Avira Free or Paid - How About Neither? - Comments Page 1

Sorry you had all that difficulty uninstalling Avira, Bob. I had somewhat similar experience uninstalling Avast. If I had a restore point I would have quickly used it. Sometimes we get lost in the challenge and forget to use the easiest way.

I so, SOOOO hear you, Bob.

After reading numerous positive reports about Avira, I elected to try it. Oh, my gosh ... a NEVER-ENDING stream of odd / strange things happening, not to mention a truly horrible UI that, frankly, I found neanderthal in its lack of sophistication. Plus, yes, similar suffering to as you described above, as well, from daily usage.

And, yes, when finally electing to kick it into touch, well, the "goodbye present" from Avira became very, very extended. I literally trawled my Registry deleting every last remaining entry manually, after using "Everything" search app to identify where all the left-over crap was. And, this is after using Revo Uninstaller to remove Avira, plus, their own "remover." No words...

Never again...

I tried AVG for the first time after Avira and, really, am very impressed. Early days, but, light years ahead of Avira.

Txs for the feedback!

:-)

Thanks, Bob, forewarned is forearmed! Bad "protection" can be a nightmare as it gets everywhere. I'm just about willing to stick with Avast — it does provide a service if you're willing to put up with the nagware element. Although it's a close-run thing...

Avira software confused me, the first time I tried to use it. This was many years ago and I never looked back.

I found at the time, Avira was hard to setup and "customize" and customizing was probably the issue. I don't think Avira wants you to "tweak" things to your satisfaction. They want things to be their way.

For me, a bad sign is when you need to download an uninstaller from the company. I have had excellent protection from AVG, Avast and Bitdefender, and I don't need to download any program to uninstall their product.

Good article, Bob. I can't wait to see what your thoughts are on the rest of the Malware Security programs are.

Thank you for an excellent article and for going to all that trouble to keep the rest of us safe.

with all the choices of "free" anti virus programs there are, all promising to save your computer from all the nasties out there. for us non tech types.
? how do we know what programs are really looking out for our protection?

I run 3 programs- Avast, Malwarebytes, and CCleaner. this seems to keep me protected.
but of late Avast wants more space on my PC.
I tried to get rid of it to use the windows defender, but I cant get the defender to run.
""sigh.."" so I go back to Avast.

Hello Bob, I share your headache with Avira. Never have used it but, I went through the same with Avast. I then decided for Webroot Security everywhere and could not have made a better choice.

Your pain is why I am hesitant to try these types of software. I don't know if I can really trust them until it is too late.
As a different point, I have used Revo Uninstaller Portable version to uninstall items. It is very thorough and gets rid of the registry entries and shortcuts. Not sure if you have covered it in the past.

I've used it (the free version) for over a decade before I had to give it up. Between the update issues and then I had a problem that kept saying there was a bad image or something. I had to keep reinstalling every time I restarted my system. I tried to install it on another computer in which case it would not install at all, even though the install didn't indicate any problems. Finally I gave it up and went with Avast. That's the one I recommend to people now.

I know all the conspiracists out there are paranoid of Kaspersky (the Russians are coming! the Russians are coming!), but I have never had a moment's worry since I installed it several years back when it was easily rated #1 in protection and lack of false positives. Unlike any of the many other options I tried over the years.

I have use the Norton premium security for many years. I don't know if its the best, however it seems to do the job for me @ $50.00 a year for 10 computers and unknown iphones and ipads. I particularly like the password vault, but I know its also available elsewhere. I had thought about trying the pcmatic package, but am still not ready to spend the time on trying. I know that a lot of folks use free antivirus software, but like anything alse, you get what you pay for.

I had enough of their free version with all sorts popping up, which delayed being able to login etc ,deleted and would not use again.

thanks for the headsup
you just saved me hours+hours+headaches+heartaches+risk of fatal stroke+fatal heart attack

It is my opinion that Windows Defender with SuperAntiSpyware added + the users good judgement is adequate coverage. Never ever purchase any antivirus product. They are more harmful than helpful.

Windows Defender was designed for your Windows Operating System and should be used ... not some for profit software that interferes with your computer operation.

Agree with Russ. After nightmares with remindware and uninstallations with BOTH Avast and Avira, I go with Win Defender + SAS, Malwarebytes occasionally.
I'm not a "high risk" user, and exercise common sense!

I also use the trio of CCleaner, Avast and Malwarebytes. I have also found that using CCleaner just prior to shutdown has cut down some the the popup ads i have been getting. Your newsletter is a nice piece of work. ggp

Robert could have posted for me. I go with Win Defender + SAS, Malwarebytes (premium) and run CC once in awhile. It's all been good for the last 5 years or so! "We don't need no stinkin' AV's!"
- L -

Thanks for ou 2nd in a series on AV programs. I appreciate your work and reviews.

I am also amazed at the knuckleheads that seem to think we value their insertion of what they are using instead for commenting on your articles as invited.

Stephe -
We've gone back to AVAST because AVG is constantly trying to sell you products. Gets old real quick!

I go with Windows Defender, Malwarebytes Premium and run CCleaner weekly. I also use Revo Uninstaller to make sure programs/Apps are really uninstalled.I also make sure that my router/gateway is configured to ensure the security of my extensive home network.