Avast Antivirus popups - alternative AV program for computer illiterate users?

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Sideface

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#1605993 7-Aug-2016 17:56

timmmay:

I tried to download BitDefender Free today. When you go to the page on their website for the free version it just forwards you back to the home page. ...

I had the same experience.

One of the safer alternative download sites is FileHippo.

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k1w1k1d

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#1606005 7-Aug-2016 18:30

I use Panda Free on two PC's and a laptop. Seems to work OK. Has an upgrade popup every few days. Just click on X and it goes away.

Also use Spyware Blaster, Malwarebytes, and SuperAntiSpyware. Also have CryptoPrevent.

1101

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#1606348 8-Aug-2016 14:27

timmmay:

I tried to download BitDefender Free today. When you go to the page on their website for the free version it just forwards you back to the home page. They really don't seem to want to let you get the free version, so I'll stay with Avira for now.

Thats been happening for quite some time.

I dont think they want to give away the free version to everyone. It can be found on other sites, from memory it wont scan emails & may only be a 3 month
trial. And the version I have is really really basic (its only on a test PC).
They occasionally have longer running giveaways of the free version .

Avira may just be the better way to go.

Hammerer

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#1606371 8-Aug-2016 14:50

timmmay:

I tried to download BitDefender Free today. When you go to the page on their website for the free version it just forwards you back to the home page. They really don't seem to want to let you get the free version, so I'll stay with Avira for now.

You can get the BitDefender and Avira scanning engine in Qihoo 360 Total Security (AV and cleanup/optimisation) or 360 Total Security Essential (AV only) which I recommend.

I regularly use several different free AV products on our computers. I have been using Avast, Avira and 360 TS/TSE this year. My preference is in the opposite order: 360TS/TSE, Avira, and Avast.

If you want more info on 360TS then this article is a good place to start:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-anti-virus-software.htm

sultanoswing

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#1606661 9-Aug-2016 00:29

An alternative, simple OS to check email / surf the web and not fuss about annoying AV programs?

...dare I suggest something that rhymes with "linus" ?

timmmay

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#1606682 9-Aug-2016 07:18

sultanoswing:

An alternative, simple OS to check email / surf the web and not fuss about annoying AV programs?

...dare I suggest something that rhymes with "linus" ?

Many of my family members have enough trouble with Windows, let alone Linux. I know Mint and such is pretty easy, but I think it would confuse them.

Them: "Why can't I run Candy Crush (or whatever)"?

Me: "You're running Linux, it's safer and easier"

Them: "Make it run Candy Crush".

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sultanoswing

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#1606696 9-Aug-2016 08:24

timmmay:

Them: "Why can't I run Candy Crush (or whatever)"?

Me: "You're running Linux, it's safer and easier"

Them: "Make it run Candy Crush".

They should stop and start " wine-ing" ;)

timmmay

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#1606714 9-Aug-2016 09:07

Ah yeah, but every little thing you do is something else you have to support. Plus there's javascript cryptoware in the wild, making it past some antivirus filters, so it could affect Linux as well.

gzt

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#1606791 9-Aug-2016 10:18

timmmay:
sultanoswing:

An alternative, simple OS to check email / surf the web and not fuss about annoying AV programs?

...dare I suggest something that rhymes with "linus" ?

Many of my family members have enough trouble with Windows, let alone Linux. I know Mint and such is pretty easy, but I think it would confuse them.

Them: "Why can't I run Candy Crush (or whatever)"?

Me: "You're running Linux, it's safer and easier"

Them: "Make it run Candy Crush".

Windows product managers seem to have heard that one loud and clear ; ). Linux is behind on that one.

1101

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#1606892 9-Aug-2016 12:02

...dare I suggest something that rhymes with "linus" ?

I dont know why Lin & Mac fans think they are somehow immune

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_malware#Threats

https://blogs.sophos.com/2015/03/26/dont-believe-these-four-myths-about-linux-security/

sultanoswing

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#1606912 9-Aug-2016 12:30

1101:

...dare I suggest something that rhymes with "linus" ?

I dont know why Lin & Mac fans think they are somehow immune

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_malware#Threats

https://blogs.sophos.com/2015/03/26/dont-believe-these-four-myths-about-linux-security/

Not immune. Not by any stretch. If the NSA or Chinese Govt wants to hack your computer, it won't matter what A/V or O/S you have. But in terms of risk, one can certainly make the case.

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