comp/net virus protection
 

I haven't had this computer online for about 3 years.

I wasn't sure what I would need for virus protection because I just figured I'd probably just load AVG.

I actually have avast antivirus, and it immediately updated. I THINK that was put on by my IT buddy at my old job who did some work on my computer.

So is that good? What about spyware and adware protection? Do I need something separate? I know spybot is out there for free.

The Cable Guy put in a wireless thingy...and I'm getting about 54 Mbps. Is that good?

Any techie opinons or advice appreciated.

AVG is actually one of the best programs out there.

Symantec has turned their product into a "kitchen sink" that turns anything made before 2004 into a boat anchor. McAfee is better, but only for their corporate deployments, and Avast! just isn't as good as AVG.

I'd actually recommend buying AVG. It's a great product, and it's better than McAfee or Symantec Kitchen Sink 2009.

Mitch

Hey Mitch - how does Kaspersky stack up against AVG. Kaspersky is kind of not cheap and I am trying to decide whether or not to renew.

Kaspersky is quite good too
 

I would renew your Kaspersky. It's actually as good as AVG, and their researchers contribute a lot back to the industry.

Thanks for the info. You contribute a lot to this forum.

Thank you :)

If predictions are correct, about 30% have Microsoft's automatic update disabled by a worm. I found one machine with this problem (don't know if it is from that worm) that tested OK even by Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal tool. Apparently this recent worm remains undetected for months by most anti-virus software (at least until recently).

Yes, I'm using Avast on his recommendation.

Wait...so is avast! good or not?

Thanks for your help! :)

How would one really know? If it never saw any mal-ware, then did it do its job or was it the worst anti-virus software out there?

Consumer Reports did a study (maybe one year ago) by subjecting anti-virus softwares to a large directory of mal-ware. Symantec that was once touted as a best was then something like 1/3rd from the bottom in that Consumer Reports study. Finding an answer backed by valid reasoning is difficult.

Now, if 30% of machines are contaminated by Conflcker, well, where are the many Dwellers who reported their anti-virus software found and removed it?

Yes, I've had good luck with it nailing incoming crap before it could build a nest.

we have avast at home (can't beat the price,) and every once in a while it stops a download of something I click on because it's detected something bad about it. Our computer runs just fine. I do windows updates every month too.

Yeah, I'm confused. mb said that AVG blows avast! out of the water, but you say he told you to use avast!

Maybe I misread?

Help me out?

:p

Go ahead and use both.

I do, with no problems.

ZoneAlarm, AVG, and Avast! along with a pop-up blocker.

I do use a pop-up blocker.

What about spy/adware blockers? Pardon me if I'm being dense; I just want to make sure I've done what I need to do.