Anti Virus Software for SBS 2008

[EssoOil]

Hi,

I'm fairly new to server operating systems, though I've been involved with PC's and Windows for as long as I can remember. I wouldn't dream of connecting any PC to the internet without installing some Anti Virus software on it first. However, having read loads of posts and articles on the net about Anti Virus software for servers, peoples opinion seems to be divided on whether you need it (or should actually use it).

Some people say Anti Virus software can (will?) significantly slow your server down. I know that some of the top PC Anti-Virus software is notorious for slowing a PC down. Over the years the more these Anti-Virus vendors have tried to make their software do the slower your PC gets. Yes, you can disable features and tell it not to scan certain folders or files to speed it up but there is still a performance cost of having AV software installed on any PC.

But not to have ANY Anti Virus protection just seems CRAZY!

I read an independent review about Microsoft’s relatively new "Security Essentials" being very good with low overheads and I use that on most of my client PC's with excellent results (so far). However I know it doesn't run on a server OS.

I've heard that Microsoft’s "Live OneCare for Server" has been discontinued.

I don’t use IE on my server often to browse the net but do occasionally. I have remote users connecting for OWA and RWW plus VPN. Lots of things connect to my server yet I have no Anti Virus protection.

So, come on all you SBS users and Server users, what do you use for your Anti Virus Protection?

 

[PaulGillespie]

I always use Sophos on my SBS'. I'd never have an unprotected server. Every AV product has an overhead in resources, spec your server and configure your AV accordingly.

 

[ShackDaddy]

I use Trend WorryFree (or whatever they are calling it this year). I don't install Exchange-AV, only the normal client AV. I prefer to handle all mail-hygiene via a hosted provider like McAfee or Reflexion.

IMO, the single most important thing about installing AV on an SBS (or any) box is to set your server up completely, running all wizards, doing all migration tasks, etc, before installing your AV product. The AV vendors build their setup scripts to examine the existing environment and adjust their install settings accordingly, and if you install it before installing additional products, it often prevents the johnny-come-latelys from working properly. I see this all the time with Exchange. Someone sets up a new server, installs AV, then installs Exchange. Why doesn't ActiveSync work? Uninstall\reinstall AV and everything is fine...

Dave Shackelford MVP
ThirdTier.net
TrainSignal.com

 

[nritech]

I agree with you Dave. I used Trend Micro WFBS for 6 or 7 years now and never had any problems.