I need a good anti-virus program?

Question

My Norton subscription is about to expire,I would prefer a free one but anything that is not to expensive will work.

Answer 1

AVG Free or Avast are the two top free antivirus programs out there.



http://www.grisoft.com

http://www.avast.com

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Hi,

As the others have already stated, the best ones are either Avast, AVG Free, (I use this) or AntiVir (red umberella logo)



I would personally avoid Zone Alarm Internet security suite, which as you may know is a mean time resource hogger, all suites are, stand alone is best.

Also, another thing to consider is when you used Norton (as i did too, when i started out) did it have an included firewall? If it did you will need to also consider a suitable wall for your machine, too.



I use Sygate, the one i used prior to that was in fact ZA, but it was simply the firewall.



Sygate is a nice recommendation, and it doesn't spew as half as many 'nag' messages as za does, it's more easy going but equally as effective. Avoid at all costs firewalls such as black ice defender if you are a beginner, as it gets a wee bit advanced!



Hope I helped some.



as another contributor has thoughfully mentioned, there is also avg anti spyware, there's a trial of 7.5 out for use for 30 days, after that the resident shield drops along with some other features that are available in the paid for versh. Do be careful how many "real time" protection progs you have running at onece though, it's the same as av and fw, too, as ya know.



Just as an after thought, the anti rootkits mentioned you take care, it is still in it's beta form as far as i am aware, my apologies if i am wrong here. Anti rootkits unfortunately just aren't effective enough if you ask me though, perhaps in the future things will change.

Answer 4

Everyone loves to use AVG, but lots of people are checking in here to find out about viruses that have gotten past it!! Only one program doesn't do enough!!



I suggest you go to "MajorGeeks.com", and search for free software. (after you click on ANTI-SPY or ANTI-MALWARE, then click on the "LICENSE" tab, and it will arrange everything so that the free stuff is on top.



There are several which are very good. I would download about 2, 3 or even 4 of them, but use only one of them while you're on the web actively. SPYBOT, AVG, SUPERAntiSpyware, are such good ones. I always look for the "PICK" label attached to the names on Major Geeks, because that's what they recommend. When you click on the name, and get to the download page, there's also a description of the software program, and also a rating of the effectiveness by users. I always try to use something 4.4 and above (out of 5).



I have 6 or more anti-virus programs. I usually use SPYBOT and Windows Defender (which is highly rated!!! I would suggest you get this one from Major Geeks!!) while I'm on the web. Then, once a week or so, I UNPLUG from the web, and run the other anti-virus programs. So that if you have something get thru your usual stuff, all the others will help scrub to get it.



Not a single program will stop everything out there. And you can't run several anti-spy programs at once, because then they'll be stepping over each other, fighting each other.



When you install any of these programs, you need to make sure that your firewall or the firewalls on some of these free softwares are turned off, other wise the firewall sees some of the anti-spy programs as dangerous and doesn't let them thru. Then when you've got them all on, you can reset your firewall.



Some of the antispy programs from Major Geeks are normally to be bought. But they have "free" versions which may be limited in what they do. They also have very annoying popups which ask you to upgrade to the paid version.



But I would strongly suggest you get Windows DEFENDER on your computer, and then choose one of the many others available at Major Geeks. They also have TONS of other kinds of free software that will make you drool!!

Answer 5

Bullguard is good. I use it in addition to the Vista antivirus system on my own computer as a second line of defence and it has stopped many viruses that Vista's own system missed.



Bought on a 2-year subscription it works out cheaper than Norton or MacAfee and won't slow your computer down at all.

Answer 6

From a recent test at www.virus.gr, the top 25 anti-virus programs, in virus detection rates "in the wild".

(free programs are noted in ()s.)



1. Kaspersky version 6.0.0.303 - 99.62%



2. Active Virus Shield by AOL version 6.0.0.299 - 99.62% (free)



3. F-Secure 2006 version 6.12.90 - 96.86%



4. BitDefender Professional version 9 - 96.63%



5. CyberScrub version 1.0 - 95.98%



6. eScan version 8.0.671.1 - 95.82%



7. BitDefender freeware version 8.0.202 - 95.57% (free)



8. BullGuard version 6.1 - 95.57%



9. AntiVir Premium version 7.01.01.02 - 95.45%



10. Nod32 version 2.51.30 - 95.14%



11. AntiVir Classic version 7.01.01.02 - 94.26% (free)



12. ViruScape 2006 version 1.02.0935.0137 - 93.87%



13. McAfee version 10.0.27 - 93.03%



14. McAfee Enterprise version 8.0.0 - 91.76%



15. F-Prot version 6.0.4.3 beta - 87.88%



16. Avast Professional version 4.7.871 - 87.46%



17. Avast freeware version 4.7.871 - 87.46% (free)



18. Dr. Web version 4.33.2 - 86.03%



19. Norman version 5.90.23 - 85.65%



20. F-Prot version 3.16f - 85.14%



21. ArcaVir 2006 - 83.44%



22. Norton Professional 2006 - 83.18%



23. AVG Professional version 7.1.405 - 82.82%



24. AVG freeware version 7.1.405 - 82.82% (free)



25. Panda 2007 version 2.00.01 - 82.23%

Answer 7

I have used AVG free for over 6 years now without any issues. I do not download a lot, I do not open file attachments and I do not go to unsavory websites, so keep this in mind. If your habits are the same as mine, you also should not have any issues. AVG does stop a lot of virus, but no one anti virus program is perfect, even the ones you pay for.



Get AVG free here: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/downloads-products/us/frt/0?prd=aff

Answer 8

Norton is a good program. here's the deal. You can download Norton SystemWorks 2005 with a keygen using the Limewire P2P program. All you have to do is uninstall norton, then reinstall norton systemworks, "activate" the thing using the kengen, and then go get your updates. Your subscription will be good for a whole year again. At the end of the year, repeat the process again. If you want the keygen/activator for Norton Systemworks 2005, email me. I'll sent it to you.

Answer 9

most virus are spread through IE. IE is not a safe browser. you should use a more secure browser to protect your PC from virus.



i recommand you to use firefox with Google toolbar. firefox can block any any popup and disable any virus and adware, spyware on webpage, so, firefox is much safer than IE browser. as you know, most of virus spread throught internet and webpage.



besides, firefox is much smaller than IE, so it run faster than IE.



download firefox for free, Just have a try:



http://www.openawindow.info/firefox/



Good Luck !!!

Answer 10

AVG Free is a good antivirus and 100% Free and it does not expire.

Answer 11

ESET NOD32 is the best for $30! Works with Vista, highly recommended by all the computer geeks that hang out at my coffee shop. It is constantly checking and updating, and never ties me up with down-time.



Check out www.eset.com for more details.



Good luck!

Answer 12

I see the AVG fanboys and cheerleaders are out in full force again here on Yahoo Answers!



AVG Free is crap!



Mostly noobs, the naive, the computer illiterate, and children use AVG Free. These types love AVG because they say it is easy to use and almost never bothers them with any pop-ups or warnings. Of course AVG Free never bothers them, it hardly ever finds any virus to warn them about!



In test,

http://www.virus.gr/english/fullxml/default.asp?id=82&mnu=82

after test,

http://www.av-comparatives.org/

after test,

http://antivirus.about.com/od/antivirussoftwarereviews/gr/avgfree.htm

after test ,

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=891307&postcount=1,

after test,

http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,130869-page,1/article.html,

after test,

http://techsupportalert.com/issues/al_current.htm#Section_0,

after test,

http://winnow.oitc.com/AntiVirusPerformance.html

etc. etc. etc, ad nauseam, AVG fares poorly.



AVG has proven itself to be a miserable performer at best. Missing almost 20%, while trying to detect known malware, in some tests. Not to mention almost non-existent heuristic detection and infrequent "once-a day" updates.



AVG. = Average, at best!



There are much better free alternatives such as Avria Anti-Vir:

http://www.free-av.com/

and Active Virus Shield:

http://www.activevirusshield.com/antivirus/freeav/index.adp?

Answer 13

AVG 7.5 AntiVirus (Vista Compatible)

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

Avast Home Antivirus (Vista Compatible)

http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

AntiVir PE (Vista Compatible)

http://www.free-av.com/



( Note: Only use one anti-virus product. Running more than one can cause conflicts thus rendering each ineffective.

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nav.nsf/docid/2000031316555206 )

Answer 14

I heard that McAfee is one of the best, you can get a trial & after you sign on for the trial they give online offers to get the full software! I think it's $20.

Answer 15

ZoneAlarm Security Suite-its way better then norton

Answer 16

AVG anti-virus, free from grisoft

Answer 17

AVG Anti-virus is pretty good. They also have AVG Anti-spyware and anti-rootkit. All for free. Just do a sear for AVG free edition and you should get it.

Answer 18

noton antivirus, spybot,

Answer 19

Try a online antivirus scanner and a online anti-adware/malware/spyware scanner in safe mode with network to clean up your computer BEFORE you download anything. This becouce the program you download can get infectet.

To reformat you computer and reinstall is the last option.



Disable "System Restore" for Windows Me and XP, then restart your PC to clean your system restore points for viruses, spyware, adware etc.



To get in safe mode Press "F8" upon bootup.

Select "Safe mode with Networking".

Go to Start – Run - type iexplore http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html Enter(ok).

Do a full system scan. If something is found, delete it, reboot and do the same again in safe mode with network.

When that scan does not find anything you reboot again in safe mode with network.

Go to Start – Run – type iexplore http://www.ewido.net/en/ Enter(ok).

Do a full system scan. If something is found, delete it, reboot and do the same again in safe mode with network.



**NOTE: Do NOT do anything else with your computer when scanning. This because you can start virus/adware/spyware/malware manually.



When no one of these scanners are showing anything you can reboot back to normal mode.

Turn on "System Restore".



ONLINE VIRUS, ADWARE AND SPYWARE REMOVAL

http://www.precisesecurity.com/antivirus/online-scan.htm

------------------

You need to get one antivirus program, one firewall and some spyware/adware/malware removers if you don't have it.

I use Norton Internet Security (antivirus, spyware, firewall, add blocker, mail spamfilter, pop up blocker etc) Ad Aware, Spybot and more on my desktop running XP Home SP2 with Firefox and Yahoo Toolbar with pop up blocker.

On my laptop i have Ubuntu 7.04. No security needed in Linux, but i use antivirus and firewall. Firefox is standard.

I have no virus, spyware, adware, pop up etc on my computers.

Mozilla Firefox and Opera are safer browsers to use.

http://en-us.www.mozilla.com/en-US/products/

http://www.opera.com/



Here are some free programs.

BitDefender Anti-Virus Free.

http://www.bitdefender.com/PRODUCT-14-en--BitDefender-8-Free-Edition.html

Avast Anti-Virus Free.

http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

AVG Anti-Virus Free.

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5

Avast Virus Cleaner - free virus removal tool.

http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-virus-cleaner.html



Firewall Protection.

ZoneAlarm Firewall Free.

http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?dc=34std&ctry=&lang=nb&lid=trial_zaFamily

Easy-to-use firewall blocks hackers and other unknown threats.

* Systematically identifies hackers and blocks access attempts.

Automatically makes your computer invisible to anyone on the Internet.

Use ZoneAlarm if you normally use Windows Firewall.

Disable Windows Firewall after downloading ZoneAlarm if it's not done automatically.



Ad-Aware 2007 Free.

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

Ad-Aware 2007 Free remains the most popular anti-spyware product for computer users around the world, with nearly one million downloads every week. Our free anti-spyware version provides you with advanced protection against spyware that secretly attaches and takes control of your computer, resulting in aggressive advertising pop-ups, sluggish computer activity, even identity theft through stolen bank details, passwords, and credit card account numbers. If you want real-time scanning capabilities, consider upgrading to Ad-Aware 2007 Plus for real-time protection against spyware, all the time.



SUPERAntiSpyware Free.

http://www.superantispyware.com/



AVG Anti-spyware Free.

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/20/lng/us/tpl/v5



Spybot - Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by common anti-virus applications. spyware silently tracks your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile for you that is transmitted without your knowledge to the compilers and sold to advertising companies. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you haven't intentionally installed, if your browser crashes inexplicably, or if your home page has been "hijacked" (or changed without your knowledge), your computer is most probably infected with spyware. Even if you don't see the symptoms, your computer may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm giving it a try to see if something has invaded your computer.

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html



AVG Anti-Rootkit Free.

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/39798/lng/us/tpl/v5

AVG Anti-Rootkit is a powerful tool with state-of-the-art technology for detection and removal of rootkits. rootkits are used to hide the presence of a malicious object like Trojans or keyloggers on your computer. If a threat uses rootkit technology to hide itself it is very hard to find the malware on your PC. AVG Anti-Rootkit gives you the power to find and delete the rootkit and to uncover the threat the rootkit is hiding.



CCleaner is a freeware system optimization and privacy tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. But the best part is that it's fast and contains NO spyware or adware.

http://www.ccleaner.com/



ClearAllHistory - clears browser history, cache, cookies, clipboard and remove other computer activity tracks.

http://www.clearallhistory.com/delete-passwords.html



**NOTE: Only have one antivirus program and one firewall installed on your computer.

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nav.nsf/docid/2000031316555206

Anti-adware/malware/spyware are ok to have more of.



Also scan with online scanners sometimes.

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/home.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=00&pkj=VOONYHGBYNCJEIMXQKC&bhcp=1

http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html

http://www.ewido.net/en/onlinescan/

http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner

http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml



Also run Windows Updata http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

and defragmet you harddisk(s).

How To Analyze and Defragment a Disk in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/305781



Hope this is helpful.

Good luck.

JTB.

Answer 20

Try the following free softwares to rid yourself of malware:



I prefer Avast, but AVG is just as great.



AVG AntiVirus

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1



Avast Home Antivirus

http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-...



You may also want some other tools to run and use as well



SpywareBlaster

http://www.download.com/spywareblaster/3...



Spybot S&D

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirro...



AVG AntiSpyware

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/20/lng/us/tp...



Adaware (Lavasoft)

http://www.download.com/ad-aware-2007-fr...



If you are currently having a problem:



◙ Download and install AVG. Use it first and see if it finds any viruses or trojans.



☞ http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1



◙ After running AVG go here and run this virus scanner online. There is no need to install it on your computer.



http://housecall.trendmicro.com/...........



◙ Microsoft's New Live Safety Center. Download this scanner to check and remove spyware, viruses, get rid of obsolete files and junk off your computer, and improve your PCs performance.



☞ http://safety.live.com/site/en-us/defaul...



◙ The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software—including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom—and helps remove any infection found. When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malicious software was detected and removed. You can run this tool online FREE.



http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/detai...



◙ Before downloading email attachments in Gmail and Yahoo Mail click on the link that says, "Scan With Norton Antivirus".



◙ Before downloading any software from the internet type it into http://groups.google.com/ to see if that title is known for spyware or viruses. Google Groups has over 1 billion posts spanning 25 years to help you. Even after checking it there ALWAYS scan it before opening it. You just can't be too careful. -- Smart Computing Magazine



◙ A lot of the download sites like http://www.download.com/ and http://www.tucows.com/ scan software before releasing it to the public. But just for safety sake you should still scan it yourself.



◙ Here is a really great article on browser hijacking. This will show you how to get rid of it. There is a tutorial and software to get rid of part of it. You'll need to make some changes to your computer's registry to get rid of the rest of it. Click on the chatroom link on their main page if you need help.



☞ http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/hija...



◙ Here is Yahoo!'s Internet Security section.



☞ http://security.yahoo.com/



◙ Below is Mcafee's Site Adviser. Type in a URL in the form here and you will find out if the site you want to go to is known for phising (getting your personal info under false pretenses), viruses, spyware, and many other things. You can use the tool on their site or download an program to do that.



☞ http://www.siteadvisor.com/



◙ Get more information at these PC Magazine Web sites.



☞ http://www.pcmag.com/

☞ http://www.smartcomputing.com/



◙ Top 100 Computer & Software Magazines.



☞ http://netvalley.com/top100mag.html........



★★ TOOLS FOR SPECIFIC VIRUSES & TIPS ★★



◙ Sometimes you'll get a particularly nasty virus that cannot be removed with conventional tools. For times like these you can (quite often not always) download a removal tool for that specific virus. Below are some sites you should look at.



☞ http://www.grisoft.com/doc/utilities/ing...

☞ http://www.symantec.com/security_respons...

☞ http://www.bitdefender.com/site/download...



◙ Below is a tool called "Stinger" that Mcafee put together with all 54 of it's tools in it.



☞ http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/............



◙ GLOBAL VIRUS ALERT -- The latest virus outbreak alerts from F-Secure, Trend Micro, Panda, and Sophos. Each anti-virus fighter is reporting the state of the Virus Battles on its front, which reflects a unique customer and geographic profile.



☞ http://www.trimmail.com/news/tools/#glob...



◙ Add free virus alerts to your web site.



☞ http://www.trendmicro.com/syndication/vi...

For Trojans try these ( free to try),

http://www.ewido.net/en/

Or

http://www.misec.net/trojanhunter/.........

Or

http://www.agnitum.com/products/tauscan/...





And always scan once a week with these free and trusted scanners as well if you go to gaming sites and porn and etc.

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/...........

http://www.webroot.com/freescan............

http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner......

http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/ac...

http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virus...

http://www.bitdefender.com/



First, you need anti-virus software - download, install and update AVG anti-virus (it's free for personal use) - you can find it here - http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1



Then remove your System Restore points (viruses love to hide in the System Restore files), but be aware that if you do remove your existing Restore Points you will not be able to "roll back" your computer to a previous configuration. To find out how to disable System Restore see this page - http://www.pchell.com/virus/systemrestor...



Just to be sure you don't have other malware on your computer I recommend that you download SpyBot Search & Destroy and Adware - both are free spyware/adware detection and removal software.



Next, start the computer in Safe Mode - (as the comptuer is starting up, keep tapping the F8 key on your keyboard until you see a special start-up menu) - more on how to start in Safe Mode here - http://www.microsoft.com/resources/docum...



Using AVG - run a full system virus scan while in Safe Mode



After the viruses have been detected and removed, run SpyBot and AdAware (full system scans) then restart the comptuer, enable System Restore again and enjoy a virus-free computing experience.



If the problems are still there, try using MSCONFIG to help figure out how to manually disable the Trojan from starting up - see more about MSCONFIG here - http://netsquirrel.com/msconfig/...........



To help protect against malware you should install a firewall, Zone Alarm works perfectly well and is free – http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/c...



Also, don't forget to keep Windows up-to-date - using Microsoft Windows Update!



After following these instructions go to: http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/must-read... they will help you for free, no credit card or personal information needed, and they will analyze Hijack This logs for you, to make sure that your computer is safe. HijackThis helps If persistent spyware is bogging down your computer, you might need HijackThis. The tiny program examines vulnerable or suspect parts of your system, such as browser helper objects and certain types of Registry keys. Pressing the Scan button generates a log of dozens of items, most of which are just customizations. Don't check off an item and hit the Fix checked button unless you're sure it's malware. Clicking Info on selected item tells you why the entry was flagged as suspicious, but not whether it's actually malware. To find that out, search the Web for that item's name or go straight to a forum, such as SpywareInfo or Computer Cops. Saving the log creates a text document you can post to these forums.



The latest version adds powerful tools to the Config window. The process manager and hosts file editor help you excise virulent infections. The unique ADS Spy tool scans for alternate data streams, which some browser hijackers use to hide from spyware removers. The program still installs into whatever directory in which you unzip the file, which can make it hard to locate. HijackThis is a serious tool for any user who needs to root out a serious infestation, but wield it with caution. So, go to the site I gave you above, and they'll help you step by step.

Free registry cleaners:

CCleaner does not specialise in cleaning the registry, it's mostly used to speed up your computer by cleaning up your recycle bin, temp files/internet files, browsing history, application errors, log files and so on.. which frees up some space in your harddisk





I've tried these 10 free cleaners

http://www.regsofts.com/freeware/freereg...

I would recommend the following(click on the webpage and follow):



Free Windows Registry Repair(first one) - rather effective, the first scan i did after about a year showed over 500 problems with the registry, fixed them all



RegSeeker(2nd one) - fixed another 300 problems after using the previous one.



and like the two of them said, Eusing Free Registry Cleaner and Abexo Free Registry Cleaner(30 day trial)



Just run them all that'll fix most problems! But dont expect 100% fixes because programs might recreate registry entries when used and so a second scan might still show the same few errors. (ignore such errors)







those are all freeware, hope i'm of some help



P.S. First go to: http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/defau... Choose full service scan and let it install any active x components