I have a delimma. my computer keep on getting infected, and my mom keep on getting mad at me. I don't know why so i decide to get a antivirus. I don't know which one is good?
I have spyware doctor and avast home edition on my computer. I had avira, but took it off because it slowed my pc down a lot. I am now considering AVG, but I am not sure.
So can someone give me some recommendations? THEY MUST BE FREE!!!!
and give me a reason to convince me.
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8 responses so far ↓
1 skin_from_bone // Jul 6, 2008
Avast. I use to use AVG, it's pretty nice, but I tried Avast once and I switched forever! I like it a lot.
2 dzr0001 // Jul 6, 2008
I use AVG. I work in IT, and it is better than the expensive commercial solutions we use at work.
3 Marlee W // Jul 6, 2008
Avira is absolutely the best of the three.
1. AVG Free
a. A simple interface (easier to use than Avast! and Avira)
b. Can detect about 82.82% of viruses
Cons: low virus detection
2. Avast!
a. Real-time protection
b. It has an option to delete a virus once found
c. Can detect about 87.46% of viruses.
Cons: Too many icons and confusing user interface
3. Avira AntiVir
a. It can detect malware better than Avast and AVG
b. Can detect about 94.26% of viruses
Cons: A very sluggish update
4 xzxtxyx // Jul 6, 2008
I love Avast.
I also like ClamWin but I only use that for scans because it doesn't have real-time protection. Hopefully they'll add it in a future release.
5 darklord_1310 // Jul 6, 2008
i personally think if you are windowns users, you can use windowns defender for free. it's pretty good and update regularly
6 LaughingJoker // Jul 6, 2008
I would pick Avast! i just really like it!!
7 golfer2 // Jul 6, 2008
Avast is much better than AVG.Do you have it set up to update automatically? Go to http://www.threatfire.com and get free threatfire,it's an anti-virus that's made specifically to run alongside another anti-virus.I run avast,threatfire and superantispyware,there is nothing bad on my computer and I'm not careful about where I go.You need to keep everything updated,avast and threatfire update themselves if you have them set to do it.
8 Pete S // Jul 6, 2008
Short answer: I've used AVG for years, and have found it to be quite good. The new version is even nicer.
Longer answer: That said, you need to really look at why you're getting infected and stop doing that. Do you go to dubious websites? Download files from untrusted sources?
In the past, I ran a Windows XP computer for several years with Service Pack 1 (didn't install SP2 for a while) with no anti-virus software or security updates. The only protection was a basic NAT router. I never once got a single virus, even when routinely browsing the internet. I don't recommend that anyone else do this (I was doing some testing, and could easily take the computer offline if it did get infected), but it was an interested experiment.
Anti-virus programs are reactive, not proactive. They mostly detect viruses that are listed in their regularly-updated database, but it still takes time for the vendors to add new viruses to the database…during this time, users would be vulnerable.
Instead, you should seriously evaluate your browsing habits and what software you have installed. Consider using Firefox (http://www.getfirefox.com/) instead of Internet Explorer (IE is a common way of infecting computers), as Firefox is more secure from malware targeting IE. Visit only sites you trust. Don't download software from dubious sources.
Additionally, keep your operating system up to date with the latest security updates (it should do this automatically, but you should check to make sure it's setup right).
Finally, you should keep regular backups of your files so you can restore them if a virus wipes out your data. Mozy.com is an excellent backup service, and offers 2GB for free. If you sign up for their free service by clicking this URL — https://mozy.com/?code=JW4DDG — you'll get an extra 256MB of free storage (full disclosure: I'll also get an extra 256MB). Very handy.
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