Paid vs Free anti-virus

[L00b]

There wasn't any argument, I posted my preference the same as anyone else and you didn't like it that's your problem, not mine.

I just asked a simple question, since you posted an opinion about free AVs (the free MSSE was "under-developed" by Microsoft, and acknowledged/recognised as best-in-class many a times) in addition to posting your preference

 

Of course, you can only get the 'free' MSSE if you pay for the Windows OS in the first place.

[Dardandec]

Of course, you can only get the 'free' MSSE if you pay for the Windows OS

 

Well I must not have paid for it if you say so, Obviously your opinion counts bar none

[L00b]

Well I must not have paid for it if you say so, Obviously your opinion counts bar none

I did not suggest you hadn't paid for Windows (if you even use it all, which I don't know anyway), just remarked (with the bit you quoted) that nothing ever comes free.

 

You're rather sensitive, ain't you?

[Dardandec]

I did not suggest you hadn't paid for Windows (if you even use it all, which I don't know anyway), just remarked (with the bit you quoted) that nothing ever comes free.

 

You're rather sensitive, ain't you?

 

I'm a pussy cat irl I'm not suggesting that nothing comes free, I just prefer to pay. Like I've said if free works for anyone else that's up to them.

 

I expressed a preference on my first post the same as other posters. I really have not got a problem with freeware, I just prefer to buy my software.

[tinfoilhat]

I had avg and got virused to the point my pc was unusable, I really couldn't get it going again. I don't recall any support available from them at the time (about 6 or so years ago?). Got bullguard and am very happy with it. Had one issue with malware and was talked through getting rid of it whilst I was on my iPhone. Worth a tenner a year. It works for me, and if the free versions work for others - great. I reckon its about confidence, and I've lost it with free anti virus software, but am happy to use OpenOffice, as I don't feel it's abused me.;)

 

No different to anything else in life, I wouldn't buy another ford if one I had kept breaking down on me regardless of how good other people say they are - and vice versa.

[jfish1936]

I've used AVG free for many years.

I correspond with several forums in several countries, do a bit of online shopping, don't usually go looking for porn, dabble very lightly in Facebook.

It has protected me quite well, but on powerful computers.

 

My wife bought a netbook, and loves its portability and small footprint. When I attempted to put on AVG free, it almost stopped working; presumably didn't have the muscle to handle it.

MSSE has worked well for her, and many husbands might agree that it's unwise to fix the wife's computer if it ain't broke!

[stereolab]

It's strange that some people still cling to the idea that paid for AV software is somehow better than the free alternatives. There's no reason why this should or would be true, when you look at the quality of the free options available.

 

MSSE is still really all most home users should need, but Avast, Avira and AVG are very good too, if you can ignore the nags to upgrade or pay.

 

For Malware removal Malwarebytes Free is the best available, or for people who prefer a 'suite' there's the free Comodo package which has AV, firewall, sand boxing, hips etc.

 

There are also other things you can do, as well as or instead of using a real time AV. Updating everything, removing java, sand boxing your browser, blocking ads, blocking scripts, using a secure dns and resisting the temptation to click on suspect links or attachments are all things you can do for free.

 

If you read through the threads on here where waddler talks people through cleaning their PC not once does he recommend paying for anything. The process is thorough and logical, and actually pretty straight forward - knowing that is worth more than the 20, 30 or 40 quid a year people waste on Norton and the like.

 

Finally... If your AV, free or paid for, is regularly detecting malware, then you need to think about what you are doing in front of the computer in the first place .....

[clarissa]

I use MSE on Windows 7 and Windows Defender on Windows 8

In addition I do not have Java installed, use ad_blocker, NoScript and OpenDNS servers

[ccit]

It's strange that some people still cling to the idea that paid for AV software is somehow better than the free alternatives.

There may be some confusion here. Are you talking about paid v free antivirus or free antivirus v paid for internet security suite? AFAIK there is no free internet security suite. This is what I am paying for, as is the previous poster who purchases Bullguard. Internet security suites have far more features than standalone antivirus and I am not sure that it is appropriate to compare the two.

With Kaspersky ISS I am not just paying for antivirus; it costs me £6.33 per annum, is unobtrusive, trouble free and is well worth it IMO, especially as I conduct financial transactions online.

[stereolab]

There may be some confusion here. Are you talking about paid v free antivirus or free antivirus v paid for internet security suite? AFAIK there is no free internet security suite. This is what I am paying for, as is the previous poster who purchases Bullguard. Internet security suites have far more features than standalone antivirus and I am not sure that it is appropriate to compare the two.

With Kaspersky ISS I am not just paying for antivirus; it costs me £6.33 per annum, is unobtrusive, trouble free and is well worth it IMO, especially as I conduct financial transactions online.

 

Check out Comodo free Internet Security Suite http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php