Free anti-virus/firewall?

Independent Thief on 1/3/2010 at 21:51

My subscription to Mcaffe is about to go out-and to renew is rather expensive. I'm only looking for a good anti-virus/firewall program to replace it. Are there any good alternatives out there for free that will give me similar protection? I've heard of something called AVG-is that any good?

Bluegrime on 1/3/2010 at 21:55

No, AVG is pretty trash. COMODO is the best freebie firewall/anti-virus I've found so far, and it's pretty intuitive.

Ostriig on 1/3/2010 at 22:10

Antivirus rankings vary wildly, a simple Google search will prove that much. I use AVG, and I also give AdAware a spin occasionally to look for any spyware that AVG might not have picked up on, though I don't remember the last time that happened. I'm considering now look into adding Microsoft Security Essentials, too, a mate of mine gave it a solid recommendation.

Namdrol on 1/3/2010 at 22:22

Why not spend a few quid and get something decent like Kaspersky?

bob_doe_nz on 1/3/2010 at 23:39

Antivirus Paid: (http://www.eset.com/) Nod32
Antivirus Free: (http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/) Microsoft Security Essentials. (Make sure it's the legit one and not the fake 2010 variation)

Firewall: Comodo

Enchantermon on 2/3/2010 at 01:40

I use (http://www.avast.com/index) avast! for antivirus, (http://www.malwarebytes.org/) Malwarebytes for malware and Windows' built-in firewall and have never had a problem. All free.

john-the-begger on 2/3/2010 at 02:02

I use AVG for anti-virus and it is trash. I wouldn't reccomend it. I use Spy-bot to look for any spyware/malware etc. I used to have malwarebytes but it gave me more malware/spyware than getting rid of.

Dresden on 2/3/2010 at 07:29

What's wrong with AVG? I just started using it after giving Avast! my goodbyes. I didn't like Avast at all. It doesn't seem to have any features at all besides a simple virus scan that you can't even schedule.

Independent Thief on 2/3/2010 at 14:29

Giving comodo a shot-so far so good.:thumb:

Enchantermon on 2/3/2010 at 17:33

Quote Posted by john-the-begger

I used to have malwarebytes but it gave me more malware/spyware than getting rid of.

Really?
I was asked to fix a computer once that had been badly infected with a ton of crap. I scanned it with Ad-Aware, then Spy-Bot, then Malwarebytes, and the latter found items the other two had completely missed. Plus, like I said, I've been using it for a while and never had any problems with it.