AntiVirus Software Review (2009)

TopTenREVIEWS ^ | 2009

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

2009 AntiVirus Software Review Product Comparisons

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Chart at the website:

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Why Buy Antivirus Software?

An unprotected computer is a vulnerable computer, plain and simple. Every year there are hundreds of viruses, Trojans, worms and other malware, released into cyberspace designed to harm your computer. Most people don't realize that malware is everywhere and avoiding a malicious computer invader is very difficult. And usually, you won't even know you've become a victim.

Malware is an umbrella term for all malicious software. The most common are viruses and spyware. There are many different types of viruses floating through the Internet. Consider yourself lucky if you have never been the victim of a virus. There are a number of talented programmers out there with a lot of time on their hands writing software programs intended to harm your computer or your reputation. 

If you have ever come back to your computer and found it won't start or all your files erased and unrecoverable, you know exactly why you need to protect your computer. A typical virus will essentially wipe out the master boot record (MBR) of your computer, making it completely unusable. In some cases, the only thing left to do is to reformat your hard drive and reinstall your operating system losing all your pictures of the kids, work-related spreadsheets, email and more. The best antivirus programs will stop viruses before they ever reach your hard drive and keep your computer safe, usually without you even noticing. 

A recent study found that more than 80% of home computers have spyware installed on them and the users don't even know it.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

This is THE PROBLEM with Microsoft windows accessing the World Wide Web.....

It is unclear at this time how much Windows 7 has done to reduce the problem.....

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

This might be useful to some Freepers....

I am going to try Kaspersky on my Laptop....

[SonOfDarkSkies]

I have been using Kaspersky for 3+ years now and it is extremely thorough.

In fact, it is so extensive that I have to turn it off when using and downloading some software because it prohibits their proper functioning.

Also, because Kaspersky likes to update itself daily, you can find your computer slowed down during the update.

When mine gets in the way of my daily usage, I just turn it off until I go to bed.

Otherwise, I highly recommend it.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

A very useful site is the Gibson Shields up...:

Welcome to ShieldsUP!

**************************EXCERPT INTRO****************************

ShieldsUP!! benignly probes the target computer at your location.

NO INFORMATION gained from your use of these services will be retained, viewed or used by us or anyone else in any way for any purpose whatsoever.

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If you are using a personal firewall product which LOGS contacts by other systems, you should expect to see entries from this site's probing IP addresses: 4.79.142.192 -thru- 4.79.142.207. Since we own this IP range, these packets will be from us and will NOT BE ANY FORM OF MALICIOUS INTRUSION ATTEMPT OR ATTACK on your computer. You can use the report of their arrival as handy confirmation that your intrusion logging systems are operating correctly, but please do not be concerned with their appearance in your firewall logs. It's expected.

The TEST:

*****************************EXCERPT***************************

Port Authority Edition – Internet Vulnerability Profiling

Greetings!

Without your knowledge or explicit permission, the Windows networking technology which connects your computer to the Internet may be offering some or all of your computer's data to the entire world at this very moment!

	For orientation and background, please examine the page links provided below for important information about Internet vulnerabilities, precautions and solutions.
	First time users should start by checking their Windows File Sharing and Common Ports vulnerabilities with the "File Sharing" and "Common Ports" buttons below.
	For orientation and information about the Port Authority system, click the Home or Help icons in the titlebar . . .

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Thanks for the info.

[ClaudiusI]

I used to have Norton, until I upgraded it one year, and it refused to play nicely with ZoneAlarm. So I dumped it; when you want security solutions, go with the firewall designed by the Moussad.
Kaspersky antivirus is the antivirus that is inside the ZoneAlarm security suite (it’s also elsewhere, many people license it). I see now that it was a smart choice to switch.

[databoss]

meanwhile I get free ubuntu - free virtualbox free linux av progs free openoffice - i run winders if i have to in a free virtualbox....free free free free free freerepublic!

[The Great RJ]

I’ve used Bit defender for several years and would recommend it.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

LOL:

Including this for reference...FR Thread:

On Bugs, Viruses, Malware and Linux

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

It seems to have a good rating in this review....based on features.

[PAR35]

The folks that run that site really need to work on their HTML skills. Probably looks OK in IE. I notice they left out the free ones, as well.

[mountaineer1997]

I’ve used AVG for years, and am satisfied.

I despise the very ‘heavy’ Norton AV...what a pain.

[Snoopers-868th]

AVG and router for me too. No problems at all with spam or viruses.

[McGruff]

Microsoft Windows Defender is pretty good at helping secure your computer.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx

Microsoft Security Essentials is better.

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

Now free.

[ShadowAce]

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Thanks,....Website link:

Malware Protection Center

[Cicero]

I used to use Norton AV, but I gave up on it as bloatware. I switched over to Symantic Corporate AV, now called Symantec Endpoint Protection, which I get for free from my former workplace, as a retiree. The obvious downside is that it costs $541.80 to buy. But the review seems to be favorable, as is my experience. It works with a low profile, doesn’t seem to slow things down, and updates itself:

http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/small-business-antivirus/symantec-antivirus-corporate-edition-review.html

I also use SpyBot. I gave up on AdAware, which got more and more bloated and useless, IMHO. But SpyBot still seems to work well and detect or block a lot of stuff.

So, I can’t recommend spending $500 on it, but if you can get Symantec corporate for free, it’s worth looking into, IMHO.

[Tribune7]

A recent study found that more than 80% of home computers have spyware installed on them and the users don't even know it.

Coincidentally, another study showed that more than 80% of home computers use Windows.

[GOP Poet]

bookmark

[US_MilitaryRules]

I hope you at least donate to FreeRepublic?