Computer Security

Kurtis

Kurtis

Active Member
Hi there, as some of you know I got a new laptop a few days ago and I was wondering what a good anti virus program is, free or paid (preferably free). I'm running Windows 8 so it has to work on that. I had a business level Symantec anti virus but I think it's finally dead (it won't update anymore), so I need a good replacement. I have Windows Defender but I don't know how good it is, and I would like to run something else to go along with it to try and detect more threats.
 
You can try security esentials from microsoft. Its free Get it at microsoft.com under security tab
 
I'm using windows defender (In-built anti-virus on windows 8) due to Avast creating BSOD's so it's all I can recommend.
 
I turn off User Account Control and don't use an Anti-Virus on a regular basis. The closest thing I have to one is Adblock. I have never gotten a virus.

I would recommend Avast, but apparently it has problems with Windows 8, so I haven't even tried it yet. I have used AVG in the past. It works, but it always tells you to buy a bunch of extra crap that's not even useful.

Just don't screw around on the internet. It's actually pretty hard to get a virus unless there's an exploit in an ad (that's where adblock comes in) or something like that. If you're downloading game cracks, it's probably a Trojan. If you're downloading porn, why don't you just stream it online? And if you're pirating games, movies, tv shows, etc., don't be, pay for Netflix and take advantage of Steam sales.

So as long as you:
-Have Adblock running
-Don't open emails that seem fishy and just recycle them
-Do not download porn
-Only download no-cd cracks and whatnot from trusted sources (no trainers, that's lame)
-Pay for things and don't steal them
You should be fine.

If Avast gets fixed then use that, if not, Bitdefender I guess.

Also, inb4nortonbecauseitcostsalotsoitmustbegood.
 
I use MSE and haven't had a problem yet. Just never get Norton. Useless program that derps with stuff half the time x_x Had it before and it fucked everything up. :c Maybe it's just me but a lot of people I know don't like it.
 
It's all very well and good to say "Just be smart enough and you won't get a virus,"
But most people aren't smart.
I'm not smart.

This is what I'd say:

> AVG - gives constant protection and is reasonably good. In the past, it has interfered with Steam but eh.
> Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - quite powerful, but I think you can only get it on a 90-day trial.
> ClamWin Antivirus - fucking powerful. It only runs scans. You point it at a drive, give it 6 hours, and it will find stuff.
 
If you want to do your own homework, the website below is a good place to start.

I tried bit defender, and I loved it so much I actually paid for it. I was using ESET before that, but bit defender is something that stays updated, and more importantly, stays out of my way. In the end, it really depends on what you are willing to pay and how safe your normal usage is.

http://www.av-test.org/en/tests/home-user/windows-8/janfeb-2013/
 
I would suggest AVG. It can get a little annoying with the asking you to download extra crap, but for a free program you can't get much better.
 
wow kinda interesting to see everything being said here... I personally have used avast and avg both work well but are just that, ok, I highly recommend getting rid of microsoft destroyer (defender) unless you want an IT pro to ask you if you have an ID10t error. Malware bytes is a must for any windows PC, ad block works wonders, esp since ads are extremely malicious. Now onto your question about anti virus... I`d highly recommed to everyone an up and coming anti virus known as panda cloud. I`ve had some great results with it, even catching things that the A`s (avast and AVG) missed...

To sum it up for you:
1)Anti-virus: Panda Cloud (it`s free)
2)Anti-malware: Malware Bytes and Ad Block

All free all, to my knowledge work in conjunction.

That`s my 2 cents
 
I use malwarebytes anti-malware, but theres also avast and spybot. all of which are free and work very well.
 
JMAL77 said:
wow kinda interesting to see everything being said here... I personally have used avast and avg both work well but are just that, ok, I highly recommend getting rid of microsoft destroyer (defender) unless you want an IT pro to ask you if you have an ID10t error. Malware bytes is a must for any windows PC, ad block works wonders, esp since ads are extremely malicious. Now onto your question about anti virus... I`d highly recommed to everyone an up and coming anti virus known as panda cloud. I`ve had some great results with it, even catching things that the A`s (avast and AVG) missed...

To sum it up for you:
1)Anti-virus: Panda Cloud (it`s free)
2)Anti-malware: Malware Bytes and Ad Block

All free all, to my knowledge work in conjunction.

That`s my 2 cents
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......my OCD is screaming at you for using ` instead of '.
 
Thanks for all the tips. I'm going to do a bit of hunting around to see what can protect me the best. I'm mostly going for protection from pop up ads (the ones Chrome can't block), and download viruses from software/movies/music.
 
Kurtis said:
Thanks for all the tips. I'm going to do a bit of hunting around to see what can protect me the best. I'm mostly going for protection from pop up ads (the ones Chrome can't block), and download viruses from software/movies/music.
Click to expand...
Purchase your software, movies, and music. I know you're probably a broke student, but they really aren't that expensive. And all the best stuff is free (but so is the worst, so watch out :p). Anyway, downloading from a known and respected source is your best bet. I prefer to either purchase from the creator's website, or through a reputable company that the creator has given permissions to handle the transactions.
 
TheGurw said:
Purchase your software, movies, and music. I know you're probably a broke student, but they really aren't that expensive.
Click to expand...
That's exactly why I download some stuff instead of buying everything. I would just stream but I don't know any good streaming sites for movies and tv in Canada.
 
Kurtis said:
That's exactly why I download some stuff instead of buying everything. I would just stream but I don't know any good streaming sites for movies and tv in Canada.
Click to expand...

Get a VPN and use the US Netflix service or Hulu Plus. I'm in Canada and that's what I do.
 
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