Do you use : No Antivirus , FREE Antivirus , or PAID Antivirus and why?

[CPU Fan]

I have been using AVG for some time now, before I had been using Norton, both great. In my opinion a paid anti virus is mandatory if you're someone who values the protection and security of your files and computer, or you visit more risky parts of the internet. Generally smart browsing practices will help prevent a lot of viruses but I've had dozens of instances where my anti virus has protected me against a virus in real time. If you can't afford payed anti virus software you could always pirate some to see if you like it and buy a license later (though this is risky and you have to know what you're doing).

Here's all that I use:
AVG Internet Security 2014
TDSSKiller (Anti-rootkit tool, free)
https/www.virustotal.com/ (free browser file scanner)
OpenDNSCrypt (free encryption software)

Not to mention recommending that someone pirate stuff on this forum is against the rules... but I think we understand your point. I won't recommend pirating anything on here, even though I have many ties to it outside of this forum. Just FYI, mate.

I'm starting to wonder if it's either luck, technique, or some random other factor that has prevented me from being one of those people who's seen an AV software do something beneficial. I've never seen anything beyond false positives (usually for custom rootkits), and I've not once seen an AV software block something that couldn't have easily been prevented without an AV software. Either I'm not visiting shady enough websites (can't be that, given what my internet activities consist of), I'm using other tools that most people aren't using, or something else peculiar about my usage prevents it... but I can't figure out why. I've only seen AV software on other people's computers flag 'infections' or potential 'threats' when my own customised browser would have blocked all that nonsense before an AV software would know about it; and that's because it never had a chance to run itself. The only stuff that can infect my computer is the stuff that would fly under the radar with the vast majority of security software; and I kind of have to be okay with that.

But... that isn't why I came back here *facepalm*. Does anyone know if the TrendMicro and Kaspersky trials perform identical to their paid versions? I don't care if they run out after a month (I will likely use them for two weeks at most), but I want to see if they are worth their weight in... currency? I just would like to see if they are worth what you would pay for, and if their UI is going to be of a good quality. I won't test them if their trials are restricted in any way... that defeats the whole test.

I used Kaspersky for a few years and thought it was decent. Never tried the free version. If you keep an eye on newegg, it goes for free with a mail-in rebate every now and then. I didn't have trouble with piggy-back programs installing behind other free-ware back then - prolly because it seems to be a fairly new trend (looking at you Conduit!)...

 

[Rapajez]

For those of you having issues with the annoying pop-ups in Avast!, you can dig into the settings, and configure only critical pop-ups to display. You can set the rest to "disabled" or "0 seconds", I forget which. Most of the other annoying "you're getting this software for free" stuff can be disabled in the options as well.

I don't remember all of the details, but the most I get now is the occasional upgrade offer after a software update, which to me, is worth the savings.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Avast is a FREE decent Antivirus , and you get more options than with most free versions.

 

[spooky2th]

I have been using AVG for some time now, before I had been using Norton, both great. In my opinion a paid anti virus is mandatory if you're someone who values the protection and security of your files and computer, or you visit more risky parts of the internet. Generally smart browsing practices will help prevent a lot of viruses but I've had dozens of instances where my anti virus has protected me against a virus in real time. If you can't afford payed anti virus software you could always pirate some to see if you like it and buy a license later (though this is risky and you have to know what you're doing).

Here's all that I use:
AVG Internet Security 2014
TDSSKiller (Anti-rootkit tool, free)
https/www.virustotal.com/ (free browser file scanner)
OpenDNSCrypt (free encryption software)

Not to mention recommending that someone pirate stuff on this forum is against the rules... but I think we understand your point. I won't recommend pirating anything on here, even though I have many ties to it outside of this forum. Just FYI, mate.

I'm starting to wonder if it's either luck, technique, or some random other factor that has prevented me from being one of those people who's seen an AV software do something beneficial. I've never seen anything beyond false positives (usually for custom rootkits), and I've not once seen an AV software block something that couldn't have easily been prevented without an AV software. Either I'm not visiting shady enough websites (can't be that, given what my internet activities consist of), I'm using other tools that most people aren't using, or something else peculiar about my usage prevents it... but I can't figure out why. I've only seen AV software on other people's computers flag 'infections' or potential 'threats' when my own customised browser would have blocked all that nonsense before an AV software would know about it; and that's because it never had a chance to run itself. The only stuff that can infect my computer is the stuff that would fly under the radar with the vast majority of security software; and I kind of have to be okay with that.

But... that isn't why I came back here *facepalm*. Does anyone know if the TrendMicro and Kaspersky trials perform identical to their paid versions? I don't care if they run out after a month (I will likely use them for two weeks at most), but I want to see if they are worth their weight in... currency? I just would like to see if they are worth what you would pay for, and if their UI is going to be of a good quality. I won't test them if their trials are restricted in any way... that defeats the whole test.

I used Kaspersky for a few years and thought it was decent. Never tried the free version. If you keep an eye on newegg, it goes for free with a mail-in rebate every now and then. I didn't have trouble with piggy-back programs installing behind other free-ware back then - prolly because it seems to be a fairly new trend (looking at you Conduit!)...

Not only free occasionally, I look for the $10 or $15 deals too. Especially when I am getting close to the end of my subscription.

 

[Skylyne]

I currently don't have the money to spend upfront, so that won't help me lol. I also don't like the rebate cards that most companies are sending out. I tend to avoid rebates for that reason. The prepaid cards are the biggest hassle in the world, especially since I'm a cash only person. Not to mention, I don't want the company knowing I have their product beyond a simple download, or purchase history... if that lol. I'm a paranoid person for many reasons haha.

 

[CRITICALThinker]

Personally I use Avast, and have used MSE at one point. When I first got Avast free in 2009 It was absolutely incredible, worked well, and it actually had some useful features (sandbox allowed me to play a one hour demo for over three hours by not saving progress when I exited) but sadly there have been a couple features removed from the free version, and some that were added didn't make it to the free version.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Avast is still probably one of the best FREE on the market , even with a few less features.

My parents use ESET , they were big fans of Avast.

 

[Guest]

Moved back to Avast last night. Can't make up my mind here.

Pretty certain I've got everything set to the point it doesn't bug the hell out of me. Shame that required using the custom install button and unticking a handful of the useless features. (That'll be, virtually all of the 'Tools' section).

Still, it works, so I've got that going for me... Which is nice.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Yes , it seems to be the #1 Free choice out there.

 

[Ubrales]

Malwarebytes - Paid version because of the automatic updates. The virus scans are still manual. And Windows AV (Microsoft Security Essentials, Windows Defender).

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Malwarebytes - Paid version < Best lifetime investment for under $20.00.

 

[Skylyne]

Just in case no one has really explored the AV-Comparatives website, here's a page that will allow you to browse all of their test results without downloading all the individual reports/PDF files- http/chart.av-comparatives.org/chart1.php

Looks like that is a pretty handy way to see where your AV software stands, compared to the rest of the crowd. I definitely recommend reading everything (though most people probably won't bother to do that), but it will definitely help you make a good decision with standalone AV software.

 

[Huang Ray]

I will just use free avast with malwarebytes (the free one).
Also, I use AdBlock!

I do not feel like spending money on AntiVirus.
So, I just use 2 free one with adblock xD

 

[SGM26]

Windows Defender, MBAM and AdBlock (Chrome) are enough for me. Never had any issues with viruses or anything of the like (the closest I've been is when it gets caught and flagged up before it does anything malicious).

It could just be that I don't click on or go to suspicious websites or emails, etc, but it's been years since I had a virus and I run scans every week.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

MBAM is a fantastic security tool , best of it's kind.

 

[papablista]

Do you use : No Antivirus , FREE Antivirus , or PAID Antivirus and why.

Please leave comments on why you do or don't use an Antivirus.

Thanks for your time,
Blackbird.

AVG free with Malwarebytes paid.

Ditto, except Malwarebytes free also and a little copy of CCleaner it's all you need...Oh almost forgot ad-block+ free a definite must have
(º¿º)

 

[spooky2th]

Malwarebytes - Paid version < Best lifetime investment for under $20.00.

I saw that advertised for Malwarebytes not too long ago and thought about getting it. Guess I missed my chance.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

I see the deal every few weeks I'll let you know.

 

[nick779]

Ive been using Webroot for several years now. It consistently has high detection rates and is able to fix most issues. I used to use Avira free though.

 

[Skylyne]

Webroot appears to have a nice detection rate, but I'm starting to wonder what the real-world ceiling of detection rates for AV software should be. I'm starting to think that most people are relying too much on their security software, and aren't always taking the right precautions outside of running an AV/AM software. It's more of a question based on a hunch, but still somewhat valid. I don't think a 100% detection rate should be necessary, since your AV software is really supposed to be your last line of defence. If an infection gets all the way to a virus scan/etc., then I would expect there to be a weak link somewhere before the AV software.