Best antivirus and/or spyware program

Do you guys have recommendations on the best anti-virus program?

anti-spyware?

I'm compiling a best-of software disc for myself.

 

There is no "BEST" antivirus, or security software period, the only way to protect yourself from viruses/spyware is to not do stupid stuff on the internet (ie. porn, p2p, click links in email etc) it is a good idea to have an AV or antispyware program to scan your system to see if you have any infections but in all honesty once this stuff is on your system it is next to impossible to remove. Some viruses and spyware have gotten so nasty lately that they attach themself to system files to when your AV or Antispyware program tries to remove them you end up with an unbootable system so my advice is.

1. Don't do dumb stuff on the internet that can get you viruses and spyware
2. Apply windows updates as soon as they are released
3. Have an antivirus stay away from norton or mcafee, i like Nod32, and AVG's Free antivirus, only use 1 though
4. Antispyware Windows Defender, Spybot, Adaware, and HJT
5. Firewall - Turn on the Windows Firewall, if you don't all ready get a router this is the best form of firewall because it is hardware and can not be turned off by viruses like software firewalls can
6. Run as a limited user day to day
7. Use 1E7 or Firefox don't use IE6 or lower

If you follow these rules you won't ever get a virus or anything.

 

thanks, but i would like a concrete recommendation like AVG or Kapersky or NOD32 and how long you have used it.

 

the 3 Antiviruses you have chosen are my favorite ones but if i had to choose 1 i would say nod32

 

Is nod32 user friendly? does it auto-update? does it run actively in the background?

 

yes so is avg i havent tested kaspersky but i hear it is the most affective i like nod32 though because it doesn't slow your system down

 

There are lots of free and good anti-virus programs like AVG Free, Avast and Antivir. Personally, I use AVG Free and have never gotten an infection.

As for anti-spyware programs, I would recommend SUPERAntispyware and Spybot, both have great detection capabilities and are easy and free to use.

~Ltangel~

 

hi all i mlooking for anti virus any advice thanks

 

skejah read the thread

 

hey guys,

AVG Free is no longer going to be free (no more updates), and i've had a look at some of the websites for NOD32, Kaspersky, Avast and Antivir but none of them seem to be free.. they only give 30 day trials and i'm completely broke atm lol.

is there one you recommend that is still free? =]

 

it is still free you just have to physically download the avg 8.0 free from free.grisoft.com they are discontinuing avg 7

 

Hi all, I too am wondering what programs to use. Gues I'll use AVG and spybot and get rid of my free cable Macafee. Thanks.
Regarding firewall options. I have a router. Does that mean I can or should keep windows firewall off? Does my router need to be configured to provide firewall security. I don't really know what settings my router is curently using. I know I didn't bother encrypting the wireless, as I'm not really concerned with others hitching off the connection where I am.

 

You need to keep the Windows Firewall on because it blocks inbound traffic, your router does not need to be configured unless you don't have WPA security enabled

 

So your saying I should make sure WPA security is enabled? That with AVG, spybot, windows firewall, and I should be ok then right?

 

yes and if you want to be even safer run as a limited user while your just surfing around because if you get a virus or spyware it cant install itself because limited users can't install programs

 

THE BEST ANTIVIRUS WITHOUT A DOUBT IS NOD32 ANTIVIRUS, check this link out

http://cybernetnews.com/2008/06/11/eset-receives-their-50th-vb100-award/

and if you maybe one day need help with firewall the best is comodo firewall

http://www.matousec.com/projects/firewall-challenge/results.php

 

For me,I guess I'm ok with windows firewall since I'm also using a router.

 

More Safety is better man, get a better firewall for your computer to help out your router firewall.

 

you don't need a better firewall all the BIG NAME firewalls do is cause more trouble and they take up many system resources

 

by buddy runs an XP system with only a router and the windows firewall, and runs as a limited user day to day and has never been infected, he works as a IT Security guy for some corporation where I live. He does do periodic scans with AVG but never has it running in the background, and he has never been infected.