Free and paid antivirus and spyware tips - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008

Help!!! I need advise on purchasing reliable antivirus and spyware software. Also, what are your thoughts on the free ones? Are they any good in comparision to the paid ones?

#2 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008

Carlana,
I have used the free AVG antivirus for 5 years now with not one problem. They also have a free antispyware although I have always used the free SUPERantispyware.

AVG is here

SUPERantispyware is here

#3 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008

I used the same as Christine. Although on my new laptop it has McAfee installed. I need to put AVG on it!! Ad-aware (lavasoft I think) also has a free spyware the se addition works well.

#4 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008

Hi Carlana,
I've got whatever programs came with my new laptop (a windows security suite including Defender, Firewall, and Norton/Symantec - the latter of which I had to disable because it doesn't jive well with Windows Mail).

The Windows Defender software is available as a free download here. It's great for spyware, which alot of the free antivirus programs *don't* have complete protection for. (if you go for one of the free ones, be sure to grab this too.)

Google also has a free spyware detector, but it's bundled with a bunch of unrelated 'stuff' in the Google Pack - just check the boxes for the programs you do want and ignore the rest. (I think the Microsoft freebie is better, but some of the Google Pack programs are cool for other reasons. Like Star Office and the Google toolbar.)

As to the paid antivirus programs I'd suggest using the following reviews from PC World and Top Ten Reviews. They go into detail about what each of the paid programs offers, and how they compare to eachother. Here's another good article from PC World.

I hope this helps a bit!

#5 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008

trying not to sound flippant, by having a mac, i dont have any of these problems anymore. no spyware system or anti-virus slowing my machine and internet connection down. it also helps with productivity too

*mac advert over* :-)

#6 (**permalink**) 01-20-2008

Thank you all. Christina, the Superantispyware is amazing. It picked up the things that AVG could not pick up.

#7 (**permalink**) 01-20-2008

We've been using Norton for several years without issue. I know some have had compatibility problems but we haven't. I'm not sure if it's because I use Mozilla Browsers and Mail almost exclusively (which also helps to cut down on the possibility of virus/spyware/adware problems).

The only time I use IE is to do a site check.

I've used Lavasoft Adaware when I've thought the kids downloaded some "goobers" on our old computers - but for the most part, Norton is working well for us.

#8 (**permalink**) 02-03-2009

Thanks for this info...I was just about to renew my subscription and Get Norton 360 Premier Addition, its only $59.99 at Costco right now with free shipping......but these tips saved me money, at least I will give it a try and see how they all work! Thanks!

#9 (**permalink**) 02-04-2009

I currently use Firefox with noscripts and am pretty careful about what I click and what sites I visit.

One of my friends is a computer repair tech, and he says that free virus protection programs are useless and without real time protection, we're just giving him more business. He likes Avast, I believe.

#10 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009

I am using AVG, its working fine for me. But I also recommend Norton and Mccafee.