Best Anti-Virus Software??

[rperkins]

OK need info for what everyone here thinks as the best Anti-Virus software. I am looking at putting in a new setup for my network. BUT what is also the best for home???

Which one does the best NOT to conflict with other software packages? (such as Peachtree, quickbooks, ect)
Which vendor does the best in updating the virus definition files?

Ones I seen are Norton, McAfee, and Etrust. One that I found this morning is Panda. Is there others and what is the best???

Thanks for your input in advance.

 

[jnicks]

I favor Sophos and F-Secure.

http://www.f-secure.com

and

http://www.sophos.com

At home I use F-Prot from Dr. Skulasson who invented anti-v scanning, the package is free for home use but gnarly if you do not know DOS.

As I have ZoneAlarm and only do text Email the sources of infection are down to two:

1. what I download, and
2. If I go to a hostile site.

1. what I download all goes to one place. If I download something that area is scanned with F-Prot ( a simple command line in an icon).

2. If I go to a hostile site, the hostile stuff would probably wind up in the browser cache first and that region is repetitively scanned while I am on-line.

All this means that Anti-V is not on while doing ordinary work, so
- no conflicts and no legitimate program crashes because of A-V
- Everything is about 20% faster, more memory, better disk usage ...

However for Joe User a regular Win package is best. Given the chance I install the F-Secure evaluation package first and have not had complaints.

F-Secure is very professional, as are Panda and Sophos, whereas some others, the leading two, tend to be 'nervous' and not so accurate about what they say and do, as well as causing more crashes and conflicts.

I am sure you are aware, all of them catch all the latest viruses and somewhere between 99.8% to 99.99% of old ones and all have alert programs and update programs.

 

[Kento]

Simply put, the "best" depends on just who you ask. Pc-cillin, Norton, and Kapersky Labs are very good and are always highly rated in unbiased av tests. Pc-cillin is excellent. I use Norton and it's never given me any problems. I've heard good things about EZtrust av. Pc-cillin and Norton require you to buy yearly virus definition subscriptions. I'm not sure if Kapersky and Eztrust do that but it's likely. Alot of av makers charge for definitions now. Choose whatever one you want but in my opinion stay away from Mcafee.

"..whereas some others, the leading two, tend to be 'nervous' and not so accurate about what they say and do,"

HUH?? What does 'nervous' mean and what do you mean by "not so accurate"?

 

[Grenage]

Indeed it's all about opinions, there really is no "best", just a few leading brands.

From personal Experience I find Mcafee Groupshield is great on exchange servers, and Norton is good for desktop PC's.

 

[csconner]

We use Command Software CSAV v.4.64.3 on our customer systems: servers (NT, 2000) and desktops (win9x, nt and 2000) It seems to provide good protection, the update process is good (when it works correctly) and they are timely with definition file updates. Customer selected product (low cost) installed on over 2500 desktops and nearly 50 servers. CSAV has just released a new product versin 4.7.x which is one code base for all win OS's. with a new mangement console to manage the definition, product and patch update process.

On our systems (desktops and servers) we use CA-InoculateIT. It works really good, good product (stable) and timely updates... Installed on over 350 desktops and 30 servers.

Guess the next release is eTrust 6.x... No experience with it yet. csconner
Backups, Arcserve, anti-virus, W2K, WinNT

 

[hnd]

There are really no "BEST" Antivirus Programs but a lot of excellent Programs. But what is the best for your requirements depends on what you really need.

Do you need a tool to protect your HomePC or do you look for something to protect a company-server? In the last case you should have a look to Trendmicro products.

But with virusscanners it is most important to get an actual updateservice and there products like Norton, McAffee, or Sophos are nearly unbeatable. Ok. you have to Pay for it, but it is worth.

hnd
hasso55@yahoo.com

 

[richgill]

You could try AVG from Grisoft. It's free for home use, can be updated via the net and seems stable. I've been using it on my home PCs for a while now with no problems.

 

[JimInKS]

I user Computer Associates InoculateIT at work and e-trust at home. I have been very happy with it. The home version used to be free but now cost $20 with $10 yearly renewal. In independent tests I have seen it is rated poorly for cpu usage, but in all other areas it is very good. I like it because it is small and simple and just does the job. It also costs less than Norton. You can download e-trust from CA's web site

http://www2.my-etrust.com/

and try it free for 30 days.

 

[fenris]

I have been using AVG now for over a year and it works great. No conflicts with other software, regular AV definition updates. It seems to rank up there with Norton and some others. Best of all it is free for Home use (as long as you live in North America, I believe).

When ever anyone asks me about AV software I always recomend this one. Troy Williams E.I.T.
fenris@hotmail.com

 

[ITWally]

I have been using AVG v6 Free Edition on my W2k home network for 18 months with no problems. I have also installed this version onto many of my customers PC's and so far have not had a single complaint. I can highly recommend.

 

[Guest_imported]

Personally I like the AVG 6.0 product from Grisoft.com, which is free and very easy to use and update.

 

[johnny99]

We use Sophos on workstations and it's good.

Updating a lot of workstations has been a pain in the ...., but now they have solved that.

It has never let us down.

And the few times we have needed support we got it without any problem.

/johnny

 

[paulbenn]

Another Vote for AVG from me, When my 50 User Licence expirers from NAI I will be changing to AVG.

It great and I have known them on many occasions to get the updates out before NAI and Nortons.


Kind Regards, Paul Benn

**** Never Giveup, keep trying, the answer is out there!!! ****

 

[dkediger]

Sophos is great end to end, particularly with the new Enterprise Manager for updates.

Best thing about it is it stays out of the way on the workstation - zero compatibility/stability issues. They will also custom tailor a license for you - you don't need to buy at certain increments.

They also ship a CD every month wich contains the current revs of their entire product line, just in case you don't feel like downloading the latest engine.

 

[2ffat]

Sophos has a clause in their agreement that allows home users to use their software free if the corp they work for also uses it. Sophos has been solid for us. James P. Cottingham

I am the Unknown lead by the Unknowing.
I have done so much with so little
for so long that they think I am now
qualified to do anything with nothing.