What is the best anti-virus software?

[skaterguy452288]

I have already settled in with Kaspersky. It has an update 3+ times a day. Its incredible. It is also very light on resources...

[mario8723]

Originally Posted by skaterguy452288

I have already settled in with Kaspersky. It has an update 3+ times a day. Its incredible. It is also very light on resources...

3x a day is nice. I recently downloaded NOD32 and I absolutely love it. It updates every hour and doesn't hog resources. I can already tell the difference between it, Norton, and McAfee (which were the last 2 AV programs I had) Good luck with Kaspersky...

[skaterguy452288]

Norton updates like one or twice a month, not my idea of safe & secure. Kaspersky + nod32 update frequently.

[clay58]

Best is subjective. I have used Norton, Mcafee, AVG, & Avast. Of these 4, two which I payed for, Norton is the worst. I would rate AVG & Avast, the free ones, much better than the others. Avast seems to update more often that AVG and as you know, any virus program is only as good as it's updates. I am torn between AVG & Avast. Have never received a virus, worm, or anything else while running these two free programs. I can't say the same for Mcafee or Norton. I know nothing about the others. I do know that Panda offers a wonderful and through free on line scan, that I have used in the past. At this moment in time, I am running Avast and am very satisfied with it's performance, user friendly interface, updates, and free support. And best of all, it doesn't cost a penny. So for me, what more could I ask in a virus program.

[spazz]

I have used Norton for years and currently have Norton Systemworks 2004. I have never had a virus related failure. However, I don't use most of it's features and feel they do more harm than good. Pretty much the same for any program that you expect to do "one click wonders" such as optimize your system or "heal" a disk. When it's time to renew I plan to check out some of the companies that have gained reputation the past few years. My ISP, roadrunner, offers virus protection as well so I don't think there is as much risk these days as there was in the past.

One thing I like about Norton is it always seems to scan new downloads immediately upon completion, so even though it can sometimes be an interruption the extra resources are worth it in my opinion.

I wonder if other brands are such a "johnny on the spot"?

[clay58]

Yes Avast also does this. Avast also immediately scans any program you open on your computer. It has proactive protection. If you have not had a virus with Norton, then it is doing it's job. Like I said, best is subjective. If it isn't broke, then don't fix it.

[spazz]

As I mentioned I will most likely be switching, or at least trying something else when my license is up in a few months. While Norton AV has worked well for me, I don't care for their technical support. The one time I needed it I didn't get it at all, not even a response to numerous attempts by web and email. It took several installations to get Systemworks 2004 running correctly. Add to that the bad press they have been getting lately...

I like that Avast home edition is free but it's system requirements say a functioning version of Internet Explorer 4 or higher is required. How does it use IE to operate? I hate IE and only use it for Window's updates. I'm sold on Firefox.

[davequin]

Try panda- it works in the background and updates without prompting. have used this for nearly a year and has saved my comp on various occassions. like the fact that it runs in the background without me needing to do anything. I scan my comp at least twice a week and it has protected me faultlessly. It's a cracking antivirus programme.

[chuggy]

I use Panda as well,however,I will say that the new 2005 version is a bit of a resource hog.It has caught many viruses long before they can do damage to my system.

[focussed]

I thought I'd throw my opinion in here for what its worth. I repair pc's on a daily basis with viruses & spyware and meet customers with no protection, some protection, and the latest protection.

In my experience the best at detecting and killing viruses is McAfee. I say this because I have used many of the others including norton, and the virus remains undetected; McAfee seems to catch ones the others miss. That doesn't make it the best though.

As for Norton, the other big player; This is a huge resource hungy program. The update process requires constant attention, and the updates are too large (impossible for dial-up users to bother to keep it up). I hate the fact that when you first install it, you need to run the update up to 6 times to bring it fully up to date; very bad update programming. It also has a ton of bugs which can in some cases require you to re-install windows. When norton goes bad; it can really screw your system up and is very difficult to remove cleanly.

I have used the others in small doses, but I have used them all. I always ensure I have a latest command line prompt version of McAfee to check customers systems.

One thing though; spyware is now more of a problem than viruses; if you don't have a couple of decent spyware checkers, you will be seeing poeple like me. As for the best spyware program; thats a whole new thread.

[skaterguy452288]

I HATE that about Norton now that I don't use it anymore. When you first install it, you have to update it, then restart, up date again, then restart again, then up date once more. It IS horrible programming. Kaspersky just totally rocks

[kittymouse]

Originally Posted by skaterguy452288

Now, first off, I was E-mailed by someone, and sent to this site as some osrt of an invitation I guess, whatever First off I want to say hello, these forums are awsome...

-I want to know what and why the best Anti-virus software is. Lately I have been interesting in this. I do not care about $ or price. I simply want to know what the best Anit-virus software is...

I am curently using Norton 2004 Professional, and I want to know if there is something better out there. I have been hearing that Kaspersky is one of the best. I used AVG, but I didn't like it too much, because I know there is better. Please give me a good reason why you like whatever product your are using. thanks

I like KingSoft. It updates regularly and works well. I know little about others, but I think KingSoft is enough for me to deal with virus on the Internet.

[bigpoppasan]

Symantec has done right by me for 2 years.