I'm getting ready to buy a new computer, and I'm trying to decide which AV software to use. McAfee comes free from my ISP, but I've heard some bad things about it. PC Mag Editor's Choices for 2012 are Norton and Webroots. If I go with something like that, do I need to have a separate anti-spyware, too?
What AV does everyone here recommend?
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Stay away from McAfee even if it's free. If you're looking for a free AV get Avira, Avast, or MSE (use just one AV). Get MBAM and SAS (also free) to use as on-demand spyware scanners.
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Also do a scan once a week with the above spyware scanners (on different days) so its all good there. -
As the others said, i don't see any need for active spyware protection if you use something like MSE. I do use Malwarebytes as an on demand scanner though. Definitely avoid McAfee like it's the black plague.
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Simple answer, no.
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Thanks for all of your advice. It sounds like you all feel that free AV is just as good as paid AV, am I right?
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It is.
My recommendation would be to choose 1 of the following free AV's:
Avira, Avast, MSE, or Panda.
The rest aren't really worth the trouble. -
No, just be 'smart' when browsing. Don't click every 'Ad' you see...meaning don't click any Ads (unless it's on NBR
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I would recommend either MSE or Avira! -
It depends on your particular habits.
If you don't tend to visit 'awkward' places, a decent AV is usually more than enough.
Just make sure to keep all your software updated and use a user-account/UAC.
Recommended AV's in my sig. -
I would.
Another vote for AVAST Free or MSE.
If you are using a high end machine, I recommend AVAST.
Lower end, MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials).
Do I need anti-spyware if I have anti-virus?
Discussion in 'Security and Anti-Virus Software' started by starfishtwo, Oct 26, 2011.