Virus scanner recommendation for HTPC

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Virus scanner recommendation for HTPC

MickeyD

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#161790 19-Jan-2015 21:54

Hi

My EPG for windows media centre no longer updates. On investigation, I found that Avast (the virus scanner I've used for years) now identifies BigScreenEpg (BSETool.exe) as containing Win32:Evo-Gen and 'conveniently' deleted the exe. I like the features of BSEPG and would prefer to keep using that (I know that EPG Collector can now import directly into media centre). The guide isn't the real issue.

Having grown tired of repeated pop-ups from Avast in recent months, I'm looking for an alternative. If I even need one. All I want is something that runs in the background and doesn't nag me unless there's a real threat.

I typically use the HTPC for freeview, netflix and youtube, and occasional web browsing. It's running windows 7 (64bit).

So, what are you using and what would you recommend? I'm interested in suggestions before I go wasting money.

Stu

Hammered
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#1217927 19-Jan-2015 22:23

Why not Microsoft Security Essentials?

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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andrewNZ

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#1217938 19-Jan-2015 22:49

I removed Avast from all my machines about a year ago when they started including some paid scammy PC cleaning software option.

I now use MSE. If I had to chose something else, I'd buy eset.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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#1217962 19-Jan-2015 23:59

Why not EPG Collector instead of BigScreenEPG?

And if you want a free AV, Microsoft Security Essentials and regardless of which AV, Microsoft EMET.

MickeyD

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#1217967 20-Jan-2015 03:11

Excellent, I'll give Microsoft security essentials a try first up. Thanks.

As for why not EPG collector, there are a few of reasons - most of which don't seem particularly compelling when I write them down-
1. My current set up worked well. I actively try not to tinker with my HTPC setup unless something is broken.
2. When I last looked I couldn't work out how to do things like channel logos, series rename, meta data loading, increasing tuner numbers etc with EPG Collector. Admittedly I haven't looked at the newer features of Collector for quite a while.
3. I use Big Screen by Remote so I can set up recording when I'm not at home.
4. I'm a bit stubborn - I paid for a license for BSEPG because I liked the features and would like to feel I get the value from it. That said, EPG Collector is an excellent piece of software that forms an essential part of my HTPC setup, and even though it's free I must look into donating to show my appreciation...

turb

881 posts

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#1217969 20-Jan-2015 06:12

+1 for MSE, but if you (and other users) are sensible, you probably don't need anything. Malwarebytes do a very good standalone free scanner than you can run whenever you want, ie it doesn't run in the background.

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

freitasm

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#1218028 20-Jan-2015 09:13

I have Norton 360 on my PCs and Windows tablets. Granted it is a freebie I got from them when visiting offices in Sydney, but on my HTPC I have MSE and EMET only.