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Advice on antivirus software

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jazzman111

IS-IT--Management
Dec 22, 2003
104
US
My new Dell desktop came bundled with PC-cillin antivirus software--but only on a 90-day trial basis. I'm shopping for possible alternatives. Someone suggested I just download one of the many freeware antivirus programs, but I'd be more comfortable with -and I'm willing to pay a reasonable price for--a highly rated, name brand. It just seems to me I'd get more reliable antivirus updates and customer service from them. One product that seems highest rated is The Shield Pro 2006.
I found the review on the link above, but I don't know how objective that site is. Any suggestions on antivirus products I should consider?
 
I've always tended to use Norton Anti-Virus on any system's i've worked with and found it to always do the job.

I wouldnt reccomend the Internet Security package as that just seems to bog down the system and want to scan and double check everything you do.

I'll probably be harrased by some people on the forum for reccomending Norton but meh, i've never found any problems.

Rob
 
Trend Micro's PC-cillin is a very good antivirus, and I doubt that you'd be disappointed if you paid for it after your trial was up. Another good antivirus that flies below the radar is Norman ( You'd have to either purchase it from a reseller or directly from their website, because they do not sell retail. Sorry Rob, Norton does the job but it's just too much a resource hog.
 
I've used Norton for many years and was very happy with it. However, newer versions - particularly ones bundled in Norton Internet Security - do appear to have ever increasing resource needs and slow PC's down.

I've even had to remove Norton AV2005 (and McAfee) from customer's dial-up setups in order to restore conectivity. Worst of all was when I tested Nod32 and it found 2 different trojans on one of my home PC's that Norton had missed.

I no longer recommend Norton and avoid McAfee (too many prpblems with its home suites). I'm now testing AVG Free on one PC and NOD32 on another. AVG Free appears to be well regarded, as well as NOD32 and - a comparitive newcomer - Ewido. (I'm very surprised that none of these were mentioned, let alone reviewed, in the 6-Star review you mentioned.)
 
I would reccomend sticking with pc-cillin. Also I would keep ewido and let it expire and just keep it for a backup behind scanner. I do not care for norton, my opinion is there not so great. Anyways this is my 2 cents as some say.
 
A vote for NOD32.

Whatever you get, make sure you update it daily. TrendMicro is well regarded.

The person behind the keyboard is another problem which can be a big factor.
 
Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions. I'm kind of surprised that no one had anything to say one way or another for "the Shield Pro 2006", especially since it was rated #1 on that website. That's making me wonder just who sponsored the rating--maybe the Shield Pro company?
 
My votes:

PC-cillin
Computer Associates EZ Trust
Panda Internet Security

Worst = Norton & McAfee
 
I suspect no one had anything to say about Shield Pro 2006 'cos no one has ever heard of it?
 
That's a good bet first time i hear of it.

I would recommend avg,panda,pc-cillin

don't get Norton and Mcafee i work with them on a daily basis and yes they are definitely resource hogs.



Some people make things happen, some people watch things happen, while others wonder what happened.
 
I have used AVG for a long time and it consistently is highly rated. I use the free version which I understand does the same scan job but doesn't have a bell or whistle.

What is your opinion of this pgm?
 
AVG and Avast are both well rated freeware, scanners.
 
Avast! made the top 4 list. I've been using and recommending it for about a year.

-David
2006 Microsoft Valued Professional (MVP)
 
Which "top 4 list" was this.? Can you give me a link to it?
 
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