The best free security software

For what's worth, we are very pleased with MSE performance - haven't looked back since its first installation. Coupling with browsers WOT, one can be pretty safe - just stay away from known dodgy sites

cheers ...

 

I HAVE BEEN TRYING THIS FOR OVER AN YEAR.
NO SECURITY PROBLEMS AT NO COST.

I THINK ONE SHOULD GIVE IT A TRY ATLEAST ONCE.
Panda Cloud Antivirus

 

nevermind (filler)

 

I recommend for windows:

Microsoft security essentials

real-time protection that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software...

And it doesn't take alot of memory.
Your computer wont feel it.

 

Best way to protect your PC is getting to know how the PC works and all about it (internet, programs, etc). So the human gets to be the best Anti Virus, the same who makes them lol...


but just to say a software, if you have money get Kapersky. If not MSE should do the job.

cheers

 

This is a FREE software thread, not a 'recommend Kapersky if you have money' thread. That, and MSE is a joke. Don't bother. Why not use the firewall that comes with Windows while we're at it??? Geeeze.

Get Comodo and Avira. Best combo I've ever used. Catches everything. Highly customizable features for whatever you're doing. If you visit risky sites, turn up Comodo. If you do normal browsing/facebooking, turn it down but do a weekly scan on Avira. Pretty simple with those two, and they're not resource hogs. Best freeware for security I've seen.

 

AVG update causes Windows BSoD ? Tech Products & Geek News | Geek.com

 

Which Comodo do you recommended? I am assuming the internet security download... I am giving this one a shot. I also got Avira and am putting your combo to the test. Thanks for the tip.

 

Harvesting emailaddresses the lousy way?
Spam reported.

 

Same, been having to system restore multiple times this passed week due to constant virus attacks. I think there's something on my school's wireless network because everything goes down the "toilet" when I connect to it.

Just downloaded Avira now and going to replace that with MSE.

Edit*

Installed Comodo firewall (not IS package with AV+FW) + Avira AV

removed MSE and Spybot.

Currently have Lavasoft Adaware, Malaware, SuperAntispyware + these 2

I feel more secure now lol. I just didn't feel like MSE was doing anything for me.. I don't know, maybe it's just me. The Windows FW always seemed like a joke too.

 

Wow, thanks so much for this thread. My Mcafee acount is set to expire next week, and with the experience I've had and the threats it let through, because they were detected by Malwarebytes instead, I was not about to dish out another 50 bucks on this incompetent piece of software. I uninstalled and I just downloaded MSE last night. It's doing everything Mcafee does and it's free. I have peace of mind and I saved myself some cash.

 

'jacob808'

MSE does everything Mcafee does even better with fewer resource requirements.

 

yes I'm starting to see this. I wish I new about this last year before I spent the 50 bucks renewing Mcafee. Now I'm just gonna let it expire on this my 2nd computer then install MSE on it also. I'm gonna spread the word on facebook too, I don't think alot of people know much about this.

 

Rather replace it on your second computer right now.

 

I've been using Avast for 5 years and don't have any problems with it. At least it has founs neshta on my computer.

 

EMET has been added to the list on page 1.

Microsofts' Enhanced Mitigation Experience Tool, a 'toolkit for deploying and configuring security mitigation technologies'.

Microsoft has made several security mitigation technologies, like DEP, SEHOP and ASLR.
While perhaps unfamiliar sounding, these are OS embedded 'tools' (on Vista and 7, XP doesn't do ASLR) to prevent hackers from gaining access to your system through software vulnerabilities and exploits.
Some programs use these 'tools', some do not.
With EMET you can force programs to use these tools, f.i you can force all internet facing apps (like Internet Explorer and Adobe Reader) to use DEP and ASLR.
For an in-depth explanation on EMET, DEP and ASLR, read this Microsoft blog.

EMET has already shown it has prevented zero-day exploits for IE link and Adobe Reader link.
The program is free, doesn't eat RAM or CPU cycles, is fairly easy to use and offers protection no other program can.
When installing a newer version though, you'll (unfortunately) have to reconfigure EMET again. It doesn't remember settings (yet).

EMET download page link

 

Hi Baserk,

Hope you are doing well!

Q1: Baserk, I am currently running the following combo (see below), and I was wondering if I add the EMET ... would I be wasting my time or causing a conflict in my AntiVirus Protection set up!?!?

- Comodo Firewell with HIPS on "Safe Mode"
- Avira A/V
- SpywareBlaster
- WinPatrol

BTW, I run SAS and MBAM on a daily basis to be on safe side. But here is the funny thing neither MBAM or SAS catches anything ... BUT, Avira catches the Java Exploits when i run it's SCAN ... can't figure out why is that since SAS and MABM claim to catch more stuff.

Q2: Are SAS and MBAM doing what they are made for?

Also, GMER is great ... it alerted me about the SPTD from "Daemon Tools Lite",
so, I immediately unistalled it.

Q3: Is "Daemon Tools Lite" Safe?

As usual Thanks for your Thread and HELP!

G!

 

Just spoke to a friend who has Norton installed and all the updates, still got a virus that shut down the pc.

 

1- Have you uploaded such a 'Java exploit' to VirusTotal.com to have it checked by other AV's? Does Avira regularly flag for Java exploits?
Also, is Java up-to-date? Make sure it is.
Make sure also that you don't have any old versions lingering around.
Secunia PSI is a very useful tool to check for outdated software.

2- If Avira catches stuff real-time and removes it immediately, MBAM and SAS won't see it in an on-demand scan but do you mean that Avira does NOT find it in real-time but only after you do a manual (full) scan later on?

3- Sure, Daemon Tools Lite is a safe app.

 

Hi Baserk,

Thanks for your reply.

Baserk on your Reply #2 ... yes, AVIRA only catches these JAVA Exploits when I run a Regular Scan ... as you know Avira's Regular Scan ... takes a while.

BTW, I download and update my AV on a "Daily Basis" ... so I am up-to-date.

Also, I have been using "Secunia PSI 1.5.0.2" ... and I myself am going to stay with this version ... their NEWER version from my "Read" it seems Too Intrusive to Me.

Q1: What is your feel on Secunia PSI 2.0 version?

Q2: BTW, Baserk, you did Not answer my Q on EMET in my earlier post? What is your Recommendation?

Thanks again,

G!

 

I'm still not sure why Avira finds these Java exploits only during a full scan.
Perhaps you've used different settings for the full scan compared to the real-time scanner settings?
Anyway, I'd contact Avira Support for clarification.

1- I haven't played much with PSI 2.0 but it doesn't seem that more intrusive to me.
Simply opt-out of 'everything', don't let PSI auto-start and remove the checkmark for auto-update.
At least force PSI to ask you for user-authentification before updating itself; image link

2- EMET won't conflict with your security software as it is (imao) meant to be used for internet-facing apps like browsers, IM progs, media players.

Gonwk, there is no absolute 'need' for EMET.
Your current setup with Avira, Comodo's FW+HIPS and an on-demand scanner like MBAM (and using a user-account for daily routine) should really suffice.
If you like to tinker with security software and/or visit the darkside sometimes an/or simply want to see what EMET is like, go ahead.
cheers, Baserk

 

Hi Baserk,

Thanks for your Thorough Explanation as usual!

Have a Great Day!

G!

 

Just got this from CNET Tech.
Free Viper

CNET | Tech Specials

 

Nice program and certainly worth trying for the 30 days trial period.
But the sentence; '... unlike most other security products, the trial is 100% functional for 30 days.', is rather strange.
Most security software vendors offer fully functional trial versions.

And this 'special' CNET Vipre AntiVirus Trial version offer ( link) seems only to have a different url compared with the standard Vipre AntiVirus Trial version ( link).
Or am I really missing something here...

 

This site shows which firewall software for Windows is currently the best.
Results and comments - www.matousec.com

This along with the AV Comparatives link should be at the top of your post, so users could make an educated choice.

 

When I started the security software thread over 3 years ago, I had included Matousec scores for the firewall+HIPS section.

However, over the years, I've read more and more about some serious issues with the way testing is done in the ' Proactive Security challenge', the way test results are interpreted and the way they are presented.
Then there is the fact that Matousec says only product developers' claims about their software are tested - which they are not.
Example; according to Matousec, tested programs should have f.i. keylogger detection, even if the product states it does not provide it.
Still, also those programs are tested for keylogger protection and fail that test, scoring 0% protection for that test.
Besides that there was the issue with Matousec's KHOBE report ( link) and the hassle with Online Armor disappearing from the test results.

A much better critique of Matousec's testing methods, test results and presentation of the scores achieved, can be found here; link.

Matousec's testing results are not without merit but every reader should read the test protocol, understand it's limitations and read the individual PDF's product scores to fully appreciate the tests and results presented.
Only then, one can appreciate the final percentage scores for what they are and what they are not.
That's why I have decided to not use these %-scores anymore and not refer to the 'Proactive Security Challenge'.
cheers, Baserk

 

Interesting, didn't know that. But IMO it's still better than nothing. The novice user will just have to pick one at random now. Matousec does seem to test the actual firewall function properly.

Perhaps you could rank those three firewall solutions in your list by your own opinion.

Also, in my opinion the on-execution/behavioural scores on the AV solutions are also very important, and should be taken into account while ranking them.

In any case, thanks for creating this thread, excellent job.

 

I'm still somewhat on the fence regarding the Matousec percentages but I do understand that any sort of ranking can be usefull.

Agreed, on-execution/behavioural scores or better put 'real-world detection' would be much more useful.
Unfortunately AV-Comparatives only does 'real-world' tests for full security suites and not for AV's.
Using the suite scores wouldn't be fair imo.
AV-C have stated that they will put (much) more focus on real-world testing but also to continue their current 'on-demand' tests so I can only wait and see if their AV test focus will change much.
I could add the usual follow-up test scores in which heuristics are tested but when I added those scores previously, they seemed to be more confusing than clarifying so I chose to remove those.
Do you think those scores could be useful/informative?

 

I think that the people who visit your thread just want to know which is the best and not go study what the different numbers mean. IMO you should just keep a ranked list of AVs and FWs (including the solutions that integrate both, if they are good) created by your own opinion, since I see you are qualified and enough informed to do that.
It would be a good idea to add the paid solutions to the list too, and just note which are [paid] or [free]. Some of those paid security suites are certainly worth their money IMO. KIS for example, which integrates pretty much everything, and has respectable AV and FW engines. (But maybe I am biased since I'm too used to it.)
The antispyware/malware/etc lists are good as they are. IMO those should only be run occasionaly and not autostart, unless the AV/FW doesn't already do the same function.
This gives an idea that it would be a nice addition if the ranked AV/FW lists mentions whether the product includes/lacks keylogger/rootkit/spyware detection, so that people are properly informed.

At the end of the day, the people who visit the thread just want a simple answer to the question "what should I install?".

Those are my thoughts, but of course do how you feel is best.

 

My idea is that folks choose a selection of software themselves based on their needs. Which does require some effort.
I only try to offer a selection of decent<->excellent free security software and I'm willing to give my advice based on individual needs but I've found there's no 'best selection for all'.
AV's score pretty much the same. Using a HIPS depends on needs and skills.
For some, Comodo's Defense+ (or complete CIS) is all they need while others will 'suffer' having installed such a suite with an abundance of options.
Often I'd advise the OS-FW, an AV (+MBAM) and Sandboxie while others might want to use OS-FW, an AV and a HIPS or something like PrevX SOL.

For folks who really don't know what to choose, a paid-for security suite is the best option.

I'n not gonna add paid-for options, that would defy the purpose of this thread. Like you said, some suites perform real well. I'd advise f.i. NIS2011.
But 'paid-for' is beyond the scope of this thread.

Of all listed AV's, spyware- and rootkit protection is mentioned.
The FW's offer so many different options. CIS also offers 'sandboxing' which is not really sandboxing but running files restricted/LUA.
OA offers a 'run safer'/LUA option for running apps under admin accounts etc. Both also offer cloud-scanning etc.
Specifying all such info for all programs would create a 3-page post.
Maybe I'll add a referal to f.i. Techsupportalert.com who offer detailed information for each specific program.

 

The best free antivirus protection that i have used is Panda cloud antivirus...And I will be very thaknful if you can give me some advices how to improve it or anything about it 10x

 

Hi hempsta,

Just curious ... do you also have a "Firewall" installed or the Panda AV is all you are using.

I went to the website and from Product info sounds like interesting AV.

But I would love to hear Baserk to chime in on this ... Panda vs Avira ... or anything else.

G!

 

Hi folks,

FYI ... I am running the following AVs on my Gateway Laptop (that has Vista Home Prem., SP2, X64):

- Comodo Firewall 5.0 with HIPS Defense +, SandBox, in SAFE modes.
- AVIRA A/V
- WinPatrol
- Windows Defender
BTW, all are updated on a Daily basis.

Q1: I wonder when I run AV Scans while surfing the Net and doing stuff on my laptop ... degrades their effectiveness? So will those activities INTERFEE with the AV scanning functions?

Q2: Is "Dr. Web CureIt" a Standalone Program or an Online one? Could not quite figure it out looking on their website.

Q3: "Dr. Web CureIt" vs. "SAS" ... which is BETTER one? Or are they 2 different things?

Q4: "PC Tools Threatfire" vs. "SpywareBlaster" ... which is BETTER?
And can you run them side-by-side?

Q5: Is there anything out there similar to "KeyScrambler" that it is FREE? been spolied

Thanks,

G!

 

Q1: Yes, it will interfere with the AV scans. It isn't all too likely to screw up results but it's best to have nothing running while you run your AV scan as some files may not be able ot be accessed.

Q2-5: No idea. I don't know about dr web or pc tools threatfire.

 

Hi Hungry Man,

Thanks for your reply ... appreciate the Help!

G!

 

No spybot?

 

Avira is a great AV.

I suggest you run Spybot at least once for the immunize function.

 

Could anyone please suggest which one to use for Windows 7 64 bit AV is good,thank you

1. Microsoft Security Essentials
2. Avast
3. Eset NOD 4.0.474

 

MSE is my personal favorite.

 

Thank you Hungry man

 

Hi folks,

I happen to be searching this Thread for info and opinions on Threatfire and I came across a lot of Positive talks about 2 A/Vs ... Avast 5 and MSE ...

Q: I wonder why everybody was talking up these 2 A/Vs and NOT AVIRA!?!?
On page 1 AVIRA is rated higher than both of the other 2 AntiViruse!!!

BTW, from my readings of the various posts in this thread I have decided not to mess with "PC Tools Threatfire"!

Thanks!

G!

 

IT's not rated higher. It has a higher detection rate. Features and usability are also important factors as well as default settings and performance.

 

^^Gonwk, please remember that the scores posted, are ONLY on-demand scanning scores.
Not on-execution or 'real-world' scores.
AV-Comparatives have released their recent on-demand test so I'll change those % soon.
Another comparative score of the 3 AV's on page one can be found here.
(Note that Avira Pro, which scores lower than Avira free, is the business version of their AV, not Avira Premium/paid-for consumer version)

About Avast and MSE, both have released/will release new versions.
Avast now offers even more granular 'shields' and also a sandboxing feature in their Avast 6 product line (also in the free version).
MSE offers a new engine soon (MS blog link), as they regularly do.
They also offer more and more granular options like file/program/behaviour monitoring.
MSE is often liked because of the seamless integration, very decent scores, lack of advertising etc.

About ThreatFire, I certainly would not use it in your case with Defense+ already installed.
TF has served me well for quite some time although it's been over a year since it has been part of one of my 3 different 'free suites' (on XP, Vista, Win7).
Note that it can be finicky when using other security software with similar functionality.
Some users will never have any issue with it, while others seem to experience slow-downs and even worse issues from the beginning.

(There are folks who really do not like TF, like ' EP_X0FF' at KernelMode.info. He's pretty clear in his critique; link.
It reads like a ' deadly-fist-of-fury-analysis' )

 

i think those 2 are the favorites because of their low system resources.
avira used to be a perennial favorite here too, but the presence of ads turned off some people i think.
i used to use avira and it is a fine product indeed. during that time i think it had the smallest footprint. ive since switched to mse/mbam as a personal choice.

 

Hi folks,

Thanks to " Hungry Man", " Baserk", and " trvelbug" (hey I like that handle) ...

Sorry I have not chimed in to Thank You folks for your replies ... got busy with the Family and the Holidays ... very Helpful comments ... much more clear now ... appreciate it.

Q1: BTW, can someone please tell me if "Ad-Aware Free by Lavasoft" can co-exist side-by-side with "SpyWareBlaster"?

Q2: Will Ad-Aware give me some "Additional" benefits on top of SpyWareBlaster?

Thanks,

G!

 

Using two real-time antiviruses will degrade detection rates and lower performance. Stick to a single one.

 

Thanks Hungry Man. I am always trying pack it to the Max!

G!

 

Disable services you don't ever use, uninstall applications you don't use, try to stay away from having Flash or Office installed and use alternatives, stay up to date. Just harden the system.

 

Isn't Avast a lot more easier to use than Avira for someone who might not be computer savy?

 

havent used avira in a while but both are quite straight forward and easy to use. except avast has more options and that sanboxing feature with prompts that may be a bit confusing for a non-techie. but just read what the prompt says and it usually does everythinh for you/