UPDATE: Free Antivirus Programs - Comments Page 4

I've seen Windows Defender actually do its job in Win 10. Nice to see. It has found & removed some junk lately.

I've used many free AV over past 30+ years. My recommendations would change almost yearly so won't share the blow by blow but this year I like AVAST especially for old PCs. However, I go through its settings with a fine tooth comb and turn off the myriad wasteful pieces especially ones for 'cleaning' my computer.

I work on other people's computers too. I find that behavior is the number one key. One person can do what they do with no AV at all and be fine. Another could have the best AV in the world and get their computer so locked up it's almost funny. I tell people every day what to watch out for. Coincidentally the same ones will barely get home and be calling saying they've been 'hacked.' I know it's not cool to mention people's shortcomings and actually, if you're reading articles here, you're not likely one of the ones getting 'hacked' every day. Kudos to you. Let's keep trying to educate. The ones that do make me sad are the elderly getting taken advantage of through social engineering.

Also, I have a huge beef with places that think it's ok to let anyone advertise on their site. There's a well-known site I'm thinking of where they discuss getting rid of certain adware junk things like 'Driver Update' and the 'Slimware' ilk that shouldn't sleep at night IMHO, and what is advertised on that very site, the junk they tell not to install and how to remove it. I suppose it keeps them busy but... I've written to them but never get a response.

Ok, I'll quit. Prob slightly off topic.

Paid AV. It has it's place. Unfortunately too many of them take tremendous resources ( CPU RAM ) to run them so some old machines need free maybe. It's like having a very good seatbelt and roll bars. Can help but if you purposely drive off a bridge, please don't expect them to save you.

Oh, to the Ubuntu question. It's complicated to answer but I don't use AV on my Linux based OS. I believe free Clam AV is still available. I encourage you to keep using Ubuntu and frequent their forums and try some things in command line interface. If you wish to learn, personally, I think it's the way to go. Yes, Windows owns the market but they also love to play The Wizard of Oz acting like they should control what people do and see in their OS monstrosity. IMHO of course. :-)

Peace. Thanks for your good lessons here. I do learn.

I've never paid for AV - I've used Zone Alarm Free for as long as I can remember.

Thanks for the link to the AV Comparatives Report Bob. It was very informative and interesting. I used to run Kaspersky but have been using AGV for a few years now and it was good to see how well they both do when tested. Cheers

Bob I have enjoyed reading for years, thanks. Why will you not post anything about PCMatic? I have been using it for years also. Can not find anybody newsletter that will mention them?? You have another reader asking about it in this posting.. Can you give your very valuable opinion about PCMatic in the future? I know it is a paid AV+, but how does it compare?

oday i bought kaspersky antivirus claimed to be 2018 but why does the labeling on the CD show copy right 2017 and after installation it shows copy right 2017 when you go in settings>about but 365 days left.thanks

Hello Bob, I have been following you for years & have learned a lot.
I was pleased to see today, that you recommend Comodo. I have used their AV etc for a long time & it is easily the best I have found. I used Kaspersky one year, it was highly recommended in the UK that year. I too bought the current version & discovered that it was actually the previous years, however, I rang their helpline & they were extremely helpful & sent me an email with the correct, up to date, link. I opted to go back to Comodo after nearly a year.

Bob A point! You have written a good article which I've commented on re Avira and it's problems but I notice in your related subject re free AV progs you mention it as a contender ! Am now a little confused but could be an age thing!

Thank you for sharing their knowledge of success always

I use Kaspersky, Norton, McAffe and the other American programs have back doors to NSA and other authorities ! Even Windows has!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Uh huh... would you care to provide any sort of reference for that claim?

thanks for sharing information
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I have used Kaspersky some years. Very good and without back doors to NSA and others who spyes on people ! Automatic updates etc.

Here is what Consumer Reports wrote about the Kaspersky attack:
https://www.consumerreports.org/privacy/what-to-do-about-the-kaspersky-data-hack-/

I have Avast internet security,cleanup, and proxy.
Recently, when I run the cleanup;all is cleaned out except for the google cookies!!
All listed to be cleaned out have any empty box and when I click on empty box it adds a check mark. But this isnt the case with the google cookies line. It has a minus mark and it cannot be taken away or switched out for a check mark. BOB CAN YOU HELP ME? Should I get rid of Avast? The reason I ask;I suspect avast is in cahoots with google to keep stealing my information!! I would appreciate your input. Thank you, TD

Your explanation makes sense. Thanks!

I have an older computer running Windows Vista. Malwarebytes no longer supports Vista. Is there another free program similar to MB? I am on a fixed disability income and cannot buy another newer computer. Thanks, Bob. Have been reading you since 2008.

Anne K (top of page) said: " I am happy to reward the efforts of programmers and software engineers whose products help keep me safe"
Are you kidding ? The antivirus companies probably create a few virus's. Wouldn't that be in their best interest? Makes sense to me. Pay me, pay me, pay me,
I'll protect you. :-))

TD:
Try closing your browser and running CCleaner to clear the cookies

An article about free anti-virus and the built-in Windows Defender doesn't even get a mention?
It is not as if it would be a crappy product to stay away from, is it? It certainly seems to work well on many computers. So why?
Peter

Hi Bob,

Avg is a sticky software. It leaves a solid foot step. Slows the system and hard to get rid off.