Looking for a new virus scanner - Virtual Assistant Forums

Prime Admin Solutions · #1 (**permalink**) 01-05-2009

We are looking for a new virus scanning program. My husband got hit with a trojan virus yesterday and when he contacted our current provider by online chat, they said they couldn't help him but if he wanted to call the paid support line they probably could. I'm not pleased to say the least. We paid for three licensces for this and I think it's not good to then have to pay to get help to remove a virus that the program should have caught by their product in the first place.

This product also seems to reference their website when scanning and this virus blocked access to the virus scanning product's website.

I am looking for a virus scanner product that automtically updates its virus, spyware and adware definitions online but runs from the computer so that this kind of problem doesn't happen again. Does anyone know of a product that does this?

Robin_Holstein · #2 (**permalink**) 01-05-2009

I've used McAfee's for years with no problems. It IS a resource hog, but most antivirus programs are.

VBP · #3 (**permalink**) 01-05-2009

We use PC Tools Spyware Doctor and so far it has worked really good for us and their pricing is also very competitive.

Kerans VA · #4 (**permalink**) 01-05-2009

Sorry to hear about your virus, what a pain. I have used everything from Norton to McAfee to AVG to CA and believe I have finally found what works best for me. It is called Eset Nod32 Antivirus and unlike most virus scanners, it is not a resource hog. It has a very small footprint and I have been using it for a number of months and been exceedingly happy with it. They have a number of products and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone.

Good luck!

ArneysVIRTUALServices · #5 (**permalink**) 01-21-2009

I swear by Norton. Since Vista came out it works much better and doesnt crash my computer as it did with XP

Rebecka Melson · #6 (**permalink**) 01-21-2009

I've always used McAfee upon direction from my computer guy. It updates regularly and I've never had a problem. I recommend the home version though and not the business version. The business version is all controlled online through its website and it sucks. I like the home version better because you have the security center right on your desktop.

justcat · #7 (**permalink**) 01-21-2009

Avast seems to have worked well for me so far.

wilke041 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-23-2009

I use AVG for my virus scanner and Ad-Aware for spyware. They don't use a lot of memory and has worked great for me.

Hettwer_Virtual_Office · #9 (**permalink**) 01-23-2009

I used AVG on one computer, and two viruses this past week were not caught by AVG (and the AVG software was current). I use Norton 360 on my other computers and they seem to have caught everything. My Norton 360 includes support via email/phone for three computers.

I have noticed quite a few products from all manufacturers for anti-virus software are now starting to charge for "instant" help. It pays to find out if your current product includes the support you need or when it comes times to renew, double-check.