computer virus scanners

abc12 · 11-09-2012, 08:16 AM

i've had my somewhat new computer for about 2 years or so, and haven't done a virus scan or even installed a virus program on my system, thinking it's about time too...

so wondering what virus scanners you guys use or recommend, somewhat basic but reliable, nothing too advanced, use to have programs before on my old system like norton which would run in the back ground all the time and slow down my system...

thanks

Barnsdale · 11-09-2012, 08:55 AM

If you haven't had anything installed in 2 years and are virus free - why install something? Any Virus scanner I've owned with a PC has ended up just slowing it down or not doing it's job.

Then again...I'll never own a PC again, once you go Mac you never go back.

abc12 · 11-09-2012, 09:06 AM

well that's the thing, i don't know if i am virus free, i'm always downloading stuff online, and you can never trust what your downloading or running,

reason is, i want to back up my personal stuff onto a back up hard-drive and would like to just make sure everything is good, like having a peace of mind if you know what i mean...

i've never owned a mac yet, and no plans too, but maybe someday. what are the advantages of using a Mac?

Barnsdale · 11-09-2012, 09:14 AM

I started using Mac a couple years ago and I never had slowing down, or virus problems. I have no idea if this is correct but someone told me that Virus makers plan them for PC for whatever reason and not really for Mac, I don't know the logistics but I've never had a virus problem.

If you do have any warranty problems etc, it's so easy to fix because you just book a online appointment and they fix it right there on the spot or give you a new one - that's probably what I like best in terms of piece of mind. And you can also sign up for free lessons on how to use the Mac and make use of its programs etc. Very good for beginners owning one.

They are a bit more expensive but 100% worth it and since the quality is good you can find awesome deals on Kijiji on mint condition ones still under warranty and have piece of mind.

Antonreality · 11-10-2012, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barnsdale

I started using Mac a couple years ago and I never had slowing down, or virus problems. I have no idea if this is correct but someone told me that Virus makers plan them for PC for whatever reason and not really for Mac, I don't know the logistics but I've never had a virus problem.

If you do have any warranty problems etc, it's so easy to fix because you just book a online appointment and they fix it right there on the spot or give you a new one - that's probably what I like best in terms of piece of mind. And you can also sign up for free lessons on how to use the Mac and make use of its programs etc. Very good for beginners owning one.

They are a bit more expensive but 100% worth it and since the quality is good you can find awesome deals on Kijiji on mint condition ones still under warranty and have piece of mind.

That is pretty much a fallacy these days. Due to increase in sales of popular iOS and Android platforms, Malware writers specifically target these 2 platforms these days. Most Malware today is NOT designed to disable a computer but more designed for spyware/bot functionality. Years ago, Windows was the target and disruptions were the intent, but today it's all about stealing data and controlling your device for financial gain at some point.

bmwm5lover · 11-09-2012, 09:17 AM

AVG works well and is free.

cormier · 11-09-2012, 09:30 AM

Ya A Mac is cool ... If you don't want to game or download anything or... You get it

AVG is good on pc.

hockeyfan27 · 11-09-2012, 10:31 AM

At home I run MS Security Essentials and do the occasional scan every month or 2 with
Malwarebytes. both are free

On the servers at our office, in addition to a physical firewall, we run Kapersky Endpoint Security 8 (not so free but works well and is light on resources)

I used to use Symantec Endpoint Small Business but that missed a pretty nasty virus and was a resource hog.

Dysantic · 11-09-2012, 11:53 AM

^^ MS Security Essentials is easy, free and isn't that taxing on your system compared to some of those antivirus programs out there.

As lons as you have a legit version of Windows I'd go with that.

chia · 11-09-2012, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dysantic

^^ MS Security Essentials is easy, free and isn't that taxing on your system compared to some of those antivirus programs out there.

As lons as you have a legit version of Windows I'd go with that.

If your Windows is legit and you don't do any pirating on your PC, MS Essentials is great.. however, it does give alot of false positives.

2slow2race · 11-09-2012, 04:27 PM

i use MS security essentials and it has been working great.
easy to use. stopped a few intrusions for me actually.

had norton before and that just ruined the computer. terrible program.

chia · 11-09-2012, 05:25 PM

I've been a big fan of ESET NOD32. It's effective and very light on resources.

From doing my research on what is best, I've found that the windows community favors ESET NOD32 and AVAST!. Avast apparently has a great free software, although I've never tried it.

gruppusol · 11-09-2012, 05:32 PM

the mac is a virus

blakneto · 11-10-2012, 01:23 AM

I use avast or avg...sometimes both. MS essentials works well and you can get around the "legit" in various ways.... Mac is good if you only do facebook and surf porn.:p there are viruses for Mac, its just that important things are on Windows. :p

Wow... No anti virus for 2 years?? Dude you brave... Please tell me you dont do online banking too?

HavocSteve · 11-10-2012, 08:03 AM

I only use MS Essentials as well. I don't run anything else. I also game constantly so a Mac isn't in the cards. As long as you keep Mozilla up to date and MS Essentials, your in pretty good shape. Reason why you don't have apple products that get hacked are simple, it wasn't in demand at the time, the coding is all ass backwards.