The Best Antivirus for 2015? - Comments Page 2

Over the years I have used a number of AV scanners including Avira, AVG, Avast, MSE, Comodo and now my current one Bit Defender Free (for the past couple years). It is a set it and forget it type of AV scanner.

A year ago Malwarebytes offered users an opportunity to become part of a BETA test group and then offered a lifetime key for the Premium edition which I was happy to make use of on currently 3 different machines.

Additionally, MBAM also offers the free Malware Anti-Exploit which runs resident also.

In addition to those items, the toolbox contains:

CryptoPrevent, Emsisoft Emergency Toolkit, Hitman Pro, JRT, Norton Power Eraser, stinger, SuperAntiSpyware, TDSSKiller and Virus Total.

Do all get used -- no. However like having a toolbox at home with a screwdriver, wrench, hammer etc. one has them just for when and if necessary.

Keep in mind that the test was for AV scanners so MBAM which is not an AV scanner would not be included but is something that will detect malware that is not detected by the AV scanner.

I look forward to this report to keep up with what is working the best both for the company I work for and on a personal level. At work we use the corporate version of Eset which has done a great job for us. If something ever happens or is questioned, I always run a follow up with MalwareBytes to check for traces. In the past I have used McAfee and Norton but abandoned them due to their large footprint and tendency to slow down the system.
I am a little surprised by all of the recommendations of the free AV software. We used that in the past but got nailed big time by a virus. Personally and corporate, I will never use a free one again.

I too switched to Avast! a while back. Disappointed they didn't score as well as usual.

My question: A company like Kaspersky usually does well in these tests. But, is it a good risk since they are in Russia, and that country's political landscape is very tenuous? Call me paranoid, but I'm just hesitant to trust them.

I use Kaspersky because you can find a good price for 3 computers (which I have). I will never again own a computer that doesn't have Malwarebytes. I think it is worth buying the paid addition. My adult son recently had a problem with his computer and as both my sons and my 4 adult grandchildren do, he called for help. I reminded him about malwarebytes which I had installed on his computer when it was new. He ran the scan, found the problem and fixed it. A wonderful result....always. Thank you Bob. You make me sound like an expert because I learn so much from you.

I wish they would include information on how intrusive the various programs are and what their impact on system operation is. Symantec's products have been notoriously bad in both respects, and difficult to remove as well. In choosing the right security product, system impact is part of the equation.

Way back in the late 90s I used Norton but it was an outrageous system hog! Switched to the free Microsoft Security Essentials and never looked back. I also use PC Matic with SuperShield and have had no issues at all with this combination. I have three machines with WinXP and two with Win7. No issues with WinXP despite all the doomsayers out there!

If you are worried that your current protection name-brand antiVirus proggy is not at the top of this pecking order, may I suggest a few things:
#1. Continue using your current one until next year and you may just find out that the pecking order has pushed your name-brand proggy up the ladder.
#2. No need to lose sleep over "spyware" (as opposed to antiVirus) since NSA has us all "covered" >> From our printers, to our USB sticks to our HardDrives to our Lenovo laptops to even our D-Link routers and DVD players.
#3. If you are paying for an aV program, or you are about to pitch your current AV for the top rated one on this list, or you are running multiple aVs; it may be time to look at yourself in the mirror and ask "Am I obsessing over aV, when I could be engaging in my favorite hobby instead?" Unless computers are your hobby! But remember, no fibbing to the mirror is allowed!
#4. For a less time consuming alternative to installing and worrying about the performance of your current aV, may I suggest that you take the route of "imaging" your drive(s) (also backing up your personal data) every few months and just continue using the baseline approach that Mr. Rankin discussed above (i.e. built-in Microsoft aV/spyware proggy, that is allowed to automatically update itself).
#?. Junkware Removal Tool (http://thisisudax.org/downloads/JRT.exe) is a free security utility that searches for and removes common adware, toolbars, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) from your computer. A common tactic among freeware publishers is to offer their products for free, but bundle them with PUPs in order to earn revenue. This tool will help you remove these types of programs. Junkware Removal Tool has the ability to remove the following types of programs:
Ask Toolbar >> Babylon >> Blekko >> Claro / iSearch >> Conduit >> Crossrider >> DealPly >> Delta >> Facemoods / Funmoods >> Findgala >> Globasearch >> Hao123 >> iLivid >> Iminent >> IncrediBar >> MocaFlix >> MyPC Backup >> MyWebSearch >> PerformerSoft >> Privitize >> Qvo6 >> Searchqu >> Snap Do >> Swag Bucks >> Wajam >> Web Assistant >> WhiteSmoke >> Zugo >> And many more…
NO installation is required for JRT but all other running programs must/should be terminated prior to the start of the JRT scan.

Mr Rankin, I want to thank you for your articles: You have educated me concerning the in and out of the internet and how the world of internet works.
I am over 70 and have enjoyed learning about computers.
Because of your articles I have Avast free and very happy with the results.
Thank you again.

I wanted to comment on why I went back to using free Antivirus products (currently using BitDefender). I thought that maybe others would be interested.
After lots of recommendations, I signed up with Kasperski Pure. The first thing I’ve come across was that “Safe Money” wasn’t working. Got in touch with them (no easy task, they don’t answer their emails nor their phones) and they informed me that they have trouble keeping up with Firefox’s updates so are always a version behind, hence FF disables it until they catch up, by which time FF has probably gone onto the next version. Very useful!
I honestly don’t remember the various other problems I’ve had, but the last straw came when I had a problem and knowing that it is pointless writing to them, I phoned them (not a free call!) only to get a recording that informed me that they were busy, I should try later and promptly hung up on me. No opportunity to even leave a voicemail!
I then sent them an email, detailing my problem and also telling them that I was not happy with their customer service. Got no reply (except the automated one) A friend helped me sort out my problem and TBH I forgot about my email to Kaspersky.
6 months later (no, I am not exaggerating) I got an email and I quote:
“Apologies for the late reply, we have a large backlog of emails. I've been recently been employed to address the backlog. If you are still experiencing issues read on, otherwise ignore this email.
I have been unable to find you on our system using your email or name. This suggests you did not get your software from http://www.buykaspersky.com.au/”
Yes, I did purchase the software from them (and would have quoted more than just my name in the email, anyway) and the few occasions I did manage to get in touch with them, they never had trouble finding my account... I replied, expressing my unhappiness with their “customer service” (and I was polite) never got a reply.
So, when it came time to renew, I decided that if I had to go to friends to solve a problem, I may as well get a free Antivirus software and, at the time, BitDefender seemed to have the best reviews. As Kasperski seemed to have enough staff to write to me several times to remind me to renew, I wrote to them to explain why I wasn’t going to. Never got a reply to that either, but at least the reminders stopped.

Several years ago i was on the AVG free wagon for some time but then things started to slip through so i switched to avast free after awhile it too failed me i recently went back to zonealarm free virus +firewall and i love it,best thing i have done and plan on staying with them, i have been on the Malwarebytes program for a long time and do not plan to change. At some point it seemed that AVG free got too big to much bloat.

I switched to Vipre AV about a year ago on your recommendation (AVG ruined my laptop!! after several years with them (NOT THE FREE VERSION)). Now I don't find it being recommended by you. Is there some reason for this, Bob

EDITOR'S NOTE: I don't recall ever recommending Vipre...

I had used Avast free, but switched to Bitdefender free last year. In my 1st week running BD it caught at least 6 viruses that Avast did not. I've been using it ever since and recommend it to everyone I know

I’ve got an XP computer that has never been updated and has never had or will it ever have a problem with viruses. It doesn’t know the Internet exist as it’s never been connected. It runs my Plasma table and never gets any programs installed!

I have been using Avast for over a year and I did so based on your comments on it and am happy with it except lately I get messages from them that I have been using it free for over a year and strongly hint that I should give something back by upgrading to paid version. That irritated me; if something is free it is free.
I used AVG before Avast but it really slowed my laptop down.
Thank you for the informative articles.
Charles

I had been using AVAST for years. I was having horrendous problems with my PC two days ago. It seemed AVAST may have been involved somehow (i.e., software conflict) but upon running Trojan Hunter (yes, I know, it is not an anti-virus utility) it caught 4, yes 4, backdoor malware items that apparently hid from AVAST and also Malwarebytes in a total of 18 files).

I was shocked to say the least. It was a first, actually. I really expected more protection from AVAST in particular. I am now going to do further research based on this article and make a decision as to whether or not I will keep it or go with something else, paid or not.

I tried bitdefender. BIG MisTAKE! After paid in full, I download the bitdefender anti-virus software. It rendered my PC un-useable. Then a pop-up window appears on my screen. Call this # for help. THe tech support says bitdefender cant fix the problem, but problem this will require 3rd level help for $120. I disputed the charge with my credit card company and did not pay. BitDefender antivirus is a Scam and a rip-off.!!

I am using avira antivirus pro, fast scanning and no slow down of pc.
get list of best antivirus here
http://www.techming.com/top-5-best-antivirus-for-2014/