple of times. Anyway.... of all the things I've tried I really like them.

I too use Firefox with adblock, noscript and Ghostery...

I also have Maleware Bytes. Which I run periodically.

 

[Mitzlplik_LS]

McAfee all the way. I buy the cheap suite every year,not the one with ALL the BS ya don`t need,but the lighter version. Haven`t had a virus in 17 years of PC gaming/bill paying/banking/smut surfin etc,etc. Its all in the decisions you make when online,what to click and not to click,open or not to open. Really common sense stuff.

And nothin but Google Chrome here. For me, its far superior.


..... and about Windows Defender......

 

[startle]

Given that there is no perfect security product, it really depends on who you ask - as you can see above. People tend to voice support for whatever product has worked well for them, and rightly so....
However, having worked in the IT industry for 30 years, I would suggest you might want to consider the recommendations of real professionals who compare security products every year. Both PCMagazine and PCWorld have been around for over 30yrs and have reviews every year. Neither have ever been accused of being biased toward any product - indeed they have far too much to lose if they were ever shown to be so.

Personally, I read those reviews every year and make my decision based on their results. They do a great job of breaking down the various aspects of today's security products in their comparisons, and if you take the time to read why products rate high or low - you will learn a lot about what makes a great product or a so-so one...

Here's this years comparisons from PCMag and PCWorld:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2369749,00.asp

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2090555/security-showdown-2014.html

If you don't see your favorite product in the comparisons, it typically means that the vendor declined to submit their product for testing... Take that any way you want.
The PCMag comparison was written by Neil Rubenking who is one of the most highly respected tech authors around. It may be worth noting what Neil says in the beginning of this years comparisons:

... why should I pay for a security suite when modern Windows versions already include an antivirus and a firewall? Here's the deal. Yes, the built-in firewall does a good job hiding your computer from outside attack, but it doesn't exercise control over which programs can access your network the way third-party firewall components do. As for the built-in antivirus, its stated purpose is to make sure everyone has at least some protection, not to compete with third-party antivirus vendors. Most of the independent testing labs treat Microsoft's antivirus as a baseline; a product that can't do better than the baseline is pretty poor.

So for those of you who swear by Microsoft's Security Essentials, you might want to knock on wood.

 

[Uriah Heep]

Looking at the two reviews, it seems NOrton overall is as good as any. Same overall rating anyway.
So Norton is what I will go back with, sincee I'm already familiar with it. Ya just here so many negattives about Norton, but it doesn't show up on the reviews

Thanks all!!

 

[startle]

Looking at the two reviews, it seems NOrton overall is as good as any. Same overall rating anyway.
So Norton is what I will go back with, sincee I'm already familiar with it. Ya just here so many negattives about Norton, but it doesn't show up on the reviews

Thanks all!!

From my experiences with both Norton products (Norton Internet Security - Norton 360) I'd go with Norton Internet Security over their 360 product (less overhead, same security)...

 

[Pinco]

Looking at the two reviews, it seems NOrton overall is as good as any. Same overall rating anyway.
So Norton is what I will go back with, sincee I'm already familiar with it. Ya just here so many negattives about Norton, but it doesn't show up on the reviews

Thanks all!!

actually for the 2015 versions, the top antivirus are BitDefender and Kaspersky with an 98% success in catching virus and malware. Norton an McAffee are around 80%...

 

[startle]

actually for the 2015 versions, the top antivirus are BitDefender and Kaspersky with an 98% success in catching virus and malware. Norton an McAffee are around 80%...

Link pls....

 

[Pinco]

Link pls....

it was on some magazine of october/november, so no link... :/

also remember that nowdays the real problem with malware and antivirus are the setup programs of certain freeware app. It's a common use to add several toolbars/spyware/malware of any sort to the setup programs and they also ask you (in a very ambiguous way) if you want to install them. In this case they just bypass the antivirus protection system because you manually authorize the installation of those things :|
So in the end it doesn't matter how good is the AV, if you are not careful you ends up full of malwares (especially if you use Internet Explorer)

About browsers: in the last chrome beta they added a new feature able to detect any malware that may have altered your settings, and it's able to remove them in 1 click. This will be the best browser feature ever if they manage to make it work in at least 90% of cases

 

[Smoot]

It really just depends on how fast your computer is, how fast you want your games to be (for me bitdefender seems to be the least strain on the comp compared to mcaffee and norton which ive used in the past) and of course, how much pron you download

 

[Alex"Drake Iron Heart"CS]

I use AVG Paid version, although the free version will keep you as protected, you will just miss some other features that the paid version has, but the scanning for viruses is the same, as long as you keep it updated daily. On the web browser side I use Google Chrome, as its the lightest out there right now on resources taken from the PC and with it I run AdBlock. AVG already has in-site scanning and verifies the authenticity of the pages, so it promps up a message if something is weird or not supposed to be. I also have it on active active scan all the time, so Its hard for someone to attack me. I do also use Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware and I scan the PC also daily in-case something got in. I used to be a Norton and McAfee client, but I have heard for soo many years, they themselves are the creators of all these new viruses and stuff, to keep their business up and people buying their products. I suffered from viruses when I had Norton and McAfee, Now with AVG I dont seem to have them problems any more..... PC is Clean!

 

[FrejaSP]

I don't it matter that much what tools you do use as long you do use something and use your brain too, and not answer e-mails that ask for login info and stuff like that. Also, make a trash e-mail to use if you need an e-mail for logins to "dirty" pages with bigger risk for spam and virus attack

 

[popps]

Is there an Anti Virus Program which could allow the user to actually see all executables running on one's own computer "in the background" and possibly allow them to block their execution should they want so ?

 

[startle]

... also remember that nowdays the real problem with malware and antivirus are the setup programs of certain freeware app. It's a common use to add several toolbars/spyware/malware of any sort to the setup programs and they also ask you (in a very ambiguous way) if you want to install them. In this case they just bypass the antivirus protection system because you manually authorize the installation of those things :|
So in the end it doesn't matter how good is the AV, if you are not careful you ends up full of malwares (especially if you use Internet Explorer) ...

Right on, Pinco..

 

[MalagAste]

Yep.... I tried Kaspersky once or twice but I found it was not very nice with my outlook live... I had all sorts of problems with it not letting me get my email.... so I quit using it and went back to Norton.

 

[Deaol]

ESET is the best by far, lightest and fastest.. look up the reviews/performance testing.

www.eset.com

 

[startle]

ESET is the best by far, lightest and fastest..

Says who?

 

[Pinco]

Yep.... I tried Kaspersky once or twice but I found it was not very nice with my outlook live... I had all sorts of problems with it not letting me get my email.... so I quit using it and went back to Norton.

I've abandoned mailing clients some years ago, they are not safe and the worst thing of all is saving all the mails and addresses every time something happen to your PC (always if it doesn't blow up and you lose all at once)...
Try gmail as web client and you can forget about all the above problems... supports pop3 external emails, mails always saved, tons of space, safe (automatically detects virus and spam), but the best of all: contacts and mails are sync with your phone and available in all your devices with internet

 

[azmodanb]

I don't it matter that much what tools you do use as long you do use something and use your brain too, and not answer e-mails that ask for login info and stuff like that. Also, make a trash e-mail to use if you need an e-mail for logins to "dirty" pages with bigger risk for spam and virus attack

Wait wait... so your saying that hot girl that emails me from time to time is fake? I thought she was just having computer trouble and could not respond.

I also sent that dude in the middle east some cash.. so he in turn could send me money i inherited from that uncle that i never met that had no other extended family but me. Speaking of which.. maybe he needs my social again... or bank info... hmmm

 

[DJAd]

Yes gmail rocks. I have all my other accounts forwarding to gmail and also the 2 step auth is great.

 

[Mandrake of DF]

*gulp* You trust your system to be kept safe with Windows Defender?? I'd seriously consider a different option if I was you. Relying on Windows defender is a bit like jumping out of an aeroplane holding a blanket above your head. Sure it might slow you down a bit but investing in a proper parachute is probably wiser. The more I think about it the more I think you are teasing us

I used to use Kaspersky which was excellent but they discontinued the retail package I used so now use McAfee and it works pretty well. I tried Norton once and whilst it did the job I found it resource intensive and just plain annoying.

Windows Defender aka Microsoft Security Essentials is one of the best free antiviurs around. It is built up from 3 different av engines that microsoft bought a few years back - and when released, they was sued by several av companies because they gave a free service that was better than the ones that they charged high fee from. And for to try to monopolize the marked.

It is not the very best you can get, but it is a very good antivirus that does the job and keep your computer protected and use little processor time.

Bitdefender is one of the best for gaming as it also does the job with little cpu time.

The worst you can get is avast, and the one using most cpu time is Norton. Norton often kill your cpu taking all resourses, with no thought of that you actually want to use your computer.

So, I would say if you want a free - Microsoft Security Essentionals (Windows Defender) is the best, and put in a malware program along with it. If you want to pay for it, go for Bitdefender.

 

[The Craftsman]

So, I would say if you want a free - Microsoft Security Essentionals (Windows Defender) is the best

It probably is the best. For free. But that doesnt mean that it does the job particularly well. If it did then every anti virus company in the world would be out of business.

 

[Pinco]

It probably is the best. For free. But that doesnt mean that it does the job particularly well. If it did then every anti virus company in the world would be out of business.

we all know microsoft... jack of all trades, master of none