What is your favorite AntiVirus software?

Steve_S · 10-04-2002, 02:39 PM

Which one do you use and why? How often do you update your Virus definitions and scan your system? Any tips to keep these nasty things out of our system?

Please only vote once. If I missed your favorite, please post and let me know with the name and URL.

Your Help: If you have a suggestion for a new Poll, please only use our BB Feedback Form and send me your ideas and details. Some of our best Polls come from members, so your comments are always appreciated.

OC · 10-04-2002, 03:58 PM

It's funny that I just arrived here to ask the same question.

I need a new AV program for my new computer (running XP). Norton AV 2001 (Win98) worked well and didn't hog resources... unfortunately I read NAV2002 is bloated so I'm back to square one.

A poll about the best firewall software would also be very helpful. There's so many to choose from... Tiny, Zonelabs, BlackICE, Norton, McAfee and so on.

**Kathy** · 10-04-2002, 04:30 PM

Although I use Norton at the office on my PC...

At home I don't use an antivirus. Well, I have Norton installed but it is almost unnecessary... It has never caught anything although it updates itself and is raring to go.

I'm on a Mac.

I think a Mac is the best anti-virus there is

Tyme · 10-04-2002, 04:50 PM

I was using Norton for a long time. I saw reviews for Panda and decided to try it since they had a special going on.

Panda found 98 viruses on my computer.

Another problem I had with Norton is that if anything ever goes wrong with the installation, the program does not completely uninstall. This is what prompted me to start looking for other virus programs. A file was corrupt. I uninstalled it and tried to reinstall it and the subscription kept saying it was expired when it wasn't. After editing the registry (which I should not have to do) I finally got to work but something told me to test out Panda, and I am glad I did.

zoltan · 10-04-2002, 06:23 PM

What about BitDefender.com? I can't find it on the list...

<Admin says thank you

It's added to the list>

OC · 10-04-2002, 06:38 PM

I'm definitely considering Panda right now. Maybe I can avoid NortonMcAfeeSymantec completely.

**Jan** · 10-04-2002, 07:00 PM

I was quite happily using McAfee for a long time until one of those embedded viruses (forget the name offhand, Klez maybe?) in a popup ad broke it. I tried to fix it but because it was taking too long, I downloaded AVG from http://www.grisoft.com and have been very happy with that since. I use the auto update feature for continued protection.

**Czar** · 10-04-2002, 10:17 PM

I use Norton on my main Windows PC simply for the peace-of-mind (whether justified or not) of having an accountable public company creating definitions and updates. It's purely a psychological thing, but I don't have quite as much faith in the smaller vendors despite the positive track records, certifications and shared data that many boast.

Nevertheless, I use the free AVG on older computers or those that aren't quite so mission-critical.

EvDeon · 10-05-2002, 01:33 PM

I use DialogueScience DrWeb.

(can't find it on the list)

<Admin says thank you. It's added to the list and may be found at http://www.drweb32.com

>

darnell · 10-05-2002, 06:41 PM

AVG needs to be added to the poll.

<Admin says thanks again

and I didn't have a clue their are so many other products. AVG at http://www.grisoft.com is in the list.>

I use Norton. It automatically can update it's self or let me know when I need to download updates.

Also, people usually send viruses to Norton or McAfee first, so they make me feel they will always be up on the big viruses first.

If a poll is made about firewalls, be sure to include "hardware based" for those of us that just refuse outside request at the router

.

OC · 10-05-2002, 08:20 PM

According to http://www.pcworld.com/features/arti...30,pg,2,00.asp , Panda let through as much as 20% of certain types of virii.

Edited for OT-ness.

Andilinks · 10-07-2002, 12:36 PM

I use My eTrust from Computer Associates--didn't see it on your poll, it should be there.

http://www1.my-etrust.com/downloads/

another fun site for virus info:

http://www3.ca.com/virusinfo/

and the ever entertaining virus myths and hoaxes:

http://www.vmyths.com/index.cfm

Andi

david11982 · 11-10-2002, 06:32 PM

I've had all sorts of problems with antivirus programs. I used to use Norton all the time, but I got a virus that used a Norton file as its trigger. It corrupted my Norton AV, so I tried to uninstall it. What a pain !!! I found that getting rid of Norton is much harder than getting rid of viruses. They spread their program into different folders located in different places and I kept on getting messages that the files were in use and could not be deleted. After I finally got them all deleted and manually went through the registry to get rid of the last traces of Norton I tried installing McAfee. Apparently I didn't get rid of all the Norton files, because I got a message saying there was an error due to a conflict with another file (of course it was Norton), and it could not complete installation. Finally I just got rid of McAfee and everything of Norton's that I could find.

I haven't used an AV program for several months, and my computer has never run smoother. I don't get those annoying messages from Norton telling me that a file is infected and I have to delete it (which Norton was never able to successfully do). It seemed to me that there was never any problems until I would scan for viruses. Then it would say that I had a virus, and nothing seemed to work right until I figured out how to get rid of it. It made me wonder, was the virus the problem, or was Norton discovering the virus the problem? I think I will use another AV program eventually (not every virus uses Norton as a trigger), but I'm going to wait until something is available that will really protect my computer, not just shut it down when it senses danger.

P.S.- The reason there are few viruses on macs is because virus writers don't use macs. They want their viruses to become well-known, so why would they target computers that only represent about 1/20th of the total computer market?

Danimal · 11-30-2002, 07:00 PM

Used to be Macafee but now its Norton

But i'll never put norton with Win ME any more it just seems to not like it

qRah · 12-18-2002, 12:25 PM

Norton at the office. Norton with a Trojan Remover from Simply Super, at home

Rah

View Poll Results: What is your favorite AntiVirus software?
I don't use any AntiVirus software	7	19.44%
Panda AntiVirus	2	5.56%
Norton AntiVirus	21	58.33%
McAfee VirusScan	1	2.78%
Trend Micro PC-cillin	2	5.56%
F-Secure Anti-Virus	0	0%
Norman Virus Control	0	0%
BitDefender	0	0%
DialogueScience DrWeb	2	5.56%
AVG	1	2.78%
eTrust	0	0%
Voters: 36. You may not vote on this poll

10-04-2002, 02:39 PM	#1
Steve_S Join Date: Aug 1998 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Posts: 5,223	What is your favorite AntiVirus software? Which one do you use and why? How often do you update your Virus definitions and scan your system? Any tips to keep these nasty things out of our system? Please only vote once. If I missed your favorite, please post and let me know with the name and URL. Your Help: If you have a suggestion for a new Poll, please only use our BB Feedback Form and send me your ideas and details. Some of our best Polls come from members, so your comments are always appreciated. Last edited by Steve_S; 10-04-2002 at 02:42 PM.

10-04-2002, 03:58 PM	#2
OC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 701	It's funny that I just arrived here to ask the same question. I need a new AV program for my new computer (running XP). Norton AV 2001 (Win98) worked well and didn't hog resources... unfortunately I read NAV2002 is bloated so I'm back to square one. A poll about the best firewall software would also be very helpful. There's so many to choose from... Tiny, Zonelabs, BlackICE, Norton, McAfee and so on. Last edited by OC; 10-04-2002 at 04:15 PM.

10-04-2002, 04:30 PM	#3
Kathy Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 1,047	Although I use Norton at the office on my PC... At home I don't use an antivirus. Well, I have Norton installed but it is almost unnecessary... It has never caught anything although it updates itself and is raring to go. I'm on a Mac. I think a Mac is the best anti-virus there is __________________ Kathy Hysterectomy - Girls, Get Going! - Wienerdog Art - Fabulous Fifty

10-04-2002, 06:23 PM	#5
zoltan Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 10	What about BitDefender.com? I can't find it on the list... <Admin says thank you It's added to the list> Last edited by Steve_S; 10-04-2002 at 06:43 PM.

10-04-2002, 04:50 PM	#4
Tyme Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 433	I was using Norton for a long time. I saw reviews for Panda and decided to try it since they had a special going on. Panda found 98 viruses on my computer. Another problem I had with Norton is that if anything ever goes wrong with the installation, the program does not completely uninstall. This is what prompted me to start looking for other virus programs. A file was corrupt. I uninstalled it and tried to reinstall it and the subscription kept saying it was expired when it wasn't. After editing the registry (which I should not have to do) I finally got to work but something told me to test out Panda, and I am glad I did.

10-04-2002, 06:38 PM	#6
OC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 701	I'm definitely considering Panda right now. Maybe I can avoid NortonMcAfeeSymantec completely.

10-04-2002, 07:00 PM	#7
Jan Join Date: May 2001 Location: Beautiful Darwin Posts: 4,756	I was quite happily using McAfee for a long time until one of those embedded viruses (forget the name offhand, Klez maybe?) in a popup ad broke it. I tried to fix it but because it was taking too long, I downloaded AVG from http://www.grisoft.com and have been very happy with that since. I use the auto update feature for continued protection. __________________ Real Ghost Stories Darwin NT World Travel Forum

10-04-2002, 10:17 PM	#8
Czar Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia Posts: 9,466	I use Norton on my main Windows PC simply for the peace-of-mind (whether justified or not) of having an accountable public company creating definitions and updates. It's purely a psychological thing, but I don't have quite as much faith in the smaller vendors despite the positive track records, certifications and shared data that many boast. Nevertheless, I use the free AVG on older computers or those that aren't quite so mission-critical. __________________ Czar Follow Geek/Talk's Twitter Feed to stay up to date with new discussion threads and online ad industry highlights. Important GeekVillage Links: Home \| Rules \| Posting Guide \| Report Trouble \| Feedback \| Advertise on GV

10-05-2002, 01:33 PM	#9
EvDeon Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 216	I use DialogueScience DrWeb. (can't find it on the list) <Admin says thank you. It's added to the list and may be found at http://www.drweb32.com > Last edited by Steve_S; 10-05-2002 at 01:48 PM.

10-05-2002, 06:41 PM	#10
darnell Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Suwanee, GA, USA Posts: 709	AVG needs to be added to the poll. <Admin says thanks again and I didn't have a clue their are so many other products. AVG at http://www.grisoft.com is in the list.> I use Norton. It automatically can update it's self or let me know when I need to download updates. Also, people usually send viruses to Norton or McAfee first, so they make me feel they will always be up on the big viruses first. If a poll is made about firewalls, be sure to include "hardware based" for those of us that just refuse outside request at the router . Last edited by Steve_S; 10-05-2002 at 07:44 PM.

10-05-2002, 08:20 PM	#11
OC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 701	According to http://www.pcworld.com/features/arti...30,pg,2,00.asp , Panda let through as much as 20% of certain types of virii. Edited for OT-ness. Last edited by OC; 10-07-2002 at 11:09 AM.

10-07-2002, 12:36 PM	#12
Andilinks Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 3	I use My eTrust from Computer Associates--didn't see it on your poll, it should be there. http://www1.my-etrust.com/downloads/ another fun site for virus info: http://www3.ca.com/virusinfo/ and the ever entertaining virus myths and hoaxes: http://www.vmyths.com/index.cfm Andi Last edited by Andilinks; 10-07-2002 at 12:37 PM.

11-10-2002, 06:32 PM	#13
david11982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: USA Posts: 237	I've had all sorts of problems with antivirus programs. I used to use Norton all the time, but I got a virus that used a Norton file as its trigger. It corrupted my Norton AV, so I tried to uninstall it. What a pain !!! I found that getting rid of Norton is much harder than getting rid of viruses. They spread their program into different folders located in different places and I kept on getting messages that the files were in use and could not be deleted. After I finally got them all deleted and manually went through the registry to get rid of the last traces of Norton I tried installing McAfee. Apparently I didn't get rid of all the Norton files, because I got a message saying there was an error due to a conflict with another file (of course it was Norton), and it could not complete installation. Finally I just got rid of McAfee and everything of Norton's that I could find. I haven't used an AV program for several months, and my computer has never run smoother. I don't get those annoying messages from Norton telling me that a file is infected and I have to delete it (which Norton was never able to successfully do). It seemed to me that there was never any problems until I would scan for viruses. Then it would say that I had a virus, and nothing seemed to work right until I figured out how to get rid of it. It made me wonder, was the virus the problem, or was Norton discovering the virus the problem? I think I will use another AV program eventually (not every virus uses Norton as a trigger), but I'm going to wait until something is available that will really protect my computer, not just shut it down when it senses danger. P.S.- The reason there are few viruses on macs is because virus writers don't use macs. They want their viruses to become well-known, so why would they target computers that only represent about 1/20th of the total computer market?

11-30-2002, 07:00 PM	#14
Danimal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 25	Used to be Macafee but now its Norton But i'll never put norton with Win ME any more it just seems to not like it

12-18-2002, 12:25 PM	#15
qRah Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 29	Norton at the office. Norton with a Trojan Remover from Simply Super, at home Rah

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Your favorite antivirus program	Larwee	Web Design and Webmaster Issues	10	03-01-2005 07:12 PM
twoblog.com - blogging software for sale	irvinehosting	Website For Sale - Purchase - Barter - Trade	1	06-18-2004 08:49 PM
What is your favorite spyware removal software?	TN Todd	Web Design and Webmaster Issues	5	06-23-2003 03:06 PM
First Banner & Popup Blockers, Now This...	Darryl	StopScum	6	10-02-2002 02:22 PM
IP to country lookup software, pricing help	roy7	Making Money with CPC and/or CPM Programs	19	09-20-2001 10:22 PM