Choosing An Antivirus Program.

kah22

I suppose the question I'm asking probably boils down to personal choice but I'd appreciate some input nevertheless.

Currently my antivirus program is Vipre, it is due to expire next month. Late last year I had a problem and found that the Vipre support centre was totally useless. I decided then that I'd let the program run its course and then go for a new program. Currently I'm looking at McAfee: my colleague swears by it. The second is AVG Free: it seems to get rave reviews all over the place.

Of course I know there are lots of other antivirus programs out there. A look at those tested by Which? shows BitDefender Internet Security 2011 topping their poll with a score of 89% and a price tag of £40 McAfee Internet Security 2011 scores 75% but with a price tag of £50. While AVG Anti-virus Free Edition 2011 scores 70% but costs nothing as does Microsoft Security Essentials which scores slightly better at 72%. Which? don't seem to offer 'best buys' on these.

When I think about making an important purchase I nearly always start off looking at the Which? Best Buys but I be a little bit concerned that results from their laboratory tests can offer differ from what happens in the real world.

I'd really appreciate members views on antivirus software, what you use and why and what you avoid like the plague.

Many thanks, Kevin

closed

avast is free, lightweight, and fast.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2984058

Inactive

As is Microsoft Security Essentials ( free ), far better than paid for McAfee as well IMO.

Jeff_Bridges_hair

Dont use mcafee.. i dont even let my work use it anymore even though they were sure that it was best..

If your a home user the MSE is mint but also try avast - it does me and i even use the free version on one of my comps and its just as good as the paid of anything.

BUT dont load your comp up with lots of them and make sure you use Mbam every week to keep it sweet.

fiddiwebb

Currently I'm looking at McAfee: my colleague swears by it.

Sure he doesn't swear at it?

Anyway if you are looking for free versions of AVs then the recommended ones here on the techie board are either Avira, Avast or possibly MSE.

aliEnRIK

I wouldnt touch mcafee with a bargepole. I wouldnt use AVG either. Whatever you do, dont PAY for any of the free versions

As fiddi put, AVIRA, AVAST and MSE are fine

MooBag_2

Funnilly enough, my renewal for McAfee is coming up and I thought I'd be bagging a bargain with their promotion of £25 instead of £50. Thanks for starting this, Kevin - me thinks I'll be going to one of the freebies thus saving myself £25!!! Any recommendations on what free ones people use with Windows 7. Many thanks.

free4440273

I'd go with the excellent Avast/ Don't touch McAfee with a bargepole ! :

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-20003247-83.html

savemoney

I use bitdefender 2011 internet security, haven't had any problems. It costs me around £19

fiddiwebb

free4440273;40290248]I'd go with the excellent [STRIKE]Avast[/STRIKE]Avira/ Don't touch McAfee with a bargepole ! :

Thought that was what you meant

savemoney

You can get bitdefender for £23 I got mine from below last year, it was 2010 but got a free upgrade you can run it on 3 pc's

http://store.v3.co.uk/?act=details&id=10631