Every computer should have an anti-virus software program running, as well as a firewall. Back in the early days of the Internet, before baddies like trojans, worms, and viruses were invented and dispersed, security wasn’t much of an issue. But as with all things, people have taken the benefits of technology and have twisted them around for selfish gain. Your computer is severely at risk if you connect online without a firewall and anti-virus.
The great thing is that some people have made terrific software programs and offer them free of charge! And another great thing is that security your computer is easy- it does require effort and maintenance, but it’s not like moving trucks or anything! Here’s a brief list of some highly-rated anti-virus programs.
- AVG Anti-Virus
- Avast!
- Avira
- ClamXav for Mac users
Some firewalls are now coming with an anti-virus built in to the program. I see that Comodo Pro Firewall (my favorite firewall) now includes an anti-virus. And AVG Anti-Virus Pro version now includes a firewall. I haven’t tested any of these extras: I still use just the Comodo firewall and the separate AVG anti-virus. Be aware that any software maker is going to market the paid-for version. So you may have to look around on the websites for the free version. The free versions give you just as much protection as the paid-for versions, have no fear, and they do regularly update. The paid-for versions usually have more bells and whistles, additional software, and offer tech support. Free versions almost never give tech support; but the forums for the product can be very helpful if you have questions or problems.
Also, be VERY careful where you get your downloads from. There has been a sudden increase in phishing sites set up to sound like or look like the real download site. What you wind up downloading is a trojan! If I ever have any doubts about the website I am on, I check the site with a nifty toolbar called Netcraft. It’s available for Firefox and Internet Explorer. I wrote about Netcraft here.
Install only one anti-virus program on your computer; two or more sometimes conflict with each other. It is also important to keep your anti-virus updated. The updates are crucial, ensuring that the anti-virus program knows what malicious files it needs to watch for.
March 27, 2009 at 6:02 pm
I’ve been using Avast for almost a year now, and I think it’s worked better than the ones I used to pay for. For instance, I used to have to wait about 10 minutes for Norton to scan or load every time I turned my computer own. I switched to McAfee after that, but the program files kept getting corrupted and McAfee would make me install it every week if not more. I don’t have those problems with Avast, plus it catches stuff all the time when I’m online and has me abort the connection.
My only complaint with Avast is it updates like 10 times a day, and you don’t have any warning before it does so. You computer just suddenly freezes up, and a few minutes later it goes back to normal as the blue box pops up in the corner and a guy’s voice tells you that the virus database has been updated. The freezing up is a little annoying when you’re in the middle of something, but seeing as it works better for me than my previous paid ones, it’s not enough to make me switch back.
March 27, 2009 at 11:36 pm
I have used AVG for a long time and never had a virus problem. Super Anti Spyware is also a great program, too although I’m not sure whether I’ve never had any spyware installed or it doesn’t catch it but so far no news is good news.
March 28, 2009 at 12:27 am
We really like Kaspersky as a security program. Yes, there are lots of free programs out there, but sometimes you get what you pay for. And it’s incredibly inexpensive. http://www.kaspersky.com/
Check it out.
March 28, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Thanks for sharing this list of programs. I use the AVG program and have been pleased with its results. I did get Kasperkey and it did not like Vista. I also wanted to let you know that as of 4/1/09 I will be dropping Entrecard – I am on the Today.com platform and it is being banned. I am bookmarking your site so I can continue to visit and follow your posts.
March 30, 2009 at 1:41 am
Speaking of free antivirus programs, I’ve had a lot of success with Avira AntiVir over the years. Might be a good option for some folks…
March 30, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I have been using Avira for several years and am happy with what it does. I allow it to update daily and I run the virus checker automatically once daily too.
Yesterday, it caught a potentially lethal virus before it could hit my computer. I immediately quarantined the problem and it was gone. There is a paid version with a lot more features, but this free, standard version seems to do quite well.