How reliable is McAfee as a computer security system?

Question

McAfee told me that my computer was secure - no action required. However, computer was running show, so I ran Spybot - which identified several problems that McAfee had not.

Answer 1

It isn't really fair to compare a malware system and an antivirus / security application. They look for separate things. My experience is that McAfee is quite good, but that you always need to run other software in addition to your antivirus or security application in order to detect malware - my personal favourite is Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (http://www.malwarebytes.org) - which is very similar to Spybot.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

The best security programmes argument has been going on for years and years and will continue for many more. The best programmes for you are the ones you feel most comfortable with, do the job you require and are affordable. Many swear by particular programmes because they have done the job required of them and kept their systems virus free. Others will deem a programme useless simply because it is a product which must be paid for and owned by a big multinational. I imagine there are some "free" programmes every bit as good as those which must be paid for but there will also be many with "catches" attached. Personally I have been using McAfee's security suite trouble free for very many years on several systems. I have never experienced any of the problems regularly mentioned, ie it hogs resources, slows a system, does not offer good protection etc etc.

I run it as the active system defence. I use MalWareBytes, an excellent programme, free version as an "on demand" scanner. You should give serious consideration to your choice of security programmes, make sure it meets your needs, is affordable etc. Don't opt for or against a programme based on the rantings of devotees or haters. Go have a look at sites such as Spywarehammer, Spywarewarrior, Wilderssecurity etc. For free programmes download only from reputable sites, I would recommend FileHippo. Do remember all security programmes need your help and support to work effectively. No programme will protect you if you insist on visiting dodgy sites, opening emails willy nilly etc. Best of luck.



hitbit

Answer 4

McAfee is an anti virus program

Spybot is an anti spyware program



Two different types of problems and McAfee is not up to the task of dealing with both.



I have been using AVG Free for years now and find it very good.

I also use SpyBot Search and Destroy.



Recently on a new PC I just built I am using Microsoft Security Essentials and so far it is working just fine on my Windows 7 PC.

Answer 5

There are many different opinions about what the best antivirus is. Personally I strongly recommend the free version of Avira Antivirus, you can download it for free here http://bitly.com/1r4WOUb I recommend this software because the latest version is much better then all the others and will give you a full protection of your pc from all virus or spyware.

Answer 6

ok microsoft security essentials offers both malware protection and antivirus protection and the best part it is free



but on the hand mcafee is not that great for one reason its to heavy it causes windows to run slow



here is the link for microsoft security essentials

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Answer 7

I would give both McAfee and Norton products a D for security. They are really big and bulky, and do tend to miss a lot. Plus, the sheer amount of workings they have make them big targets for viruses, and we have dealt with several cases where the either of these products themselves got infected, and became totally useless, or even damaging.



I recommend AVG.

Answer 8

McAfee Antivirus is good but there are still many good antivirus program available in market…and I would suggest you for avast, AVG, kaspersky, Internet PC Security…these are one of the best antivirus..they keep your computer away from antivirus..

http://www.iyogi.co.uk/antivirus/avast-antivirus.html

Answer 9

McAfee is rubbish, you can get much better anti malware and anti virus programs for FREE!

try www.avg.com i like that one



also mcafee has loads of really annoying pop ups and things to annoy you into buying their stuff, personally i'd boycott them simply because of that

Answer 10

I have mcafee netprotect plus full suite provided by BT and I have had no problems with it

Answer 11

that is stock so i would think its decent but i recommend kasper sky