jrs_dodge_diesel

What do you guys reccomend for an anti virus program? Up until recently I have been running Norton Antivirus. Always good about getting the definition updates. However I think I had a virus slip through the cracks. I ended up reformatin the computer (again) . Gettin real quick with reformatting. Only took 4 hours start to finish and now I am fully operational again. Anyway, what do you guys reccomend? If there is a better program that Norton I would love to try it.

System info :

Windows 98 SE

Thanks guys.

Jeff in TD

I just reformatted a few months ago, and for some reason the stock anti-virus wouldn't run right.

Rather than start over, I bought McAfee, as I wanted to get a more current anti-virus engine anyway.

It seems fine. I would have gotten the full security package, but didn't want to drop that much change- will probably update the whole machine in a couple years, and my ISP has a good anti-spam system.

Either McAfee or Norton should be fine.

auber

I've been using the free AVG Anti-Virus for years now, and never had a problem. I highly recommend it, and if you don't like it, the only thing you've lost is some time.

Here's a link to the free version of AVG:
http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/

DieselDaze

You get what you pay for.
I have seen the free-be versions lag behind updates and not catch the newer viruses that leak out.
Go get either Norton's or McAfee's anti-virus. They are both equals.
Ive noticed that over a weeks time, Norton's Anti Virus engine does not consume as much RAM as McAfee's engine. However, the difference is about 3 megs. (info based on an XP system).

Rich

nirion

As a tech, I recommend Norton to customers. It is easy to use and they update about 5 times a week(if you get the file off of their site). I also use Kaspersky, AVG, and Antivir when doing complete virus removals.

Nick

Dan Brooks

I'm running ZoneAlarm Security Suite, and I'm extremely happy with it. Norton missed some stuff that caused me a lot of problems (it was set to update daily), and I finally had to start from scratch.

I've also ditched Internet Explorer and Outlook and started using Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird - they're much more secure than the Microsoft stuff. You can download them for free at http://www.mozilla.org - once you use them you'll never go back.

auber

True, you often only get what you pay for. But AVG seems to be one of the exceptions to the rule. I've been working in just about every aspect of computers, from tech support to programming, for the better part of a decade, and AVG is hands down one of the best virus scanners I've seen. The free version is mostly just the pay version without tech support, and no other major difference.

BIG&BAD

yep AVG works great
all the big virus then have gone around havent got through AVG
i had a couple users that didnt do the updates and they got infected

i really dont like norton
i run C.A. InoclateIT and havent been down with anything for over 2 years

Dave65

Norton is the only thing I recommend to my customers,if they insist on FREE then I tell them AVG,it works great and is very user friendly.

jrs_dodge_diesel

Well I already have Norton, but I am not using it. Might use it unless I get a new program. I do use Mozilla, real good program there. I think I caught that virus from using Internet Explorer, clicked on a bad link and it took me too a page that was loaded with bad scripts and a few viruses. I think one got through even though Norton stopped a few of them. My definitions were only three days old when it happened. I also run a software firewall along with my router. The software one is Sygate Personal Firewall, its a good program, you can control what comes in along with what goes out.

BTW what is Mozilla Thunderbird? I already have Firefox.

Dan Brooks

Thunderbird is the Mozilla email client that I use instead of Outlook Express.

induchman

After many headaches and fried systems, I dumped micros**t, Norton and OE for
AVG and Netscape 7.2

Dr. Evil

What do you run for an Operating System? Or did you just dump Internet Explorer?

Bart Timothy

My guess is what you're seeing get through your anti virus software isn't really a virus but more than likely adware, trojans and hijackers. Anti virus software won't necessarily catch or stop them from comming in. The reasons for this are sort of complex but mainly boil down to software ownership and legality issues. Thus you'll end up having to purchase one more piece of software for your defense arsenal.

As an independent network consultant I can verify that 50% of my work for the last 4 to 5 months has been getting rid of these pests on unprotected computers. These can literally bring the fastest, most powerful systems to their knees.

Virus attacks haven't really been a big problem in the IT world for the last 6 months like adware has.

Try Ad-Aware SE. After several scans and reboots, a severely infected OS will be like new.

chipset

I will probably get flamed for this.... I don't run anti-virus software. I don't run IE. I don't need to run a lot of the crap out there, because I don't have to worry about it.

I use windows for work and I write software for windows, however, I got so tired of maintaining my system and reinstalling crap, I switched for my home systems. I couldn't be happier. I had some spyware get installed on my work laptop I can't get rid of, and niether can anyone else. However, on my home system I can run just about everything I want without windows.

I run Linux at times, but mainly Mac OS X.

I use to complain about these Mac Freaks. Never liked Mac OS 9 and earlier. However, Mac OS X has been terrific and I don't worry a whole lot anymore.... It's been nice.

So, for me, the best anti-virus software has been not to run Windows. I have a Dual G5 now and I haven't reinstalled crap since I bought it. So nice not having to tweak with everything...