News - Don’t waste cash on Antivirus software suggests new report

[Onkston]

I haven't used a paid one since McAfee royally screwed up a pc once, that was a pain in the bum bum. I think that anyone who knows any better uses free ones. It's a shame they package norton and McAfee with new pcs, then I guess people just continue with the same thing when their subscription expires.

[Dutchjonsey]

Im skeptical Im also going to keep with my paid-for Av, as I get it free from uni ^^

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

So research sponsored by a company that manufactures hardware security solutions has found that software solutions offer inadequate protection. Well I'm convinced.

Yeah right!

Look where the company is located too!!

[KeyboardDemon]

Look where the company is located too!!

lol. Good point.

[mikerr]

I haven't used a paid one since McAfee royally screwed up a pc once, that was a pain in the bum bum. I think that anyone who knows any better uses free ones. It's a shame they package norton and McAfee with new pcs, then I guess people just continue with the same thing when their subscription expires.

Reminds me of this:

[Apex]

That would have been me then

[Willzzz]

Never used AV software, worse than actually having a virus imo.

[Biscuit]

There's no AV out there that can protect them from their own stupidity

Pretty much sums it up imo!

[g8ina]

Ive used AVG Free for at least the last four years, installed it on countless upgrades Ive done for friends and family, must be 60 plus PCs and lappys, and never had it come back to bite me once, despite some users being silly people !

[tigertop1]

This study makes sense. For a few years now I have used, without problems either AVG, Avast or MSE as the main security programme with Malwarebytes, Spybot and Trusteer Rapport all working in support of the main one on all my PCs. I know that others in universities and similar institutions are now doing the same, using various levels of filtering. I wonder how many PC Magazine editors and staff who review 'paid for' programmes actually use free ones at home--I would bet on quite a few!

[lodore]

So a security company who doesnt provide antivirus is telling us antivirus is crap and to buy their products instead. that is quite normal for advertising. Does this company not know that avast is only free for home users and mse is only free for home and small business up to 10 computers?
I feel that some antivirus products are better than others. the main problem is the user. antivirus companies already tell us that by keeping software such as flash player,java,adobe reader, browsers etc up to date you will reduce the chance of getting around 90% of malware. there is no magic bullet. It is a cat and mouse game. I feel that all free antivirus products have some flaws. I dont see a problem with spending a little bit of money for a decent antivirus which provides better protection and more frequent updates.

[Stringent]

Depends on the user. Good users know how to avoid installing dodgy software and toolbars etc onto their PC. If you are careful, you are more than likely to be OK.

Personally for businesses, I wouldn't be happier without something more robust like Sophos or Kaspersky. I still recommend the latter for home use. Those 'uncareful' users who I have had to deal with have pretty much not phoned me for ages after Kaspersky.

[cazman]

im not buying that Ive had viruses get me with free stuff never with Webroot, i have way to much invested to take a chance like that, with that said so many viruses released everyday its hard to believe that anything is a sure thing.

[TheAnimus]

Personally for businesses, I wouldn't be happier without something more robust like Sophos or Kaspersky. I still recommend the latter for home use. Those 'uncareful' users who I have had to deal with have pretty much not phoned me for ages after Kaspersky.

Its not about been robust, its about having central managment for your network. Been able to have a rule that says no your not allowed to install that toolbar.

[KeyboardDemon]

Im skeptical Im also going to keep with my paid-for Av, as I get it free from uni ^^

I use a paid subscription package, mine is paid for by my bank as I bank online with them. Nice.

[THESPECIAL1]

I think I''ll still stick to using a paid for third party security solution such as Norton. I can't accept that Norton is basically the same or less effective than the various free security packages currently on offer.