Anti Virus for Windows 7

I am against installing unnecessary software as it'll slow down the system no matter how fast it is.

Is it recommended to install an AV software like AVG, Kaspersky, Norton etc. or Microsoft has it well covered for now?

 

If you know how to use the Internet correctly, you don't need antivirus; but it is nice to have. MSE works well enough.

 

Avira is very quick on Win 7, I'd highly recommend it. The free version should suffice.

 

Thanks for your prompt replies. I guess I'd have to install one to try out. Using the internet is one thing but it's too much at stake especially when your business data is on board.

Never heard of Avira though but willing to give it a shot. Anything that can protect well and not resource hogging is good enough for me.

 

nis2010 try it you will like it dont even know its running

 

Not sure if this ranking is accurate but looks quite reliable

http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

 

Considering virus writers are now injecting harmful things into the most legitimate of websites a basic antivirus wouldn't hurt. I use MSE as well, and I rather like it. Oddly enough it found 2 worms that my much more expensive Kaspersky failed to detect.

 

Btw, we have a thread here that pertains to security software. Take a read through here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=190538

You'll see Avira is preferred by many members here.

 

I have always recommend Avira Antivir Personal 9 as the BEST AV solution.
However, now, Microsoft Security Essentials(MSE) is another fantastic option. Yes, I am using MSE now. I found it equally awesome as Avira Antivir Personal 9.
MSE is FREE too. Non-Genuine Windows and Windows XP can't install MSE. So, if you're running Windows Vista/7, just grab MSE.

 

MSE will run on Windows XP, just must pass the genuine test. Have it running on my other XP Home laptop. Second the vote for MSE - works well and low overhead.

 

Anyone still using Avast these days? That's what I've been using, but not too fond of the interface--maybe it's time for a change.

 

OMG. I just did a small test on Avira and MSE.
MSE seems to have higher and better detection rate than Avira.
In addition, MSE have super low false positive compared to Avira.
About the resources usage, I guess Avira still have an upper hand.
Yet, MSE is the BEST AV currently. Forget about AVG, it sucks forever.
Avast! and Avira can be your choice too. But MSE still the BEST!

 

I just love Kaspersky. It works great and is effective.

 

Avira is a great option BUT there are lingering problems with updating the virus signature files for the free version -- basically the free version update servers are less than reliable and in some cases I went 2-3 days without an update, which is a big no-no in antivirus terms.

For that reason I ended up going with the free version of Avast, which is just as fast, just as well regarded and updates no problem several times a day. Avira is also known for a fairly high false-positive rate.

FWIW, the free version of AVG does not generally rate as highly as Avira or Avast. Have not tried MSE, but tests I've seen suggest it's not quite up there with the big boys yet.

 

I would also agree with MSE, as its pretty fast and lower on resources usage vs Avast and AVG in my tests.

 

why i use MSE? because antivirus software companies say it's absolute crap. so it has to be good.

 

after installing win7, I've noticed that avira's update process is taking much much longer compared to win vista.

Does anybody here have this same issue?

Maybe I should try MSE too...

 

I switched to MSE from Avira today. So far its good, I like the interface, speed of scanning, quick updates, its quietness, and no *32 in task manager.

The idle MSE process is just around 3 MB which is only .5 to 1 MB above Avira. So I am all with MSE now.

 

Just switched from AVG to MSE too in my Win XP. Will try Vista and 7 later on. So far so good