Need Anti-Virus Help

I just bought a new IBM and am trying to figure out which anti-virus software to use. Since it came with a student bundle they gave me CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2008. I read some reviews and it seems alright. Should I use this software or would be better off using some of the free software (which I heard is good). If not the software I have what what would you recommend? I heard that MCafee, Avast, AVG and Avira Antivir all work. Thanks in advance for any answers.

 

I use free stuff and have had no problems. I do not recommend as the best. I recommend as they work well.

I use AVG and like very much and do think very good.

Windows firewall. I know not even close to the best but comes with Windows and works.

AOL Active Security Manager for Monitoring overall security of your system.

Windows Defender helps with spy/ad ware and free.

Adaware for more spyware protection.

All free all works well. Not the best but good enough and free. Also do not pop up annoying things very low key protection.

 

I've never used CA so I can't give an opinion, but for free AV programs Avast tops the list. Firewall, Comodo Firewall Pro. For antispyware, Malwarebytes and Superantispyware have the highest detection rates.

 

Smooth and you go out and hunt these? Truth is I went seven years with no anti virus? To get a virus requires a certain level of stupidity or lack of foresight. Always wonder about you kids who need th best?

 

If your running Vista, I'd say don't click on "Will Obama Win?" ads and don't install pirated software, and leave it at that. Windows Defender and the Windows Firewall are all you need. I've run with no anti-virus on my personal machines since the DOS days. Never run into a problem.

If you need it though, I would have to strongly suggest Avast!. It is free, doesn't contain malware/bloatware, and it very light on the system.

Stay away from Mcaffe and Norton. Both are malware in and of themselves.

 

Let me take a moment to talk about the two best journalists for computers. John Crabb was a professor at U of C. he passed suddenly very sad! And Jim Coates and he taught me more. Any way I said these guys were great!

 

i used to use AVG but lately i realized that i have disabled it most of the time LOL

i think as long as you are careful about the files you download and the email attachments you open, it should be okay?

 

Yes, it should be. But I don't see any drawback in letting a free AV like Avira stay in your system tray; just in case you encounter a bad virus that is hard to avoid without an anti virus.

 

I have read some not-so-good things about CA Internet Security Suite. Hogs resources and not very effective, according to the reviews I read.

 

Is there something wrong with using protection that people have rated highly? It's not like I'm paying extra for these programs, they're all free. To say that obtaining a virus requires a level of stupidy is just ignorance. I don't think anyone goes around the internet purposely downloading viruses, the purpose of these programs are to protect from the unexpected. No one's forcing you to use an anti-virus or other security software, but I prefer to stay away from those risks.