virus scan

[Jolly Roger]

I just got a new lap top and I don't want to pay for that norton crap. So does anybody know where I can download a good free virus scan program? By good I mean it should update itself.

[Scooter77]

I use avast anti virus...I like it better than norton. It gets the job done, though it dont update itself, It does inform you when its out of date and you simply hit the update button when it does that.

[84honda200s]

avg is free and a decent one too.

[ATC-Eric]

Yep. Search free avg anti-virus, and free avg spyware. You should Download it off www.download.com .


Free, good, with updates.

[350Xhilaration]

Get Blink from eEye security. eEye is a leader in the security field.

It is not definitions based. It is heuristic based. It protects your system based on what and how programs are trying to modify different settings of your system, not based on a set of signatures that can get outdated (as you eluded to with wanting something that will auto update). It has Antivirus/Antispyware/Personal Firewall/Antiphishing/Identity Theft protection.

http://www.eeye.com/html/consumer/pr...ink/index.html

You have to register and you can download it for free. After 1 year, you can renew for $29.

If you're considering any of the above mentioned AV products, familiarize yourself with what is out there. Remember, most times "You get what you pay for". Lots of good information on this site. READ. Lots can be gibberish, but if you're really concerned, you need to educate yourself. Just like riding and working on these trikes. You need to read about them if you don't know about them. Good Luck!!

http://www.av-comparatives.org/

And yes Blink is free for 1 year...They're trying to get folks away from using signature based solutions and move them toward heuristics.

[350Xhilaration]

In addition, if you have a file that you suspect to be malicious, you can upload it to www.virustotal.com and they'll analyze it within seconds/minutes and show results in the web browser.

[atctim]

I agree with mentioned above - AVG FREE version is all you'll need. It is great - have been using it for years with no problems ever.

[LonesomeTriZ]

I have been having trouble with my computer. I am so glad you all posted this information. The Mcaffee crap I have does not do a damn thing.

[350Xhilaration]

I agree with mentioned above - AVG FREE version is all you'll need. It is great - have been using it for years with no problems ever.

Are you sure there are no problems? Maybe it just doesn't let you know there are problems because it doesn't know there are problems.

Gives a great sense of false security when your AV doesn't report any issues.

I'm not a big fan of AVG. I've cleaned some rootkits and backdoors off systems that were running AVG Free "With no problems". The rootkits and backdoors were malicious, but not noticeable to the user (by design), ie. no popups, or slow systems. Ports were open and were "calling home". Try Blacklight from F-Secure or RootkitRevealer from sysinternals to look for any rootkits (most likely do not have any, but not a bad idea to check periodically if you don't keep a close eye on your system)

No bash on you Tim, but you may want to check out some other AV products and also see what processes are running use process explorer from sysinternals (now owned by MS) and what ports are open on your system using netstat (windows command) or third party programs like tcpview, also from sysinternals.

[atctim]

Are you sure there are no problems? Maybe it just doesn't let you know there are problems because it doesn't know there are problems.

Gives a great sense of false security when your AV doesn't report any issues.

I'm not a big fan of AVG. I've cleaned some rootkits and backdoors off systems that were running AVG Free "With no problems". The rootkits and backdoors were malicious, but not noticeable to the user (by design), ie. no popups, or slow systems. Ports were open and were "calling home". Try Blacklight from F-Secure or RootkitRevealer from sysinternals to look for any rootkits (most likely do not have any, but not a bad idea to check periodically if you don't keep a close eye on your system)

No bash on you Tim, but you may want to check out some other AV products and also see what processes are running use process explorer from sysinternals (now owned by MS) and what ports are open on your system using netstat (windows command) or third party programs like tcpview, also from sysinternals.

I run process explorer all the time to check for malicious / suspicious software running in the background and have yet to see a problem (ie - any malicious or unusual - undetected - unidentifiable software)- as mentioned I run this on my 3 PCs and all the PCs here at work (approx 9 PCs for the past 4 years). I guess I should mention - I also run the free Zone Alarm Firewall as well. I am not saying it is a flawless perfect AV - but for being free - I don't think you can beat it with a stick. You never have to renew it - subscriptions never run out - and it only requires big upgrades every few years.

Who knows - maybe I'll get infected today???????? I see your point - but looking at Pros VS Cons - you can;t argue with my good fortune with AVG FREE (V7.5 now)

(NOTE _ I obviously run a high quality pay version of software on our servers)

***EDIT*** I always install this on customers PCs and they do sometimes get viruses - however - you have to remember - an AV product is only as good as it's operator. If you allow software such as limewire or kazaa on your PC - you are likely to get viruses no matter what AV you are running - now wrap that all up with someone who never gets windows or AV updates - and you are headed for a PC virus meltdown. User education is probably one of the best ways to keep viruses / spyware off your computer. Click happy people that really want that free 42 inch plasma TV promised to them inthe ad banner will get viruses / spyware regardless of their AV software. When your AV asks you are you sure and you say yes anyway - you are overriding the AV and just opening the door (port) for whatever may and will come on in to your PC and make itself at home.

[350Xhilaration]

Users will always be the weakest link in security.

That's kind of why I'm throwing in some information to help educate some of the guys here. Won't help a bit if folks don't take the time to read and learn.

Sorry if I may have over explained some stuff, but a one liner of "AVG Free has worked for me for years" didn't quite paint the whole picture of what you know.

The more info the better (unless it's crap info)

Have you tried Blink yet? Works really well. Have to dig around a bit on their website to get to the free personal version (at least you had to a while ago). They want to sell the Pro edition.

[atctim]

I'll have to check it out. Got a new laptop - so maybe we'll try it out as soon as I get the "Norton - Moron Edition" un-installed.

[LonesomeTriZ]

If I want to go out and buy protetion for my computer what should I look for?

[mark38090]

I have been having trouble with my computer. I am so glad you all posted this information. The Mcaffee crap I have does not do a damn thing.

You can go to www.pcpitstop.com and run a total system check for free. Works great!

[Eric250R]

Great thread, very helpful. My question is, will Blink or AVG work with Vista ? I know I would have to turn my firewall and security settings off, anything else I would need to know?
Also, is there anywhere I can download a really good dvd and cd burning software for free ? Thanks