Free virus protection, any that are good?

happyhero

Hi Does anyone know of any good free, available on line, virus protection programs? Don't really want an online scanner as that wont keep you protected all the time, really want one you can install.

Is there any that are free that would be as good as Macafee or Symantec's Norton? Or will they all be poor in comparison as you only get what you pay for?

I have used trend which seems great but with that I just use it to double check from time to time as it offers a online scanner for viruses and spyware.

I would be gratefull for any advice.

BillScarab

I use AVG free antivirus 7.5, I've been using AVG for several years and have been very happy with it. There are lots of threads on here about this subject, have a look at the 'what security do you use' sticky

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng...nti-virus-free

joshm_2

AVG Free edition does it for me (free.grisoft.com).

Lorian

Avast free edition:

http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

You need to register, but it's free, and works well.

happyhero

Hi thanks for the answers guys, and I have now read loads of the sticy about it but one question, what about updates on AVG? It says you will NOT get high speed updates, well what do you get with regard to updates then?

And is there any other weaknesses because its free, ie is it a full blown version or will it have loads of things in it you cant click on because you have to buy a full version for them to work?

backflip

The one free AV that comes out well in many tests is Active Virus Shield which is given away free by Aol and is in reality the Kaspersky engine. It updates hourly from the Kaspersky site and you can see for yourself just how well it fared in the comparison with other programmes. AVG didn't do too well at all and personally I wouldn't use it, but that is an individual choice.
http://tech.cybernetnews.com/2006/09/04/and-the-best-antivirus-is/

I can't see any Aol branding anywhere on the application, and nothing else is added of an Aol nature to your system.

I should hav added that you don't need to sign up to Aol or have any connection with them. It is entirely free.

mostly

I've just ditched the full version of kaspersky for the above, its excellent theres no aol gubbins installed at all.

BillScarab

how often do you want your Antivirus to update? I get regular updates for AVG free, usually several a week. I've never had an infection since I started using it.

Oh and in the link backflip posted scroll down to look a the results of the heuristic tests! :T

I think most of the free ones are pretty good, make sure you use antispyware and a firewall as well though.

garcia

Be warned though by clicking you authorise them to send spam to your email address. So probably best to use a temp address.

Also it prompts you to install a "security" toolbar. I declined. Anyone say yes and live to regret it???

Finally the download speed for updates was only 11kb/s, which shows that this really is a freebie!

You'll need to reboot after installing, then reboot after initial update which was a tad annoying.

But other than that it looks great! (I've uninstalled avast).

skim

Had to laugh at the remark "as good as Symantecs Norton"

Norton is a nightmare to say the least - I wouldn't let it anywhere near my system.

Any Antivirus is only as good as it's last update.
As well as Antivirus you need to have good layered protection e.g. Firewall & anti Spyware progs & make sure you don't go inviting virus/spyware onto your system.

I've used AVG for about 6 years now & never had a problem & I regularly check via online scanners & hijackthis to see if anything has got past my defences.

In regard to Norton, I support over 1000 companies across the UK for software support & 99% of all people that come to me with virus problems tend to have Norton installed.

garcia

Update from http://www.techsupportalert.com/best_46_free_utilities.htm :

A possible third choice is the AOL Anti Virus Shield. This is a cut down version of the top rated Kaspersky AV and is being made available for free to all uses not just AOL members.

On first sight it seems like an unbeatable deal but it's not quite what it seems. First this really is a "lite" version. It lacks the important html and heuristics modules present in the full Kaspersky product so the protection afforded against hostile web sites is actually inferior to AVG and Avast!. Gone, too, is the ability to create rescue disks and to fully manage the quarantine area. The configuration options are also more limited.

Secondly the End User License Agreement is worrying. AOL basically reserves the right to spam you. I'm not aware of this actually happening but you need to be aware they have the right to do so.

On the subject of installing AOL AVS by default installs the AOL search bar in Internet Explorer as part of the AVS install. If you don't want it, make sure you opt out during installation.

So on balance I'm cautious about recommending AOL AVS. If you can however, live with the limitations then you'll be rewarded with a first class scanner.

Personally I turned off html protection on AVAST anyway, so doesn't really affect me.