[JTBP]

i used to have norton anti-virus but it expired and i dont want to pay for a new subscription. what program should i install for my computer?

[valis]

MSE is lightweight and free......pretty much the AV du jour, currently.

[Ent]

Every time this comes up the response is the same, everyone gives their own preference but it's nigh impossible to advocate an objective "best" anti-virus.

I would suggest that if you're looking for a free solution for Windows 7, Microsoft's own AV is a good choice.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...ity-essentials

[etaf]

i used to have norton anti-virus but it expired

we have quite a few issues here with Norton, even after the program has been uninstalled - the removal tool still needs to be used
i would suggest running the norton removal tool - if you are no longer planning to use Norton anylonger - see below
Also see some suggestions for antivirus below

what windows version do you have - as the firewall on different versions have different views - mainly XP being inadequate

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Norton Removal Tool
I would recommend that you restart the PC and run the removal tool for a second time - I have found instances where the removal tool needs to be run twice to fully remove all traces of norton and symantec from the PC
http://us.norton.com/support/kb/web_...080710133834EN

All Versions - The Norton Removal Tool uninstalls all Norton 2010/2009/2008/2007/2006/2005/2004/2003 products, Norton 360 and Norton SystemWorks 12.0 from your computer.
http://majorgeeks.com/Norton_Removal...NRT_d4749.html

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i'm not an expert here - but if you look through the security forum, you will see a lot of recommendations for windows 7

The windows 7 firewall is considered adequate and especially if you are connected behind a router.
Have a read in our "general security" forum and look for the advice from our security gurus, they are identified with a gold shield next to their name

Several excellent free antivirus programs are available (But you should only ever have 1 on the PC at a time otherwise this can cause issues ).

Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE)
http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/secur...s/default.aspx

Avast
http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download

AntiVir
http://majorgeeks.com/Avira_AntiVir_...irus_d955.html

EST Nod 32 also gets a lot of very good reviews although it is not free
ESET NOD32
http://www.eset.com/home/

these Two programs are also recommended to be on the PC and can be on with any of the above antivirus programs.

Malwarebytes
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
superantispyware
http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html


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[valis]

Ent, have you considered writing a piece for the library? Or have you already?

[Ent]

Good idea. I'll have a look at it.

[valis]

only problem I see is that it's extremely dynamic, so you'd either have to write something vague enough to leave wriggle room or update it quarterly or something........

[Ent]

Originally Posted by valis

only problem I see is that it's extremely dynamic, so you'd either have to write something vague enough to leave wriggle room or update it quarterly or something........

If it's used frequently, I'm sure that someone more in tune with the antimalware world than myself will adjust it as the recommendations shift.

[Ent]

Good enough for starters.
http://library.techguy.org/wiki/Best_Antivirus

[GregDavis]

I agree with what ENT said "everyone gives their own preference but it's nigh impossible to advocate an objective "best" anti-virus." Also, most antivirus products get a bad rap not only because they have bad detection and remediation rates, but also because they use so many System resources that your PC becomes unusable.



Greg Davis

[batscrptmod200]

I would say most lightweight straight forward is mse and why wouldnt you protect your computer with av from the people who make your OS

[etaf]

@ent
looks good - you may want to start the discussion in the "greenroom" rather than here

[JRoland]

We just use AVG free version, is that any good for a buisness setting? Or should we actually pay out for something?

[valis]

that's totally up to you guys. How big is the business? One of the reasons we use Symantec here (work) is that if something DOES get in, we can point the finger at someone other than us.

[Davec]

Originally Posted by JRoland

We just use AVG free version, is that any good for a buisness setting? Or should we actually pay out for something?

To use it legally you should pay.

http://free.avg.com/us-en/avg-anti-v...agreement-eula