Best free anti-virus software out there?

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I've been using AVG for about two years, but I think it's no longer free. I have the AVG 7.5 version and every morning I get a notice that 7.5 is no longer supported and I have to go to 8.5 to stay current, which, of course costs $$. Any other good freebies out there?

Rot 911 · 04-23-2009, 05:32 AM

I've been using Avast for a couple of years and have yet to get a virus. Course I also use mozilla firefox for my web browser too.

masraum · 04-23-2009, 05:36 AM

I've been using Trend micro for a while and it seems to work really well. I bought it on Amazon.com and saved some money. These days when you buy it you can install it on up to 3 computers. It seems to get updates almost every day.

$28 for 3 comps

onewhippedpuppy · 04-23-2009, 05:41 AM

Rick, you can upgrade to 8.5 for free. It's just a new version.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Rick, you can upgrade to 8.5 for free. It's just a new version.

How? The page I have on it says nothing about it being free and asks for a credit card to download.

jbryant · 04-23-2009, 05:51 AM

I just downloaded AVG on three computers and it was free.
It seems to be better, at least more user friendly than what I was using before (both McAfee and Norton).

I went to CNET downloads and routed to it from there. That might be the best way to "find" the free version.

Jim

onewhippedpuppy · 04-23-2009, 05:53 AM

You're clicking the wrong icons then. You have to read closely, but there is an option to upgrade to the free version of 8.5. Read each page VERY closely and you'll get there, I've done it on both of my computers. As Jim said, the UI is a bit more friendly.

stomachmonkey · 04-23-2009, 06:22 AM

You can get the CA suite free with rebates.

Just look around for it.

Good for a year then the following year just find the rebate again.

They are trying to gain market share and the net to zero rebate has been their anchor for 4-5 years now.

I was the Creative Director for CA a few years back.

They absolutely honor their rebates.

whiskyb · 04-23-2009, 06:39 AM

Has anyone ever tried Windowcare, not an anti-virus but it does check for the other nasties. I used it yesterday and it found more than my usual

Joeaksa · 04-23-2009, 06:47 AM

Still using AVG and its free but as Matt says, you have to be pretty careful about the icons.

dtw · 04-23-2009, 06:47 AM

Yeah...just did two AVG installs, still free.

Zeke · 04-23-2009, 07:00 AM

I know nothing, I follow you guys. I have Avast and it still announces every day that the virus database has been updated. Yes, I went thru the 8.5 business and thought I wasn't getting it. I'm getting something.

I think Avast actually deserves my money, they're helping me.

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

You're clicking the wrong icons then. You have to read closely, but there is an option to upgrade to the free version of 8.5. Read each page VERY closely and you'll get there, I've done it on both of my computers. As Jim said, the UI is a bit more friendly.

+1. Avoid the "Upgrade to 8.5" button and look for the "Upgrade to 8.5 free" button.

gr8fl4porsche · gr8fl4porsche's Garage

There is a FREE AVG version and a trial version - make sure you follow all links for the free. You have to read closely and avoid at attempts made by AVG to get you to download the trial or upgrade versions.

Uninstall 7.5 first, then go to AVG's website.

m21sniper · 04-23-2009, 08:17 AM

AVG sucks balls and slows down your puter, and you cannot uninstall it

Malwarebytes is far superior. (and free too)

I just had a major war with a variety of viruses and the pelican experts got me all hooked up. Malwarebytes was the tip of the spear of my counteroffensive.

m21sniper · 04-23-2009, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gr8fl4porsche

There is a FREE AVG version and a trial version - make sure you follow all links for the free. You have to read closely and avoid at attempts made by AVG to get you to download the trial or upgrade versions.

Uninstall 7.5 first, then go to AVG's website.

Seriously- AVG sucks and does NOT find the things malwarebytes does.

Don't waste your time.

dtw · 04-23-2009, 08:42 AM

AVG is for viruses and MWB is for spyware, malware, etc. Two different products for two different purposes. I actually use them both.

m21sniper · 09:38 AM

Incorrect

MWB zaps Vundo and other viruses dead. Ask me how i know.

I just went though a major infection, MWB, and MWB alone killed the infection. Defender and AVG both failed miserably. The whole ordeal was posted here under the thread name:

"Ruh roh, just got a puter virus"

AVG does not kill the root of the infection, MWB does.

MWB is a far, far superior product IMO. AVG, quite frankly- sucks. It slowed my computer down so much it might as well have been a virus itself.

And you cannot uninstall it. The best you can do is start in safe mode and delete a bunch of files so it won't run. I would never reccomend AVG to anyone. It's crap.

Windows defender is little better, however it does have a few nice utilities that make it useful to keep around.

dtw · 04-23-2009, 10:13 AM

Not really interested in getting into a pissing match about this, so this will be my last post on the matter. Feel free to get in the last word.

Virtumonde (Vundo) is malware. I have survived several iterations of it on various machines. The last manifestation was so nasty that even MWB couldn't touch it. Ended up making a Unix boot CD and nuking it with an antivirus/spyware package from there. (As a rule I usually refuse to just wipe a machine, I will battle an infestation to the bitter end....on GP). Once I had it diagnosed, I played around with it for a while to see how deep it went. The control it exercised over the machine was shocking. The browser hijacking, in particular, was really unnerving.

AVG and MWB look for different activities & patterns, which differentiate malware/spyware and traditional viruses. No matter if you don't like AVG, you should install some kind of virus scanner. MWB is an amazing program to be sure, but it is not a complet solution.

The lines between spyware/malware etc. and viruses ARE starting to break down and I assume packages will get better at dealing with both varieties. I haven't found one yet that I deem up to the challenge, so I continue to run two apps. Sorry you don't like AVG, you're the first person I've ever run into that doesn't like it. I've never had a problem uninstalling or updating it, either.

mikester · 04-23-2009, 10:28 AM

I've used AVG on a number of computers that I have tested compatibility with AV products and other products. I have uninstalled and reinstalled it without problems numerous times on the same machines.

This was all on XP.