Can anyone recommend a good FREE virus protection software?
For Windows, Microsofts own Security Essentials.
Works as well as most A/V's with little resource hassles.
Thanks mate
I've been using this one since Norton completely pissed me off:
http://www.avast.com/en-au/index
You get plenty of invites to upgrade to a paid subscription and you need to be carefull to uncheck some pre-filled boxes if you don't want Google Chrome installed on your computer.
That was 5 years ago and since then I'm virus free without paying a penny. :idea:
Edit: I haven't tried Microsofts own Security Essentials.
Fordprefect do i need 32 bit or 64?
Quote from: 'Fordprefect' pid='25295' dateline='1376729021'For Windows, Microsofts own Security Essentials.
And for everything else... Umm, what's a
virus?
Sorry Mark, I just had to. ;)
Quote from: 'enworb' pid='25299' dateline='1376730161'Fordprefect do i need 32 bit or 64?
Depends on Operating System :angel:
32 bit wouldnt work. Says i need 64 whatever that means lol
I use the windows virus upgrades and still have "Issues" time to time.
I ran Linux on one of my desktops for quite a while and had NO issues whatsoever.
I however use the windows platform because it is what I am used to and it is what comes pre-installed on the new laptops I buy.
I use laptops because I am away from home 9 months of the year and take my system with me.
Try doing that with a tower, keyboard , Mouse and screen :angel:
What IS interesting is that a large percentage of Servers use Linux because it is secure and also FREE :ok:
It will work on any system as well :good:
Quote from: 'trout' pid='25305' dateline='1376730449'What IS interesting is that a large percentage of Servers use Linux because it is secure and also FREE
Linux has also made vast advances in end-user usability in recent times. I know a number of elderly folk who were handed Ubuntu laptops and had no issue whatsoever with them, regardless of previous experience
(or lack thereof). Its still nowhere near OSX in user interface and tight hardware integration, but vastly superior to that awful Win8 crap they're pushing now.
And
(just to stay on-topic) its virus-free.
Quote from: 'enworb' pid='25304' dateline='1376730431'32 bit wouldnt work. Says i need 64 whatever that means lol
Sounds like you have either Win7 or Win8
as your main operating system.
Most installs of either, these days are 64bit.
When first introduced Win7 was 32bit or 64bit
with most home installs being 32bit.
Just grab the the 64bit from MS
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/security-essentials-download
Quote32 bit wouldnt work. Says i need 64 whatever that means lol
64 bit will ONLY work on dual or multi core cpu's :ok:
I'm with Bob and use Avast! As he indicated it will often ask if you want to upgrade to the pay version (or install Google Chrome), but the free version has kept all 5 PCs in this house safe for years. Their virus definition updates are very regular.
Ive gone and downloaded the microsoft one. If it doesnt work out then i'll try the Avast. I already use google chrome so should be much of an issue.
Quote from: 'trout' pid='25315' dateline='1376731819'64 bit will ONLY work on dual or multi core cpu's :ok:
Technically speaking 64 bit will only work on a 64 bit Operating System.
You can run windows 7 on a single core CPU - but it is very hard to find a single core CPU these days.
Windows 7 can be installed as either 32 bit or 64 bit - but generally it is always installed as 64 bit.
Many years ago, before there was a 64 bit OS from Microsoft, there was a story that explained the difference in the bits. It goes something like this:
QuoteWindows is a 32 bit extension and a graphical shell for a 16 bit patch to an 8 bit operating system originally coded for a 4 bit microprossessor, written by a 2 bit company that can't stand 1 bit of competition.
Thank you Wavy!!!! :laugh2: :laugh2: Hilarious!
:scratch_one-s_head: is that a commodore 64..I'm lost :)
I have had 3 now, started with AVG then avast and now micro..the computer dude just sets up the freebies for me and new one's when they run out
My Trend Micro "Titanium Internet Security" subscription expires in four weeks. For some time they have been annoying me with emails and pop ups telling me to renew. Click the link they provide and that goes to their on-line shop for only the highest version with all the extra bells and whistles -and no way to to select the more basic, cheaper version.
A squiz at their US on-line shop shows some interesting differences in pricing;
•3 PCs, 12 month (AU$79.95 AU$99.95) save $20.00
•As a special offer to help you stay protected, from now until October 18th you can get 2 years of Trend Micro Titanium Premium Security 2014 for the price of 1 when you renew and upgrade through the Trend Micro Australia online store. 1 year is AU$129.90 and 2 years is AU$169.80 ("after $50 cashback")! Half price NOT. That is half of the supposed "normal price".
•Trend Micro™ Titanium™ Maximum Security US$89.95 $US49.95 (about AU$53.50) 1 year 3PCs or US$139.95 US$79.95 (AU$83.90) two years.
•Titanium Premium Security - 1 year SAVE $25.00 US$74.95 (AU$78.65) Double Your Savings with a 2-year subscription. Only US$119.95 (125.90).
I get the impression they are treating Australian customers as idiots and am inclined to go elsewhere.
Possibilities;
•Buy in US at cheaper price. This is only possible with a US address (that I have access to). Needs to be repurchased each year as they pick up -presumably from your IP number- that you are in Australia and direct you to the Australian shop for renewal.
•Use Microsoft Security Essentials. I may be too cynical; I presume a freebie from Microsoft would not really be worth more than the price.
•Use Avast.
•Something else?
Your thoughts and suggestions please.
Feedback on the two free antivirus programs I mentioned would be appreciated.
Incidentally, even with my AV settings at daily upgrade check and scan, Trend allowed two viruses to slip through in the last 12 months. Both simply removed with Malwarebytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org/) which is free.
While I'm at it I also recommend highly CCleaner (http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner).
And, Fulvio, no need to respond. I already know what you will say.
Jeff
Hi Jeff
Having been in IT since 1978 (until last year) I hope my opinion will count for something. I personally use Avast (the free version) and have no hesitation recommending it.
There is the extra protection the pay version offers, but I don't feel I need it.
Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='31177' dateline='1381891875'•Use Microsoft Security Essentials. I may be too cynical; I presume a freebie from Microsoft would not really be worth more than the price.
•Use Avast.
•Something else?
Your thoughts and suggestions please.
Feedback on the two free antivirus programs I mentioned would be appreciated.
Incidentally, even with my AV settings at daily upgrade check and scan, Trend allowed two viruses to slip through in the last 12 months. Both simply removed with Malwarebytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org/) which is free.
While I'm at it I also recommend highly CCleaner (http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner).
And, Fulvio, no need to respond. I already know what you will say.
Jeff
The freebie MS works every bit as good as any of the others
whether paid for or free.
Avast was fine, replaced it with MS.
+1 Malwarebytes :yahoo:
+1 CCleaner, just watch what you clean :idea:
I also have Superantispyware (http://www.superantispyware.com/). on hand. :angel:
Avg has served me well over the years. I also use cc cleaner and malwarebytes.
Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='31177' dateline='1381891875'And, Fulvio, no need to respond. I already know what you will say.
Hehehe... I'll just sit back smugly reflecting on all the money and heartache my choice of superior technology has afforded me over many years, ok? :angel:
Quote from: 'Fulvio' pid='31218' dateline='1381921055'Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='31177' dateline='1381891875'And, Fulvio, no need to respond. I already know what you will say.
Hehehe... I'll just sit back smugly reflecting on all the money and heartache my choice of superior technology has afforded me over many years, ok? :angel:
Unix/ Linux is there a difference , except for cost :diablo:
Quote from: 'trout' pid='31231' dateline='1381923618'Unix/ Linux is there a difference , except for cost :diablo:
Linux is an implementation of Unix. There are others. OSX is built on BSD Unix.
I have used AVG for years and years and have had exactly zero issues with virii or malware in that time. The most annoying thing about it (that they've now fixed) was it's extremely annoying habit of downloading and installing updates and then rebooting your PC without requiring confirmation.
Quote from: 'markn' pid='31246' dateline='1381963686'I have used AVG for years and years and have had exactly zero issues with virii or malware in that time. The most annoying thing about it (that they've now fixed) was it's extremely annoying habit of downloading and installing updates and then rebooting your PC without requiring confirmation.
I've used AVG for many years and it's been great.It seems to catch everything but It's never installed updates and rebooted my computer although I only use the free version
Quote from: 'stevo1962' pid='31247' dateline='1381964096'I've used AVG for many years and it's been great.It seems to catch everything but It's never installed updates and rebooted my computer although I only use the free version
So do I. Perhaps you had some setting switched off. I almost never reboot my PC and there was nothing more annoying than coming home finding the PC sitting there at the login prompt andmy (thousands) of windows all closed.