Protection for dummies

[AETAaAS]

Members of this forum are probably familiar with running antivirus programs like AVG and Avira alongside things like Spybot and Malwarebytes. But I was wondering for my parents if there was a complete package (or near enough) which needs little maintenance on the part of the user, which members have experience with?

[Phage]

For free ?
The best was MSSE, as it updates itself and stays in the background. I then do a service every few months of scans with malwarebytes, superantispyware, a defrag etc.
on the paid front they used to have Kaspersky which was also easy for them to run.

[aramil]

+1 for kaspersky, not free but you can set it up so you can remotely control & monitor it's services, as well as have reports emailed to your email address.

Check the packages they sell for the functionality you want. Personally I use KIS (kaspersky Internet security)

[Flibb]

Worth checking if your bank provides free protection for online users. Barclays offer kaspersky as a free download, license covers 3 computers and can be renewed after a year.

[AETAaAS]

Thanks guys. I'll check out Kaspersky. And maybe see if my bank does offer free AV.

[wasabi]

Plus one for Microsoft Security essentials, plus a healthy free dose of think-before-you-click and self restraint on installing random 'stuff'.

[Chadders87]

Also look at you internet provider. BT offer free antivirus and internet security on certain packages, and I know SKY used to.

[Dooms]

+1 for Microsoft Security Essentials.

I used to not bother with AV and it was never an issue but moved to using MSE when it turned up as its free and doesn't hog system resources.

[TaintedShirt]

Would agree with Kaspersky if you want a paid option.

If you end up buying, check out older versions on Amazon. Kaspersky keys are usually valid for three years if unused. So you could buy a 2012 boxed version cheap, keep the key chuck the box. Then download the latest version from the kaspersky site and use the key.

eg KIS 2013 1 year, 1 pc £23 or so.
KIS 2012 1 year 1 pc £7 or so.

I just picked up a 2012 1 year, 5 pc for around £15. :-)

[Flash477]

Also look at you internet provider. BT offer free antivirus and internet security on certain packages, and I know SKY used to.

I tried the BT offering once - it made the computer far too slow

[AETAaAS]

Thanks for the suggestions. I haven't used MSE in a while. It missed a number of problems which Malwarebytes and Avira picked up last time on my system so I don't hold it in high regard.

Thanks Tainted for that hint. It is much cheaper to get Kaspersky that way.

[TaintedShirt]

No problem AETAaAS.
Being ever so slightly tight as I am, if you download the latest version of Kaspersky (http://www.kaspersky.co.uk/trials ) you get a 30 day trial. I tend to install the trial version, activate the trial then insert the key and get an extra month. Sad I know, but hey it's free.

The trial would allow you to make sure it's ok for your folks before shelling out too.

[jamesedward]

I would like to simply recommend you some of the best free virus protection programs. You may choose any one from these :-
Kaspersky
Commodo
Immunet plus
Avast
Quick heal
Panda security

All the above mentioned programs comes with the best security.

[sir_markus]

It all depends on your parents and how the use there pc.
If they know what they are doing or don't do much online besides mail and visiting "normal" sites then MSE is a very good option. AVG is nice to, but i think the latest version show pop-ups for a full version? Haven't used it in years.

Maybe I'm just lucky, but i haven't had any malware, spyware or viruses for years. I keep the build in Windows Defender in Win 8 running, but i get malware/spyware scanners every few months. And apart from cookies and false positives like game trainers they haven't found anything.

Sure you could buy a scanner like Kaspersky and feel save, but with a bit of common sense usage of the PC, it won't be needed in 90% of all cases.

[m9a8t7t6]

I've found Avast (alongside windows firewall) to very good for this. Updates automatically and can be scheduled to scan automatically.