Am I being told a load of billiards about Anti-Virus?

Alfa_Female

A PC 'Expert' in PC World told me today

1) That the free Anti-Virus softwares give it to you free because they send viruses to you to see if their software is working. Sometimes the viruses they send to you get through and then your computer is infected.

2) That when using free anti-spam/malware protection while using Internet banking and your identity is stolen that they will not pay out.

Are these true? I suspect not, because the free AV software is usually free because it's their old version and the latest version is the one people pay for. And these days banks have their own encryption and virus protection within their website. No?

Humour me please!

ehlo

Obviously neither of these are true .

Just use Microsoft Security Essentials. Just as good as any paid solution. Common sense goes along way too!

Dave_C_2

Alfa_Female wrote: »

A PC 'Expert' in PC World told me today

1) That the free Anti-Virus softwares give it to you free because they send viruses to you to see if their software is working. Sometimes the viruses they send to you get through and then your computer is infected.

2) That when using free anti-spam/malware protection while using Internet banking and your identity is stolen that they will not pay out.

Are these true? I suspect not, because the free AV software is usually free because it's their old version and the latest version is the one people pay for. And these days banks have their own encryption and virus protection within their website. No?

Absolute billiards - the chap in PC world wants to sell you some software from Norton or wherever

The free software is there to encourage you to buy the paid-for version, so it's bang up-to-date. Avira or Avast are recommended on this forum.

Nationwide FAQs do point to a list of AV suppliers and it says
"The links featured in this section will help you to keep your PC or Mac up to date and secure. None of these vendors are specifically endorsed or recommended by Nationwide."

HTH, Dave

debitcardmayhem

I will humour you, why re-post today in an old thread, then start your own, if of course you are not a troll, then hey I apologise (first time this year) this thread was a bit older when you dug it up http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=49738871&postcount=15

spannerzone

As a general rule, you can tell when a salesperson in PC World is telling lies as their lips will move.

Yorkie1

I was told lie #2 when I was investigating a new laptop about 6 months ago. Luckily, people on here set me right!

Alfa_Female

debitcardmayhem wrote: »

I will humour you, why re-post today in an old thread, then start your own, if of course you are not a troll, then hey I apologise (first time this year) this thread was a bit older when you dug it out.

Troll? What the heck is that!?!? There are no goats trip-trapping over my bridge! I posted there and then realised it was completely the wrong place, so I'll take your apology and thank everyone else for the warm welcome and great help and advice!

Tracey

AliceJenkins

They must be on commission to sell anti-virus because they push it so hard.

Richie-from-the-Boro

Alfa_Female wrote: »

A PC 'Expert' in PC World told me today

1) That the free Anti-Virus softwares give it to you free because they send viruses to you to see if their software is working. Sometimes the viruses they send to you get through and then your computer is infected.

2) That when using free anti-spam/malware protection while using Internet banking and your identity is stolen that they will not pay out.

Are these true? I suspect not, because the free AV software is usually free because it's their old version and the latest version is the one people pay for. And these days banks have their own encryption and virus protection within their website. No?

Humour me please!

"""A PC 'Expert' in PC World"""

Now there's your first clue .. .. PC World and expert compliment each other / go together like Peaches & Creosote

dacouch

Richie-from-the-Boro wrote: »

"""A PC 'Expert' in PC World"""

Now there's your first clue .. .. PC World and expert compliment each other / go together like Peaches & Creosote

I think the technical term is an oximoron which is strangely appropriate for PC word staff

[Deleted User]

If you do decide to buy any Internet Security software, you can purchase it much cheaper on eBay ...