Do you use an anti-virus software?

Do you use an anti-virus software?

  • Total voters
    63
Lazy8s said:
Do you agree with the top 10 ratings linked in that write up Lupine?

I'm questioning my decision to stick with Windows Defender, and Bitdefender Internet Security seems to top more review charts for paid protection than any other suite.

I'm thinking I might take the plunge...
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I agree that they're all concerns. I think a combo of free AV + MAM + MAE is solid but, since you can usually get a better featured paid app on a deal for free (or nearly so), I always keep an eye out. That's why I'm running Norton Security, and I also picked up a couple different unactivated Kaspersky licenses FAR during the BF / Christmas sales.

Frankly, viruses / malware have become my least favorite part of this business. Used to be that the core of my business was on improving clients' experiences through this or that upgrade / install. Now, most of my interactions with home users consists of simply getting them back to where they were pre-infection. And, more and more often, they have no idea where they got infected ... there are just so many points of vulnerability these days. Its really ugly out there, and I get less and less satisfaction from working in this industry as things progress.

No offense intended to anyone here, but the ones that really boil me are those that say protection isn't necessary (I don't run anything). In our connected world, you're no longer just victimizing yourself - you're putting everyone else at risk.
 
Lupine said:
I agree that they're all concerns. I think a combo of free AV + MAM + MAE is solid but, since you can usually get a better featured paid app on a deal for free (or nearly so), I always keep an eye out. That's why I'm running Norton Security, and I also picked up a couple different unactivated Kaspersky licenses FAR during the BF / Christmas sales.
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Thanks - I'm going to upgrade my defenses. :)
Frankly, viruses / malware have become my least favorite part of this business. Used to be that the core of my business was on improving clients' experiences through this or that upgrade / install. Now, most of my interactions with home users consists of simply getting them back to where they were pre-infection. And, more and more often, they have no idea where they got infected ... there are just so many points of vulnerability these days. Its really ugly out there, and I get less and less satisfaction from working in this industry as things progress.

No offense intended to anyone here, but the ones that really boil me are those that say protection isn't necessary (I don't run anything). In our connected world, you're no longer just victimizing yourself - you're putting everyone else at risk.
Click to expand...
Well, you know what I do for a living and out of necessity there's a lot of customer interaction with both small and large/enterprise level businesses. The larger usually have no tales to tell regarding malware, but I've walked out of small businesses just absolutely stunned at the lack of concern so many show, and the condition of their OSes. I refer a lot of businesses to a few of the local IT shops.
 
I just bought Kaspersky Internet Security Multi-Device 2015 for 5 Devices. Installed on my Surface pro 3 and can't even tell it's there, but I love the feature set, including locking the web cam from unauthorized access.

It will also be going on my ipad mini2 and my note 3, as well as the wifey's lappy.
 
I have Kaspersky because they gave it for one year with my motherboard... I had Avira before and scan regularly with spybot S&D and Malwarebytes anti-malware....
 
MangaSpawn64 said:
I have Kaspersky because they gave it for one year with my motherboard... I had Avira before and scan regularly with spybot S&D and Malwarebytes anti-malware....
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I just loaded Kaspersky on my note 3 this morning. I don't know if it's absolutely necessary on an android device or not, but the added layer of security does give some peace of mind.

Placebo effect? Maybe...:p
 
I switch often because every Free AV program starts getting more resource hungry. Right now I am using Panda AV and its lightweight and catches a ton without all the BS extras many other AVs add on.
 
I have only been using windows defender for quite some time now. However my kids are getting older and doing more stuff and I think that I need something more robust.

I've got at least 7 machines I would need to run it on. I'd like something effective, reasonably priced and something I don't have to constantly babysit. What would be your guys' suggestions?
 
Lazy8s said:
Do you agree with the top 10 ratings linked in that write up Lupine?

I'm questioning my decision to stick with Windows Defender, and Bitdefender Internet Security seems to top more review charts for paid protection than any other suite.

I'm thinking I might take the plunge...
Click to expand...

Windows Defender and MSE are a JOKE. MSE used to be one of the best when it first came out...But today it had very bad detection rates.

Bitdefender is one of the best of the paid options, while Avast is one of the best in the freeware realm.

Personally, on my main rig I use Malwarebytes Antimalware Premium, WOT and Adblock. I also scan it once it a while with adwcleaner and others.
 
fierro said:
Windows Defender and MSE are a JOKE. MSE used to be one of the best when it first came out...But today it had very bad detection rates.

Bitdefender is one of the best of the paid options, while Avast is one of the best in the freeware realm.

Personally, on my main rig I use Malwarebytes Antimalware Premium, WOT and Adblock. I also scan it once it a while with adwcleaner and others.
Click to expand...

aren't defender and MSE the same thing?

If they made them good, then they would get sued for being anti competitive :nuts:
 
fierro said:
Windows Defender and MSE are a JOKE. MSE used to be one of the best when it first came out...But today it had very bad detection rates.

Bitdefender is one of the best of the paid options, while Avast is one of the best in the freeware realm.

Personally, on my main rig I use Malwarebytes Antimalware Premium, WOT and Adblock. I also scan it once it a while with adwcleaner and others.
Click to expand...

Yeah I've seen the MS solutions dropping off on detection . That's a shame really as it was nice not having to worry about installing anything new.

Reviews I've read seemed to all favor Bitdefender or Kaspersky, so I figured either of those were safe. I'm extremely careful with my browsing habits anyway, and very selective about emails too.

Hoping I won't have any issues.

SteadVéx;1337674329 said:
aren't defender and MSE the same thing?

If they made them good, then they would get sued for being anti competitive :nuts:
Click to expand...

Yes they are. Like fierro said, it used to be one of the best. It still isn't what I would call worthless, but it's not near the top of the free options any more either.
 
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