The best Anti Virus software?

[BlackSampleAdmin]

hi. as we all can see viruses get stronger and more stabler everyday. but they also have a resistible way (Anti virus) but just like every other program the software(s) may not work properly or cant protect from a specific virus. thats why there are specific programs for specific jobs for protecting the computer. first of all lets just know that a virus is built by human of course. but why? the answer is to destroy someone. now i did not say someone has a grudge on you. but one person may had one on another person so they become enemies and they ruin each other with viruses to destroy the info they have. the leftovers of the virus go up online get mixed with other computers and walla an epidemic virus! so whats the best anti virus you ever used? and whats the best in the world? i use NOD32.

[Vagrant0]

The best antivirus software is somewhere in that gooey mess between your ears. It's that bit of knowledge that tells you not to click random links, not to download random files, and to always backup anything important for when something does inevitably happen. Software which resides on a computer is primarily there just to catch most of those bits that aren't caught by the first. That said, a layered defense and using multiple programs is usually best when it comes to that second line.

 

Your first layer should be an updated OS, updated browser, and some plugins to block hostile scripts and cookies. This is pretty much free just for having a legal copy of a given OS and for spending the time downloading it.

 

Your second layer should be one or more robust on-demand scanners which are also regularly updated which can be used in situations where you think that something has somehow passed beyond both your first defense (your brain) and the first layer of the second defense. For this reason, software which has a good heuristic scanner is a good idea even if it pulls up false positives from time to time. This serves primarily as your panic button which can be used to catch things before they do any real damage. MalwareBytes, Avast Free are good for this purpose. The limitation however is that this sort of thing only works when you actually run it, so regular scans are encouraged.

 

For a third layer, you want something which has decent background scanning capabilities which, while it might occasionally miss something, helps shore up the gaps between the limitations of the two earlier layers. This is actually where your typical "all around protection monstrosity" belongs rather than being a first line. The reason for this is because big name software, like Norton, McAffee, Kaspersky, Comodo, ect often has viruses or other malicious code written specifically to get around the notice of these softwares. These softwares are still useful for common threats, but only as long as they are updated and as long as the company keeps up on all the latest threats. This caveat is important since Norton and McAffee, while being among the most common anti-virus package out there (to be exploited) are also quite a bit slower in reacting to threats and releasing updates. While this may not be of an issue for your standard user, for those who tend to dwell in "trendy spaces" where there are many computer illiterate users to prey upon, it can pose a problem. But even Kaspersky and Comodo drop the ball from time to time (like that facebook exploit awhile back). All that aside, this kind of software is still useful in detecting common bugs and for providing background protection through application control/scanning, software firewalls, connection scanning, and other nifty things that can usually tip you off to when you are being attacked. The point however is that this sort of package software should not be treated as a sole means of defense or even your first... It is just there to catch anything which might have otherwise slipped through the cracks.

 

You can add to this with:

-An additional hardware firewall on your router. Extra software firewalls in addition to what is through your "all around protection monstrosity" usually ends up interfering with that monstrosity, so are not suggested.

 

-Using plugins and trusted websites which can scan files or links before they are downloaded. WOT (Web of trust) is a good one for most things and provides an address lookup for those who don't have the Firefox plugin installed.

 

-A software p2p filter (since many mmos and legal online service use p2p connections these days and even some websites use a p2p connection for streaming and other bits (not just for pirates any more) (requires knowing how to set it up and some of that grey stuff in knowing how to selectively allow/block sources, so not for everyone)).

 

-A quick way to disconnect (either by shortcut, hotkey, or a conveniently located plug) from the network, and other little tricks which sometimes require a bit more doing but can be used to interrupt programs and malware which phones home. It does however leave your computer isolated from any software updates which might remove that malware, so is a bit of a double edged sword for those who aren't mindful enough to update regularly.

 

-Having your browser run in sandbox mode, and using software to keep your system files in a protected state. Kaspersky and some of those "monstrocities" come with this feature, but there are also stand-alone programs which can do it to, like sandboxie. It can give you an extra safety net for running things which are probably unsafe, but isn't for everyone since it can interfere with some normal applications.

 

But those three layers are something which everyone on the web should probably have in place if they want to be reasonably protected. To do more than that is great, but often comes with many complications at the benefit of very little added protection.

 

Ultimately, there is no such thing as a 100% secure system, not even one which is not connected to any network. To even use a computer imparts some risk to that computer coming under damage either by malicious outside forces, or just through the normal use of it. Data can become corrupted all on its own. Most of it can be prevented, some of it cannot.

[urbex]

so basically MSE or NOD32

disable real time scanning for a performance boost assuming you have common sense.

[Thor.]

Kaspersky in my opinion is the best out of all of them, uses very little ram, scans fast, and also backgrounds scans in real time. 90% of the time i don't even need to touch it.

 

Enough said :thumbsup: .

 

I may need to buy it again soon, in 2 month the key will expire. One draw back.

 

One year keys only.

 

Scan log

7 month period

Virus's caught without knowing it. 2.

Trojans 44

malicious tools 131

adware 11

riskware 12

[Vagrant0]

One year keys only.

Yes, but you can cover 3 computers with a single key, so is good for people who either have more than one PC, or who has friends/family members who are oblivious to this kind of stuff. A multi-year key is also a bit too much of a commitment in my opinion. Just because something is one of the best on the market now doesn't mean that the next version won't be some bloated collection of "features" which ends up falling behind in providing up to date protection. Having to suffer with substandard software for a year and a half because you have already paid for the software key and ends up invalidating any possible convenience.

[Thor.]

You have a point Vagrant0

[Surenas]

For private use free programs with daily updates and low resident memory consumption do nicely as well, folks.

I don't spend money for stuff that plays with a fear I don't have anymore. We're grown up together with the internet.

 

First-aid kit:

_ Avira Antivir Personal

_ Malwarebytes's Anti-Malware

_ ZoneAlarm Firewall

_ OESpam Bully - Email spam filter (for those who don't need to score viagra and alike)

 

Make a backup update regularly, do online actions intentionally, watch your machine and please, close your trojan welcome ports. I don't run an Iranian uranium enrichment plant, I'm Jewish and kosher, so what? Devil-may-care, God willing. Selah :laugh:

[BlackSampleAdmin]

thanks for the advice VagrantO kudos to you.

[Vagrant0]

 

_ Avira Antivir Personal

 

I would actually argue against this. The software has been reported by some as being unsafe. And I personally found it to be nearly useless in terms of detecting any threats. After using it for about 3 months and switching to a more reliable antivirus, my new antivirus detected no less than 5 bits of infected software (all more than a month old) that this program somehow missed. They weren't even false positives.

[VictoriaG]

I use Avast free edition and have SUPERAntiSpyware installed to.