Downloadable Anti-Virus Software

[Dr_Evil_Mouse]

Anyone got any good recommendations? We just got a new computer, with Windows 7, and none of the old software we've got is compatible.

[Esau.]

http://www.avira.com/en/pages/index.php

http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download

I use avira (free version), low resource use, works great and is really reliable. Both are good in my opinion, and are compatible with win 7.

[Dr_Evil_Mouse]

That was quick! Thanks - will investigate.

I'm maybe more scared than I should be about disconnecting from the old network, but this new Bell modem/router seems a lot more up to speed than our own Bell modem and our crappy old D-Link router.

[Esau.]

Avira can be a bit confusing at first in terms of scheduling, but once you have that figured out it's pretty straight forward. I like that you can't disable it unless you terminate the process or uninstall it, which is good since no virus or other program can disable it.

[edit to add]

One thing that I guess some folks could find annoying is a pop up advertisement for the pay version that occurs now & then, you can just click close and it goes away. The only time this seems to happen though is when the computer is idle so it never shows up suddenly when your working or browsing. But, that can be a deal breaker for some.

Edited January 22, 2010 by Guest

[bouche]

don't forget to run SPYBOT every now and then. in my opinion, spyware is way more prevalent. I just recently found spyware messing up my machine and I had just installed a fresh OS 2 weeks ago.

i have no idea where it came from because I'm very diligent with what I choose to execute.

[Esau.]

Seconded on spybot. I also run Malwarebytes weekly to double check.

Another program I use (but paid for) is CleanMy PC - Registry Cleaner . Great program for removing all the left over registry crap from uninstalled programs etc.

[Dr_Evil_Mouse]

You guys are awesome - thanks!

[ollie]

I have been using the free version of AVG Anti-virus for years with much success. No pop-ups either!

http://free.avg.com/ww-en/download?prd=afg

[Esau.]

I have been using the free version of AVG Anti-virus for years with much success. No pop-ups either!

They have the same type of pop up ads. From reading the AVG forum I found out that it started with v.8.5. A quick google search of "AVG pop up ads" will show many people complaining about it, just like Avira. What ya want for free though, right? They are easy enough to disable though.

The only thing I didn't like about AVG (installed it on my ma's pc) was the amount of resources it uses compared to others and the slower scan speeds. Otherwise it's got a good rep.

To disable the Avira ads

Start > Run > gpedit.msc

Administrative Templates > System

"Don't run specified Windows applications".

Enable it and click show

Add "avnotify.exe > OK > restart

To disable the AVG ads:

Rename avgmwdef_us.mht to [color:red]avgmwdef_us.mht.bak and avgresf.dll to [color:red]avgresf.dll.bak.