Well, after having it for ages, and it most likely being a host of 2 million and 1 different viri, I have finally done a fresh install of my laptop. Now comes the issue. Which anti-virus proram should I install to keep it clean and not dying? In the past, I've been lazy as buggery, and I've never used an anti-virus (Which is most likely why I've had to do this re-install). Free is preferable, but if the best does cost, I'll gladly pay for it.
To go hand in hand with this, any other reccomendations for programs to keep my laptop free from nasties, and making sure it stays running smoothly?
I usually go here for my recommendations. Thus far my computer hasn't exploded into a firey inferno of death.
I use AVG and Zonealarm as well.
I too have AVG its probably the best seurity system ive had so far..I would deffinantly reccomend it to any one who asked!
AVG's okay, but as far as virus-scanning and so on goes, I recommend Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware - it's worked well for me, and everyone at work highly recommends it as well. Not to mention, first time I ran the thing after coming off of AVG, it found tons of things AVG didn't, so.
But yeah, ZoneAlarm's a good firewall, and what I'm using right now.
I use Avira AntiVir as my only constant-on service as far as my laptop goes because RAM and processor useage are major concerns for it. I keep Spybot S&D and Ad-Aware 2008 as scanners - I tend to use both because they tend to see things the other misses.
I find the common complaints about AntiVir Free to be relatively minor, and it has one of the best detection rates out there, so I'd definately reccomend it based on my own experiences.
On my PC, add McAfee Total Suite to that - which I get for free from my ISP, I wouldn't reccomend paying much for it. Also add Ad-Aware and Spybot's services - particularly Spybot's TeaTimer registry watcher, which has saved my computer from a few odd things in the past. But a lot say those two are no longer quite up to snuff, so.
AVG I've heard good things about, but I haven't checked it out because what I currently use does everything I need. Oh, if you can find a version of it (I'm pretty sure it's no longer free,) AVG Anti-Rootkit for rootkit scans, or Panda Anti-Rootkit. A lot of antivirus programs have rootkit detectors bult in, but from what I hear, deticated anti-rootkit programs work better.
Oh, AdAware is the best. I've used it forever, and not one virus. It's free, doesn't slow down your computer, and above all else, it works! check it out. (google it)
The lavasoft (the maker) website says the free version doesn't support anti-virus, but I use the free version, and it has caught a few viruses for me. Besides, you said you wouldn't mind paying, and they do have a Plus version, so I highly recommend it.
In terms of detection rate, Snappy, SuperAntiSpyware has a phenomenally higher rate than Ad-Aware and Spybot combined.
In fact, Spybot has a low detection rate, but I use it anyway. It's fast and doesn't give any false positives.
