[Ryuu]

I'm currently using:

AVG anti-virus
AVG anti-spyware
Spybot S&D
AdAware 2007
Spyware Doctor

But I've read around and see that AVG is not that good, and Spybot isn't as good as I thought it to be... As for Spyware Doctor, I don't see many people talking about it.

I would like to know what "combos" of programs you guys use =). And like some comments on what programs should I use to replace the ones I have now, or which ones I should get rid of altogether. (Free ones, please XD I'm poor lol)

I'll probably replace AVG anti-virus with Avast, since a lot of people say it's good, one of the best free anti-virus out there? But for the anti-spyware programs, I don't have a clue...

Thanks.

PS. I'm also curious about the best anti-virus and spyware out there today. Kaspersky and NOD32 are the ones I've heard most about, as for anti-spyware, Spysweeper and Macafee? What's the real answer to this?

[Elvandil]

I don't agree about AVG--it is a very good AV. "Has consistently won VB100 awards for 100% detection." One thing about the internet is that rumors and opinions, as well as outright lies, spread like lightning. Look at evaluatiuons done by independent labs (not run by the companies themselves) and avoid unsubstantiated opinions. I'm not saying that AVG is the best--just that these questions are often very debatable and have qualified answers. And the tests themselves can be slanted or reflect real situations poorly.

"Best Antivirus Software: (out of 28)
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7.0, ESET NOD32 3.0, AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 7.5" - ConsumerSearch


Spybot is also very good and I wouldn't get rid of it. But there is so much malware out there that no single anti-malware app gets them all, so you may want to scan occasionally with some other one or two.

Free anti-malware scanners:

Spybot S&D
Ad-Aware 2007
SuperAntiSpyware
Spyware Eliminator
Emco Malware Destroyer
Spyware Doctor
Arovax Anti-spyware
Trend-Micro Rootkit Buster
F-Secure Blacklight

A good firewall that monitors dll's as well as memory and code-injection is a very good antimalware measure, too, though all the alerts can get annoying.

[AV1611]

I am not a fan of AVG seeing as it definitely does not detect everything. All of the charts I've seen have AVG's detection from about 82% to 92%. Avast has a much better detection rate at about 95%.

http://avast.com

I also notice that there isn't a firewall listed. I reccommend using Comodo Firewall pro.

http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

[TOGG]

There's an interesting article here which helps to illustrate the variable results of different 'tests'; http://www.techsupportalert.com/review-secur

There are references to AVG which show it getting an Advanced+ rating (the same as my choice, NOD32) in one type of test, but a lousy one in another (and I'm never sure if it's the free or paid version that's being tested).

[GoldPirate]

I've never, ever had a problem with AVG, and I never plan on changing it. It is by far my favourite anti virus, and to be able to compete with NOD32 and Kaspersky proves its ability. Spybot is also very good and I would not delete it. Tea Timer is very useful.

[RootbeaR]

Originally Posted by TOGG

(and I'm never sure if it's the free or paid version that's being tested).

I don't believe there is a difference as far as virus detection goes. You are paying for other bells and whistles.

[Elvandil]

Originally Posted by RootbeaR

I don't believe there is a difference as far as virus detection goes. You are paying for other bells and whistles.

No, there is no difference. And there are some threads here about the very good customer support people have gotten with the free version.

Competition is good and makes all the AV companies make an effort to improve their products. If you stick with a well-known AV, you will be all right. But too well-known can also be a problem since Norton is one of the most commonly virus-incapacitated AV's that exist.

[Blackmirror]

Emco Malware Destroyer

just tried that and it flagged Paltalk as adware
First time thats happened

[Elvandil]

Originally Posted by Blackmirror

Emco Malware Destroyer

just tried that and it flagged Paltalk as adware
First time thats happened

LOL. Yes, that one marked a few of my good guys, too, but too many is better than too few, I guess. It just shows that people should at least scan the results before pressing the "Remove" button.

[Ryuu]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I have a problem...lol, I decided to try out Kaspersky, so I uninstalled AVG for it and during the installation it wanted to get rid of Norton Internet Security. I was thinking "what the hell, don't like Norton anyways" so I allowed that and downloaded Comodo Firewall Pro after.

Now whenever I start any application, it's slow as hell -_- and during/after the initial set up and scans of those two programs, my computer auto restarted I dunno how many times... What did I do wrong? Am I not supposed to use the firewall with Kaspersky or something?

And another thing, I'm a still a noob with lots of stuff and am lazy XD so i don't really know how to and/or want to deal with the pop ups that many security programs have, such as those from Comodo firewall.

Anyway around this? haha... Oh yeah, someone mentioned TeaTimer, I didn't install that cause the pop ups are annoying, was that a bad idea?

EDIT: The restarting didn't stop, it actually will restart whenever I start any application... I got pissed and I decided to uninstall Kaspersky and Comodo lol and it's not restarting anymore, but it's not a good solution I know -_-. Btw, Comodo didn't seem to be installed properly. I didn't see it in the start menu and in add/remove in control panel...

I think I really need help lol =(

[AV1611]

There are 2 versions of Comodo out right now: 2.4 and 3. Try installing the one you didn't have installed before.

[Zeppfan]

My two cents:

I have had Norton, McAfee, Computer Associates, Avast, and AVG.

As far as Detection, I would think they all run pretty well. Some detecting more or less than others, but functional.

I have had difficulties, especially with updating definitions for McAfee, Norton, and CA. Other issues were for subscription renewals for the pay for services.

I have currently been using AVG for nearly a year and a half with little or no serious issues.

I say, do the research, ask the questions, and understand any software you choose to use.

[Ryuu]

Ok, so I reinstalled Comodo, and things seem to be working fine, so I guess intalling it with Kaspersky was the problem, which is weird...

But anyways, about the programs, to be honest I think I'm just paranoid and think my computer is not safe enough lol. And since I don't know much about this security stuff, I thought getting the "best out there" was the way to go...

So, is what I'm currently using fine? Comments? or, what would you'd rather use instead of these?

AVG anti-virus
AVG anti-spyware
Spybot S&D
AdAware 2007
Spyware Doctor

Thanks again.

Oh, btw, since I'm using Comodo right now, I should probably disable the windows firewall right?

[charles7514]

Been using AVG-free for a while now, no problems. Once a month, I always use a online AV scan just to make sure. Spybot S&D, Ad-aware, WinPatrol, and Spyware Blaster.

[AV1611]

Originally Posted by Ryuu

Oh, btw, since I'm using Comodo right now, I should probably disable the windows firewall right?

yes, though it did that for me automatically