What is the best anti-virus software?

Forums › Desktop computing › What is the best anti-virus software?

Finch

2810 posts

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#112928 27-Dec-2012 19:18

Hi there.

I have a new laptop and would like to install some Anti-Virus software on it. I have previously used AVg Free and that seems to work fine for me. Should I stick with that or is there something more advanced on the market now?

I understand "the best" antivirus software could be debatable, just after personal opinions.

Cheers

*If incorrect forum then sorry, was either this one or the laptop one...*

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1604 posts

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#737797 27-Dec-2012 19:21

If you have a new laptop and its Window 8 then you have anti-virus included in the form of Windows Defender. What was Microsoft Security Essentials. But the best anti-virus is you.. just beware to only download files etc from reputable sources and you should be ok

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billgates

4624 posts

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#737798 27-Dec-2012 19:27

Paid - Bitdefender, F-Secure, GData
Free - Microsoft Security Essentials, Avast

Do whatever you want to do man.

Finch

2810 posts

Uber Geek

#737799 27-Dec-2012 19:32

Cheers guys. Yeah came with Win 8. Can lock thread now if you want :D

amanzi

Amanzi
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#737800 27-Dec-2012 19:38

billgates: Paid - Bitdefender, F-Secure, GData
Free - Microsoft Security Essentials, Avast

I'm keen to hear what you're basing your recommendations on? Is this just personal experience, or performance, features, etc..?

billgates

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#737802 27-Dec-2012 19:48

amanzi:

I'm keen to hear what you're basing your recommendations on? Is this just personal experience, or performance, features, etc..?

Personal experience with MSE, Avast and Bit-Defender (paid). Mikko Hypponen is CRO at F-Secure. He is DA-MAN. F-Secure and GData are rated amongst the top 4 along with BitDefender in AV tests.

Do whatever you want to do man.

johnr

19282 posts

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#737808 27-Dec-2012 20:11

avast works great

freitasm

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Geekzone

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#737814 27-Dec-2012 20:41

I used to like Avast. Now I just think it's bloated and interferes with browsing more than needed.

MSE, ESET or Norton.

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oxnsox

1923 posts

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#737823 27-Dec-2012 20:54

I've been using Eset on SOHO machines for 4 years, and MS Security Essentials on family machines. I figure if MS can't keep nasties away from their own OS (when used sensibly), then there's bigger issues to worry about.

zhuyan

177 posts

Master Geek

#737826 27-Dec-2012 21:03

I have been using Norton Internet Security all along and never feel it necessary to change to other product as it works quite smoothly on all my home pcs

Once I did ask Norton Customer Service whether I should be changing to their Norton 360 and quite to my surprise they advised me not to; still not sure why though

mattwnz

19381 posts

Uber Geek

#738722 30-Dec-2012 21:45

I thought ESSET NOD 32 was the one computer techs always recommended. Perhaps they got some form of commission for recommending it.

coffeebaron

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#738724 30-Dec-2012 22:10

Eset is what I recommend. I also resell it, but i only resell it because I was originally recommending to my customers, so thought I may as well sell it and get a cut too :)

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Kyanar

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#738889 31-Dec-2012 14:17

I used to use ESET but I got hacked off with paying more for it than Americans do for crappier support (Chilisoft are useless - you have to renew within 30 days instead of the 90 you can renew within if you buy direct and costs about $20NZD more than buying direct, but ESET won't let you - have to use Chilisoft).

Now, I've switched to Kaspersky, and apart from the supremely annoying "Secure Keyboard" feature, it works great, and even picked up a couple of things which even ESET missed hidden in some old archives.

robjg63

3837 posts

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#738907 31-Dec-2012 14:44

I have run AVG and Avira (free) for the last 5 or 6 years at home.
Provided you are 'sensible' with file downloads and exercising caution on web page pop ups (you know - the "click this button to speed up your PC" sort of thing) then the free ones seem to do a good job.

Once in a while download/run malwarebytes just to assure yourself that all is well.

We use ESET at work - seems pretty thorough for a paid product.

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

Trunks2

223 posts

Master Geek

#739012 31-Dec-2012 22:25

Not sure how good it is but you can get Norton 360 free after rebate at Harvey Norman http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/norton-360-1-pc.html

UrbanMyth

122 posts

Master Geek

#739523 2-Jan-2013 22:33

Nortons is perhaps one of the worst AV's ever created.
The only reason it is so popular is because it is generally installed on chain-store computers by default

MSE or ESET would be my picks

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