Free Anti Virus

[tatz93]

I'm nearing the end of my subscription with Norton and I don't want to re-new it as i am not a fan of the software no more.

I am planning on using Windows Defender to scan my PC etc and using Windows Firewall.

Can anyone recommend free anti virus/spyware software for my laptop which is running Windows Vista Premium.

I have thought of AVG but wondering if you brainy fellows can recommend any?

Cheers in advance

Ol

 

[sendmarksmail]

AVG is probably one of the best free antivirus software out there. I've been using it on one of my XP machines for over 2 years now.

 

[swarfega]

no AVG 8 is not the best any more. It blocks things it shouldnt, some of which are quite major. Two of the current best are AntiVir and Avast. Since theyre both free, why not test each one out, you can always just remove one if you dont like it :D

 

[patio]

no AVG 8 is not the best any more. It blocks things it shouldnt, some of which are quite major.

Source ? ?
I've been using it for over 4 years and never had this happen...

 

[Barman58]

Hi patio,

Since the release of version 8 AVG Free has had quite a few reported problems, including identifying windows system files as malware and deleting them, thus making systems un useable,

a quick search brought up this ...

avg 8 problems - Google Search

Not starting an argument about reliability - I used to recommend AVG 7.5 to my clients but not since the release of 8.

 

[swarfega]

Apart from barmans link the source for my oppinion is my own experience. For instance it tends to block nvidia motherboard drivers so some of the intended functionallity doesnt get installed.

Heres a collection of more links: AVG slaps Trojan label on core Windows file - ADSL24 Forum. The most notorious gaff was AVG slaps Trojan label on core Windows file • The Register which has since been fixed, but still, thats a huge gaff.

 

[sjb007]

If you are looking for a free product then I would plug for antivir, a great program with excellent detection rates

 

[Magdelaine]

Avast Home is free and is highly rated. I've been using that exclusively on my machines for the last 3 years and I've been very happy with it. I even use it on my Windows Home Server.

Download FREE antivirus software - avast! Home Edition

 

[mansrm81]

Go with Avast cause I've been using it since Win98SE with no problems.

 

[patio]

When AVG8 was first released i understand there were some issues with it.
I stayed with 7.5 until i was convinced thru Grisoft Forums that those issues had been addressed and they were.
After doing a clean install test on all 3 OS's on my benchtest machine and running it for 3 weeks with no issues i have gone back to recommending it.
Win2K
XP Pro
Vista Ultimate x64

 

[gothnezz]

avast and avg...right now I'm using avast but in my other PC i use avg they're great.

 

[Jaffa1978]

I Had Norton 360 which cost me £60 at the time,but wasnt told at the time it only lasted 1 year It ran out around 4 months ago,wasnt paying another £60 for another year,so downloaded AVG 8.It worked fine up until last week,now when i try to update it,it says: Invalid Update Control CTF File think I'll try Antivir

 

[johngalt]

AVG 8 has had issue after issue and FP after FP - if you're using nVidia motherboards, especially, stay away from AVG for at least another 6 months.

I personally have to use Symantec Endpoint Protection for work, for VPN, but I have always liked Avast.

 

[Vinz]

I also thought AVG is the best free anti virus out there but reading through forums I think Avast and Antivir isn't far behind if isn't already ahead of AVG.

 

[tatz93]

Cheers there guys. I wont bother AVG 8 yet, but will keep looking at it to see what bugs there are. Im looking at using AntiVir, but i'll just be texting them to begin with, and will let you know my finding
Cheers to everyone

Oh... Happy Christmas

 

[tatz93]

Would you recommend using Windows Firewall in conjunction with Windows Defender ?

Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated :D

Cheers

 

[vistablackben]

AVG 8 Professional is very good.