Do you use an Antivirus Program?

Dyre Straits · May 14, 2007, 06:17 AM

I absolutely DO....and it doesn't cost me anything.

I also use AD-Aware SE, and CCleaner constantly.

OmegaRED · May 14, 2007, 07:08 AM

There's simply no intelligent argument for "it's not needed and is a waste of money" because even simple web browsing and email usage will expose any PC to tons of viruses. Not surprisingly, only one person voted for that option (probably a MAC user

)

Tipstaff · May 14, 2007, 07:18 AM

Not to hijack this thread, but I was just wondering what peoples opinions would be of the available anti-virus software out there? Specifically:

1) What is, in your opinion, the best in each category (Firewall and Anti-whatever)?
2) The ones you have chosen, how are they on resources?
3) What is the best "all around" program that covers everything?
4) If you like using individual products for specific jobs, what have you found to be the most effective combination of products?

You don't have to answer all the questions, only the ones relevant to yourself... or none at all.

Why the distinctions? I've pretty much tried every piece of AV software out there due to personal and professional needs, and I almost always find that very few are great at doing everything. Some are great in the AV department, but way to bloody paranoid in everything else (Kaspersky and PC-cillin for instance). Some are the opposite, where their AV is adequate, but their Firewall is better (such as McAfee). In my case I like adding my own personal touch to things, picking the best or the most effective products in each category, and mixing them together. 'Course, that means picking software that can coexist with others of it's kind.

So, any opinions?

Vampyromaniac · May 14, 2007, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zelig

I don't use one, I'm careful in my computer use, keep everything up to date, and have never inadvertantly installed a virus on any of my computers.

However, I'd say they're necessary for the majority of computer users.

Not sure what I should vote for, as neither of the "No" options really matches my opinion.

Matches me exactly, every sentence.

But I'm not cool, I just don't care. And/Or I'm stupid. Maybe I'll learn my lesson the first time I lose some data or something bad happens. But it hasn't happened yet, and I don't know how many years I've used computers.

And yes it is hilarious when a reckless loud-mouth evetually infiects himself. Also amusing are paranoia-mongers.

OmegaRED · May 14, 2007, 07:41 AM

I too have tried nearly all of the available antivirus packages, some which included internet security and others that were stand alone virus scanners. During that time I've had nothing but favourable things to say about each of them until the moment they failed me. Not that I always got infected, sometimes there would be a major feature lacking or the scanner would have problems with certain types of files those kinds of things.

So far, Nod32 has met all my needs of being low cpu usage, realtime internet and local file scanning, and regularly scores high in testing. I've been using it for about a year and a half paired up with Sunbelts Kerio Personal Firewall and found them to make a good match.

caqde · May 14, 2007, 07:52 AM

For antivirus software I use Nod32. It has continuously proven to be an effective anti-virus program and comes at a price I can afford. It is lightweight and easy on the memory. And software upgrades are FREE with your license. They are moving upto version 3.0 and from what I know my license will allow me to use the Standalone Antivirus version of 3.0 (They are making a firewall/antivirus software package that is currently in Beta ver 1a and very buggy.... at this moment). Nod32 2.7 has some Anti-spyware abilities and from what I know 3.0 should(will) be much better at it. So because of this and other reasons this is my best pick for an Anti-Virus program.

For firewall well I really haven't done anything here so I decline to comment (not very knowledgeable in this area anyways..)

zaim · May 14, 2007, 08:35 AM

www.avast.com

best antivirus imo.

GutterPunk · May 14, 2007, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardon

well im not sure how free clients are a waste of money, but then again you are very cool gutterpunk so I guess its fitting with your image

u = greatest dude

I know Im the greatest dude :P

I just copied/pasted the voting phrase.

The real reason is, since i format so much this = one less thing to install and keep track of

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tipstaff

I can understand that if you format your computer all the time that you might think you don't need it, or that you backup your computer all the time so that if you ever got a virus you could afford to redo everything in a heart beat. However, what IF your backedup data was, or always has been infected? If you've never had an AV software installed on your PC you'd never know you had a virus, right? Then, once you accessed the data on that drive or media you run the risk of reinfection, but then, you'd never know until it's too late. All you'd know is that your PC is running slow, or there is too much internet traffic, so you decide to backup your data, again, which could be infected, again, and reformat/install.

Also, you can look at the startup programs all you want, being careful of what gets installed, or what processes are running, but if it's a rookit, something of which is very rampantly running around right now, you would never know it's there, because in most cases it hides itself even from the OS itself. Besides which, did you know there are a dozen startup locations within Windows that can be used for launching programs and viruses? Places like the print spooler? Not to mention about the same amount of files that can be used for the same purpose? Probably not, right? Well most AV software do. By the time you figure it out things will have gotten out of hand, and all your data could be compromised. Hell, not to mention any data you sent to others could be too.

Free is free. Sure, with a free AV software comes a certain level of protection, maybe less than what you'd get if you paid for it, but why risk anything when it's not costing you a thing for even the slightest bit of protection?

I don't have anything on my computer that is deemed worthy of backing up or needing to restore. Although it may sound ignorant to not use an AV, but I don't fileshare, I don't go much further than DH on the web, and I play a butt load of games. I really don't know why I don't use and AV, just I haven't forever! Also I have McAfee's SDATS that I could run if I ever question.

dipstick · May 14, 2007, 04:46 PM

Personally, I think you have to be nuts checking emails without an AV

I have never seen viruses/trojans other than in some spam emails I get. I also do almost all my banking and bill payments online so I am a little on the cautious side.
My security protection includes Kaspersky internet security, webroot spysweeper, and firefox with NoScript.

GutterPunk · May 14, 2007, 05:04 PM

I check my hotmail, in which I don't open crap that I dont know or even question.

RoyBatty · May 14, 2007, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tipstaff

1) What is, in your opinion, the best in each category (Firewall and Anti-whatever)?
2) The ones you have chosen, how are they on resources?
3) What is the best "all around" program that covers everything?
4) If you like using individual products for specific jobs, what have you found to be the most effective combination of products?

1. Firewall: Jetico Personal Firewall, anti-virus: AAPEC, I believe Kaspersky is the best, anti-spyware: Ad-Aware SE, Spybot S&D is good too.

2. JPF: disk space 2.13 MB, RAM 6.4 MB. I run a Ad-Aware check only when needed so its resource usage is not important for me (around 30 MB while working).

3. I don't like "all around" programs. Maybe because I have seen only some Norton security package (I don't know what version) in action and my impression was it is just a "resource hog".

As an anti-virus i have the Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic (free) installed, but I seldom use it, because I don't visit/download anything "funny".

Low resources requirements are essential for me, I think it's because I grew up on 386sx with 8 MB RAM, manually configuring it to get a few more bytes of free memory for loading the mouse+sound driver and some game simultaneously (hmmm Cannon Fodder

).

I could just repeat what Zelig said in post #2. I have never seen a virus/spyware on my computer.

Babalou · May 14, 2007, 10:38 PM

always have!
Guests use my pc at times, so its a valid precaution.

Edit: I use Eset's NOD32, never had any problems with this one, and it has a good track record.

zexx11 · May 14, 2007, 10:52 PM

It`s a waste of time,money and a system leech.Occasionly for ***** and giggles I use a free online scanner.Here`s what I gain in performance:

Tipstaff · May 15, 2007, 07:42 AM

Well, today I've officially abandoned BitDefender 8 Free Edition. I've been installing this thing for the last month (based on recommendations) on every machine I sell for those that are not willing to pay for an AV software, and I never realized it until today: it has NO ACTIVE VIRUS SCANNER! My jaw nearly dropped when I saw that I couldn't activate the Active Virus Shield (never noticed it before), and then I read the side panel that says I have to either pay for the Standard or Professional Editions to get it. The only damn thing this is good for is as a scanning tool. That's it. Total waste of time.

BitDefender, you bloody well need to put it on your site that BitDefender Free has no active scanning. Even though you don't list as being in there almost everyone is going to assume it's there, because it's in almost every scanning software out there, and if it's not, IT'S LISTED AS NOT BEING IN THERE!!

Sooo... suffice it to say I'm going back to using Avast! for the people that have no problem registering for their free 1 year license, and AVG Free for all the rest.

Zelig · May 15, 2007, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tipstaff

BitDefender, you bloody well need to put it on your site that BitDefender Free has no active scanning. Even though you don't list as being in there almost everyone is going to assume it's there, because it's in almost every scanning software out there, and if it's not, IT'S LISTED AS NOT BEING IN THERE!!

Quote:

BitDefender 8 Free Edition is an on-demand virus scanner which incorpoorates the award-winning BitDefender scanning engines. For users unwilling to mess about with more complicated products, BitDefender 8 Free Edition provides a modicum of security in exchange for no money at all.

Quote:

BitDefender 8 Free Edition is an on-demand virus scanner, which is best used in a system recovery or forensics role. If you are on an "always-on" Internet connection, we strongly advise you to consider using a more complex antivirus solution.

Hah, I had to look up modicum, haven't seen that word used very often.

After reading this thread, I looked around a bit, and realized I have free access to Symantec corporate AV. Fiddled around a bit, it's got full support for 64-bit Windows OS's, and is actually a lot nicer than the standard NAV bundle.

Tipstaff · May 15, 2007, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zelig

Hah, I had to look up modicum, haven't seen that word used very often.

After reading this thread, I looked around a bit, and realized I have free access to Symantec corporate AV. Fiddled around a bit, it's got full support for 64-bit Windows OS's, and is actually a lot nicer than the standard NAV bundle.

Yeah... stupid me. <sigh> I should have put 2 and 2 together, but like I said, I went by someone elses recommendation without researching it a bit more. I mean... no wonder it was resource friendly, because it's not even bloody doing anything 'cept looking pretty on my taskbar.

Dyre Straits · May 15, 2007, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tipstaff

Well, today I've officially abandoned BitDefender 8 Free Edition. I've been installing this thing for the last month (based on recommendations) on every machine I sell for those that are not willing to pay for an AV software, and I never realized it until today: it has NO ACTIVE VIRUS SCANNER! My jaw nearly dropped when I saw that I couldn't activate the Active Virus Shield (never noticed it before), and then I read the side panel that says I have to either pay for the Standard or Professional Editions to get it. The only damn thing this is good for is as a scanning tool. That's it. Total waste of time.

BitDefender, you bloody well need to put it on your site that BitDefender Free has no active scanning. Even though you don't list as being in there almost everyone is going to assume it's there, because it's in almost every scanning software out there, and if it's not, IT'S LISTED AS NOT BEING IN THERE!!

Sooo... suffice it to say I'm going back to using Avast! for the people that have no problem registering for their free 1 year license, and AVG Free for all the rest.

This kind of situation really burns me up when a company isn't forthcoming with information that absolutely should be given prominent notice to the consumer.

I have access to free AV and Firewall with my ISP account. So, I use that on all my own computers.

For my family, I've had them using the free AVG for a few years now.

I've also had them (and me) using AD-AWARE SE. But, do you think they use it? They think it works in the background like an AV program. I keep having to remind them to run the program and update it consistently.

Just today I was helping my daughter get her Internet connection back up and running (bad cable maybe shorted out by lightning) and started up her AD-AWARE. The definitions were 84 DAYS OLD. That's probably how long it's been since I looked at her computer last.

Anyway, as long as there are skunks trying to smell up the works on our PCs, we need some protection. So, an AV program is a MUST in my book.

PangingJr · May 15, 2007, 03:07 PM

Tipstaff,
They do mention under its Product Description section that the "BitDefender 8 Free Edition is an on-demand virus scanner" -- http://www.bitdefender.com/PRODUCT-1...e-Edition.html

RoyBatty · May 15, 2007, 03:14 PM

Anyone tried Active Virus Shield? It's based on Kaspersky AV and it's free: http://www.activevirusshield.com
I have heard only good things about it.

Judas · May 15, 2007, 06:58 PM

never needed any anti-virus..... have no reason for it at this point.

Critical information is backed up at intervals. Usually can be all fit onto a single CD.

Quite often, alot of john/jane Doe's think that if they have antivirus protection, that they can do and open and go anwhere they want without a worry, then they wonder why there machine is horribly infected or everything is simply gone. (and slow)...

I excersize extreme caution, i don't use sharing folders, i don't download much of anything other then from official sites, and i never use email if i can help it.

cozumel · May 15, 2007, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zelig

After reading this thread, I looked around a bit, and realized I have free access to Symantec corporate AV. Fiddled around a bit, it's got full support for 64-bit Windows OS's, and is actually a lot nicer than the standard NAV bundle.

That means you can now vote

cozumel · May 15, 2007, 07:42 PM

Judas: How do you know that your backups are not infected? A free AV program with a small footprint surely wouldn't have a noticeable negative effect on your rig. IMO Having no protection at all could potentially harm you and your friends.

Judas · May 15, 2007, 08:58 PM

I do have one machine that has AVG installed currently, and most of my scannings i do is usually through PCPitstop.com's online antivirus.

I've encounter a few times where the pcpitstop has found a virus that norton has not. (not on my own machines mind you)

Actually i've encounter problems WITH norton's internet secuirty, people have actually brought in thier machines to try and get rid of it (cause the uninstaller had screwed up or something as well)

No, i recommend anyone looking for anti-virus, to just go and get the FREE AVG....

H3X4D3C1M4L · May 15, 2007, 09:43 PM

I found it moot and useless. If anyone can name a virus that affects OpenBSD off the top of their heads, congrats

Much the same with Linux. I've switched all XP machines to Xubuntu right now so I'm actually doing pretty good sans virus scanner

Grace · May 16, 2007, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H3X4D3C1M4L

I found it moot and useless. If anyone can name a virus that affects OpenBSD off the top of their heads, congrats

Much the same with Linux. I've switched all XP machines to Xubuntu right now so I'm actually doing pretty good sans virus scanner

Diesel, Adore, VCT, VIT, Lion (linux), Ramen (linux)....hmmm...I cannot remember any more right now. It's 1.15AM, mind you.

True enough, Linux and especially OpenBSD are much (MUCH) better than any Windows version when it comes to online/virus security. That doesn't mean they are impossible to breach though, or else applications like the Vexira and F-Secure for Linux servers wouldn't have a reason to exist at all.

Tipstaff · May 16, 2007, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PangingJr

Tipstaff,
They do mention under its Product Description section that the "BitDefender 8 Free Edition is an on-demand virus scanner" -- http://www.bitdefender.com/PRODUCT-1...e-Edition.html

Yep.. Saw that... after the fact.

PangingJr · May 16, 2007, 09:49 AM

well, depend on how you look at it. there can be a lot of fact (and/or fiction) which can be generated by anyone, including the people of the software product themself, Tips.
and as it may well be that they never wanted to complete this software product with other people's product in the first place. i think, unless/unlike it's not there, since the particularly info (regarding the description of the software product) is there. so i think the rest is, everyone must take responsibility for themselves.

btw, i already voted the Yes, its absolutely vital for security.

caqde · May 17, 2007, 04:42 AM

Quote:

No, i recommend anyone looking for anti-virus, to just go and get the FREE AVG....

After seeing all the problems that crop up in my schools "open" machines that use Free AVG I wouldn't recommend that program to anyone. I put a 30day trial of Nod32 on those machines (because they had serious virus problems) and Nod32 found 15+ virus's that Free AVG missed altogether after I restarted the computer (a few after it started up and the rest after an update and a scan). I think I have done this 3 separate times on those computers. I don't know why they think Free AVG works for them after those computers continuously get infected. And this is a "Computer Technology" school I am going too......

I will admit though Free AVG is better than nothing, but it is definitely not the best or for that matter even in the running for best.

alibaba24 · May 21, 2007, 04:42 PM

I just don't need to use it, it just slows me down! Nowadays the worst problem is spyware/trojan/adware. The classic virus are getting lost, but they exist although. In my case I know when "someone" is abusing my cpu or mem or other. I think the firewall is more important than the anti-virus.

Fuzyhamster · Jun 5, 2007, 07:18 AM

I don't use an antivirus and have never had any problems. I DO have free AVG installed, but only to periodically check to make sure everything is OK, which it always has been. AntiVirus programs can use up a large amount of CPU and power and RAM and conflicts with programs aaaaaand I'd rather not deal with it. I haven't had any problems - 3 years and no viruses. ^_^

May 14, 2007, 07:08 AM	#32
OmegaRED Relapsed Gamer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Ottawa , Canada Posts: 5,626 Rep Power: 171 System Specs	There's simply no intelligent argument for "it's not needed and is a waste of money" because even simple web browsing and email usage will expose any PC to tons of viruses. Not surprisingly, only one person voted for that option (probably a MAC user ) __________________ E Penis Specs: <------------- See System Specs

May 14, 2007, 07:18 AM	#33
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,660 Rep Power: 187 System Specs	Not to hijack this thread, but I was just wondering what peoples opinions would be of the available anti-virus software out there? Specifically: 1) What is, in your opinion, the best in each category (Firewall and Anti-whatever)? 2) The ones you have chosen, how are they on resources? 3) What is the best "all around" program that covers everything? 4) If you like using individual products for specific jobs, what have you found to be the most effective combination of products? You don't have to answer all the questions, only the ones relevant to yourself... or none at all. Why the distinctions? I've pretty much tried every piece of AV software out there due to personal and professional needs, and I almost always find that very few are great at doing everything. Some are great in the AV department, but way to bloody paranoid in everything else (Kaspersky and PC-cillin for instance). Some are the opposite, where their AV is adequate, but their Firewall is better (such as McAfee). In my case I like adding my own personal touch to things, picking the best or the most effective products in each category, and mixing them together. 'Course, that means picking software that can coexist with others of it's kind. So, any opinions? __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick.

May 14, 2007, 07:41 AM	#35
OmegaRED Relapsed Gamer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Ottawa , Canada Posts: 5,626 Rep Power: 171 System Specs	I too have tried nearly all of the available antivirus packages, some which included internet security and others that were stand alone virus scanners. During that time I've had nothing but favourable things to say about each of them until the moment they failed me. Not that I always got infected, sometimes there would be a major feature lacking or the scanner would have problems with certain types of files those kinds of things. So far, Nod32 has met all my needs of being low cpu usage, realtime internet and local file scanning, and regularly scores high in testing. I've been using it for about a year and a half paired up with Sunbelts Kerio Personal Firewall and found them to make a good match. __________________ E Penis Specs: <------------- See System Specs

May 14, 2007, 07:52 AM	#36
caqde HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: US, IL Posts: 502 Rep Power: 64 System Specs	For antivirus software I use Nod32. It has continuously proven to be an effective anti-virus program and comes at a price I can afford. It is lightweight and easy on the memory. And software upgrades are FREE with your license. They are moving upto version 3.0 and from what I know my license will allow me to use the Standalone Antivirus version of 3.0 (They are making a firewall/antivirus software package that is currently in Beta ver 1a and very buggy.... at this moment). Nod32 2.7 has some Anti-spyware abilities and from what I know 3.0 should(will) be much better at it. So because of this and other reasons this is my best pick for an Anti-Virus program. For firewall well I really haven't done anything here so I decline to comment (not very knowledgeable in this area anyways..) __________________ AMD Phenom II X4 925 AM3/ Giga-byte MA790XT-UD4P XFX HD5770 1GB / 2x2GB of GSKILL DDR3 10666 8-8-8-23 Samsung SH-S182D DVD-RW drive / Sony Optiarc BD-5300S BD-RW drive Western Digital WD1501FASS(Primary)/Western Digital 15EADS(Secondary)/Western Digital 7500AACS(Secondary)/Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320gb(Secondary)/Western Digital 3200KS 16MB 7200rpm SATAII HD(Secondary) Antec TP-550 / CoolerMaster CMStacker Sound Blaster X-FI Titanium Fatal1ty Professional / Creative Inspire 6600 6.1 speakers Samsugn T200HD 20" LCD Monitor / Logitech Internet 350 Black Keyboard Logitech MX510 Mouse

May 14, 2007, 08:35 AM	#37
zaim HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Melbourne, AU Posts: 1,052 Rep Power: 40	www.avast.com best antivirus imo. __________________ زعيم MAIN PC(1)(2)(3):•Q9550•GAP35DS3P• 4GBCrucialPC2-8500BallistixTracerLED•XFX9800GTX•3x146GB CheetahSAS15K.5 Raid0•2x 1TB Raid1•LianLiA10B•2x22"5ms@3360x1050• BEDROOM HTPC(1)(2)(3):E6600•MSI945GM3-F•2048DDR2667•1TB•Samsung26"HDTV•HybridHDTV•5.1• Laptop:•Centrino2 P8400 1066fsb•4GB-DDR2 800•320GBSATA•DVDDL•15.4"WXGA•802.11a/b/g/n• WHServer:•AM2 5200+•2GB DDR2 800•Lots of TB Storage•1GB TCP/IP• www.zaimc.com // myspace/zaimc // zaimm.deviantart BLOG BLOG BLOG BLOG BLOG 16 x 92mm fan + radiator experiment!

May 14, 2007, 04:46 PM	#39
dipstick HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 3,609 Rep Power: 70 System Specs	Personally, I think you have to be nuts checking emails without an AV I have never seen viruses/trojans other than in some spam emails I get. I also do almost all my banking and bill payments online so I am a little on the cautious side. My security protection includes Kaspersky internet security, webroot spysweeper, and firefox with NoScript.

May 14, 2007, 05:04 PM	#40
GutterPunk I = Greatest Dood Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nebraska Posts: 5,949 Rep Power: 70	I check my hotmail, in which I don't open crap that I dont know or even question. __________________ Rock On \m/ Thank you Mousey for the Sig! --------------- Intel Core2Duo E6660 (3.4GHZ) ~ Tuniq Tower 120 ~ Enermax Galaxy 1000W ~ Corsair Dominator @ 1090MHZ 5-5-5-15 (OCZ XTC Modded Cooler)~ EVGA 8800GTX W/ HR-03 Plus 120MM ~ Asus DVD-RW LiteScribe ~ LG DVD-RW ~ Corsair Voyager 2GB ReadyBoost Drive ~ Vantec Nexus Fan Controller ~ ThermalTake Armor 25CM fan ~ Personal Finance Blog: Dent Your Debt

May 14, 2007, 10:38 PM	#42
Babalou HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 132 Rep Power: 0	always have! Guests use my pc at times, so its a valid precaution. Edit: I use Eset's NOD32, never had any problems with this one, and it has a good track record.

May 14, 2007, 10:52 PM	#43
zexx11 HardwareHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Lynchburg Va. Posts: 75 Rep Power: 53 System Specs	It`s a waste of time,money and a system leech.Occasionly for ***** and giggles I use a free online scanner.Here`s what I gain in performance:

May 15, 2007, 07:42 AM	#44
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,660 Rep Power: 187 System Specs	Well, today I've officially abandoned BitDefender 8 Free Edition. I've been installing this thing for the last month (based on recommendations) on every machine I sell for those that are not willing to pay for an AV software, and I never realized it until today: it has NO ACTIVE VIRUS SCANNER! My jaw nearly dropped when I saw that I couldn't activate the Active Virus Shield (never noticed it before), and then I read the side panel that says I have to either pay for the Standard or Professional Editions to get it. The only damn thing this is good for is as a scanning tool. That's it. Total waste of time. BitDefender, you bloody well need to put it on your site that BitDefender Free has no active scanning. Even though you don't list as being in there almost everyone is going to assume it's there, because it's in almost every scanning software out there, and if it's not, IT'S LISTED AS NOT BEING IN THERE!! Sooo... suffice it to say I'm going back to using Avast! for the people that have no problem registering for their free 1 year license, and AVG Free for all the rest. __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick.

May 15, 2007, 03:07 PM	#48
PangingJr Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,989 Rep Power: 69	Tipstaff, They do mention under its Product Description section that the "BitDefender 8 Free Edition is an on-demand virus scanner" -- http://www.bitdefender.com/PRODUCT-1...e-Edition.html

May 15, 2007, 03:14 PM	#49
RoyBatty HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 1,930 Rep Power: 115 System Specs	Anyone tried Active Virus Shield? It's based on Kaspersky AV and it's free: http://www.activevirusshield.com I have heard only good things about it.

May 15, 2007, 07:42 PM	Thread Starter #52
cozumel I'm dangerous but cute... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Under the waves... Posts: 3,577 Rep Power: 58 System Specs	Judas: How do you know that your backups are not infected? A free AV program with a small footprint surely wouldn't have a noticeable negative effect on your rig. IMO Having no protection at all could potentially harm you and your friends. __________________ Don't worry about money - Be a beach bum! Scuba Rocks

May 15, 2007, 09:43 PM	#54
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	I found it moot and useless. If anyone can name a virus that affects OpenBSD off the top of their heads, congrats Much the same with Linux. I've switched all XP machines to Xubuntu right now so I'm actually doing pretty good sans virus scanner

May 16, 2007, 09:49 AM	#57
PangingJr Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,989 Rep Power: 69	well, depend on how you look at it. there can be a lot of fact (and/or fiction) which can be generated by anyone, including the people of the software product themself, Tips. and as it may well be that they never wanted to complete this software product with other people's product in the first place. i think, unless/unlike it's not there, since the particularly info (regarding the description of the software product) is there. so i think the rest is, everyone must take responsibility for themselves. btw, i already voted the Yes, its absolutely vital for security.

May 21, 2007, 04:42 PM	#59
alibaba24 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	I don't I just don't need to use it, it just slows me down! Nowadays the worst problem is spyware/trojan/adware. The classic virus are getting lost, but they exist although. In my case I know when "someone" is abusing my cpu or mem or other. I think the firewall is more important than the anti-virus.

Jun 5, 2007, 07:18 AM	#60
Fuzyhamster DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: California Posts: 6 Rep Power: 0	I don't use an antivirus and have never had any problems. I DO have free AVG installed, but only to periodically check to make sure everything is OK, which it always has been. AntiVirus programs can use up a large amount of CPU and power and RAM and conflicts with programs aaaaaand I'd rather not deal with it. I haven't had any problems - 3 years and no viruses. ^_^