Free Antivirus for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Mrs Wholigan NS&P, Zoomarsett
Free Antivirus for Windows
Have done a quick search and found this thread.
But I'm stoopid oi am
And I don't understand a lot of 'puter terminology.
My presently installed Norton runs out shortly, and I was wondering if there was a free antivirus programme out there that would do a similar job as I am somewhat reluctant to pay out large amounts of dosh for a programme if there is a free one out there that does just as good a job.
From reading the above link, is it generally agreed that Avast coupled with ZoneAlarm the best way forwards? Or are there others out there that are better suited?
And what is the best method of uninstalling the Norton and downloading the chosen software?
Would like it for my lap top and also possibly for his monolith which is also windows.
But I'm stoopid oi am
And I don't understand a lot of 'puter terminology.
My presently installed Norton runs out shortly, and I was wondering if there was a free antivirus programme out there that would do a similar job as I am somewhat reluctant to pay out large amounts of dosh for a programme if there is a free one out there that does just as good a job.
From reading the above link, is it generally agreed that Avast coupled with ZoneAlarm the best way forwards? Or are there others out there that are better suited?
And what is the best method of uninstalling the Norton and downloading the chosen software?
Would like it for my lap top and also possibly for his monolith which is also windows.
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 894
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From: uk
generally agreed that Avast coupled with ZoneAlarm the best way forwards
Norton is best removed (in all senses!) by the Norton removal utility.
One word of warning though - many free programs now download with 'baggage' unless you opt out of it. Look for boxes to untick before clicking Download.
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: U.K.
I have been using Avast, like many others, very successfully for years. Be warned that, like all suppliers of free software, they have a paid version to promote which may or may not be better than the free offering. You do however have to be careful when on their website to click on the correct option to get the freebie. Naturally they tend not to make it too obvious as to which the correct button is!
My wife's new computer had three months free Norton which she immediately opted for. Two and a half month's later it was screaming like mad to be renewed, fortunately the appropriate Norton removal tool silenced it and Avast was then installed to take over. I havn't dared to do a registry scan on her computer yet to see how many "Norton" entries remain.
P.P.
My wife's new computer had three months free Norton which she immediately opted for. Two and a half month's later it was screaming like mad to be renewed, fortunately the appropriate Norton removal tool silenced it and Avast was then installed to take over. I havn't dared to do a registry scan on her computer yet to see how many "Norton" entries remain.
P.P.
Tabs please!
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From: Biffins Bridge
Lady Radz,
BT Broadband customers (residential, not business packages) get NetProtect Plus for free and it can be installed on multiple computers.
B x
BT Broadband customers (residential, not business packages) get NetProtect Plus for free and it can be installed on multiple computers.
B x
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Middlesbrough U.K.
Kasperky has served my needs on my three computers for more than 10 years. Never had a virus, malicious software or other problem unlike friends who use freebies such as AVG and others. All get problems once in a while.
You pay hundred of pounds/dollars for a computer then want it protected for free. You get what you pay for. Suffer if you must!
A word - don't buy from the manufacturer of programs, buy them via Amazon for one third of the price - a bargain.
You pay hundred of pounds/dollars for a computer then want it protected for free. You get what you pay for. Suffer if you must!
A word - don't buy from the manufacturer of programs, buy them via Amazon for one third of the price - a bargain.
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From: UK
AVG Free | Free Antivirus Download | Free Antivirus Software | UK
I've been using AVG Free for some years, and am very happy with it. You just need to be alert to all the various attempts to persuade you to change your mind and go for the paid version.
G
I've been using AVG Free for some years, and am very happy with it. You just need to be alert to all the various attempts to persuade you to change your mind and go for the paid version.
G
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From: .
Of the free AV programs, Avast and Avira both consistently hit the highest scores in virus detection tests. In fact both are usually in the top 5 of ALL A/V programs with detections rates of 95% or above
Of the two, Avast has a wider range of abilities, which is why it gets my vote. Its what I install on any machines I have to clean up for customers - and so far I've never had one come back to me infected. However I use it as part of a cocktail of free software - which all work together OK without clashing
Avast Antivirus free (version 7 released this week)
Threatfire - a behavioral scanner with a very good hit rate for rootkits zero-day attackes
Windows Defender - already installed on Vista / &, optional download on XP
Browser Protect (Browser Hijack Protection for free - BrowserProtect.org) - stops browser hijacks
Spamfighter (if sing a POP/IMAP mail client)
I don't bother with additional firewalls unless a customer demands it, in which case I use Zonealarm. My experience is that for most people the firewall built into Windows from XPsp3 onwards works well enough. Installing a 3rd party firewall requires too much intervention for most users and they end up turning it off
if you have really nasty browsing habits, then installing Spybot S&D and Spyware Blaster helps - but only as long as they are kept up to date (a manual process)
I fond it more constructive to use Mozilla Firefox and then lock it down with security plugins - if you can protect the browser, generally you can protect the computer
Of the two, Avast has a wider range of abilities, which is why it gets my vote. Its what I install on any machines I have to clean up for customers - and so far I've never had one come back to me infected. However I use it as part of a cocktail of free software - which all work together OK without clashing
Avast Antivirus free (version 7 released this week)
Threatfire - a behavioral scanner with a very good hit rate for rootkits zero-day attackes
Windows Defender - already installed on Vista / &, optional download on XP
Browser Protect (Browser Hijack Protection for free - BrowserProtect.org) - stops browser hijacks
Spamfighter (if sing a POP/IMAP mail client)
I don't bother with additional firewalls unless a customer demands it, in which case I use Zonealarm. My experience is that for most people the firewall built into Windows from XPsp3 onwards works well enough. Installing a 3rd party firewall requires too much intervention for most users and they end up turning it off
if you have really nasty browsing habits, then installing Spybot S&D and Spyware Blaster helps - but only as long as they are kept up to date (a manual process)
I fond it more constructive to use Mozilla Firefox and then lock it down with security plugins - if you can protect the browser, generally you can protect the computer
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Mrs Wholigan NS&P, Zoomarsett
Thanks all! You've all been really helpful - will definitely look into them.
BFraser - we are BT broadband customers... how does one go about getting it if we chose to go down that route?
BFraser - we are BT broadband customers... how does one go about getting it if we chose to go down that route?
Tabs please!
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From: Biffins Bridge
Online Security and Parental Controls | MyBT Broadband
Option 1 customers have to pay for it, it's free to all other package subscribers.
If you can't remember your login details then the customer service people are on hand to help.
Option 1 customers have to pay for it, it's free to all other package subscribers.
If you can't remember your login details then the customer service people are on hand to help.
Official PPRuNe Chaplain
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From: Witnesham, Suffolk
I've spent many afternoons removing McAfee and the like from computers that came with it "for free".
Until a year or so ago, I used AVG Free. Then they did something to the "engine" that slowed it right down, and I switched to Avast Free, which does a superb job. As others have said, you have to be determined that you want the "free" version and that you don't want any of the other offers that will be thrust at you. Watch out, in particular, for browser toolbars that they offer.
The various antivirus offerings leapfrog each other in scores - I don't think any of them are particularly bad, but I wouldn't pay good money for McAfee. None of them is 100% so you need to be wary of websites you don't know.
Apart from that...
The Windows 7 firewall is OK (ZoneAlarm is better, but a right pain until it's set itself up with the various stuff you use).
NoScript in your browser is essential, and is a bit of a pain till it's learned the sites to allow. You get used to its warning bar and having to click "Temporarily allow all this page".
WOT (Web of Trust) will protect you from norty websites that might try to upload stuff. It gives nice, clear warnings.
AdBlock Plus does a sterling job.
Until a year or so ago, I used AVG Free. Then they did something to the "engine" that slowed it right down, and I switched to Avast Free, which does a superb job. As others have said, you have to be determined that you want the "free" version and that you don't want any of the other offers that will be thrust at you. Watch out, in particular, for browser toolbars that they offer.
The various antivirus offerings leapfrog each other in scores - I don't think any of them are particularly bad, but I wouldn't pay good money for McAfee. None of them is 100% so you need to be wary of websites you don't know.
Apart from that...
The Windows 7 firewall is OK (ZoneAlarm is better, but a right pain until it's set itself up with the various stuff you use).
NoScript in your browser is essential, and is a bit of a pain till it's learned the sites to allow. You get used to its warning bar and having to click "Temporarily allow all this page".
WOT (Web of Trust) will protect you from norty websites that might try to upload stuff. It gives nice, clear warnings.
AdBlock Plus does a sterling job.
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From: UK
I have had a Avast for years with no problems until this week when the latest program upgrade caused a major headache. I have now uninstalled it and will probably go for the Security Essentials option as that appears to have a good fan base all over.
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From: .
I'm still seeing problems. I've had several cases where after the upgrade, a subsequent program update stalled, disabling the antivirus.
Removal and resinstalation fixed all except one - which is a Win7 machine which has always shown weird behaviour with file permissions when installing Avast
Two minor issues with it - if you've overridden the default scan action options, then not all of these are carried through after the upgrade. You need to check each scan type individually
And some older programs - notably MS Office 97 and 2000 - are not in the database of whitelisted applications. By default it tries to open them in the sandbox
Removal and resinstalation fixed all except one - which is a Win7 machine which has always shown weird behaviour with file permissions when installing Avast
Two minor issues with it - if you've overridden the default scan action options, then not all of these are carried through after the upgrade. You need to check each scan type individually
And some older programs - notably MS Office 97 and 2000 - are not in the database of whitelisted applications. By default it tries to open them in the sandbox
