Topic: free antivirus programs are they any good?

I'm swiching from a Mac to a Windows computer so now i have to get an antivirus program. mini/sad
I've been looking around at lots of free programs but was wondering if they would be any good. basically  all i'd be doing is downloading stuff.
Free antivirus programs:
http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus
http://www.avast.com/en-au/free-antivirus-download
http://www.avg.com.au/products/avg-anti-virus-free/
I'm happy to buy an antivirus program but if the free ones do there job then i can save a bit of money. mini/tongue

Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

^ Can it scan stuff you've downloaded to make sure there's no virus.

Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

I have avast!. I like it but it always has annoying pop ups.

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So yeah, I'm back from my mind.

Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

AVG FTW! AVG is soo good! You can scan things then and there and you can set up a schedule scan. Mine is every Wednesday at 5:00pm You can change it too! Here's what mine has (the free 2011 version.)

Anti-Virus
Anti-Spyware
Link Scanner (In Google search, beside a link it has a green tick if it's a safe site.)
Resident Shield
Family Safety
Live Kive
Email Scanner
Update Manager
Licence
Anti-Root Kit
Pc Analyser
Identity Protection
Security Toolbar (optional)

It's teh best thing evar! mini/tongue
But really it is. GET IT! mini/bigsmile

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Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

Norton is pretty good and also i use it but the problem is that it's not free

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Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

Microsoft Security Essentials is pretty great.

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Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

I have to go with JT on this one. AVG is great, and you can schedule scans to happen when you don't normally use your computer, like 3 in the morning or something. And it doesn't update every time you turn on your computer, like some other software I've used. If you want to spend da moneyz, you can buy AVG premium (or whatever they call it) and get some other "exclusive" perks, of which I do not know.

Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

If you're getting a windows computer then I would suggest downloading Linux on it. It's free, easier to use, faster, and apparently less prone to viruses. That's what I heard from my nerd friends. As for what I do, I would just stick with mac and avoid the whole situation. mini/smile

Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

Yeah, why ARE you switching again? mini/confused

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Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

why I'm switching:
1:Windows a cheaper. 
2:The Macbook and Macbook pro's screens a too small the Imacs a alright but there too expensive.
3:The C910 manual controls only work on Windows.
4:More software for Windows

The family computer is a Mac so i well be able to use the internet on that
so i will only need a antivirus when I'm downloading programs like Gimp Helium Frog etc.

Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

I have tried all the free ones, I would say Microsoft Security Essentials is my favourite. Its an install and forget solution which I like.

There are a few scare stories going around on the net, mainly by young kids who have a irrational hate of Bill Gates and by definition hate any Microsoft product. If they took the time to look at the product they would realise its actually very good.

The best piece of advice is when downloading any software is to have a look to see if its available from one of the larger sites (www.download.com tucows etc.) They are reputable and scan their software more regularly. Going to Pirate bay and just downloading any old rubbish can get you into difficulties with any anti virus software. "its like going to the drugs dealer rather than the drugs store"

You sound a sensible chap though as you have made a switch from Mac to PC!

Last edited by martinprice2004 (May 1, 2011 (04:36am))

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Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

I'd still stick by AVG all the way. mini/smile

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Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

Looks like it's AVG or Security Essentials.

Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

I have AVG, but I'm not sure if it's free, there might be a free version, but it could be a trial(?). the reason for me not knowing is that I basically took it from my home computer onto my laptop, but if there is a free version (or even one that costs money) It's a great anti-virus program.

Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

There is a free version. It works great, btw.

Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

I’m going to get my computer today and was thinking how do I go on the Internet to get the antivirus program without an antivirus
i've heard it only takes 2 minutes to get a virus or something like that.  mini/eek
hope this makes sense. mini/tongue

Last edited by MovingBricks (May 2, 2011 (03:58pm))

Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

I’m going to get my computer today and was thinking how do I go on the Internet to get the antivirus program without an antivirus
i've heard it only takes 2 minutes to get a virus or something like that. mini/eek
hope this makes sense. mini/tongue

edit: sorry about the double post guys dunno how it happened

Last edited by MovingBricks (May 2, 2011 (04:01pm))

Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

MSE. It's light and isn't a system hog. I've tried various spyware and malware programs and have found MSE to be the best.

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Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

MovingBricks wrote:

I’m going to get my computer today and was thinking how do I go on the Internet to get the antivirus program without an antivirus
i've heard it only takes 2 minutes to get a virus or something like that. mini/eek
hope this makes sense. mini/tongue

edit: sorry about the double post guys dunno how it happened

You can't get a virus that easy. Only if you download random stuff, which you won't.

bricksinmotion member of the year

Re: free antivirus programs are they any good?

I just read this on the AVG site.
Important: Please make sure you are aware of what is NOT INCLUDED in AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
Protection against hacker attacks
Protection against downloading and sharing files
Protection against infected instant message exchanges
Protection against spam
Protection for business computers, networks and servers
Free support from AVG's expert technicians

I'm guessing i need the Protection against downloading
So I might get the not free AVG Anti-virus.

Last edited by MovingBricks (May 3, 2011 (01:32am))