Computers & Networking

[Mikaela26]

I'd like to get opinion from computer wiz on what antivirus is best for my computer. I've tried avira, mcaffe, avast and about 3 others (I forgot the names) but still I had to reformat my computer every now and then because files get infected. what do you recommend? or what do yout hinks works best?

[Sunny · Accepted solution]

You will get a different answer from everybody you ask. Many like AVG because it's free. Avast is free as well. I tried both, but didn't like them. I also tried McAfee, Norton, and Kaspersky. I think McAfee is the worst of those three. I would prefer either Norton or Kaspersky. RIght now I'm using Kaspersky internet security 2010, and I'm happy with it. Before I used Kaspersky internet security 2009, and never was infected. They have a 30 days trial avalable on their website. YOu will not even have to provide your credit/debit card information to get the 30 days trial. Norton has a trial available as well, but you will need to provide your bank information to get the trial.

If I was you, I would try both for free, before deciding. choose the one that is easier for you to use. Both, Norton and Kaspersky are top performers. There never is a 100% guarantee. I like to compare it to sexually transmitted diseases (I hope the moderators don't mind me doind so.. ). You are always at a certain risk. You might never get infected, even if you don't protect yourself. Protection can offer you security, but it's not a 100%. It depends who you deal with and how you behave. THe safest thing would be, not to download anything, not to open any emails, not to surf the internet, and to never plug in a thumb drive or any other device into your computer....

[ltshoff]

Has anyone used Bitdefender? If so would you recommend it

[paulmohr]

Honestly I don't even mess with them. Its just more crap running in the background. I use a firewall, windows defender and run some third party malware programs now and then. And I use mozilla instead of internet explorer. I rarely get viruses on my computer and I even go to those sites I shouldn't wink. Where as I am constantly trying to fix friends computers that are running anti virus programs and don't run right, go figure.

I just run the risk of not using one and if something happens I just re install windows. Doesn't hurt to re install windows every now and then anyway.

[Nokia]

Unless you don't enjoy reinstalling every program you have, I guess not.

[paulmohr]

My point was kind of that every person I know that uses some fancy anti virus program ends up with a virus or horrible malware anyway. And in the meantime they complain that is slows their computer down. So when they end up getting a virus its near impossible to get rid of and you end up having to re isntall windows anyway.

I have probably had 3 actual viruses and I have been using a comptuer online since the 90s when BBS's were all the rage. I have much more problems with malware than I do viruses anymore.

[Nokia]

Then these people don't know how to use a computer to begin with. Most infections are a result of the user ignoring what the AV is telling them.

[Sunny]

I agree with Nokia. I never had a problem with Norton or Kapsersky. I didn't test all antivirus programs, so I can't speak for all. The only thing that slows you a little down with Kaspersky is while it makes a scan, but you can set it to scan your computer. documents or wathever at any convenient time. Mine is set to do the scan while I'm a sleep.

[Neihn Valued Contributor]

I also agree with nokia on his statement. Now as far as Anti-Virus. Norton was great then turned into pure garbage but with the 2010 edition they have started to redeem themselves. I personally use ESAT NOD32 on my gaming machine,  and Kaspersky on my other machines. I like NOD32 the most and will switch to it on all computers once my license with Kapersky is over with. NOD32 is light weight meaning it uses very little resources.

[SlimJim77]

Have to agree with Nokia as well. There is no defense against stupidity. At one time I was using Kaspersky antivirus. I consider it to be very good, but I got it for free. It has since expired.

I currently run NO anti virus at all. The BEST antivirus protection is a mindset. There's nothing in this world that is free. Live by this mantra online, and you'll be safe.