Should You BUY Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware Software? - Comments Page 2

@jenny Price. It would be hard to answer what happened to your office without visiting your computer. First I'd search your computer for office. If office was installed in another another partition separate from your operating system.(Any office work would be protected if office was on another partition and work was kept there). It can be restored by reinstalling office. If a search on all of your hard drive(s) turns up nothing, you most likely don't have office. When a new operating system is installed everything usually is wiped from that drive partition to make a clean install. Hope you understand this and it helps.

I am also using Avast AV (free) along with MalwareBytes (for a "second opinion scan). In addition, I also use KeyScrambler Pro from QFX Software that is supposed to scramble (encrypt) key strokes and such in real time. I also have Kaspersky's TDSSKiller (an anti-rootkit utility) that I can run if need be. All these are free with the exception of KeyScrambler Pro.

While I feel MBAM is a great freeware tool, not enough users complete full scans regularly nor does it have "Real Time" protection. When I eradicate viruses from a user's machine, I pretty much require they have the Pro version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware...it's simply the BEST protection available to the masses that don't want to hassle with regular maintenance!

Here we go again ... which anti-virus or anti-malware tool is the best. There is no "best" product. If there was such a thing we'd all be using it! Real simple solution. Use whatever works best for your personal computing habits.

I've tried several over the years, both free and not so free. Loved Norton's and McAffee, but hated the way they took over everything. The free ones mostly didn't tell me anything about what they were doing. I'm the type who likes to hover around watching the mechanic work on my car, in hopes of learning something. Same with my computer and toaster. Used to have a couple great repair and tweak programs, but they were not compatible with newer OS's. I now have Iolo's System Mechanic and it comes with a "System Shield" anti virus. So I took the package. I don't know how System Shield stacks up against others, but I love System Mechanic so until the subscription expires, I'm happy with the combination.

I have used the FREE versions of AVG, avast!, CCleaner, Malwarebytes, Glary Utilities and several other programs, that have literally gone, by the wayside and are no longer in existence.

In this past year, I have decided to purchase the "Pro or Paid" program, of my favorite protection programs. First reason being ... I too ... Downloaded an "update/upgrade" to one of my favorite FREE versions, from CNET ... Need I say more??? I got the Conduit and Sweet Packs "crap" on my PC!!! It took me well over a month, to get rid of all that these 2 crapwares, installed on my PC!!! I also, had to "clean up" my daughter's PC, by remote control, for the same reason ... Trying to download avast!'s FREE version, from CNET. Something, I don't wish upon anybody.

Not only do I BLAME CNET ... But, also ... ALL of the software companies, that are still using CNET for their customers who download the FREE version, and are only directed to CNET!!! This means AVG, avast! and so many, many others ... It just sickens me.

Even though, I am using the PAID version of avast! ... Which does NOT use CNET, to download the PAID version of avast ... I am not happy, with this company, for "duping" their possible, future customers. Same goes for AVG and ALL other companies, who choose to use the CNET Download.com website, for their FREE versions and thereby "punish" those, who do NOT purchase, their PAID versions.

We Geeks, know what websites to go to, for downloading these days, filehippo.com or filepume.com or majorgeeks.com or soft32.com or tucows.com or softpedia.com ... I have found that all of the mentioned websites, to be safe from malware, spyware, hijackware, viruses and etc.

Because of Conduit and Sweet Packs "hijacking" my PC and trying to take over ... I am now, using the PAID versions of my favorite protection programs, avast!, CCleaner, Malwarebytes, Glary Utilities!!!

Second reason, for the PAID version ... I can schedule these programs, which is not always possible with the FREE version, to scan and/or monitor my PC. In the FREE versions, you usually have to manually start the program, to do what it does best, scan for stuff, that does NOT belong on your PC or Laptop.

It has taken me over 14 years, to go from the FREE versions to the PAID versions, but, I am glad that I did. Plus, the programs that I am using are low in cost and cost-effective, in the long run. I thank Bob Rankin, for keeping me informed of what I need to know, for protection of my PC, as well as family members and friends PCs.

Bob has also, informed us of the prices of recommended programs or programs that are "new". This fact alone, gives all of Bob's readers, a big advantage ... We know, what to expect and how much it will cost us, should we choose to use, what he recommends.

Again, Bob has my thankfulness, for all he does for his readers and fans. :) :) :) :) :)

I am two years with paid Bit Defender and could not be more pleased. I click on anything and everything and never have a problem. Do what Bit Defender tells you to do. I have it on three computers running 7 pro. I do have CCleaner and MB.
Cost ? I buy from Amazon. About $25.00 for 1 year for three computers. Am always watching for better
but have not seen anything. I agree with Ben in that there is no 'best' product but this sure works for me. In closing, Bob, keep up the good work, I read you faithfully.

I started using Avast free version about 8 - 10 years ago. I had some problems so I upgraded to the paid version about 6 years ago. Last year with the most expensive Avast product my system was hacked and hacked again, and I lost about 500GB of data because my backup system didn't work properly. I'm still trying to recover that data, but may never be able to get it back. I noticed over the last few years Avast started breaking out some of the features that had been part of the package in past years and was charging more to get those products. I finally said sc**w it and this year bought PCMatic. At the time I purchased it I was able to get a great deal. I paid $25 for 5 computers. Then PCMatic ran a promo and I extended my package by 2 months by posting a link on Facebook and Twitter.
I have found that with PC Matic I have not had any serious issues. The few problems I ran into were solved by either running the scan a few times or contacting the PC Pitstop crew and getting help from them.
I'm curious as to why I haven't seen any mention of PC Matic in Bob's talks about any virus / firewall software.

I have used BitDefender for well over four years and have never had a problem with malware. The only issue I have experienced was an incompatibility with some other software but nothing major. I use the Family edition on 3 PCs for $49.00 annually. In addition, I use Malwarebytes and CCleaner.

In the past, I have used AVG, Avast, Avira, and Norton.

I also use PC Matic and have not had any problems. Bob, have you tried PC Matic? I would like your comments.

Thanks!