Free Anti-Virus Programs - Comments Page 6

My computers run on a mix of AVG, Panda and Avast, as something invariably goes wrong with one or the other at some stage (usually on an update!)and I find it necessary to change. I have to say that the one that has given me most grief on updates is Avast and it appears I'm not the only one to suffer BSOD, re-boots, etc. after an update from this company. Have it in a Win 7 machine at the moment and so far, so good. Other old machines still running XP seem to be OK on the other AV programs.

You and other highly regarded techies have recommended Avast and I installed it and even PAID to upgrade. It does not work properly eg. does not recognize program updates; poor virus detection BUT most of all after providing a ticket for registering my complaints, they stopped communication and to date have not provided any answers or a refund. AVAST SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!

I too am beginning to get tired of Avast. It is a good program, and does the job, but it is getting annoying (paid version).
1. Once or twice a day it wants me to buy some new add-on.
2. I am a software developer and it claims that one of my programs might contain a virus so it is constantly removing it from my cloud backup. Telling the software that it is not dangerous has not helped now for more than 3 months. (The program in question makes a registery entry to direct my other software programs.)

Your Thoughts on EmiSoft
http://blog.emsisoft.com/2015/01/17/has-the-antivirus-industry-gone-mad

EDITOR'S NOTE: Of course it's discouraging. That's why diligence is so important, or a tool like Ninite.

all right...followed you thru the obit(advanced care-less syst up to 8.1),got a major malware problem! Where were YOU PFCGeeks?!

So...PFCgeeks(formerly Majorgeeks) is a compensated "Fluffer" for the p**n of slanted misinformation for those, as my father or Grandfather who look to( "Experts )who Eff them over. Perhaps we will speak in person just to verify, and switch tales of our FOB shantys over there...you know....Right???

EDITOR'S NOTE: I read this twice, and I can't figure out what you're trying to say.

Hello, I to have had issues with some virus programs, malware, etc. programs. Some of them are good but, yes, they install junk and try to change your browsers. I found this program called Revo Uninstaller. It acts like your control panel showing all the installed programs, but it shows you the dates they were installed etc. It asks what kind of uninstall you want. I choose the last entry, which also includes stuff hanging after it uninstalled the program I didn't want and stuff in register. Just be careful to only delete the bold items in the register. It double checks. You can also right click on any line of your list of installs and it goes to google to see if it is (malware, junk etc.) then if you want to uninstall its up to you. Good program, I use it all the time when I think something installed without me knowing it. I usually go by the date and if it is real current, then I know it is the one to uninstall. Hope this helps somebody.

Free AVG 2015 I have says anti-rootkit is installed.

I agree - Avast sucks is right!! I just had a problem with them on my renewal saying it wasnt renewed when it actually was and then I ended up paying until 2017 . Now I am trying to get a refund and cant even get through to them. I also think they try to convince one, one has some other malicious software ad ons so they can charge you extra when you ask them to activate your software.
I should have stayed with Norton - they have service and I think they actually keep jobs in the states.

Bob, after many, MANY years of subscribing to your Internet Tourbus (probably from the beginning...) it is time for me to thank you. I always know where to go for an answer that I can trust. Don't know what I'd do without you.

Suzanne

Hi Bob thanks for the informative thoughts on anti spyware, I have avast and malwareBytes, but ran super anti spyware, to try it, and it came up with 253 additional issues

A agree with those who have had good results with MSE. AVG and Avast, in my experience are resource hogs - and I have run both the paid and free versions. I'll never use a Norton product as they are too intrusive and also resource hogs. McAfee and CA products simply do not do perform well enough for me. In years of servicing computers for myself, friends and family and at work, I have never had a virus get past MSE. It doesn't stop PUPS, so for those I agree with Bob's recommendation of Malwarebytes.

My experience with paid antivirus software.

When I first got into the PC compatible computers I used Norton as that is what my military unit used and it seemed to work well. When Desert Storm was finished a lot of computers were coming back with the "Stoned" virus and Norton did not identify it but McAfee did. We used a diskette copy that was able to find and eliminate it. I changed to McAfee. Later after a major update my computer started running real slow. It was McAfee. If it was turned off the computer ran rather good. A call to McAfee tech support was not fruitful. I changed back to Norton and have been with it for 10 years maybe. Moral? Keep looking for good software, try to keep up with the news on viruses, worm and Trojans and keep off the suspect websites.

Best combination for me has been Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes Premium.

Haven't had a problem at all in any of my computers.

I sell computers (assembled/branded) and by default I supply them with AVG (free), MBAM & Spyware S&D.

People must understand the difference between UPDATE & UPGRADE. If you press upgrade then you end up paying.

One more thing, while installing a new program, one must carefully check all the screens before clicking NEXT. Why? may software comes with Toolbars, Home & Search pages and different Add-on.

Finally, make it a point to run your scanners for your own safety.

Concerning Antivirus, I believe at my age now I have tried at one time or another every antivirus there is in the world. and some of them are real doozies, with great promises and give you a lot of trouble.

One antivirus that I liked, did not slow the machines down, is and has been very under rated by many just because it does not snort, ring bells and light up like a Christmas tree and that is Bitdefender. I used Bitdefender free which is a very good antivirus and always has a very high rating and yet people think, that because it does not do what they think it should do it does nothing, Ohhh how foolish that is. Bitdefender is a good one for XP-8.1 windows, it is not ready yet for windows 10, now this is the free version I am talking about, but they told me it will be in time. Give it a try, just because it does not find anything (which is very good as you do not want it too) does not mean it is not working and I also never got a false positive with it either glad to say and I would have it right now but I am on windows 10 and as I said, it is not quite ready for it yet.....

I am using Webroot SecureAnywhere, and it does a good job....

I just discovered yesterday that Sophos offers a free version for up to ten computers, all of which can be managed from a cloud-based dashboard.

This is perfect for me, because not only do we have several computers at home, I also support my 85-year-old mom who lives 2,000 miles away. The capability to manage her anti-virus easily is a powerful attraction.

Too early to know how good it is at actually preventing infections, but I thought I'd mention it here for others to investigate, as well.