Free and Paid Antivirus - Which one to choose?

[ubergeek]

microsoft security essentials is the way to go

 

[RS4]

Go for avira antivir 10, i am using avira from last two years, it doesnt put any load on the system, provides very good protection and is available for free. here is the link:

Free antivirus - Avira AntiVir

 

[mrcool63]

I would recommend bitdefender or nod32 over free avast or avg. Avg is a major resource hogger.
Nod32 is the lightest on the system. Antispyware is slightly weak though.
Bitdefender is good overall.
Norton IS is great also. Best overall security out there.

 

[Mechanic]

How is Comodo Internet Security Suit?

Firewall & Antivirus Software Suite - Internet Security | Comodo

It has Antivirus, Firewall,Antimalware(Defense+) all rolled in one

Features

Antivirus, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Rootkit & Bot protection

Defends your PC from Internet attacks

Detects and eliminates viruses

Prevents malware from being installed

Auto Sandbox Technologyâ„¢

Easy to install, configure and use

Free to both business and home users

In short it has Antivirus, Firewall, Antimalware , all rolled in one package of 50MB!!

Unlike the stripped down versions of commercial software that other software vendors offer for free, this is the full, completely functional version of the product.

Users can upgrade to Comodo Internet Security Pro 2011 for just $49 per year and receive two additional services—LivePCSupport—a 24 hour per day, unlimited incident support services package which usually markets for $49.99 per year and TrustConnect - a secure Internet proxy service that ensures 128 bit encrypted connectivity from any public wireless hot-spot.

^^That is quite reassuring to hear

otherwise you can try this combo:

Avira Antivir Personal

Comodo Firewall(turn off Defense+)

Malwarebytes anti Malware

and maybe McAfee Avert Stinger(optional)

 

[GuruGulabKhatri]

Avira Gave Me No triouble For The last 3 years

However Incase of Severe Virus Infection,Avira Would Not help

Use Norton 90day Trial (No Other AV hlps this Much) ,Update and Clean,uninstall and Install avira again

 

[HoliC]

ESET EYES CLOSED.

You can either go for..

ESET Nod32 + free COMODO firewall..

or

ESET Smart Security.. which is all in one..

 

[nihit]

+1 for ESET Smart Security.. using for over 3yrs now.. no prob ever

 

[harishgayatri]

KIS or Norton Internet Security 2011 for PAID

Ms security essentials+ COMODO firewall or Avira + COMODO Firewall for Free

 

[falcon]

Microsoft Security Essentials its good

 

[thegame]

+1 for Norton Internet Security for paid antivirus..

I have NIS 2011 beta running and it has a trial period of 120 days, currently 81 days to go...

 

[Samkong]

Avira is good but auto update sucks... Avast free edition whether it's 4 or 5 update does the job like anything even on GPRS connection!

 

[devilinearth]

I work for McAfee.If you are going for a paid one then go for Kaspersky Pure or else go for Comodo Internet Security

 

[vishalk]

Hi,

There is nothing such as a good antivirus or a bad antivirus. It all depends on which one keeps u secure, primarily depending upon ur usage and activities u do on ur pc. I would say that avast is as good as kaspersky or for that matter mcafee is as good as ESET.

In my opinion, the best antivirus would be the one that uses the least resources, does its job and is user friendly.

However, to the question here, weather to go for a free or a paid solution. Well again, it doesnt really matter, if u got free or paid, an av should do its job is that what matters.

So, if i were to make a choice, i would walk with ESET smart security, my reasoning, it is lite on resources, does it job well and is always accurate, a complete solution for ur pc as it comprises of antivurus, antispam, antimalware and a firewall.

I am glad to be using it, no matter even if it is paid, but it keeps me well protected, what matters at the end of the day.

 

[Mechanic]

if someone wants an paid antivirus

then GData AVK must be a choice

their detection levels are way better than any other(99.8% threats)

and it doesn't cost the earth either, unlike Symantec products

 

[Amaresh]

I've been running KIS 11 on a netbook and it doesn't seem to be too heavy on resources. I prefer sticking with KIS since I've been using it for a while now.

 

[HoliC]

^^y0u should try eset then.. its more lighter...

The effects of AV hogging your resources will be seen only when you use heavy programs..

At idle even 512mb ram is good enough for any AV.

 

[hayabusa_ryu]

I vote for KIS 2011 in paid category. Some 2 years back in the search for a nearly perfect AV, me and one of my friend used Avira,KIS, AVG, Avast, Norton, MSE and nod32. But I find KIS to be best among these, since then I am using it. I don't have courage to format my 4 OS and 2tb HDD just for checking a new AV. I will only use other AV if it's equal or better than KIS. But also I was surprised by the lightweight of NOD32 on system resources.

 

[raksrules]

How is etrust ?

The company where i work has it installed on all machines.

 

[CA50]

Eset Nod is good but it is paid, for free avast is better

 

[Surve.p]

Hi,
need some advice on anti-virus softwares that I can load on my lappy/desktop. I have a free trial version of McAfee for a while now.
What about Microsoft security essentials as a stand alone virus protection software for my PC? Is it as good as a McAfee, or a norton?
Also, I hear if you have Windows 7 or Windows 7 starter (netbbok), you automatically get MSSE. Is this true? Or do I have to download MSSE from the MS website even though I've got licensed copies of Windows 7 or Windows 7 starter ?
Thanks