View Full Version : Free anti virus recommendations
Hi all,
I have for a long time used the free version of AVG, but since moving to Win 7 X64 Avg does not seem to play well with the my Boinc client.
If I have both installed I bsod's, If I have either installed on it's own the bsod's go away.
So I'm looking for a new free AV, one that works with Win 7 x64.
Hopefully it will play better with Boinc than AVG does.
Thanks.
Microsoft Security Essentials. It's the best out there right now. Bloat free and unobtrusive. Just what you want from AV.
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
microsoft security essentials is totally free and works very well in windows
http://www.downloadsquad.com/2010/07/20/download-mse-security-essentials-2-beta/
that snake is always pushing in!¬
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
Microsoft Security Essentials. Work a treat.
Edit Beaten by Snakedoc and senty lol.
I used to use AVG but it's got so bloaty these days.
Now I'm converted to Avast! Works brilliantly, just leave it in the background and ignore :D
therealmrhead
03-09-10, 09:34
You can also get some internet security free depending on who you bank with, if you're with Barclays you can get Kaspersky (3 user licenses) and if you're with HSBC you can get Macafee I think, not sure on the licenses bit. Just go on their online banking sites.
As far as I am concerned, Kaspersky is the best you can buy.
I only recently installed AV tbh. I have not used it in years. Last time my PC had a virus was 1995. Nothing beats common sense.
I only recently installed AV tbh. I have not used it in years. Last time my PC had a virus was 1995. Nothing beats common sense.
Common sense and a sensible firewall ;)
On a side note, I also use Malwarebytes for spyware/malware removal :)
therealmrhead
03-09-10, 09:48
On a side note, I also use Malwarebytes for spyware/malware removal :)
I have Spybot - Search and Destroy and Ad-aware for that but since using Kaspersky they don't find anything. When I had AVG and before that, Norton (spit) they were always picking up stuff.
Another vote for MSE. I use the x64 beta version off Connect (http://connect.microsoft.com/securityessentials), and it's brilliant. Kaspersky is probably the best if you want to pay.
It's a shame about AVG, it used to be so good but it just feels bloated and slow these days.
A Ginger Sheep
03-09-10, 09:53
as said already ms security essentials is probably the best free av out there, never had any problems personally
iGoD ReLeNtLeS
03-09-10, 09:55
+1 to security essentials,
although i use Comodo Internet Security here, takes a while to setup and tweak the settings but its really secure imo. Not bloated, which is really something with all the features it has.
I only recently installed AV tbh. I have not used it in years. Last time my PC had a virus was 1995. Nothing beats common sense.
To be honest the only reason I want an AV is I use MSN messenger for work, and it will not accept transferred files unless there's an AV installed.
Another vote for MSE. I use the x64 beta version off Connect (http://connect.microsoft.com/securityessentials), and it's brilliant.
Can't see where to get the x64 beta version from there. It seems to be a restricted download.
I shall get the normal version for now and see how it goes.
Edit: worked it out now so getting the x64 beta version. thanks.
To be honest the only reason I want an AV is I use MSN messenger for work, and it will not accept transferred files unless there's an AV installed.
Can't see where to get the x64 beta version from there. It seems to be a restricted download.
I shall get the normal version for now and see how it goes.
Edit: worked it out now so getting the x64 beta version. thanks.
https://connect.microsoft.com/securityessentials/Downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?DownloadID=30140
EDIT - haha, just saw your edit ;)
wonderlust
03-09-10, 10:53
I run a mixture of MSE and Avast. Both are good, I prefer Avast v5 for my own use though.
You can also get some internet security free depending on who you bank with, if you're with Barclays you can get Kaspersky (3 user licenses) and if you're with HSBC you can get Macafee I think, not sure on the licenses bit. Just go on their online banking sites.
As far as I am concerned, Kaspersky is the best you can buy.
Wouldn't touch McAfee with a bargepole, it's a load of bloated, memory-hogging garbage. I use NOD32, I don't mind paying for a decent a/v. For free ones I guess Avast is pretty good. AVG used to be good but has dropped because it's not as good at finding viruses and it keeps trying to persuade you to buy the paid-for version.
Thanks for all the replies.
I've got the X64 beta of MSE installed and so far so good.
You lot really think that security essentials is better than avast?
MS Security Essentials is my choice at the moment :)
McAfee came with pre-build so used that and... did not like at all. Switched to AVG as soon as I could but around last year it started to get worse and worse imo. Using Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware, CCleaner and MSE for general maintenance now.
AaronWHUFC
03-09-10, 16:17
Microsoft Security Essentials. It's the best out there right now. Bloat free and unobtrusive. Just what you want from AV.
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
+1
__________________________
Thanks for all the replies.
I've got the X64 beta of MSE installed and so far so good.
Why the beta? Why not the full version?
fullfatmilk
03-09-10, 16:25
Avast gets my vote although essentials seems ok as well apart from not being able to opt out of the Spynet or what ever it is thing that it sends data to
Why the beta? Why not the full version?
It has a revised detection engine (while using the same daily definitions as the released v1) and cleans up a few loose ends. It's basically like a finished product though obviously don't run it in business/mission critical systems as it is technically still beta.
It has a revised detection engine (while using the same daily definitions as the released v1) and cleans up a few loose ends. It's basically like a finished product though obviously don't run it in business/mission critical systems as it is technically still beta.
+1 What he said. :)
Microsoft Security Essentials. It's the best out there right now. Bloat free and unobtrusive. Just what you want from AV.
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
have to agree here tbf, used kaspersky for years which is solid but now i have this if i have issues which i rarely do i just use Malware Bytes to get rid of it anyway
MSE again, has been very reliable for me and my few tests has shown it better than any other freebie.
I currently use Microsoft Security Essentials.
Obviously theres better anti-virus' out there if you willing to pay the price, But as far as free software goes - its pretty good ;D
AmdOverclocker
04-09-10, 00:56
AVIRA, end of. its the best, completely destoys all that microsoft cack :)
just kidding i never even used MS security essentails but ive used avira for so long its just really good i think. and it sounds alot like aria :)
EDIT: guys, its best to use MSE and avira, as MSE deals mostly with spyware/keyloggers/trojans whereas avira deals better with viruses and worms, i would use both of them alongside and then as a firewall use comodo free, there are other good ones like outpost and online armour.
REMEMBER: a good firewall is ALOT more important than spyware/antivirus programs. also use malwarebytes from time-to-time as its a great scanner.
Microsoft Security Essentials. It's the best out there right now. Bloat free and unobtrusive. Just what you want from AV.
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
+1 i've installed it on a laptop and it's great, much better than windows defender or even avg.
AmdOverclocker
04-09-10, 19:36
+1 i've installed it on a laptop and it's great, much better than windows defender or even avg.
AVG is terrible -.- used to be good but recently has got terrible... alot like symantec.
AVG is terrible -.- used to be good but recently has got terrible... alot like symantec.
Except that Symantec has never been good.
Avast is good. Only recently started to use an AV myself.
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