The best free security software

Well I'd suggest sticking to what you know. If you start seeing a lot of false positives you can change but until then don't bother.

 

Fry's has a memorial day sale going on where, if you are willing to deal with a rebate, you can get paid versions of Norton 2011, Kaspersky, Trend Micro, Panda, or Bit Defender for free. AVG is five bucks. I've heard that some of the formerly very bad, bloated paid programs are actually OK now. Is it better to have paid versions? If so, which one would you choose?

Fry's Electronics |

 

Norton Internet Security 2011 if you follow all the tests at Wilders example: AV-Comparatives 2011 dynamic tests - Page 4 - Wilders Security Forums

 

Where does everyone stand on microsoft security essentials?

 

It's my most recommended antivirus.

 

most everyone here prefers it for its small footprint and good scanning performance.

 

Hi Baserk,

Q: Have you heard of "IObit Malware Fighter" and what do you think about it and where would it fall under your 1st page category list?

IObit Malware Fighter

Thanks,

G!

 

^Hi Gonwk, you've been keeping an eye on IMF right?
Fresh out of beta to final version today.

- Tbh, I haven't been watching Iobit developments as of late but I will check it out and as soon as I've found decent test results of it, the program will get a post.

- If it's really good, it will end up in the list of course.
' Enhanced Real-time Protection' and ' Enhanced Malware Protection' are only available in the paid version according to the following linked page so I wonder how the free version fares in comparison to the paid one; ( link)

- It would fall under the 'AntiSpyware/Malware' category as it is a complementary product, as Iobit write themselves;

' Anti-malware, anti-spyware, anti-adware, anti-trojan, anti-bots, and more. IObit Malware Fighter can assist your antivirus to defend any tricky and complex threats.' link

They still have the beta version on the linked page above, final version is already available on MajorGeeks; link)

 

Hi Baserk,

As usual you are thorough and on top of it. Thanks for all the info and the links.

Baserk, I actually accidently bumped into it on MG website ... I think I was downloading MBAM or something and I saw IMF.

What caught my interest was the fact that it can possibly Find Rootkits and other stuff ... so I thought this could be a good addition to my On-Demand arsenal of antivirus scanners ... like MBAM and SAS.

I most likely will only use the "Free" version of it ... just wanted to make sure it would Not conflict with my other stuff.

Thanks again!

G!

 

Hi folks,

Has anybody run this Option of the SAS ... on it's main screen has a Link that says "Find out what's running on your computer!" ?

Q1: Is it anything different than "Process Explorer" from M$?

Q2: Did you think it was worthed to run it?

Q3: Is it a One Time deal or does it leave Junk on your PC?

Thanks,

G!

 

Hi Baserk,

I was wondering if "Lavasoft Ad-Aware Free" is worth looking at ...

Ad-Aware Free - Download Internet Security Software with Antivirus & Spyware Removal - Lavasoft

Product Comparison Chart - Lavasoft

Thanks,

G!

 

FWIW,

I recently ditched AVG and downloaded Avast!. I wont ever go back. Im surprised Avast is still free...

 

I installed Avast just to see what the program is like, but ended up uninstalling it. What do you guys do once that 30 day trial is up? Do you just end up reinstalling it again and again every 30 days? 0_o

 

What AV are you using now?

 

Avira free version.

 

Avira wants me to disable Defender.

So which security setup is the safest for Win 7: Avast + Windows Defender or Avira Free version on its own?

I'm assuming MSE has lower detection rates than Avast, correct?

By the way, I thought MSE was very light on system resources. These numbers show other wise:
http://dottech.org/freeware-reviews...e-security-software-you-should-use/#detection

Edit: just noticed Baserk's first post. Seems like Avast is the way to go.

 

Did you sign up on Avast's site? That's what they require now for their AV to be usable beyond 30 days, and requires re-registration every year. Maybe you could add that as a note to your list. Do you still use Avira? I got the feeling you didn't like the whole ad situation. MSE is really so easy to use, no registration or ads, I feel like just sticking with what I have and maybe adding a HIPS.

 

Hi folks,

I was Totally Surprised when I saw Baserk preferring "Online Armor" over "Comodo" for Firewall and HIPS protection!!!

I have been thinking about "Sandboxie" Freeware ... but it seems So Much work.

Q1: Has anybody used "Sandboxie" Freeware? If so, how much work is it to set it up?

Q2: May be Baserk or anyone else can explain by what Applications he considers "Internet Facing Apps"? And can Sandboxie just be pointed toward those?

Thanks,

G!

 

Sandboxie Free isn't worth it in my opinion. Without being able to force applications it's a pain to use and you lose the functionality of being able to sandbox folders.

I personally use Comodo's firewall and HIPS. It's more than enough for the average user.


edit: As for what internet facing applications are... does the application ever connect to a server?

One internet facing app is your browser -- naturally. Everything it does is connecting to the internet. Your instant messaging clients (aim, digsby, whichever) are always facing the internet.

Some programs such as CCleaner are not primarily internet-based applications but they do connect to a server for updates if you set them to auto-update. If this is the case it is technically internet facing.

A program that you manually update and that does not make any calls to servers or receive information from one is not an internet facing application.

 

-I don't mind the yearly registration. That's imo just a small requirement for using a very good yet free AV.
-At the moment I don't have Avira Personal installed but that's not due to the recent marketing decision but trying out something else.
(And indeed, I don't like Avira depicting Uniblue as a 'Trusted Partner', that's just bollocks).
-MSE is one of my favourites also, no hassle, nice integration and o/c decent detection. I can imagine that's enough reason for folks to not bother looking elsewhere.
I've installed it on 3 computers from family members some 6 months ago and all of them like the way it works and protects sofar. (Haven't had any calls...)

It's not that much work Gonwk.
Primarily I use it for sandboxing Firefox, my PDF reader and uTorrent.
This requires me to do 3 things for Sandboxie (free version).
-Specify where downloads from Sandboxed Firefox and uTorrent need to be saved to; from inside the sandbox to outside the sandbox; into my standard 'Download' folder.
-Specify which programs are allowed to run inside the sandbox; FF, the FF plugin container, the PDF reader and uTorrent.
-Specify which programs are allowed 'Internet access'; those are Firefox, FF's plugin-container, the PDF reader and uTorrent.

Sandboxie can look a bit intimidating because it's just such a completely different program compared to a HIPS or some antimalware app.
But it really isn't that difficult gonwk.
I'm pretty sure you'll understand it fast and appreciate it much.
And adding more programs will then be very easy, f.i. a media player that will start sandboxed when you open an internet radio stream in Firefox.

 

Free version doesn't do files/ folders though so why use it? Plus you can't force apps into it, which is a pain.

I've found the Comodo Defense+ to be more user friendly if somewhat less secure.

 

Perhaps your requirements aren't a golden standard?
Not everyone needs to have the files/folders option.
And with the free version, there is always the option to run apps sandboxed by right-clicking and select 'run sandboxed'.

 

I just believe in a set it and forget it method, which isn't the case if you're using the free version.

If you're not able to sandbox files/ folders you lose a lot of the security functionality. With Comodo you can set unknown files to execute within a sandbox -- there's just less customizability as to how the sandbox performs. I could be wrong but I don't think Sandboxie does that.

Edit: Comodo is just one example. I believe Avast! has a similar function but I could be wrong. Both are free though.

edit2: Plus, right clicking isn't too helpful sometimes. For example: lots of people send me youtube links or other links via digsby. Clicking them will open a non-sandboxed browser. Of course, I don't care to sandbox Chrome since it serves almost no purpose whatsoever but it's one example of it being a pain.

 

Hi Baserk & Hungry Man,

THANKS both for the feedback on SandBoxie.

G!

 

Avast has sandbox mode and a good one too. Sometimes I would install programs and forget they were running in sandbox mode.

 

Rodster, does Avast! allow you to choose which programs go into the sandbox/ does it sandbox all unknown programs? Or does it just autosandbox the ones it believes to be malicious?

I only tried it for a day.

 

I've switched back to MSE for sometime now but IIRC it's the later, not sure if the Pro version let's you pick and choose the programs to run in sandbox mode.

 

Hm. Gonna stick to Comodo then since it lets me specify.

 

Hi folks,

I have been using Avira on my laptop that has Vista x64 Home Prem for the past 3 years and I am happy with it. But, last couple of the days Avira is getting on my Nerve with their Stupid Pop-Up to install their Avira Task-Bar or Search-Bar ...

I notice more and more people are loving MSE ... but they also Qulaify their answer that they are running Windows 7 ...

Q1: Would MSE also work for Vista x64?

Q2: Would MSE give me as a good of Protection as Avira?

Q3: Does MSE "Update" their Virus Database ... as Frequently as Avira? Since this was a sticking point with MSE early on ... 2010 time frame.

FYI, I am running Comodo Firewall with HIPS+ and SpywareBlaster and WinPatrol.

Thanks,

G!

 

On Q2:
Avast! Free Antivirus 6.0......98,4% - 19 FP
Avira AntiVir Personal 10......97,5% - 9 FP (includes 3rd party advertising)
MSE 2.0............................... 95,8% - 1 FP (create a (daily) update task)

 

Hi Phil.

THANKS! ... on Q2.

G!

 

You're running Comodo firewall with Defense+?

Honestly, why bother with an AV? I run Comodo's firewall without one -- just make sure you autosandbox at limited or higher and you'll be fine.

 

^^ Haha :laugh: ... call me Mr. "P" for Paranoid. :wink:

Hey Hungry Man ... On Comodo, I already have SandBox "Enabled" ... so what do you mean by "Limited or Higher"!?!?

Thanks,

G!

 

Go to your summary page, look under defense+, you should see the word "limited" or "restricted" or "partially limited" there

click that

go to "treat unrecognized files as" and set it to limited or restricted

 

It seems that Avira removed the web guard component with their latest update, no more pop ups to install it.

 

Hi folks,

@ Hungry Man, Thanks for the Tip. I looked there and "default" was "Partially Limited" ... it has total of 5 settings ... so, I went and moved it to the next level up ... "Limited" ... I hope that will not cram my style ... since I run some downloaders and microT junk (if u know what I mean).

@ coolguy ... you are right ... to my surprise, the pop up asking to install the Search Bar it was gone after last update. May be Avira got a lot of complaints.

Thanks guys!

G!

 

I have it set to "restricted" which will break a lot of things. That's the way I like it. I just hit "don't sandbox next time" and restart the program -- only takes a second. That way if malware gets on the computer it's completely broken.

 

Hi folks,

I can't recall if this question was asked before ... but I just had to reinstall ... roll back to the Older Version of Avira ... from 10.0.0.652 to 10.0.0.650 since the 10.0.0.652 (better known as Avira 10 SP2) is definitely Broken ...

So, while re-installing the old 10.0.0.650 it Warned me that I should have Windows Defender "Turned Off"!!!

But I remember that before I had Windows Defender running in the Full Mode right along with Avira AND Comodo Defense+ (set at "Safe" Levels and SandBox ON) and it was working just fine ... Or at least I guess.

Q1: Can I run Windows Defender as before with Avira even though warns me not to?

Avira says to Turn Off Defender by ...

1) Untick "Use Real-Time Protection (Recommended)"

2) Untick "Use Windows Defender"

Q2: Which of the above 2 options can I leave or should I leave ON (Cehcked) with Avira?

Thanks,

G!

 

^ You don't need Windows defender with Avira. Uncheck "Use windows defender". I don't have any issue the Avira 10 SP2.

 

^ Hi coolguy,

Do I also Uncheck "Use Real-Time Protection"!?!?

coolguy, could you tell me what AntiVirus setup is ... Avira 10, SP2, what do you use for Firewall, any other AV tools Active or On-Demand!

I assume you are using Windows 7 ... from your signature line.

Thanks,

G!

 

You just uncheck "Use Windows defender", this will turn OFF the program.

I use Avira free + Windows Firewall (+ Unlimited common sense!) and sometimes On-Demand scanning with MBAM.

 

^^ So, where do I download that! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Thanks coolguy!

G!

 

This is something special about this program, you don't need to download it.

 

I have used AVG Free for years with Windows Firewall + a lot of common sense wih good results. I haven't had a virus for years! The most important thing, when using a computer, is actually common sense. I also think that Malwarebytes is indispensable.

However, I've started to install MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) on the computers I fix, and it works like a charm too.

 

Hi folks,

@ Baserk ... Nice Update.

Baserk ... Funny new Avatar. BTW, I just tried to test out your "New" addition (to me anyway) to the Online Scanners ... "Metascan Online" and it tells me that it does Not support my Browser ... It shows that supports IE7+ ... well I am on IE7 ...

Q1: Is there a Special version of IE7 out there!?!?

My Avira "Free" version is showing the Product Activation Expiring September 01, 2011 ... so I tried updating it but it takes me to the "PAID" version?

Q2: Will Avira Free version Activate itself automatically on Sept 1 or what?

Thanks,

G!

 

My Avira has the activation expiry date of 11/30/2012. I think that it will automatically activate. If it doesn't, you can re-install.

The product version is 10.2.0.700.

 

Hi Gonwk, I've got only FF6 and IE9 available to me atm so I can't reproduce this IE7 issue. (Are you sure you don't want to use IE8?)

About Avira Free, usually you would automatically get a new license through an update some 4 weeks in advance. (But apparantly not in your case...)
That's what the Avira Free FAQ also mentions; link
And the 'download-a-license-key-yourself' page only has an old license key unfortunately. link
If you don't automatically get a new license soon, I'd just uninstall/reinstall as mentioned by coolguy.

 

Hi Baserk & coolguy,

Sorry I have not posted back awhile ... Thanks for your replies.

@ coolguy ...

Q1: Are you running Avira 10.2.0.700!?!? If so, with what else, FW, or any other AV or Anti-Malware?

I installed couple of weeks ago ... when it was 10.2.0.6xx ... and had problems ... so I went backto 10.0.0.650 ... and A-OK! But, may be they fixed the Conflicts and I will dare to go back.

@ Baserk ...

Q2: How come you are suggesting IE8 over IE9!?!?

Q3: Is IE9 safe enough and stable and proven enough!?!? Will it work with all Sites!?!?

Q4: Baserk, which version of FF6!?!? and which Add-Ons (if they are not too many to mention)?

Baserk ... the reason I have stayed with IE7 ... I was afraid it would mess up something ... had a bad experience with IE before when upgrading.

Thanks,

G!

 

I am running the latest Avira V 10.2.0.700 with Windows Firewall and Common Sense 2012!. I use MBAM very rarely for on-demand scanning.

 

Hi coolguy,

So, I assume that you do not use "Windows Defender" only Windows Firewall.

Q: Coolguy, I am not sure if you have mentioned it before or not ... but which Browser do you use!?!?

Thanks,

G!