What would you recommend for anti-virus / malware protection software?

[Fla Dem]

I just got a new dell laptop and they're pushing McAfee. I have had McAfee and Norton before and of the 2 I liked Norton better. Open to suggestions for other software or comments on these 2. I don't keep any personal information on my laptop, I use an external hard drive, but am concerned when that is plugged into the laptop.

Thanks.

Also cross posted in Lounge

[JenniferJuniper]

1. I use free AVAST

and have for several virus free years.

Never liked McAfee or Norton.

[bunnies]

3. I second Avast.

Agree with the rest of the post too.

Edit: I use the paid version. But the free one is great too.

[Vilis Veritas]

8. McAfee is the worst. They are actually tagged as malicious in my book.

McAfee will leave some traces (.dll) that are not removed during uninstall of OEM installs of McAfee and which sometimes prevents the install of other virus protection programs, until that piece is removed.

You have to get the removal tool from McAfee.

Just Google McAfee MCPR and it should bring up the page as first hit.

Peace

[Vilis Veritas]

2. Malwarebytes has good free and paid protection.

I use a multi prong approach though as I have been in this game for a long time.

Paid Kaspersky Internet AV
Paid Malwarebytes

Remember nothing prevents CLICKS, if you click it, you get it. The best prevention is knowing what you are clicking on and where you are going.

Peace.

[Matilda]

7. I use Malwarebytes paid protection.

I started off with the free, and it was good, so I decided to upgrade to paid version a few years ago. No regrets.

I also use Webroot Secure anywhere anti-virus. I think there's a more expensive version as well, but it already costs $80 in Australia, and it hasn't let me down to date, so I'm sticking with the version I have.

[PoiBoy]

4. I use Avast free...

...plus MalwareBytes and Spybot Search & Destroy...

Been good so far... I also use Revo Uninstaller to monitor and remove any suspicious "surprise" programs that pop up.

[Historic NY]

5. Webroot.com

[Sunlei]

6. I've had some viruses/malware/worms/trojans/key loggers over the years, and currently past

five years have bought Norton subscription and been pleased with the service.

I don't give them credit card number because they will auto renew at full retail price, I find the sub on sale at places like amazon and input the key code. IMO, because they are a paid service they do a better job removing things like malware & tracking stuff.

[CountAllVotes]

9. Two different ones that are indeed FREE

Malwarebytes becomes free after 14-days I think it is because it has changed recently (I just downloaded a copy of it today). After the 14 days they will want you to pay for the service but I assume that the abbreviated version of it will continue to be free hopefully.

Another one that I've been using for years is SUPERAntiSpyware.

Both do the job and you don't spend a cent either! You must remember to run the scans weekly however.

Best of luck!

[BigOleDummy]

10. Avast or ....

..... using Panda cloud now for A/V. Extremely light on your system and highly rated. No problems at all so far (been using it for a year or so) and I go to some....... "iffy" sites too. Can't beat SuperAntiSpyware either and I use both. Used Malwarebytes for years and years but don't like their new business model and quit them. Ccleaner will help keep your system clean with no fuss, HIGHLY recommended.

The absolute BEST anti-malware/Anti-Virus protection sits at the keyboard though. Use a little common sense and the standard precautions, i.e. don't open a attachment you don't recognize, save and then scan all downloads before opening, go to the site you want instead of using a link to it in an e-mail etc., will do more to keep you safe online than any programs will.

Both McAfee and Norton are very heavy on your system and their tentacles reach deep into your machine. When you decide to get rid of them DON'T just delete them, download the tool to completely uninstall or you will probably have trouble installing another. You can get it at their site or from TRUSTED 3rd party sites. MajorGeeks is where I go for things like that.

I hate that OEM's pre-load this crap on peoples machines.