recommendations for free antivirus software
doneganw
Are there any free antivirus programs available that are recommended as
trustworthy?
Bye,
Will
Shenan Stanley
> Are there any free antivirus programs available that are
> recommended as trustworthy?
Avast!
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
(Register yearly - free.)
AntiVir
http://www.free-av.com/
(Some say it has an annoying nag screen:
http://www.elitekiller.com/files/disable_antivir_nag.htm)
AVG
http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition
(Suggest you do not install the link scanner or email scanner, so a custom
install started by this command line:
avg_free_stf_en_8_233a1415.exe /REMOVE_FEATURE fea_AVG_SafeSurf
/REMOVE_FEATURE fea_AVG_SafeSearch
... that's all one line ... Followed by unchecking the Link Scanner and
Email Scanner.)
Weird how those all start with "A"...
Opinions differ on which is best - I have used all of them on one machine or
another.
--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
![PA Bear [MS MVP]'s profile photo](http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjXsf05hH-R8XChS3fXPPzfoO8FYYxAKhT86KfPnIELr3QJ9tQ=s40-c)
PA Bear [MS MVP]
~*Laughingstar 2009*~
AVG (new v.) is driving me nuts. I've eliminated everything possible but
it's still running on start-up and delaying my system, then when I make any
changes issues dire warnings, and makes me reboot.
Thank you all.
Big_Al
> doneganw wrote:
>> Are there any free antivirus programs available that are
>> recommended as trustworthy?
>
> Avast!
> http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
> (Register yearly - free.)
>
> AntiVir
> http://www.free-av.com/
> (Some say it has an annoying nag screen:
> http://www.elitekiller.com/files/disable_antivir_nag.htm)
>
> AVG
> http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition
> (Suggest you do not install the link scanner or email scanner, so a custom
> install started by this command line:
>
> avg_free_stf_en_8_233a1415.exe /REMOVE_FEATURE fea_AVG_SafeSurf
> /REMOVE_FEATURE fea_AVG_SafeSearch
>
> ... that's all one line ... Followed by unchecking the Link Scanner and
> Email Scanner.)
>
>
> Weird how those all start with "A"...
>
> Opinions differ on which is best - I have used all of them on one machine or
> another.
>
install. Or at least I thought so, did I miss something?
doneganw
Thanks for your recommendation. I had noted that recommendation from earlier
emails received. I believe I'll try Avira tomorrow when my McAfee free trial
expires.
One thing I like about McAfee is the Site Advisor button on the tool bar
which shows green, yellow or red depending on their experience with the
site. I like that feature a lot. Does Avira have something comparable??
NB: The way I got into trouble with that Proantivirus 2009 was by clicking
from link to link. Now I Google first any unfamiliar site and look for the
McAfee green check mark next to the listings.
Bye,
Will
"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABe...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:O9$MZOKhJ...@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
~*Laughingstar 2009*~
(for a blind user). Now, I've tried to uninstall AVG to with no luck. It
keeps scanning my system (which I stopped), and sending up alert windows.
That's a trojan !!
PA Bear [MS MVP]
1a. Uninstall the McAfee free-trial *before* it expires!
1b. McAfee apps don't uninstall cleanly, so do Steps #1 and #2 (only) of
this three-step fix THEN REBOOT before installing your new AV:
http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS100507
2. After getting your new AV installed and fully updated, see this page for
Site Advisor free browser plug-in(s):
http://www.siteadvisor.com/download/ie.html
=> Steps To Help Prevent Spyware
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/spyware/prevent.mspx
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
doneganw
When you say uninstall McAfee you mean through the uninstall option in the
control panel right??
The McAfee site listed in 1.b below also says to remove the McAfee program
first from the list of programs before running the removal tool found at 1b,
right??
When you say "reboot" you mean the same as restart your computer (which I'm
directed to do at site 1b below after reaching "cleanup successful" stage,
right??
Bye,
Will
"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABe...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:uZMGG1Kh...@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
doneganw
Again, thanks, I went ahead and uninstalled McAfee and ran the removal
download successfully.
Wow! The sophistication of modern computers is awesome. I'm at times
astonished. AND I'm even able to get things down despite my novice skills!
On to AVIRA.
Bye,
Will
"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABe...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:uZMGG1Kh...@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
doneganw
It appears that I have successfully downloaded Avira Antivirus and the
McAfee site advisor. Your help is much appreciated!
Could I now ask:
Do I have enough protection on my PC for personal home use??
I have installed:
1.) Avira antivirus
2.) Ad-Aware
3.) Malwarebytes
4.) Superantispyware
5.) Spybot S&D
These are all the free versions. Seems like overkill, huh?
I've tried to uninstall Spybot because their program indicated a possible
conflict with Ad Aware But I need to do more than uninstall Spybot to get it
all off, right??
Bye,
Will
"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABe...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:uZMGG1Kh...@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
PA Bear [MS MVP]
Make sure you read
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/spyware/prevent.mspx
I'd recommend adding Windows Defender (free) to your arsenal!
The free versions of MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) does not provide any
real-time protection; furthermore, the authors of MBAM did not intend users
to keep the free version installed. Spybot includes 2 real-time protection
Residents, SDHelper and Tea Timer. If you don't fully understand what Tea
Timer does and how it does it, leave it permanently disabled; see
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=32409. If you've not purchased
STOOPIDAntiSpyware, uninstall it.
Ad-Aware's Guard real-time protection can cause problems with Spybot's
Residents. If you need assistance or have further questions, post in the
support form for each application:
Spybot: http://forums.spybot.info/
Ad-Aware: http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/
doneganw wrote:
> Dear PA Bear,
>
> It appears that I have successfully downloaded Avira Antivirus and the
> McAfee site advisor. Your help is much appreciated!
>
> Could I now ask:
>
> Do I have enough protection on my PC for personal home use??
>
> I have installed:
>
> 1.) Avira antivirus
> 2.) Ad-Aware
> 3.) Malwarebytes
> 4.) S*perantispyware
doneganw
Yes, I have Windows defender.
Oh, I didn't know about Malwarebytes and Super AntiSpyware. I'll get to work
immediately and uninstall them. I thought they were free downloads.
Thanks for the tips.
Bye,
Will
"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABe...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:erJZ6wYh...@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
The Real Truth MVP
Don't listen to that drunk, he is giving you bad advice. Do not uninstall
MBAM or SAS they are both needed and both are free.
--
*WARNING* Do NOT follow any advice given by the people listed below.
They do NOT have the expertise or knowledge to fix your issue.
Do not waste your time.
David H Lipman, Malke, PA Bear, Beauregard T. Shagnasty, Leythos
"doneganw" <done...@att.net> wrote in message
news:3568E1CD-22C8-4357...@microsoft.com...
doneganw
Malwarebytes and Super Antispyware now uninstalled.
Bye,
Will
"doneganw" <done...@att.net> wrote in message
news:3568E1CD-22C8-4357...@microsoft.com...
Casual Observer
"the authors of MBAM did not intend users to keep the free version
installed"
I can not find any statement to this effect in the program or on their
website. Why would they not expect users to keep the free version
installed? If they didn't want it to stay installed why did they write it
with an easy to use update function to update the signatures?
"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABe...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:erJZ6wYh...@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
~BD~
Put them back on your machine.
PA Bear has lied again. He is not to be trusted IMO.
--
Dave
"doneganw" <done...@att.net> wrote in message
news:78285DA5-6ECD-44A4...@microsoft.com...
PA Bear [MS MVP]
--
~PA Bear
PA Bear [MS MVP]
express your thanks & support their efforts by purchasing/activating the
full version which which enables "realtime protection, scheduled scanning,
and scheduled updating." The latter might be worthwhile if you purchase it
but it author has a very shady multi-level online marketing history: Tigers
don't change their stripes nor leopards their spots. <eg>
PA Bear [MS MVP]
app (and it is), express your thanks & support the team's efforts by
purchasing/activating the full version:
<QP>
Activating the full version unlocks realtime protection, scheduled scanning,
and scheduled updating. For consumers and personal use, it is a one time fee
of $24.95.
</QP>
Source: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
--
~PA Bear
Kayman
<snip>
> Oh, I didn't know about Malwarebytes and Super AntiSpyware. I'll get to work
> immediately and uninstall them. I thought they were free downloads.
You are right, these particular versions are free tools!
*Keep the free versions of Malwarebytes and SUPERAntiSpyware installed!*
Ensure you update the VDF prior scanning.
The authors of these wonderful software tools are 'old' enough to decide
whether or not their software needs to be paid for; Just go to their
respective websites and look for yourself.
I'd be surprised if they need a 3rd party mouthpiece spreading rumors.
~*Laughingstar 2009*~
> I'm confused by your following statement:
>
> "the authors of MBAM did not intend users to keep the free version
> installed"
>
> I can not find any statement to this effect in the program or on their
> website. Why would they not expect users to keep the free version
> installed? If they didn't want it to stay installed why did they
> write it with an easy to use update function to update the signatures?
are we "others" to stand by and not question or ask, on these threads? It
seems to me that freeware software designers are benefitting because they
sell the data on our systems, not personal information, hopefully, but let's
face it, no one loses, and we are supposed to be the trusting ones.
This in-fighting is a waste of time, boys.
doneganw
Well, I'm sorry to have sparked this controversy but it is dormant anyway,
isn't it, even had I not sparked it. I'm going to play it conservatively
since I'm new to all this and leave the downloads off my PC.
I would like to say that the psychologist C. G. Jung would emphasize the
idea of "holding the tension of the opposites." The opposites in this case
would be those who favor rather free access to software and those more
inclined to protect intellectual property rights. Jung believed, or so I've
heard, that in holding the tension of the opposites, a solution would arise
in due time.
Bye,
Will
"Casual Observer" <som...@somewhere.com> wrote in message
news:%23zv7PiZ...@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
Tom [Pepper] Willett
"doneganw" <done...@att.net> wrote in message
news:AFB09665-5F4F-4C47...@microsoft.com...
: Dear All,
: >
: >
:
~*Laughingstar 2009*~
> Dear All,
>
> Well, I'm sorry to have sparked this controversy but it is dormant
> anyway, isn't it, even had I not sparked it. I'm going to play it
> conservatively since I'm new to all this and leave the downloads off
> my PC.
> I would like to say that the psychologist C. G. Jung would emphasize
> the idea of "holding the tension of the opposites." The opposites in
> this case would be those who favor rather free access to software and
> those more inclined to protect intellectual property rights. Jung
> believed, or so I've heard, that in holding the tension of the
> opposites, a solution would arise in due time.
As we now know, Jung forgot that people died in the process.
The Real Truth MVP
you uninstall it? that makes no sense. Even if you decided to purchase it
you still would not have to uninstall it, you would only have to input an
activation key. Second, had the authors intended for you to use their
software labeled "free" for a limited time then they would have had you
install a limited "Trial" software you can see the difference in them here
http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html . Third, how was PA Bear able
to hypnotize you into trusting him so fast?
--
*WARNING* Do NOT follow any advice given by the people listed below.
They do NOT have the expertise or knowledge to fix your issue.
Do not waste your time.
David H Lipman, Malke, PA Bear, Beauregard T. Shagnasty, Leythos
"doneganw" <done...@att.net> wrote in message
news:AFB09665-5F4F-4C47...@microsoft.com...
~BD~
"The Real Truth MVP" <n...@real.atall> wrote in message
news:ADD0E89C-2AB6-4F01...@microsoft.com...
<snip>
. Third, how was PA Bear able
> to hypnotize you into trusting him so fast?
>
A good question. Probably the same way he hypnotised me. I ventured onto
the Microsoft Communities sites *after* suffering a real-life theft of
funds via PayPal/eBay. I then found a trojan on my machine. I was
thinking of no-one's troubles but my own when I came to the 'safe'
groups operated by Microsoft itself - or so I thought! (How naive was
that?!!)
PA Bear carried a badge of trust. MVP. Trusted by Microsoft ......... to
give us poor souls good advice. *I* trusted him to begin with - even
when doubts surfaced, I still found it difficult to believe that anyone
in such a position would be anything but honest.
Regrettably - I now KNOW that he has lied. If he can do it once, it
proves that he cannot be trusted - period!
--
Dave
Tom [Pepper] Willett
"~BD~" <Boate...@hotmail.co.uk> wrote in message
news:ev9KpVkh...@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
:
: "The Real Truth MVP" <n...@real.atall> wrote in message
:
:
Kayman
> Dear All,
> Well, I'm sorry to have sparked this controversy
<snip>
You haven't sparked any controversy but PA Bear [MS MVP] has advised you
incorrectly. His vivid imagery got the better of him and his statement
absolutely is wrong! I wish he'd stick with the subject he's familiar with
but his overblown ego is sadly unstoppable.
An inquiry has been initiated, you are encouraged to go to...
http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10751
...and find out yourself!
Casual Observer
"~*Laughingstar 2009*~" <tired...@nospam.att.com> wrote in message news:e1UZlHhh...@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
PA Bear [MS MVP]
"Casual Observer" <som...@somewhere.com> wrote in message news:uq0RSomh...@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
Kayman
> Asking for clarification is not in-fighting and not a waste of time when
> the information that was provided is apparently incorrect, especially
> since others at MBAM have since refuted PA Bears statements. Perhaps he
> was told what he relayed to us here in this group by someone else at MBAM,
> but it appears that it does not adhere to the intent of MBAM with their
> free version.
Believe me, nobody at MBAM made this statement! It is an invention from a
confused individual.
For all the lurkers out there:
The free version of SAS and MBAM are excellent 'Stand-Alone' malware
scanning tools and are *impressively better and safer* than any 'On-Line'
scanners, because you don't have to be on-line to use them (they have no
dependencies on using a web browser to perform their function). You can use
SAS in Safe Mode but according to D. Cook, co-author of MBAM, "Malwarebytes
actually performs better in Normal Mode"). So, be guided accordingly.
Keep them installed and use as a 'second opinion' scanner(s) in addition to
your real-time AV application. And don't forget to update prior use.
Casual Observer
"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABe...@gmail.com> wrote in message news:eBLf8Nnh...@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
~*Laughingstar 2009*~
"Casual Observer" <som...@somewhere.com> wrote in message news:eH6BpBt...@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
jen
news:ebmvaidqg3de$.1g6hwho10f5l3$.dlg@40tude.net...
> On Tue, 3 Feb 2009 19:44:08 -0600, Casual Observer wrote:
>> Asking for clarification is not in-fighting and not a waste of time
>> when
>> the information that was provided is apparently incorrect, especially
>> since others at MBAM have since refuted PA Bears statements. Perhaps
>> he
>> was told what he relayed to us here in this group by someone else at
>> MBAM,
>> but it appears that it does not adhere to the intent of MBAM with
>> their
>> free version.
> Believe me, nobody at MBAM made this statement! It is an invention
> from a
> confused individual.
> For all the lurkers out there:
> The free version of SAS and MBAM are excellent 'Stand-Alone' malware
> scanning tools and are *impressively better and safer* than any
> 'On-Line'
> scanners, because you don't have to be on-line to use them (they have
> no
> dependencies on using a web browser to perform their function). You
> can use
> SAS in Safe Mode but according to D. Cook, co-author of MBAM,
> "Malwarebytes
*NOTE: D.Cook (Dustin) is *not* the "co-author of MBAM"...
> actually performs better in Normal Mode"). So, be guided accordingly.
> Keep them installed and use as a 'second opinion' scanner(s) in
> addition to
> your real-time AV application. And don't forget to update prior use.
-jen
GT500
Malwarebytes.
I would like to dispute the statement by "PA Bear" that I have quoted at the
end of this message.
While it is the end purpose of every company to sell their product, we in no
way wish for users to uninstall the free version after they use it for
removal. If we did, it would be trialware and not freeware.
BoaterDave
"jen" wrote:
Hello -jen Long time no see! :)
You know the answer to most every thing. Tell me ..........
On this page http://aumha.net/memberlist.php?sk=d&sd=a&mode=&start=3200
Member 3249 GC Jones has a web site
3248 folk have registered with Aumha beforehand - yet *none* have made a
single post.
Is there someting special about GC Jones?
Mr. Eshelman is presently Chancellor of the College of Thelema. He serves as
Prolocutor-General of the Temple of Thelema, which he co-founded in 1987 with
Anna Kria King and Phyllis Seckler. He is a former Grand Chief of Fraternitas
L.V.X. Occulta (Fraternity of Hidden Light).
He is the author of the acclaimed book "The Mystical & Magical System of the
A.'.A.'."
It says so here: http://www.aiwass.org/lecture/
Intrigue (for me!)
--
Dave
PA Bear [MS MVP]
otherwise.
PA Bear [MS MVP]
PA Bear [MS MVP]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/spyware/prevent.mspx
"Casual Observer" <som...@somewhere.com> wrote in message news:eH6BpBt...@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
Peter Foldes
If you are support rep for Malwarebytes then I wonder why you are using the awful
Web interface to post.
--
Peter
Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.
"GT500" <GT...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:52956998-C628-4F34...@microsoft.com...
GT500
that.
"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
> Thanks for your comment.
> Others associated with MBAM support have told me otherwise.
I do not use newsgroups.
The comments by PA Bear were reported to us on our forums, and a link was
provided to read the newsgroup via this horrible web interface. I was not
going to bother setting up the newsgroup in Opera just to post a rebuttal.
~*Laughingstar 2009*~
PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:
~*Laughingstar 2009*~
PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:
Peter Foldes
--
Peter
Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.
"GT500" <GT...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:C1432154-926D-440C...@microsoft.com...
Casual Observer
you reference. Most of that is common sense if you've been on the internet
as long as I have. As for the safe hex statement you're giving BAD advice.
Anyone that believes that is just asking for trouble. New variants of
trojans and virus's show up every day and can be hacked into even reputable
websites. Detection algorithms are always playing catchup and as you know
not any one program detects every variant that exists. Practicing safe hex
is like wearing a condom.....both can fail to protect you 100% of the time.
I also never said MBAM didn't have bugs or couldn't provide a false
positive. All antivirus and trojan scanning programs are susceptible to an
occasional false positive but I have not experienced that with MBAM yet.
MBAM, to me, is just one more tool I utilize to help insure my computer has
not been compromised and to help detect an intrusion as early as possible.
So far, I have not detected a virus or trojan on either of my computers in
years and I attribute this to good surfing habits and taking good steps to
prevent them from entering my systems in the first place.
"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABe...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:uk4SBWwh...@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
tumbleweed
FromTheRafters
news:39864B27-C740-4F0E...@microsoft.com...
>
>
> "doneganw" wrote:
>
>> Dear Newsgroup,
>>
>> Are there any free antivirus programs available that are recommended as
>> trustworthy?
Yes.
~BD~
"FromTheRafters" <err...@nomail.afraid.org> wrote in message
news:OJRwMrJj...@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
I think you forgot a question mark after 'yes', FTR
"tumbleweed" didn't, actually, post a question! ;)