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    Free anti-virus protection?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by IUhoosiers, Jun 29, 2008.

  1. IUhoosiers

    IUhoosiers Notebook Guru

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    Hey guys,

    I used to use AVG on my desktop...seemed to work out ok. Never ran into too much trouble virus-wise. I was reading some other forums though, with people complaining the new version of AVG (8 something) uses too much system space, and that Avira is less of a drain on resources.

    Any feedback on the two? My XPS m1530 is pretty new(T9300 processor) so I'm hoping it can handle either pretty well.
     
  2. Samuel613

    Samuel613 Notebook Evangelist

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    I used Avira first, but they kept popping up Windows to upgrade to the full paid version so I got rid of it and put on Avast!, which was good, though it requires registration to get a key.

    AVG 7.x was great, too, but 8 does seem to be more resource-intensive, though it includes more "guards", like a browser-link checker (broken in FireFox 3.0, BTW), and Anti-Spyware capabilities which 7.x did not have.

    I currently use AVG 8, though I do wish there were a free very-lightweight AV. Personally, I want a very light-weight version of something like Norton AV 2002 Standard, not the full suite of consumer-grade protections all the AV vendors put in, useful as those features may be to most users.
     
  3. mach189

    mach189 Notebook Enthusiast

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  4. millermagic

    millermagic Rockin the pinktop

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    There are a lot of free AV programs out there. I use AVG, some people use Avast!, some use Avira and there's others.

    I haven't noticed AVG taking up A LOT more than it used to. Maybe during scans? Mine always scan at 8am ... and I'm either sleeping or working then so I wouldnt know.
     
  5. mattocs

    mattocs Notebook Deity

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    I use Avast. I never have any issues with it, and it works really well.
     
  6. IUhoosiers

    IUhoosiers Notebook Guru

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    I think I'm gonna go with Avira. Just figuring out how to custom install it while using minimal resources.

    Thanks for the replies!
     
  7. fiveo

    fiveo Notebook Consultant

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    I used to use AVG7 then when 8 came out I read that it only protected your Outlook email accounts for 30 days unless you paid for full copy. Switched to Avast and have no complaints so far.
     
  8. bikerboy94

    bikerboy94 Notebook Evangelist

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    here is a link for a free year of CA antivirus one of the top rated. its a free year of the retail version.

    http://home3.ca.com/SubscriptCenter/MSTrialRegistration.aspx?cid=573

    XPS M1530, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800MHzFSB, 3M L2 Cache)
    Tuxedo Black
    4GB, DDR2, 667MHz
    15.4 inch Wide Screen WXGA+ TrueLife LCD with 2.0 MP Camera
    256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
    8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive
    320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
    Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy
    Dell 1505 Wireless-N Mini-card
    85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Battery
    Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR
    2 In Home Year Limited Warranty
    McAfee Security 9.0, 3-Year Subscription(Which I wont use system HOG)
    2 Day Shipping
    $1248.00 +Tax