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Guest
Guest
Looking for your opinion on the best anti-virus program to have. I have been using norton for some time now, but whenever I run spybot, it finds stuff that norton missed.
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What is the best anti-virus program out there?
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Nadirian_Wrath
Guest
Thats because norton looks for viruses and spybot looks for spyware.
I've been using avg(free) and spyware doctor.
I've been using avg(free) and spyware doctor.
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Guest
Guest
Spybot lists viruses as one of the categories it's scanning for. Is it still 2 different things they're looking for?
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Guest
Guest
the power button
(generally "virus" is a term limited to programs that try to reproduce themselves - a lot of malicious stuff doesn't actually fall into that category since they just get installed somehow and sit there spying on you and sending data "home", thus the niche of defense that Spybot originally was created to cover before expanding into a full suite of defence)
(generally "virus" is a term limited to programs that try to reproduce themselves - a lot of malicious stuff doesn't actually fall into that category since they just get installed somehow and sit there spying on you and sending data "home", thus the niche of defense that Spybot originally was created to cover before expanding into a full suite of defence)
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Nadirian_Wrath
Guest
my mistake then. Haven't used spybot in years
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Guest
Guest
I use AVG free, Roadrunner supplies CA ezArmor, so that's 2. It's usually about enough.
No one product will catch it all, use 2 or more ... there are plenty out there. Same for spyware.
No one product will catch it all, use 2 or more ... there are plenty out there. Same for spyware.
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Guest
Guest
...
If you want to spend a little money, I've been using PC Tools Internet Security (firewall + anti-virus + anti-spyware).
It's a nice all in one and reasonably light for being such (compared to the performance lowering behemoth Norton has become).
If you want to spend a little money, I've been using PC Tools Internet Security (firewall + anti-virus + anti-spyware).
It's a nice all in one and reasonably light for being such (compared to the performance lowering behemoth Norton has become).
AVG (free edition) anti-virus
SUPERAntiSpyware (free) spyware, adware, virus' & trojans
SpyBot S&D run weekly and resident blocker on at all times
HijackThis to keep registry clean
All behind Sygate personall firewall and windows firewall and hardware firewall
All ports stealthed
SUPERAntiSpyware (free) spyware, adware, virus' & trojans
SpyBot S&D run weekly and resident blocker on at all times
HijackThis to keep registry clean
All behind Sygate personall firewall and windows firewall and hardware firewall
All ports stealthed
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Guest
Guest
<blockquote><hr>
Looking for your opinion on the best anti-virus program to have. I have been using norton for some time now, but whenever I run spybot, it finds stuff that norton missed.
[/ QUOTE ]
Are you using Norton 360?
Looking for your opinion on the best anti-virus program to have. I have been using norton for some time now, but whenever I run spybot, it finds stuff that norton missed.
[/ QUOTE ]
Are you using Norton 360?
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Guest
Guest
no, it's not 360
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Guest
Guest
Hi Aramicia,
Just to clarify (no offense intended), if you're not a tech... most people don't know or care. Just as an FYI though. Norton is a brand, and Symantec makes many Norton products under that brand name... like Norton 360, Norton AntiVirus, Norton Internet Security Suite and so on.
An anti virus is completely different than an anti spyware... even though sometimes they will look a some of the same things. If you have one, you still need the other. Now a security suite will have both, and several other security tools.
Now if I can break a myth here... there is no one anti virus that is the absolute best. Any anti malware (anti virus, anti spyware, etc.) is only as good as the version of it's scanning engine and the latest definition files that tell it what to scan for. Literally... the best changes everyday (last week's king is this week's dog). Check out AV Comparatives (independent testing of AVs) and their latest report.
Any product will work, so long as you keep it (scan engine and definitions) up to date. If your subscription has run out, renew it... or preferably replace it. The commercial packages work great, they are also expensive, bloated, resource hogs (they need a system capable of handling them). The free packages are lighter on features and system resources, but... they work just as well. Of the free AVs... AntiVir, avast!, and AVG are the most popular and all work great (there are lots of other good ones too.
To the person still using Sygate Firewall, Sygate was acquired by Symactec over 2 years ago... might be ready for an update.
Nearly all the programs mentioned in this topic and many more... are in the Safety menu of the UO Toolbar.
Hope that helps.
Just to clarify (no offense intended), if you're not a tech... most people don't know or care. Just as an FYI though. Norton is a brand, and Symantec makes many Norton products under that brand name... like Norton 360, Norton AntiVirus, Norton Internet Security Suite and so on.
An anti virus is completely different than an anti spyware... even though sometimes they will look a some of the same things. If you have one, you still need the other. Now a security suite will have both, and several other security tools.
Now if I can break a myth here... there is no one anti virus that is the absolute best. Any anti malware (anti virus, anti spyware, etc.) is only as good as the version of it's scanning engine and the latest definition files that tell it what to scan for. Literally... the best changes everyday (last week's king is this week's dog). Check out AV Comparatives (independent testing of AVs) and their latest report.
Any product will work, so long as you keep it (scan engine and definitions) up to date. If your subscription has run out, renew it... or preferably replace it. The commercial packages work great, they are also expensive, bloated, resource hogs (they need a system capable of handling them). The free packages are lighter on features and system resources, but... they work just as well. Of the free AVs... AntiVir, avast!, and AVG are the most popular and all work great (there are lots of other good ones too.
To the person still using Sygate Firewall, Sygate was acquired by Symactec over 2 years ago... might be ready for an update.
Nearly all the programs mentioned in this topic and many more... are in the Safety menu of the UO Toolbar.
Hope that helps.
G
Guest
Guest
Whatever solution you choose make sure you buy the support package or the product comes with free updates.
An anti-virus / spy ware program is only valid as long as the signature files and scanner are kept up to date with the latest threats.
An anti-virus / spy ware program is only valid as long as the signature files and scanner are kept up to date with the latest threats.
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Guest
Guest
Another question: Do I need to scan for viruses and run spyware on each profile on my computer or just one?
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Guest
Guest
<blockquote><hr>
Another question: Do I need to scan for viruses and run spyware on each profile on my computer or just one?
[/ QUOTE ]Most modern security software scans the entire PC, not just under that Windows account.
Another question: Do I need to scan for viruses and run spyware on each profile on my computer or just one?
[/ QUOTE ]Most modern security software scans the entire PC, not just under that Windows account.
Honestly, they are all about the same...Symantec, McAfee, Trend, CA, etc. You should check with your ISP. Most broadband providers (Comcast, Verizon, AT&T) offer free security software that includes an Anti-Malware (Anti-virus and Anti-Spyware in 1 bundle) tool, Firewall, and Anti-spam solution. I have AT&T DSL, and it comes with a Symantec bundle which includes automatic upgrades and constant pattern updates.
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Guest
Guest
I'd suggest Kapersky or Steganos. Very cost effective, and if you go for their bundles, you'll pick up firewall and anti-spyware on top of your AV, for less than some AV's cost on their own.
Wenchy
Wenchy
<blockquote><hr>
To the person still using Sygate Firewall, Sygate was acquired by Symactec over 2 years ago... might be ready for an update.
[/ QUOTE ]
Sygate firewall still passes every security check I've run against it. It's one of the best firewalls there is. It's too bad Symantec chose to gobble it up but not continue to offer a free version.
To the person still using Sygate Firewall, Sygate was acquired by Symactec over 2 years ago... might be ready for an update.
[/ QUOTE ]
Sygate firewall still passes every security check I've run against it. It's one of the best firewalls there is. It's too bad Symantec chose to gobble it up but not continue to offer a free version.
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Guest
Guest
Personally, I favor Nortons Internet Security 2008. It rocks! I also find that McAfee Security Center Version 7.2 build 7.2.151 to be very reliable.
The problem with older versions of Nortons is that they do not have the built in Spyware scanners or they are out-dated. Spywares are/were not considered Viruses, so they are not seen as such by a virus scanner. That is what Spyware Scanners are for.
What version of Nortons are you using? It is just the basic antivirus? If so, it is time to upgrade your Nortons to Nortons Internet Security.
The problem with older versions of Nortons is that they do not have the built in Spyware scanners or they are out-dated. Spywares are/were not considered Viruses, so they are not seen as such by a virus scanner. That is what Spyware Scanners are for.
What version of Nortons are you using? It is just the basic antivirus? If so, it is time to upgrade your Nortons to Nortons Internet Security.
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imported_Spiritless
Guest
Okay, first and foremost if you're spending any money whatsoever on your anti-virus solution, stop right away. There's no need to do so with so many good, free solutions out there in this day in age.
Personally I wouldn't recommend Norton as an AV solution. It generally is considered to be a resource hog and embeds itself into systems quite comprehensively; it can often be very difficult to remove without specialist tools. This isn't a good thing. It also costs money, which isn't a sound investment. As I said, there are formidable free solutions out there that I feel perform better for the cash invested; namely nothing.
Run a Google search for AVG, avast! anti virus or AntiVir Personal Edition. They're acclaimed solutions and completely free. They'll also be updated daily with new definitions. Choose one and run with that. avast! has a nice UI, but takes up the most resources of the three. AVG has a decent detection rate and is simple to use and Avira AntiVir has quite a low overhead and has the best detection rate of the three solutions.
As for spyware, programs like Spybot: Search and Destroy and Adaware are good solutions. Windows Defender from Microsoft isn't a bad solution either, considering they didn't code it themselves, ha! It's worth keeping around for using it on a scheduled scan anyway in addition to Spybot or AdAware. Several of these applications you can set to scan daily at a given time.
For a firewall, you won't get much better than the Comodo firewall solution. It's comprehensive, free and highly configurable. Alternatively, ZoneAlarm is another solution which is widely used and does the job.
Everything I've mentioned here is completely free to download and use. They're also updated on a regular basis, which is one of the main factors you need to consider in a security solution, particularly when it comes to viruses and spyware scanners.
Take care.
Personally I wouldn't recommend Norton as an AV solution. It generally is considered to be a resource hog and embeds itself into systems quite comprehensively; it can often be very difficult to remove without specialist tools. This isn't a good thing. It also costs money, which isn't a sound investment. As I said, there are formidable free solutions out there that I feel perform better for the cash invested; namely nothing.
Run a Google search for AVG, avast! anti virus or AntiVir Personal Edition. They're acclaimed solutions and completely free. They'll also be updated daily with new definitions. Choose one and run with that. avast! has a nice UI, but takes up the most resources of the three. AVG has a decent detection rate and is simple to use and Avira AntiVir has quite a low overhead and has the best detection rate of the three solutions.
As for spyware, programs like Spybot: Search and Destroy and Adaware are good solutions. Windows Defender from Microsoft isn't a bad solution either, considering they didn't code it themselves, ha! It's worth keeping around for using it on a scheduled scan anyway in addition to Spybot or AdAware. Several of these applications you can set to scan daily at a given time.
For a firewall, you won't get much better than the Comodo firewall solution. It's comprehensive, free and highly configurable. Alternatively, ZoneAlarm is another solution which is widely used and does the job.
Everything I've mentioned here is completely free to download and use. They're also updated on a regular basis, which is one of the main factors you need to consider in a security solution, particularly when it comes to viruses and spyware scanners.
Take care.
C
Connor_Graham
Guest
"Run a Google search for AVG, avast! anti virus or AntiVir Personal Edition. They're acclaimed solutions and completely free."
I just did a tune up on a computer for a company that uses Avast and found a virus that was caught by Spybot after I installed and ran it. After seeing that, I'm less than satisfied it's doing as advertised.
To the OP-
I would strongly suggest the combination of Trend Micro AV and Webroot Spy Sweeper. This is what I have on my PC, and have never had a virus get through, much less any spyware. Webroot also catches adware, so no need to worry about that either. The 2 together are a great package.
I just did a tune up on a computer for a company that uses Avast and found a virus that was caught by Spybot after I installed and ran it. After seeing that, I'm less than satisfied it's doing as advertised.
To the OP-
I would strongly suggest the combination of Trend Micro AV and Webroot Spy Sweeper. This is what I have on my PC, and have never had a virus get through, much less any spyware. Webroot also catches adware, so no need to worry about that either. The 2 together are a great package.
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imported_GalenKnighthawke
Guest
The best anti-anything program out there is your own brain, and (for the most part) updated software.
Having said that, you also need anti-bad stuff software, if only as a backup.
There's an old Arabic expression I heard about. "The desert kills only fools. But it is easy to be a fool in the desert."
The Internet harms only idiots. However, it's very easy to be an idiot on the Internet.
Any site you go to, even if it was clean yesterday, could have been hacked today and host all kinds of bad stuff that you couldn't possibly have guessed would be there.
Any program you have on your computer can have a security hole. And you'd be surprised what's on your computer that you didn't know was there anymore. (Check your add/remove programs list for old version of Java. Sometimes updates leave the old versions intact, and the old versions can have security holes.)
Paranoia is your friend.
Everyone's preferences are different when it comes to security.
While you could string together enough free programs to be pretty damn secure, if you are a computer user of low to moderate experience and talent with computer things, I would recommend using a paid "security suite." They try to do everything (anti-spyware, firewall, anti-virus, etc.), and there's only one interface to worry about. They also typically come with competent customer service.
The 2 big paid security suites are McAfee and Norton (which is a product of the company called Symentac). These two companies basically trade off for the number one market position. The competition is very hot.
TrendMicro makes a security suite called PC-Cillin. This is a stupid name. When initially released, the product got good reviews, partly because it wasn't as "big" or resource hungry as the other ones. It's gotten some mediocre reviews since then though.
The company Zone Alarm got famous making a really good free firewall. They now, however, also make a security suite (not free) that is well-reviewed.
The company AVG got famous for making a really good free anti-virus program. They now, however, also make a security suite (not free) that is decently-reviewed.
So there you have it....4 choices for a suite of programs that will do their best to solve nearly all of your security problems: McAfee, Symentac's Norton, TrendMicro's PC-Cillin, and Zone Alarm.
All are available at a store near you.
There are various discount brands, also available at a store near you. Any of them are probably decent. All of them are way better than nothing.
-Galen's player
Having said that, you also need anti-bad stuff software, if only as a backup.
There's an old Arabic expression I heard about. "The desert kills only fools. But it is easy to be a fool in the desert."
The Internet harms only idiots. However, it's very easy to be an idiot on the Internet.
Any site you go to, even if it was clean yesterday, could have been hacked today and host all kinds of bad stuff that you couldn't possibly have guessed would be there.
Any program you have on your computer can have a security hole. And you'd be surprised what's on your computer that you didn't know was there anymore. (Check your add/remove programs list for old version of Java. Sometimes updates leave the old versions intact, and the old versions can have security holes.)
Paranoia is your friend.
Everyone's preferences are different when it comes to security.
While you could string together enough free programs to be pretty damn secure, if you are a computer user of low to moderate experience and talent with computer things, I would recommend using a paid "security suite." They try to do everything (anti-spyware, firewall, anti-virus, etc.), and there's only one interface to worry about. They also typically come with competent customer service.
The 2 big paid security suites are McAfee and Norton (which is a product of the company called Symentac). These two companies basically trade off for the number one market position. The competition is very hot.
TrendMicro makes a security suite called PC-Cillin. This is a stupid name. When initially released, the product got good reviews, partly because it wasn't as "big" or resource hungry as the other ones. It's gotten some mediocre reviews since then though.
The company Zone Alarm got famous making a really good free firewall. They now, however, also make a security suite (not free) that is well-reviewed.
The company AVG got famous for making a really good free anti-virus program. They now, however, also make a security suite (not free) that is decently-reviewed.
So there you have it....4 choices for a suite of programs that will do their best to solve nearly all of your security problems: McAfee, Symentac's Norton, TrendMicro's PC-Cillin, and Zone Alarm.
All are available at a store near you.
There are various discount brands, also available at a store near you. Any of them are probably decent. All of them are way better than nothing.
-Galen's player
I
imported_GalenKnighthawke
Guest
I should also add: Your post indicates that you have Norton.
Do you have the whole security suite, or just the anti-virus?
Even if you have the whole security suite, if you look close you'll find that most of the Spybot finds that Norton doesn't are just cookies.
-Galen's player
Do you have the whole security suite, or just the anti-virus?
Even if you have the whole security suite, if you look close you'll find that most of the Spybot finds that Norton doesn't are just cookies.
-Galen's player
S
slasherofveils
Guest
Ok few things comign from someone who works as helpdesk for employees.
Alot of good points have been brought up but few missed items.
If you do have a program such as symantec (though not recommended for gaming rigs because they hog resources) you *can* have them scan for spyware and such also, but you have to enable it. In options for it, select for it to run an extended scan.
Additionally, change options for it to quarantine on detection, and delete if that fails. I don't know why after about 10 years of different versions of norton/symantec, that it still attempts to "clean" files. It never works. ever.
But anyway all that aside, I do recommend BitDefender. It has worked very well for me. It finds almost everything, and if its something it can't remove, they offer free download utilities to get rid of the harder to remove viruses.
For spyware, I still switch on and off from AdBot and Search&Destroy. (just don't run two anti-spyware programs at the same time)
One thing however, whatever AV program you decide to go with (TBH almost any will work, just make sure they are liscensed and kept up to date, most update definitions minimum once a week, usually 2-3 times), make sure that you GET A REGISTERED OFFICIAL VERSION, and from a trusted site. You know how many times I've cleaned someone's home pc and the reason they got a virus was because they downloaded an infected scantool? I don't even, because I can't count that high.
Alot of good points have been brought up but few missed items.
If you do have a program such as symantec (though not recommended for gaming rigs because they hog resources) you *can* have them scan for spyware and such also, but you have to enable it. In options for it, select for it to run an extended scan.
Additionally, change options for it to quarantine on detection, and delete if that fails. I don't know why after about 10 years of different versions of norton/symantec, that it still attempts to "clean" files. It never works. ever.
But anyway all that aside, I do recommend BitDefender. It has worked very well for me. It finds almost everything, and if its something it can't remove, they offer free download utilities to get rid of the harder to remove viruses.
For spyware, I still switch on and off from AdBot and Search&Destroy. (just don't run two anti-spyware programs at the same time)
One thing however, whatever AV program you decide to go with (TBH almost any will work, just make sure they are liscensed and kept up to date, most update definitions minimum once a week, usually 2-3 times), make sure that you GET A REGISTERED OFFICIAL VERSION, and from a trusted site. You know how many times I've cleaned someone's home pc and the reason they got a virus was because they downloaded an infected scantool? I don't even, because I can't count that high.
RTLFC
I just formatted my computer this past weekend and set up a dual-boot environment between Ubuntu Linux and Windows XP. For my Windows install, I stuck with the latest AVG Free AV software, which has worked flawlessly for me for at least a couple of years now. AVG also offers a Spyware Detection piece of software now, which I installed and haven't had any issues with thus far, granted it's been only a couple of days, but it has received a definitions update every single day, which I have been pretty impressed with. Anyway, just wanted to give you a personal experience on the AVG side of things. I have never been disappointed with their software, and free is always a plus as well.
I just formatted my computer this past weekend and set up a dual-boot environment between Ubuntu Linux and Windows XP. For my Windows install, I stuck with the latest AVG Free AV software, which has worked flawlessly for me for at least a couple of years now. AVG also offers a Spyware Detection piece of software now, which I installed and haven't had any issues with thus far, granted it's been only a couple of days, but it has received a definitions update every single day, which I have been pretty impressed with. Anyway, just wanted to give you a personal experience on the AVG side of things. I have never been disappointed with their software, and free is always a plus as well.
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Guest
Guest
I use the free version of Avast anti-virus and I like it quite a bit. I used other anti-virus software in the past and this is, so far, my favorite. It seems like there is a new update almost every day which I hope means the company is on top of new viruses. Plus it continually scans the web pages I browse and immediately let's me know if a virus is trying to upload to my computer. Best of all it seems to do this without slowing my comp.
If anyone knows more about this program and know anything negative please let me know, but right now I"m diggin it.
If anyone knows more about this program and know anything negative please let me know, but right now I"m diggin it.