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

whatmichaelsays

AliceJenkins wrote: »

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

It's ultimately how they earn their living. The profit margins on the actual computers are tiny, hence the drive to push accessories and add-ons.

prowla

I'm sure Microsoft would disagree with the expert in PC World.

GunJack

dacouch wrote: »

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

just to be pedantic, that's oxymoron

GunJack

whatmichaelsays wrote: »

The profit margins on the actual computers are tiny, hence the drive to push accessories and add-ons.

.not with the prices pcw charge they're not

DWatts

Dave_C wrote: »

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.

Not strictly true, the free software is only virus protection and the full suite is internet security. The virus database is the same with either, it's just the paid for versions have all the additional internet safety features like a firewall, spam filters etc.

Jnelhams

Everything they tell you in PC World is absolutely true. Just like Politicians, Double Glazing Salesfolk, Used Car Dealers and the person that told you can't get pregnant if you jump up and down after :-)

debitcardmayhem

Alfa_Female wrote: »

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

Mea culpa, I will re-iterate my apology to you, but this time with more feeling. The same feeling in my brain of course does not quite extend those who gave you the warm welcome , cos you joined about 5 years ago (ie 3 before me, but a bad day yesterday for me) I hope you had a good Christmas and have a prosperous New Year, but do stay away from DSG.

Edited: Sorry Tracey missed your real name so HNY Tracey , I will do better in 2012
DCM / Rob / GJ's stalker etc...

grizzly1911

If you are with Barclays for Internet Banking they will supply you with Kasperky Internet free.

I am sure the others will also do something similar.

waddler_8

DWatts wrote: »

Not strictly true, the free software is only virus protection and the full suite is internet security. The virus database is the same with either, it's just the paid for versions have all the additional internet safety features like a firewall, spam filters etc.

That's incorrect. Avast has it's Web shield, Network shield & Mail shield that filters data being downloaded via the Internet.

MSE has it's Network inspection system (Vista & Win 7), and also integrates with the Windows firewall to filter network traffic - which includes data being downloaded via the Internet.

I'm sure AVG & Avira has similar filtering technology. (Although I haven't looked)

http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#tab3

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/products/security-essentials/product-information (Features & benefits)

With most of the extras with paid security (Full suites), it can be argued that those extras aren't really necessary (any malicious code that comes via spam would be blocked on execution anyway -should the AV be capable of detecting it), that they are available as freeware separately, or that they are available as part of Windows itself (Parental controls etc)

balmk

If you have an MBNA credit card you can get 12 months free McAfee, and First Direct do a free 6 months of free AVG premium.

Check with your bank to see what they can offer.