What security/anti-virus programs?

[Waffle]

I just bought a new laptop (Acer). What do you suggest I install for internet security? It came with McAfee, but I've never used that before - so I'm not sure.

Thanks.

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

I wasn't happy with McAfee - or Norton - both seemed to let things (viruses) slip through the cracks.

I've been Using Trend Micro Titanium for the last 3 or 4 yrs and it's the most reliable Internet Security/Anti-VIrus program I've ever encountered to date. It's never failed me, and I've been more than happy with their product and the security it provides.

It also notifies me immediately with a pop-up message if I happen to visit a website that may contain a virus or malicious software (Malware).

[Waffle]

Thanks, SL.

I wasn't terribly happy with Norton, either.  I'll look into Trend Micro.

[jkapp]

Norton and McAfee are not great - I think Mcafee has even stated it wants to get out of the anti-virus game.

I believe Vipre is good at anti-virus, but I would still get a separate anti-malware software (something like Malwarebytes) as I've found that most anti-virus software does a poor job of protecting against Malware.

[mmhmm]

I like Bitdefender. I also understand Avast is a good choice for free anti-virus protection. I also have MalwareBytes Premium. I've never had a virus, and my computer remains free of malware.

[Deleted]

My computer repair guy installed Microsoft Security Essentials on my laptop. It's free and he said he really likes it.  

It does an automatic scan every Sunday at 2am. Lately the computer has been acting up, so thinking it may have Malware in it, I did a scan and it came back good. Now wondering...Can a scan come back good and there still be Malware in it?

[Deleted]

I've used Avast on all our computers for over 10 years.  No issues with viruses or malware and it's free.  I also only use Firefox for a web browser.  I think IE lets lots of crap through. 

[Deleted]

Aug 1, 2014 8:57:05 GMT -5 mmhmm said:

I like Bitdefender. I also understand Avast is a good choice for free anti-virus protection. I also have MalwareBytes Premium. I've never had a virus, and my computer remains free of malware.

Now these all cost, right?

[mmhmm]

The versions I have are paid versions, lonewolf. I know MalwareBytes has a free version available, as does Bitdefender. Avast is free, as well.

[mmhmm]

Aug 1, 2014 9:05:39 GMT -5 @lonewolf said:

My computer repair guy installed Microsoft Security Essentials on my laptop. It's free and he said he really likes it.  

It does an automatic scan every Sunday at 2am. Lately the computer has been acting up, so thinking it may have Malware in it, I did a scan and it came back good. Now wondering...Can a scan come back good and there still be Malware in it?

It's possible, lonewolf. Have you run MalwareBytes? If not, download and run it.

[Deleted]

Aug 1, 2014 9:09:35 GMT -5 mmhmm said:

Aug 1, 2014 9:05:39 GMT -5 @lonewolf said:

My computer repair guy installed Microsoft Security Essentials on my laptop. It's free and he said he really likes it.  

It does an automatic scan every Sunday at 2am. Lately the computer has been acting up, so thinking it may have Malware in it, I did a scan and it came back good. Now wondering...Can a scan come back good and there still be Malware in it?

It's possible, lonewolf. Have you run MalwareBytes? If not, download and run it.

Will it conflict with the anti-Marware program I already have, requiring me to shut it down? I've had that problem before in running two programs.

[mmhmm]

I've never known MalwareBytes to conflict with an anti-virus/security suite, lonewolf. I don't know what anti-malware you're using. I have both MalwareBytes and Spybot-Search and Destroy on my system.

[jkapp]

Aug 1, 2014 9:05:39 GMT -5 @lonewolf said:

My computer repair guy installed Microsoft Security Essentials on my laptop. It's free and he said he really likes it.  

It does an automatic scan every Sunday at 2am. Lately the computer has been acting up, so thinking it may have Malware in it, I did a scan and it came back good. Now wondering...Can a scan come back good and there still be Malware in it?

Yes...some malware/viruses get imbedded into your registry files and it takes an act of god to remove them   Or, as I had to do, completely reinstall Windows.

[Deleted]

Aug 1, 2014 9:39:36 GMT -5 jkapp said:

Aug 1, 2014 9:05:39 GMT -5 @lonewolf said:

My computer repair guy installed Microsoft Security Essentials on my laptop. It's free and he said he really likes it.  

It does an automatic scan every Sunday at 2am. Lately the computer has been acting up, so thinking it may have Malware in it, I did a scan and it came back good. Now wondering...Can a scan come back good and there still be Malware in it?

Yes...some malware/viruses get imbedded into your registry files and it takes an act of god to remove them   Or, as I had to do, completely reinstall Windows.

Lovely.
I normally have to take my laptop in and pay the computer doctor to fix it. Being on the Internet is getting to be more trouble and expense than it's worth. 
As soon as my contract runs out, I'm getting rid of my smart phone and going back to a flip phone. The smart phone battery is always dead and it's too expensive, when I use it for nothing more than making phone calls.

[justme]

I've used Comodo on my computers for years and never had a problem. Not sure if it costs since my dad handles my computer stuff. But it's on their computers too. So about 8 computers that have been using it with no complaints.

[mmhmm]

Aug 1, 2014 9:50:00 GMT -5 @lonewolf said:

Aug 1, 2014 9:39:36 GMT -5 jkapp said:

Yes...some malware/viruses get imbedded into your registry files and it takes an act of god to remove them   Or, as I had to do, completely reinstall Windows.

Lovely.
I normally have to take my laptop in and pay the computer doctor to fix it. Being on the Internet is getting to be more trouble and expense than it's worth. 
As soon as my contract runs out, I'm getting rid of my smart phone and going back to a flip phone. The smart phone battery is always dead and it's too expensive, when I use it for nothing more than making phone calls.

I've never had any virus/malware get into my computer that was difficult to remove. Seems like I remember having to follow some manual instructions once to remove something, but I don't think it was a virus/malware. It's been quite awhile. The best thing, I think, is to prevent the darned things from getting on in the first place. My virus protection and MalwareBytes have done a really good job of that for me. 

[resolution]

Aug 1, 2014 9:22:07 GMT -5 @lonewolf said:

Aug 1, 2014 9:09:35 GMT -5 mmhmm said:

It's possible, lonewolf. Have you run MalwareBytes? If not, download and run it.

Will it conflict with the anti-Marware program I already have, requiring me to shut it down? I've had that problem before in running two programs.

I use both Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes and haven't had any problems with conflicts.

[Cookies Galore]

I've used Avast for roughly five years with no problem.

[mmhmm]

Aug 1, 2014 22:26:28 GMT -5 resolution said:

Aug 1, 2014 9:22:07 GMT -5 @lonewolf said:

Will it conflict with the anti-Marware program I already have, requiring me to shut it down? I've had that problem before in running two programs.

I use both Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes and haven't had any problems with conflicts.

That's what my daughter and SIL use, and they've not had any issues, either.

[Deleted]

Aug 1, 2014 22:26:28 GMT -5 resolution said:

Aug 1, 2014 9:22:07 GMT -5 @lonewolf said:

Will it conflict with the anti-Marware program I already have, requiring me to shut it down? I've had that problem before in running two programs.

I use both Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes and haven't had any problems with conflicts.

Isn't MSE suppose to detect Malware? Why have both running?

[Apple]

I've used Kaspersky for a few years now.  It's not free, but it's worked well for me.

Malwarebytes is awesome for finding and getting rid of malware, but they no longer have a free "forever" version, just a free trial version.  If I notice my computer acting up I will re-download malwarebytes and fix it during the trial period.

[resolution]

Aug 1, 2014 22:41:35 GMT -5 @lonewolf said:

Aug 1, 2014 22:26:28 GMT -5 resolution said:

I use both Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes and haven't had any problems with conflicts.

Isn't MSE suppose to detect Malware? Why have both running?

Malwarebytes free version doesn't stay running all the time. Only if you get the paid version. The free version you just run now and then and it will clean out stuff that the antivirus doesn't bother with, like adware and tracking stuff.

I believe they still have a free version, because the one that I use says Malwarebytes Free, you just have to be extra careful downloading because it keeps trying to push you into the trial paid version.

[NoNamePerson]

Well, I guess I am a minority of one but I use Norton Internet Security and have for years. Can't comment on the other Norton products though.

Ok this is out of left field question, but can your scheduled scan take place if computer/laptop is not on? I have a scheduled scan but I picked a time when I knew I would be logged in so no problem on my end.
Also have Quick Scan that takes place if pc is idle for more than 20 minutes or so. I asked this because someone said their scan was scheduled for 2am.

Just curious     I do know some folks leave their computers on but I always shut down when not using.

[moon/Laura]

I use ZoneAlarm firewall and antivirus. I think you can get just the firewall for free, but the antivirus costs.