Best anti-virus program?

caughtintheact · #16 02-22-2003, 08:14 PM

Just ran across a beta program called Gladiator www www.gladiator-antivirus.com . It took some effort to get it working, but it unpacks zipped files, warns on programs that can exchange information via the web and was the first program I've tried that even caught the Eicar test message. My Etrust and AVG do not catch the test.

I tried Bullguard www.bullguard.com, but it tries privacy tricks and drives you crazy with popup notices, and if you turn off the popups, you might lose access to some sites as it blocks their cookies.

I've been using two or more AV programs for about 5 years now and the only time I had a problem was a conflict with PCCillin and another program that I was testing out, when running Black Ice Defender at the same time.

My position on using two AV programs is that it can be done seamlessly, but this does not preclude having a good firewall, using an anti-trojan program plus Adaware, Spybot S&D and perhaps Pest Patrol and you will be about as safe as you can get.

I've never been infected by a virus, at least noty since my DOS days in '88.

I check for updates daily on all.

I've seen a num,ber of AV testing results included those posted in this forum, but have also read numerous articles saying that there are no bullet proof antivirus programs.

beeboy · #17 02-22-2003, 08:20 PM

Thats great information, thanks. Btw, that gladiator link does not work.

ESALADUANE · #18 02-22-2003, 09:04 PM

Here is a fresh link:

http://www.gladiator-antivirus.com/

I heard about this program a couple of weeks ago (it was still in alpha). The guy who downloaded it said that during a virus scan it uses garish animation and an audio file that keeps saying "Turbo, Turbo, Turbo, etc." as it scans your files. I haven't personally tried it.

caughtintheact · #19 02-23-2003, 02:42 AM

Your friend was right about garish, and about the rather dumb voice saying turbo, etc., but the sounds can easily be turned off. It looks as if it has a lot of potential, they update frequently (just about daily), they seem to work ard and have a good forum, and at least for now it is free.

Tobin · #20 02-23-2003, 06:26 AM

I've used McAfee from version 3 and now up to version 7. I've never had a problem with infection and it's caught several virus's as they come in from the internet.

It even scans my PDA

caughtintheact · #21 02-23-2003, 09:48 AM

Just tried the link again, and it seems to be working fine.
http://www.gladiator-antivirus.com/

beeboy · #22 02-23-2003, 11:23 AM

No problem. I was there and looked it over. It looks good. Thanks for the info.

tomsolomon · #23 02-23-2003, 02:17 PM

I find that the only av software to run stable on my system and with xp is AVG. (and Ive tried a few). Iwould also like to add that many leading av software companies tend to bundle microsoft anti copywrite software to stop people backing up mp3's and the like. The chances are that your software has this bundled software. So be warned. AVG on the other hand are totally against this idea. (It does what it says on the tin and nothing else). And therefore AVG software can concentrate on cleaning your pc from people who think its cool to destroy the hard work of others.
If your after decent anti virus software with AVG you cant go far wrong. For more info go to
http://www.grisoft.com/html/us_downl.htm
tomsolomon...

JackOfTradez() · #24 02-23-2003, 05:22 PM

Folks - I have been online since '95 and have never had a virus.
I had AV programs for a few years but they always messed things up and slowed down the system, especially with games. So I pitched them all and have been AV free for 6 years now.
If I get an email from someone I never heard of, and says "click on the attatchment for free nude pix of my girlfriend" I do not do it. I am also careful when visiting web sites of questionable repute ... unknown files of unknown source with extensions like VBS, JS, EXE, COM, etc.. don't open them!
I am not being a snob - just like to live dangerously.
Anyway, I have FINALLY got WinXP home running acceptably well and tweaked, but more needs to be done. I just bought Norton AV-2003 because it seems to get the best reviews. But I haven't installed it yet - I am afraid to! I really believe, based on previous experience, that it will create all sorts new problems. Yet I keep hearing of all these new virii on the net and think maybe my luck runs out soon.
Choices choices what to do?

caughtintheact · #25 02-24-2003, 01:22 AM

For JackOfTradez
I'll help you make a choice. Try an anti-trojan and antispyware program. You might be surprised at what you find. Are you running a firewall?