What Is the Best Virus Scan Around?

[Sunriseticklee]

After getting the MSBlaster virus... (fun times), I've decided that I most definitely need to invest in an effective set of anti-virus software.

There are so many to choose from. And of course the price ranges are different (I tend to lean toward the free stuff 😛 ).

My question is, what anti-virus software do you use.
How effective do you think it is?
Is their anything else you use with your software that makes your computer safe? (Firewall brand, pop up blocker, etc.)
And how much did it cost (if you can remember)?

Thank you very much for your help.

Sunrise

 

[TklDuo-Ann]

All programs have their pros and cons. So, you're likely to get mixed views here.

The best overall protection, in my opinion, is Norton Internet Security. It gives you the antivirus, a good firewall, an ad blocker, parental controls and cookie control. With the way things are any more, just getting an antivirus isn't enough. The only thing I would advise is to make sure (whatever you get) that you DON'T simply install and leave it on default settings. Read the booklet that comes with it and tighten things up. Of course, you'll also want to be sure to keep it updated as well. They have a built in weekly updater to keep your virus definitions current and you can sign up for e-mail alerts on new threats when you register.

If you go with Norton and want a little help with the settings, feel free to give me a yell. After getting hacked twice last year, we've now learned a LOT about keeping things secure. We have everything locked down so tight now that we have to open ports before playing songs online, etc. Then, we reclose them when we're done. Nothing comes or goes without our knowledge and consent...which also nukes any spyware functions that are inserted in nearly every program you run on a computer anymore.

Ann

 

[kurchatovium]

I use Mcafee VirusScan, of course I still had trouble with MSBlaster but that was mainly due to not updating my microsoft windows with the latest security patch. I think Mcafee stopped the worm from doing too much damage so I recovered all my files and have been virus free.

The other thing is Mcafee or Norton I think are both good but don't forget the best virus protection is common sense. Don't open files from people you don't know. Update windows with the latest security patches. Etc. In my humble opinion using common sense is almost as important as getting good protection from virus scanners and firewalls, especially these days where hackers are getting tricky in finding ways around these programs

I hope Sunrise that you didn't lose too many files and that everything is OK.😀 😀

 

[R. Davis]

I'm using Norton Systemworks. Seems to work pretty well.

 

[Texas_Tickle]

I, personally, have been using Norton for a number of years. I find them to be more robust than McAfee and I think the quality of their products and line of products is better.

But that's just my personal opinion.

 

[t s s]

i use norton a/v 2003,it blocks viruses getting in and,if any do slip through,it also scans any mails you send to stop them spreading.make sure your e-mail settings are secure too sunrise,o.e.6. has settings to stop mail opening or being saved if the attachment might be a virus,close the preview pane too.zonelabs zonealarm seems very secure in tests,it`s free too for the no frills version,and a good adware scanner to kill spyware and dialler programmes(very nasty,sneaky programmes that hijack your machine and run up your phone bill via premium cost calls)that might find there way onto your machine is ad-aware version 6,it`s also free and updatable.🙂

 

[JPie1]

I have used Norton Anti Virus for years, always update my virus definitions as well as any Microsoft updates for security leaks. I have my E-Mail scanned going in and going out. I also have a router which helps as well. I so far have been pretty lucky to keep my personal PC in good shape. I work in IT and I am very aware of what can be done out there. The common message here is to be vigilant in keeping everything up to date and to not open mail from people you don't know and believe it or not you still must be careful of attachments from people you do know, you never know when those friends have been lacking in the virus checks!

 

[P50]

Found this page...

http://www.hackfix.org/software/antivirus.html


It lists seventeen antivirus programs.

I counted five freeware apps.

Looks like a pretty good site

 

[Soda83pop]

Hate to sound like a broken record...

...Norton, Norton, Norton. But also as mentioned, if the Windows Updates arent done properly and common sense isnt used, it really doesnt matter what kind of AV software you use.

 

[Sunriseticklee]

Thank you very much to those who replied.

I decided to be a cheapy and download one of the free virus scans. 😛

Sunrise


PS... I have no idea whether or not any of my files are missing.😕