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    Do I need anti-spyware if I have anti-virus?

    Discussion in 'Security and Anti-Virus Software' started by starfishtwo, Oct 26, 2011.

  1. starfishtwo

    starfishtwo Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm getting ready to buy a new computer, and I'm trying to decide which AV software to use. McAfee comes free from my ISP, but I've heard some bad things about it. PC Mag Editor's Choices for 2012 are Norton and Webroots. If I go with something like that, do I need to have a separate anti-spyware, too?

    What AV does everyone here recommend?
     
    starfishtwo, Oct 26, 2011
    #1
  2. yuyi64

    yuyi64 Notebook Consultant

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    Stay away from McAfee even if it's free. If you're looking for a free AV get Avira, Avast, or MSE (use just one AV). Get MBAM and SAS (also free) to use as on-demand spyware scanners.
     
    yuyi64, Oct 26, 2011
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  3. NewAgeMessiah

    NewAgeMessiah Notebook Consultant

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    Couldnt agree more there yuyi64, I personally use MSE on my M17x and works a treat, good overall protection, light on resources, cant grumble at all.

    Also do a scan once a week with the above spyware scanners (on different days) so its all good there.
     
    NewAgeMessiah, Oct 26, 2011
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  4. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    As the others said, i don't see any need for active spyware protection if you use something like MSE. I do use Malwarebytes as an on demand scanner though. Definitely avoid McAfee like it's the black plague.
     
    tijo, Oct 26, 2011
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  5. Steven

    Steven God Amongst Mere Mortals

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    Simple answer, no.
     
    Steven, Oct 26, 2011
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  6. starfishtwo

    starfishtwo Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for all of your advice. It sounds like you all feel that free AV is just as good as paid AV, am I right?
     
    starfishtwo, Oct 27, 2011
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  7. Deks

    Deks Notebook Prophet

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    It is.
    My recommendation would be to choose 1 of the following free AV's:
    Avira, Avast, MSE, or Panda.

    The rest aren't really worth the trouble.
     
    Deks, Oct 28, 2011
    #7
  8. makaveli72

    makaveli72 Eat.My.Shorts

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    No, just be 'smart' when browsing. Don't click every 'Ad' you see...meaning don't click any Ads (unless it's on NBR :D)

    I would recommend either MSE or Avira!
     
    makaveli72, Oct 28, 2011
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  9. Baserk

    Baserk Notebook user

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    It depends on your particular habits.
    If you don't tend to visit 'awkward' places, a decent AV is usually more than enough.
    Just make sure to keep all your software updated and use a user-account/UAC.
    Recommended AV's in my sig.
     
    Baserk, Oct 29, 2011
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  10. JWBlue

    JWBlue Notebook Deity

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    I would.

    Another vote for AVAST Free or MSE.

    If you are using a high end machine, I recommend AVAST.

    Lower end, MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials).
     
    JWBlue, Nov 2, 2011
    #10