***Update*** Anti virus disappointment, want suggestions

[Sonny]

After using the free versions of AVG 7 & 8 for many years I decided to upgrade to the full version. Back in April I bought AVG Internet Security 8.0 for Windows Vista. Been using it for 5 months and have had nothing but problems. Sometimes it will not update properly, certain parts will be disabled, and false positive detections are some of my troubles. I figure it's time to find something else. These are 3 programs I've read that are very good. Love to hear your reviews or experience.

1. BitDefender Internet Security - 3 PCs, 1 year = $49.95
2. ESET® Smart Security (ESET NOD32) - 1 PC, 1 year = $59.99
3. Kaspersky Internet Security - 1 PC, 1 year = $59.95

[Jenny Z]

Avast is the bomb, and it's free.

www.avast.com

That's the only thing I know besides Symantic or Norton (both of which suck)

[JohnT]

I use Windows Live OneCare, and it works flawlessly. In fact, it doesn't even slow my system down one bit at all. It's much better than what I was using before: Trend Micro.

[PIC]

I have Norton System Works but dont really update it every year.
I also use Yahoo Mail which apparently has one built in.
I think most Anti Virus and such are preying on fear and not really needed.
Pro its those companies that actually create the virus itself.

EL

[deep_creek]

I swear by ESET and Comodo. The later is free: http://www.comodo.com/.

Both have worked perfectly for me for several years now. I run ESET on my PC (XP 64-bit) and I have Comodo setup on my wife's (XP). Comodo lacks XP 64bit support at the moment. Not sure about Vista (skipping that OS completely)

They both have a very small footprint and won't slow your system down.

[carrbowl]

We have used Norman for 8 years and I think we have had one virus. But I'm not a computer person, so I don't know if it slows anything down. I buy it 3 years at a time, and it's very reasonable.

[Gambit]

1) I hate Norton and McAfee both; their anti-virus programs are so intrusive they feel like viruses themselves.
2) I personally use AVG free (currently v8.0). No problems.
3) Yup, these companies prey on fear. But just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you - virus threats are quite real and dangerous for Windows systems.
4) No single product is going to protect you best in all situations.

According to this article in PC World, the best anti-virus programs for 2007 are Kapersky, Norton, and BitDefender:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/12988..._stoppers.html

[AndrewCCM]

I use AVG as well at home.. No problems for many years now.

At my office we use Trend. It works well and does not slow machines down. We have a deployment of over 50,000 seats I believe.

[bburton]

Originally Posted by deep_creek

I swear by ESET and Comodo. The later is free: http://www.comodo.com/.

Both have worked perfectly for me for several years now. I run ESET on my PC (XP 64-bit) and I have Comodo setup on my wife's (XP). Comodo lacks XP 64bit support at the moment. Not sure about Vista (skipping that OS completely)

They both have a very small footprint and won't slow your system down.

Let me second strongly ESET NOD32 AntiVirus. I switched from Norton about six months ago. ESET has performed like a champ and never slows down my older PC system, as Norton often did.

[JaertX]

I agree with Gambit on really disliking Norton and McAfee... they really make terrible, intrusive products. I went almost a year with no virus protection and had no problems. Downloaded the free version of AVG a month ago and it's working well so far.

I think I'll take your advice and not "upgrade" it. :)

[hotshot38]

I'm a computer consultant for an international IT Outsourcing corporation. Our computers run MacAfee....one of our major clients run Norton Antivirus.

First thing I do with any new personal-client computers I get are uninstall bundled Norton (especially SystemWorks/Firewall) or MacAfee.

My personal computers have had Free AVG for at least the last 5 years with no problems. Of course, I tend not to get many viruses to begin with.

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by hotshot38

I'm a computer consultant for an international IT Outsourcing corporation. Our computers run MacAfee....one of our major clients run Norton Antivirus.

First thing I do with any new personal-client computers I get are uninstall bundled Norton (especially SystemWorks/Firewall) or MacAfee.

My personal computers have had Free AVG for at least the last 5 years with no problems. Of course, I tend not to get many viruses to begin with.

Ah.. you're the guy sending all my company's network/help desk jobs to India..

[hotshot38]

No....I actually migrated our Service Desk from our Toronto office to our newly opened San Antonio office. The majority of our ops/datacenters are scattered throughout the US and Canada. But, yes, we do have some DBA stuff done in India.

[PhotoByMark]

I used Norton for many years ( remember the old days?). 2 years ago, I finally gave up on it as it just seemed to get more bloated and slow. Currently use AVG but lately have had problems (after the most recent version). I might consider trying something else but I guess I should try a reinstall first. Some good suggestions in this thread.

[bbailey]

Agreed. The corp versions of Norton (Symantec) are decent, but the home versions are bloated. I use and recommend AVG or Nod32 for home machines.