Best Free Antivirus Program?

Ginkin99 · 10-05-2008, 11:44 AM

Hey TSF!

Im new to the site and just read through the 5 steps before posting a log. I've spent the past few days cleaning off my computer, and boy did I need it. I read in the posts that you should only have 1 antivirus installed, I was curious if there was any one that is recommended above the rest. At the moment I have Symantec Endpoint Protection, Avast, AVG, Spyware Doctor, and AntiVir Classic, along with quite a few cleaning utilities (all from MajorGeek.com). I thought that having more would be better, evidently not, as my system resources are being drained from all of them. Any suggestions?
Thank You!

**koala** · 10-05-2008, 12:13 PM

Hi, welcome to TSF

Avast, Avira and AVG are all well-respected free antivirus programs, but Avira gets the highest detection scores in comparisons tests. They all have daily updates and are easy to configure.

The general rule is one antivirus, one software firewall (not including router firewall) and as many antispywares as you like, just make sure all the antispywares aren't monitoring in real-time to avoid potential conflicts and slowdown.

If you decide to stick with Avira, there is a tweak that removes the daily nag screen for manual updates. This effectively means the free program updates automatically with no adverts or reminder windows popping up. This tweak is known about by the company and, although it's not officially approved, they don't seem to mind it being used.

deadly39 · 10-19-2008, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koala

Hi, welcome to TSF

Avast, Avira and AVG are all well-respected free antivirus programs, but Avira gets the highest detection scores in comparisons tests. They all have daily updates and are easy to configure.

The general rule is one antivirus, one software firewall (not including router firewall) and as many antispywares as you like, just make sure all the antispywares aren't monitoring in real-time to avoid potential conflicts and slowdown.

If you decide to stick with Avira, there is a tweak that removes the daily nag screen for manual updates. This effectively means the free program updates automatically with no adverts or reminder windows popping up. This tweak is known about by the company and, although it's not officially approved, they don't seem to mind it being used.

HI, How do i get the Tweak

**koala** · 10-19-2008, 10:09 AM

See the last post in this thread: http://www.techsupportforum.com/secu...-freeware.html

10-05-2008, 11:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
Ginkin99 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1 OS: Windows XP	Best Free Antivirus Program? Hey TSF! Im new to the site and just read through the 5 steps before posting a log. I've spent the past few days cleaning off my computer, and boy did I need it. I read in the posts that you should only have 1 antivirus installed, I was curious if there was any one that is recommended above the rest. At the moment I have Symantec Endpoint Protection, Avast, AVG, Spyware Doctor, and AntiVir Classic, along with quite a few cleaning utilities (all from MajorGeek.com). I thought that having more would be better, evidently not, as my system resources are being drained from all of them. Any suggestions? Thank You!

10-05-2008, 12:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 11,218 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Re: Best Free Antivirus Program? Hi, welcome to TSF Avast, Avira and AVG are all well-respected free antivirus programs, but Avira gets the highest detection scores in comparisons tests. They all have daily updates and are easy to configure. The general rule is one antivirus, one software firewall (not including router firewall) and as many antispywares as you like, just make sure all the antispywares aren't monitoring in real-time to avoid potential conflicts and slowdown. If you decide to stick with Avira, there is a tweak that removes the daily nag screen for manual updates. This effectively means the free program updates automatically with no adverts or reminder windows popping up. This tweak is known about by the company and, although it's not officially approved, they don't seem to mind it being used. __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

10-19-2008, 10:09 AM	#4 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 11,218 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Re: Best Free Antivirus Program? See the last post in this thread: http://www.techsupportforum.com/secu...-freeware.html __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here