antivirus software question

seanjmanning

Hi all,

My McAfee subscription is due to expire and it's quite expensive to renew. I'm just wondering what are the alternatives and is it totally necessary to have antivirus software?

Thanks,
Sean.

rfrederick

I'd recommend AVG Free. It's most likely the best free antivirus software available to Windows * users.

Disclaimer: I'm a Unix/Linux guy, so I haven't dealt extensively with Windows in a number of years (2005 onwards).

karlkavo

Like the last poster said AVG is good and free. Another free maleware and spyware tool is maleWarebytes www.malwarebytes.org. I don't use an antivirus because they can slow your system down, also be careful when your on the Internet not to click on any dodgy links or sites. If your careful you shouldn't be in any danger.

seanjmanning

Thanks for the info, but if AVG is free what's the catch?

culchie_boy

i had avg free for a while and while its good ive now gone for microsoft security essentials its free eswell and i find its a lot better tbh and it doesnt slow down the pc as much either

just my opinion tho

Black Swan

seanjmanning wrote: »

is it totally necessary to have antivirus software?

There is no such thing as perfect security if you access the web or share files. AV software is just one more layer of defense. Generally speaking, the more layers, the less chance for infection.

magicianz

I recommend avg aswell, used it for years and no problems!

Ranicand

seanjmanning wrote: »

Thanks for the info, but if AVG is free what's the catch?

There is no catch AVG do a full internet security package the anti virus bit is free.

The full package has a firewall email scanner and all the bells and whistles.

Always had problems with Norton however my PCs have always stayed clean with AVG.

Using the free version you will need to switch on Windows Firewall.

One more thing remove your current anti-virus before you add a new one two running on a computer causes all sorts of problems.

Gruaig

Avg pro isint that dear anyway but AVG is a good way to go if your not a bussiness.

flutered

i have been using rising anti virus, malware bytes, rising pc doctor, super antispyware, +zone alarm firewall for nearly 10 months, no probs.

Gruaig

Thats alot of programs.... Are you running vista or xp?

Gavin

What exactly are yee doing on the Internet that requires all these av packages ? Don't download dodgy links, use chrome or firefox, don't use adobe reader, disable any services or run a firewall to block anything incoming.

It's really not complicated.

hmmm

Consider buying a Mac.

Or use Linux if you're reasonably technical minded.

Diabhal_Glas

I installed this last week, so far so good

jc77

Gavin wrote: »

... don't use adobe reader ...

It's really not complicated.

Is adobe reader a dodgy application?
Are there better pdf readers?

digme

foxit is way lighter and for an av get ms security essentials its great

Gavin

jc77 wrote: »

Is adobe reader a dodgy application?
Are there better pdf readers?

As digme says, foxit is better. There are a good few exploits for Adobe PDF reader

tricky D

Avira (free with nag screen which can be disabled), Avast (free with nag screen which turns off if you register) and ESET NOD32 (not free but has excellent reputation) are ahead of the others ime. AVG let through some really nasty stuff on my machine about a year ago. It also hogs resources a bit too much.

N1one

This site http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-anti-virus-software.htm reviews them all, with pros and cons. It's a great site for all freeware so you should have a look around.

I use Avast myself for a few years now, never had any problems.

Black Swan

jc77 wrote: »

Is adobe reader a dodgy application?

When running KIS2010 vulnerability scans (and now KIS2011), Adobe apps appear frequently. Late last spring 2009 I remember when KIS2009 showed an Adobe vulnerability to exploit, and when I sought the fix or patch, Adobe noted that they would not have it for several days. I promptly uninstalled the Adobe app.

Took a Security+ certification (CompTIA) semester length class at university awhile back, and it emphasized that everyone that accesses the web was vulnerable to attack in varying degrees, depending upon their web practices (e.g., visit a lot of dodgy sites like porn, etc.) and layers of security.

If you want more security, think practices and layers.

Two simple layers that were mentioned in both Security+ and the 9 August 2010 Information Week (p. 32) you may want to consider in addition to AV were:

• Email, IM and surf web with a "user" account, not "administrator" account. The user account generally does not have the same level of privilege as the administrator to install programmes (including malware).
• Email, IM and surf the web from a sandbox, which allows apps to run, but restricts access to the OS (I use a sandbox that comes with KIS2011).

You can add more layers, if that's your need.

your desired user name

Anyone try Microsoft Security Essentials?

Le_Dieux

seanjmanning wrote: »

Hi all,

My McAfee subscription is due to expire and it's quite expensive to renew. I'm just wondering what are the alternatives and is it totally necessary to have antivirus software?

Thanks,
Sean.

Hi

My McAfee was automatically renewed by McAfee. However, like Sean above, I find the cost too expensive, especially when one can buy a new CD for about €40 in a shop. McAfee charged me £54.99, & my CC was debited €68.

I went and dumped McAfee and installed Microsoft anti-virus which is working excellently, and my pc is also faster.

My question is this: On my renewal email from McAfee, I got the following - P.S. If for some reason you wish to cancel your subscription, McAfee can provide a full refund only if cancellation is within 60 days of this renewal notice.

My problem is this: I cannot find the link where I can claim back my money. I have replied to the 'Automatic Renewal Notification' email, but am not sure they got it (I haven't heard anything back yet).

Would anyone please know the link or procedure for reclaiming back the subscription?

Any assistance much appreciated.

BenaTRON

I had this problem a few months ago with the Norton renewal - just go on to their chat/online support and explain the situation to a techician - i got a full refund

bingo bango!

Musikhola

yes, it is needed to have antivirus on your PC because then you will be able to prevent security breaches and your data will be safer. It will lessen possibility for hackers to reach your personal data. For antivirus choice you can read this page.

aperture_nuig

I used to use AVG free, switched to avast aout a year ago, 0 problems and much lighter to run.

Le_Dieux

Le_Dieux wrote: »

Hi

My McAfee was automatically renewed by McAfee. However, like Sean above, I find the cost too expensive, especially when one can buy a new CD for about €40 in a shop. McAfee charged me £54.99, & my CC was debited €68.

I went and dumped McAfee and installed Microsoft anti-virus which is working excellently, and my pc is also faster.

My question is this: On my renewal email from McAfee, I got the following - P.S. If for some reason you wish to cancel your subscription, McAfee can provide a full refund only if cancellation is within 60 days of this renewal notice.

My problem is this: I cannot find the link where I can claim back my money. I have replied to the 'Automatic Renewal Notification' email, but am not sure they got it (I haven't heard anything back yet).

Would anyone please know the link or procedure for reclaiming back the subscription?

Any assistance much appreciated.

I must apologise for not giving feedback prior to now, but I only got an email from McAfee tonight confirming they won't be challenging my chargeback which I initiated through my credit card.

I phoned my CC and they initiated the chargeback. It takes time but it ends well.

Many thanks though to those of You who responded, and again, apologies for not replying sooner.

Le_Dieux

This most certainly does take time - took me 3 months. I was reimbursed this week on the basis of my chargeback.

Alls well that ends well, and many thanks to those who responded to my initial query.