I use a combination of two free programs for protection: Avast (http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download) and Windows Defender (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=435bfce7-da2b-4a6a-afa4-f7f14e605a0d), and I've never had any problems with viruses or spyware or whatever, for what it's worth.
(Windows Defender might even already be on your computer - it comes standard on many Windows computers. Whether it's actually turned on or not is another question. But if you just search your computer for "defender", you'll find out both answers pretty quickly.)
First, it doesn't catch 'em all, so it fails the Pokemon test HARD.
Second, it's installed on almost every single new PC, bundled with a free download software (Shockwave Flash installer, f'r example), basically it's all over the place. That means hackers target it, so its potential security flaws are examined much more closely by Bad People (tm) than those of other anti-virus software.
On the other hand, AVG used to be good 5 years ago but it's turned into a bit of a bloaty system killer lately.
My advice: Windows Security Essentials. It's free, lightweight, and surprisingly bloody good. Does what it needs to do, stays out of your face.
Nice! I remember Windows Defender from when I was much, much younger, back in the dial-up days, and when Netscape (OMG REMEMBER NETSCAPE?!?!) crashed, a little message would appear with a knight and a shield and it used to freak me out. At least, I *think* that was Windows Defender. XD
Anyway, thank you very much for your input! It's very much appreciated. :)
no subject
Date: 2011-06-09 11:04 pm (UTC)(Windows Defender might even already be on your computer - it comes standard on many Windows computers. Whether it's actually turned on or not is another question. But if you just search your computer for "defender", you'll find out both answers pretty quickly.)
no subject
Date: 2011-06-10 12:18 pm (UTC)First, it doesn't catch 'em all, so it fails the Pokemon test HARD.
Second, it's installed on almost every single new PC, bundled with a free download software (Shockwave Flash installer, f'r example), basically it's all over the place. That means hackers target it, so its potential security flaws are examined much more closely by Bad People (tm) than those of other anti-virus software.
On the other hand, AVG used to be good 5 years ago but it's turned into a bit of a bloaty system killer lately.
My advice: Windows Security Essentials. It's free, lightweight, and surprisingly bloody good. Does what it needs to do, stays out of your face.
no subject
Date: 2011-06-10 04:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-06-10 09:13 pm (UTC)Anyway, thank you very much for your input! It's very much appreciated. :)
no subject
Date: 2011-06-10 09:14 pm (UTC)First, it doesn't catch 'em all, so it fails the Pokemon test HARD.
...so its potential security flaws are examined much more closely by Bad People (tm) than those of other anti-virus software.
Hahaha! Rock on, Alistair! ;)
no subject
Date: 2011-06-10 09:15 pm (UTC)