Best Free AntiVirus Software?

m3ow, you should always use one and only one anti virus on your computer. So if you are thinking of using COMODO's av, uninstall any other you have.

I haven't used COMODO av, so I can't pass any judgment on your second question.

 

For the record I'm using Comodo firewall (it's the very best I've seen - I did an online test of my computer and nothing got past it), along w/ Avira av.
I recommend the combo.

 

Yes Comodo Firewall is very good but has a lousy interface. It took me ages to do anything with that clumsy interface so I just uninstalled it & now am using PCTools Firewall.

 

That has not been my experience, so I'm curious what you didn't like about it?

 

My Tuppence worth here...

It's been my experience that there's no problem with multiple AV packages installed as long as you only have one active (on demand) scanner and you disable that scanner when running other AV scans.

As far as what's the best... How long is a piece of string?

No scanner will pick up all viri, and every scanner could generate false positives. Go with what you're happy with and make regular updates.

 

ClamWin? MEH!!! :-\ Since it is a port from Unix/Linux, the security updates for the Windows version are waaaay slow. Search Secunia.com and you will find vulnerabilities in it, then cross reference the fixed versions with the ClamWin version and you get two thumbs down for security.


Check out my post here:
http://www.windowsbbs.com/general-s...security-software-advice-opinions-needed.html


Or if it is not posted, I will quote myself:

 

Agreed.

To add, more and more malware are using software vulnerabilities to propagate, we all heard of CodeRed, and the necessity for security products that cover more than the bases is imperative. I've been evangelizing one vendors product, but the important thing is that you chose a solution that will protect your bases (firewall, av) but also protect you from security vulnerabilities. It is also nice if you can find something with sandbox and heuristics as well. I'm not going to explain how the nasties can defeat those protections, but I will say that those protections do an excellent job of protecting your system. A little common sense always goes a long way too

 

For what it's worth...

I have 4 Latops (2-WinXP SP3, 1-Vista Ult, and 1-Ubuntu Linux) and 3 PC's (2-WinXP SP3 & 1-Ubuntu\Kunbuntu Linux). I'm running the following...

- My 3 main units (1 Laptop running Vista Ult and 2 PC's running WinXP SP3) are using NOD32 paid with Free Comodo Firewall
- All my other Windows units (2 Laptops running WinXP SP3) are running the FREE Comodo Internet Security (AV & Firewall combo)
- My last 2 units (1-PC & 1-Laptop) are Linux so not running any AV

Also the best defense is a layered defense so along with the AV proggies I'm running the following...
- Free Comodo BOClean
- Free SUPERANTISpyware - On demand scanner only
- Free MalwareBytes - On demand scanner only
- Free SpywareBlaster

I can honestly say, other than cookies (LOLOL) I have not gotten infected (Knock on Wood...Yes, I'm superstiious) by a Virus\Trojan\Spyware

 

I like live onecare believe it or not. Of course after 120 days you have to purchase

 

The best AntiVirus Software

Hello:
I have been in my own business since 1999 fixing computers and networking. Most of my customers are the 2.5 varieties. I have some businesses, but I never wanted businesses because of the payment lag. I work on Trojans and Viruses 7 days a week. The only program that really works is Webroot AntiVirus. Anyone that has Norton's, has a Trojan or Virus! I just cleaned a computer 2 days ago with a woman from France who had Avast. She had 3 Trojans and about 15 tracking cookies. SpyBot, AVG, AdAware and all the rest simply don't work. I have been using Webroot for about 8 years now, and I am positive it is the only one that works.
Rolest

 

A trojan sounds more like a malware problem than a virus. If I were you I would have a look at Malwarebytes & SUPERAntiSpyware's freeware. I think SAS is probably the best for removing trojans & the like.

http://www.superantispyware.com/

 

Do me a favour and respond to the Monitor Survey I posted here...
http://www.windowsbbs.com/hardware/80236-opinion-poll-monitor-use.html

And thx kent for already responding.
I thought I'd get more replies.
Thx guys!

 

I stand by this quote.

 

Don't know if this is the place to post this but, I was reading on page 2 about Comodo firewall and everyone's recommendations for it. Since Comodo now offers both AV and firewall in an "Internet Security" package, do I have to install their AV program or can I just install their firewall only? I ask this because I still have one year left of updates for my BitDefender AV and learned it's not wise to have two AV programs installed at the same time. Thanks, and sorry if hijacking.

 

I believe you can opt for just the firewall during the set-up.

 

Comodo AV is a new product & is not yet certified by anybody except themselves.

 

Oh I hope so. After my year is done with BitDefender, I can then try some of these other free AV prog's everyone here is raving about(i.e. Avast, Avira, etc.). Only one way to find out about Comodo is to just download and install. Now all I need to find out is which anti-spyware/malware software to go with and I should be set!

 

Pretty sure this is correct.

 

Yeah, but if they swear by themselves then...

 

Devil-Z - yea, 100% you can choose to install the firewall only. If you want the AV along, remember to unisntall your current AV. Just remember the rule, do not run 2 AV program in a pc.

rsinfo - omg, not certified yet for comodo? but we still trust them even thou its not

chasberlin - comodo firewall with avira really not a nice combo chas, i'm using this on my office pc and get infected by minor viruses -.- "