Av Programs

[normell]

With the problem that we had over the last couple of days, just how good are free anti virus programs.
I've been using the Grisoft AVG free edition for quite a few years now (no problems yet, touch beer), but has anybody upgraded to the professional edition, does it give even better protection or not, is it worth the US$38.95 for 2 years.
Am I being parnoid or what :blink:

Normell

PS Any good way of removing/reducing cache

 

[Sloth]

IMO AVG free and Zone Alarm (firewall) are an absolute must. I will not even consider going on the net without them.

Other useful programs include Ad-aware SE personal and Spybot search and destry.

I personally use all of the above and i havent had a single problem. THe free version of AVG is great. Cant see any need to upgrade it as long as you allow it to make the regular virus definition updates.

Sloth.

 

[Piste]

In addition to what has been mentioned I also use C CLeaner which gets rid of any nasties when I turn off the computer.
It's a free download, my kind of price :super:
I recall reading somewhere that the C in fact is Crap Cleaner indicating as to what it gets rid of on the system.
I have noticed that since I have used it I don't seem to get all the offers for Viagra and other dubious products anymore.
Incidentally, what was the message from AHB that I was not supposed to open (it wouldn't link anyway before I saw the warning on this site).

 

[normell]

Thanks Sloth
Don't see the point in moving this very much "On Topic" at the moment, to off topic.
With every body worried about virus protection ATM, thought all answers to this could have helped a lot of PPL like me (Computer Illiterate) out :blink:

 

[Linz]

Im feeling unloved...I didnt get the bug message

 

[johnno]

Ok. This is what I use on all Pc's (kids Pc's included) and I have never had any problems.

McAfee AV version 8
Free version of Zonealarm. (Free Kerio is also good)
Lavasoft Ad-Adaware SE Personal
Spybot Search and destroy Version 1.4
Spywareblaster (this one does not clean stuff, it prevents it from being installed/run in the first place, so if you already have something its a bit late to get rid of it.)
CrapCleaner.(this is a really good free program and is highly recommended) Not so much for spyware etc, but keeping your PC clean.

As with all this stuff you must update them regularly and run the scans at least once a week/fortnight.

Here is a top security site if you are interested further. http://www.merijn.org/

EDIT: It is also important to keep your operating system up to date with all new patches that are released. This is especially true if you use Micro$oft Windows as it is very vulnerable.

Good luck
johnno

 

[PistolPatch]

I use Nod32 which is the same program that Microsoft actually uses. Have had it for 2 years now (about $35 per year) and have found it to be brilliant.

It has made a huge difference in the time between re-install which I used to have to do about every 6 months. Haven't done one for about 14months now and my computer has shown no signs of slowing down or weird behaviour.

To me, this program is a necessity. It also updates itself as often as you want (every 5 minutes if you're totally paranoid!).

Cheers
PP

 

[bindi]

I now use PC Tools, SpywareBlaster and C Cleaner.

 

[peas_and_corn]

crap cleaner, eh? sounds like an interesting programme

 

[Jagungal]

I think the best AV program is Linux ...

Interestingly though, I scanned the file in question with Symantec and it did not come up as a virus - it was a trojan/adware dropper from what I could work out from searches of the file name, which is pretty serious if someone was infortunate enough to run the file.