Free (or dirt cheap) Antivirus!

[cptwhite_uk]

Use AVG 8.0 free here. It does what is says on the tin and isn't system hogging, although I wouldn't be so naive to say its best as I've not tried the others. I am happy with it thought

[TheReaFireblade]

Ok, anyone here use those? How reliable are they and how good are they? How big are thier system footprints etc

I use Eset Smart Security (NOD32, firewall, anti-spyware and anti-spam), and it just sits in the background, using very few system resources (currently just 2,100kb)... updating itself 3 - 4 times a day

[floppybootstomp]

Antivir, imo, is easily the best FREE AV solution. If you research you'll find it catches stuff both Avast and AVG miss. Only annoyance is a popup window each time it updates but you can't really complain for free.

And as others have said, Kaspersky and NOD 32 are the best paid for AV software.

As for Nortons, it doth verily sucketh a large one

[cheesemp]

Kaspersky works great - got it free with Barclays mortgage. AVG's what I usually install on friends systems. Never had a problem with any of them since (although I insist on Firefox usage). Don't use a firewall as router does enough of job for me (I don't install any rubbish apps/warez etc and always use Firefox).

[narz]

I've been using COMODO Firewall for quite a few months now - although it seems to be doing the job
-it has crashed a few times (possibly due to me running x64)
-Defense+ can prompt you alot.. almost as annoying as Vista UAC!

[Behemoth]

I've been running AVG for years, have never been very keen on any of the Norton products after it all went rather ram hungry after 2001.

My system is pretty much this, AVT 8 free, I'm running behind a router and while I know this doesn't give me total security (what does ?) I don't get a single moments bother. I don't run a software based firewall, not sure if thats a good idea brave or just stupid.

I certainly have never had viruses week after week after week like some people I know, well there is one person on particular I know that I end up doing a re-install on his laptop every few months because he will insist that free adult entertainment websites are virus free (what planet is he on ?) I've tried all sorts to lock down his laptop and make as secure as I possibly can but he still gets the stuff.

[colmo]

In addition to firewalls and anti-virus, I recommend Spybot - Search and Destroy and Spyware Blaster. They almost render anti-virus unnecessary if you're careful.

I don't know what the security on the latest version of IE is, but I've been a long-time Firefox user as it helps reduce the security risk, as does using an email client other than some version of Outlook, like Thunderbird.

The final piece of Microsoft software I got rid of was Windows - not an option for gamers, alas.

[JULE5]

I have been using Avast! antivirus for a couple of years and Zone Alarm for many years, and have had no undetected viruses in that time, and no infections.

I used AVG for many years too, with no troubles.

I always let these things update themselves constantly, which I guess is important.

[Thorsson]

I had problems with Zone Alarm, so I decided to rely on my hardware firewall and the basic Windows. Not had a problem in a year and a half on 3 PCs, two of which are on most of the time.

I had problems with Avast as well, seemed to interfere with things. Have been using AVG for some time, but the latest version requires you to do a bit of fiddling, otherwise it has a fat footprint and can also be annoying. Might give Antivir a try. I also have Spybot installed, but it never finds anything.

I also give my PC the occasional sweep with one of the online services.

[GAteKeeper]

I use Kaspersky myself and I find the only annoyance is the reminder to reboot after a core update (Suspend to RAM ftw).

Norton is pants, had to rebuild sooo many computers because Norton has gone titsup!

Dont forget NOScript addon to Firefox, makes surfing the web a little safer (and more interesting) but it does require that the user has a small amount of understanding.

GK

[Papipap]

Another vote for NOD32 from me. It has consistently remained one of the top AV's you can get and has never let me down.

[GSte]

Really like Nod32 and Comodo... Nod32 was £23 for the first year, but now it's about to expire they are offering me a renewal of £11 for 1 year or £24 for 3 years! Uses very little system resources too, very happy with it.

[Rainmaker]

NOD32 isn't what it used to be, and Kaspersky (AV and Internet Security) isn't very good either as an app, though the engine is decent enough. That's coming from someone who has two years' licenses for three PCs for BOTH products.

Those licenses are now not being used, despite being paid for. What does that tell you? I'm now using Avira Antivir. As was said above it's free, fast, light, and everything NOD32 used to be. Except, it's free - did we mention that?

As a bonus, Antivir is actually OUT PERFORMING both NOD32 and KIS (as well as Norton, Avast, and all the rest) in independent tests. You really can't go wrong with it - especially at the price lol It says a lot, imho, when I'm willing to throw away 6x licenses for paid for AV to use this free product.

BTW the "nag screen" is easy to disable, if you're naughty enough to be so inclined. It isn't illegal or anything, but it is against the EULA (a civil infringement). Those naughty people who Google "avira nag screen" would find out all about how bad it was to easily disable the nag screen (and how to do it)...

[Thorsson]

My company has the most forked up IT in the world. In the UK they use Norton, which is shoot.

In the US they use McAfee (every single damn thing in the US is different, which is quite a brilliant IT strategy IMO), which is even worse. I took a laptop they'd given me, but was acting strange, home and ran a few other malware programs. They found piles of muck. It's the truth that when it comes to AV, paying good money guarantees nothing at all.

[03peacheym]

AVG 8.0 + windows Firewall

Kaspersky and NOD 32 if you have money to spend

[GSte]

NOD32 isn't what it used to be,

In what way?

As a bonus, Antivir is actually OUT PERFORMING both NOD32 and KIS (as well as Norton, Avast, and all the rest) in independent tests.

Got any links mate? Just about to renew Nod32, but if there are reasons not to I'd be obliged if you'd share them.