 |  |
|---|
Posted on 04/03/2026 9:08:18 AM PDT by LouAvul
I use AVG (which is the same as Avast) on my desktop PC but, it's interfering with one of my favorite Bible software programs. Delays it opening because AVG has tagged it as suspicious.
It gives me the option to define PC Study Bible as safe which, I've repeatedly done. AVG is still messing the Bible starting up regardless.
I run Win 11. Is there another free anti virus besides the above?
Thanks.
Dear FRiends,
We need your continuing support to keep FR funded. Your donations are our sole source of funding. No sugar daddies, no advertisers, no paid memberships, no commercial sales, no gimmicks, no tax subsidies. No spam, no pop-ups, no ad trackers.
If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:
Click here: to donate by Credit Card
Or here: to donate by PayPal
Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794
Thank you very much and God bless you,
Jim
Linux
Yep, Linux. I just took my old very slow running windows desktop and wiped it clean, installed Linux/Ubuntu on it, now runs like new in my garage for looking up parts/fixes to household stuff.
I did the same to my wife’s she never uses laptop because it is too slow. That is running fast again.
No security software to buy.
A little search would get you some help. Try and see......
Do you have such an old PC that you do not have defender?
Microsoft Defender Antivirus
is the built-in, free, and AI-powered security product included with Windows 10/11, providing real-time protection against malware and ransomware. While sufficient for average users, it lacks advanced features found in premium, third-party software like Norton, Bitdefender, or AVG.
You have a windows question so of course you will get plenty of non-answers about Linux.
Built in Defender is pretty good but you could try Avast instead of AVG first, they are owned by the same company but aren’t exactly the same.
Here is a list.
The Best Free Antivirus Software for 2026
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-free-antivirus-protection
With computer stuff, if it is free, you are the product.
| |
|---|
If you want to add something else free, try MalwareBytes.
I’m a heavy business user and have been using Windows Defender that comes free with Windows for years. I don’t even know it’s there and I’ve had no issues with viruses or other malware. I’ve used other anti-malware programs in the past and they have always seemed like viruses themselves to me.
I just use whatever windows comes with , I only play a few game on windows but here’s a list https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-free-antivirus-protection
We get what we pay for.
That said, free with small aggravations beats costly.
My husband keeps telling me to use bit defender on my linux cinnamon desktop...I don’t need it do?
I had AVG for years and years. I also, during those years I had my main puter in the shop several times for malware and viruses. About eight years ago, I got tired of AVG doing constant downloads and screwing things up and changed to PCmatic. It covers five computers for fifty bucks a year, and I have not had ONE problem since I switched.
This doesn’t address all possible AV-related issues, but for browsing be sure to use the Brave browser:
It can really save your ass if you go somewhere hinky.
It’s configurable on a site-by-site basis if you find that certain sites don’t work properly with the browser locked down. Also use either Brave search or Startpage search, for private, unlogged, untracked searches.
Or so they say, anyway.
For other browsing (and more) security in Windows, look up:
Hosts file (blocks a lot of ad-related crap when browsing, crap which can be quite toxic)
and
Windows Sandbox (which acts like a VM and prevents garbage from being installed — highly recommended if you know you might be visiting somewhere that is potentially unsafe)
AGV has a whitelist program. Google it.
Use ......
Up date windows defender, scan system.
Make sure window Firewall is running.
Download and run the free version of.
HouseCall
F-secure
Malwarebytes free version
While connected to internet from the command prompt C:\netstat /a
Look at ports that are open and listening
Disconnect from internet/ethernet connection unplug and Run Netstat /a again and compare read outs
Here are the primary ports used by malware identified in recent reports:
Port 8000: Identified as a key communication channel for recent malicious activities. It is used by the WAVESHAPER.V2 backdoor (targeting macOS) to beacon to C2 servers every 60 seconds. It is also utilized by AVrecon malware to infect routers, with infected devices communicating with C2 servers every 60 seconds. Additionally, the North Korean Trojan BADCALL uses port 8000 to turn infected systems into proxy servers.
Port 8080: Frequently used alongside port 8000 by AVrecon malware to communicate with SocksEscort C2 servers for malicious tunneling.
Port 3389 (RDP): A major vector for ransomware gangs to break into networks by exploiting weak or stolen Remote Desktop Protocol credentials.
Port 445 (SMB): Highly targeted for spreading malware (e.g., EternalBlue) and file-sharing exploitation.
Port 22 (SSH): Exploited for brute-forcing credentials and by botnets to gain unauthorized shell access.
Docker Daemon API Port (2375-2377): Misconfigured Docker ports are actively attacked by Kinsing malware to deploy containers, initiate cryptomining, and propagate via shell scripts.Other
Common Trojan Ports: Malware often uses port 53 (DNS), port 25 (SMTP), or ports 137-139 (NetBIOS) for malicious activity.
Recommendations:It is crucial to monitor for unexpected traffic on these ports. Regular security audits, closing unused ports, and implementing strong authentication (like SSH keys and multi-factor authentication) are essential for defense.
Your host file can be edited to block suspect IP/domains.
Most of the time if three AV software give you a clean bill of health you are OK.
is there a linux ping list?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.