Free Anti Virus Software

Legacy_user

With a new Internet worm in the news this week. Decided I should do something about updating my anti-virus software but didn't want to pay for it. Decided to start with a trawl using Google and the key words Anti Virus.

A sponsored link from OpiStat (http://www.opistat.com/mp/registration.html?p=53000100&id_language=530,2&country=30)immediately caught my eye as it promised free AV software and updates ("worth £41") for completing a survey. The software is from a company called Norman which I wasn't familiar with although they claim to have 12 M customers. Checked out how successful the software was at detecting virus's at http://www.virusbtn.com/index.xml and it seems ok when compared with other suppliers.

You're "invited" to fill in a questionnaire while the software downloads but there weren't that many questions and I'd completed it by the time the software downloaded.

Slightly worried about how much spam I'll get (but that's why I used a throw away e-mail address). Suspect you could use a false name and postal address too if you're concerned about junk mail as there didn't seem to be a check on valid address/postcode.

There must be other places to get free anti-virus software too but some of them will be limited to 30 day free trials. The Halifax will also give it to you free if you have an internet account with them (but when I last checked they didn't supply software compatible with Windows XP).

The very good news is that I scanned my machine and didn't find any virus/worm ;D

The_Baroness

First, Halifax anti-virus software (PC-Cillin 2000 by Trend) does work with Windows XP. We have both XP and Win 98 at home (different machines) and the virus checker works fine on both, downloading updates every day or two automatically, so we always have the latest virus definitions. You have to download the XP version from a particular place, but I know that the Halifax programme does work with Win XP.

Second, Optistat can be described as spyware. True, you don't pay any money for it, but read this from their website:

OpiStat measures Internet usage anonymously and surveys participants according to their profiles and online habits. Our surveys are short and rewarded.

In their privacy statement, they say,

In order to allow you to take part in surveys in relation to your activity on the Internet, the Software contains an application that anonymously collects your use of the Internet protocols (sites visited, Web pages, advertisements seen, electronic commerce, streaming, etc). On receipt, OpiStat automatically deletes any reference specifying your name concerning the receipt or the dispatch of electronic messages.

It is also interesting to note that

OpiStat is a service trademark of NetValue SA (https://www.netvalue.com), the leading name in Europe in assessment of the audience and how consumers behave on the Internet. NetValue provides information on the behaviour of users, electronic commerce and Internet trends

And finally, from the user agreement, which you agree to when you download the software:

That you will participate actively, regularly and honestly in the surveys offered to you.

That you accept the collection and use by OpiStat of the information that you pass on within the framework of the Program as indicated in this Contract and in the Privacy Statement.

So if you want a consumer research organisation to track which sites you visit, where you shop on-line and which protocols you use, and you also want them to use this data to send you relevant questionnaires, which (under the terms of the licence agreement) you have to fill in honestly, then by all means download this.

Me? Personally I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole

The Baroness

System

Hi people
As a network and systems administrator I would strongly reccomend AVG by Grisoft. This is an excellent peice of AV s/w.
The s/w is free for personal (non commercial) use, sure if has a few of the advanced features disabled but if you want some genuinely FREE, reliable, tried & tested s/w you wont go wrong with this.
Check out http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php

Ben

debeast

Thanks for the link to Grisoft !!! Any idea how often they update their virus definitions though ???

System

I use Grisoft, found it to be excellent, virus datadase updated every 3-4 days on average.

Dean

Andrea

Me too. Its really good as long as you remember to keep updating it (ahem) :-[

MSE_Martin

I use AVG (Grisoft) too and have sent it out as a previous money tip (its in the archives.)  In fact its in my list of ones to resend out again.

Martin

DJ1UK

Sadly Grisofts AVG Free edition is coming to the end of its life. The new paid for edition (version 7) has been launched and theres no plans to make a free version.

Not sure how long they will keep sending out updates, but another free AV is free-av.com only difference is you have to manually update it.

Hope thats of some use

jazzeeeee5

Hi,
I am student teacher (ahem...mature, of course  ;)), who will 'specialise in ICT' and so I have built up a few 'contacts' here and there...here are a few 'freebies' re software for viruses and other software that can help to eliminate spyware (ad's, pop-ups and the like carry all sorts!!):

• AVG from Grisoft is a more than adequate virus scanner:
  http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
  
  • This one cleans your pc (of many of the most common viruses) and can sit alongside any other checker but is quick and easy to use:
    http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
    
    • SPYBOT SEARCH AND DESTROY - A relatively easy and free download. This software, detects all offending pop-ups and ads that are placed on to your PC (you will be suprised what you have got on there you dont know about) :
      http://download.com.com/3000-2144-10194058.html
      
      • A free firewall - essentail these days. Zone Alarm from Zone Labs :
        http://download.com.com/3000-2092-10039884.html?part=zonealarm&subj=dlpage&tag=button
        
        • Spyware Blaster. Prevents installation of many of the spyware programs set up by advertisers - (have a look at the site, it will explain better. I was shocked when I saw exactly what just browsing on the internet picks up!):
          http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
          
          [move]All free!![/move]
          
          Happy tekking
          :P

MSE_Martin

Wonderful post! thank you

System

;D
Brilliant! Thanks.
It is disgraceful how much you find on your PC that has been put there by these companies. ALL companies, and EVERY site too, even without your knowledge! I think it is about time some rules were laid down about this >:(
It's great that all these site / downloads are free though. I have certainly had my eyes opened.
Peter