Dear Oppo: Let's play the Antivirus Game.

"GhostZ" (GhostZ) 09/24/2014 at 22:25 • Filed to: None

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AVG just informed me that my computer booted up 23% faster! because of it's updates. No, it didn't, and if AVG is doing anything that affects my boot speed, it is exceeding its bounds as an Antivirus. So let's play the "What Free Antivirus should I replace this pile of bloatware with?" Some pictures of high tech cars for your time. Details after the images.

EDIT: Trying out Avast and Malwarebytes parallel (running Malwarebytes once in a while) with Windows Firewall/Defender.

^ This is my third attempt at an image that isn't "click for higher resolution" protected. Fuck it. Looks like Every W221 S550 doesn't like hotlinking.

I'm looking for benchmark comparisons against a variety of threats here, mostly for notification/detection (not necessarily removal or

I also want something as unobtrusive as possible. I run a tight ship, and I do not have useless files, registry keys, cookies, etc. floating around my computer. I want something that can scan downloads as they come in and stop them if there's a virus, I want something that I can use to individually scan files, folders, or drives. I want something that will run a periodic scan at a variable frequency that I can set, and I want something that can do the basics of removing most of the tricky-to-remove viruses out there.

So I need more of a gatekeeper, less of an all-encompassing software like AVG was. the more nerdy, the better. Firewall isn't necessary, as I can use Windows Firewall, and there's no point in customizing tons of exceptions into a second firewall. That being said, I've never set up a DMZ but I might be interested in it now.

The worst thing I put on my computer are unashamedly torrented movies (YES I WOULD DOWNLOAD A CAR) once every few months or so. I rarely install third party programs (if ever, VLC, SAI, and Photoshop are about the extent of it).

Resource use is a tertiary concern, but as long as it's not noticably slower than AVG we're good. I've got a mid-grade i5 and 8GB Ram on this machine, and Photoshop CS2 is the roughest thing I run on it.

So Oppo, what say you?

GeorgeyBoy > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:26

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Plot twist: the anti virus programs are the virus.

GhostZ > GeorgeyBoy 09/24/2014 at 22:28

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Don't worry, I got rid of Norton the second I bought the computer.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:28

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I might need a new laptop because of my actions, so, I can't help.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:28

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My computer friend says Avast is pretty good, Kasperski sponsors in F1 so it must be good :P

Kailand09 > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:29

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AVG is past its prime. I simply use windows defender (the stock one). It's good enough, and MS has enough reason to try and protect its users.

I also use Malwarebytes for anti-malware.

If you want something else for Anti-virus, I hear Avast and Comodo are doing well as of late.

GhostZ > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 09/24/2014 at 22:29

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That sounds like a Senator Scandal.

"Senator Arch Duke requires new laptop after his actions with his old laptop, leaked pictures cause uproar in D.C.!"

scoob > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:29

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I like to think the first best anti-virus software is your brain. That's why I don't have any anti-virus software!

mcseanerson > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:29

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I've actually liked Windows Defender ever since 7 and it's been really well reviewed as well. Windows Defender is the built in antivirus software Windows ships with and all you have to do is enable it. It's very unintrusive and uses very little resources.

Pearson Hurst > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:30

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AVG is typically my go-to, I just tell it to only install the AV and leave off the rest of that crap. My other free alternative is Avast, but I haven't used it in some years, so I don't know how bloated/intrusive it is.

Bad Idea Hat > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:30

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Microsoft Security Essentials

It's the one thing MS that I can't have any complaints about. It's free as well.

GhostZ > Kailand09 09/24/2014 at 22:31

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Malwarebytes was my second choice. Windows Defender is good, but I can't seem to find empirical tests or benchmarks showing what its interception rates are like. I've never had a virus on this computer (just a few intercepted trojans, about one every 6-8 months) but but I don't want to start either.

GhostZ > Bad Idea Hat 09/24/2014 at 22:32

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How does Windows Defender (the Win8 version of MSE) stack up? I'm trying to find benchmark comparisons, but all I can find a worded reviews with sketchy details on "why" it's reviewed as good/bad.

GeorgeyBoy > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:33

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Guess the only solution is to buy a mac.

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:33

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Ubuntu 14.04
Half joking, half serious. It's a lot more user friendly than older versions were, pretty damn hard to get a virus or spyware, and of the programs you mentioned I can confirm VLC and Photoshop will both run on it. Also, the resource requirements are lower than windows, never mind antivirus software.

GhostZ > scoob 09/24/2014 at 22:33

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All the tech knowledge in the world can't read your downloads bit-by-bit to recognize a trojan, and I'm not willing to stop downloading anything at all.

Bad Idea Hat > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:33

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I assume it's the same, but I'm a Windows 7/XP guy.

GhostZ > gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun 09/24/2014 at 22:34

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I really want to make the jump to Linux but I'm still plugged into the matrix.

You're totally right, though.

GhostZ > Bad Idea Hat 09/24/2014 at 22:34

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Me too, but I got a Free windows 8 product key. Run it in desktop-only mode and use Godmode to look for my settings, and it's just like Windows 7 as long as I don't bump the windows key.

GhostZ > GeorgeyBoy 09/24/2014 at 22:36

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Nope. You're done. Pack your bags, get out.

For the record, I find OSX to be way more annoying and unintuitive than any antivirus software.

Bad Idea Hat > gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun 09/24/2014 at 22:36

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I have to hijack this and say Linux took a massive leap a few years back in user friendlyness. I'm very impressed, because the big drawback of learning the OS way back in the day was the occasional asshole who would drop a "go back to M$ Windoze" comment.

GhostZ > mcseanerson 09/24/2014 at 22:37

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Got any reviews I should look for? I'm browsing for comparisons while replying to comments.

scoob > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:37

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Yeah lol I'm not helping. :P

But anyway, if something looks suspicious to you, it probably is. I only use MS Security Essentials and I haven't had a virus in years.

StoneCold > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:37

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Anti-virus:

Defender + separate computer/tablet to go on shady sites

dat's my vote

I usually install malware bytes, run it once, then uninstall it too

GhostZ > Bad Idea Hat 09/24/2014 at 22:39

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It has. I actually installed and used Xubuntu out of the box on a desktop with absolutely minimal confusion last year, and it's been eating at my brain ever since.

GhostZ > StoneCold 09/24/2014 at 22:41

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Most of my important files are kept on an enclosed SSD that I swap between computers, so I might just do this and relegate one of my computers to being a download bitch.

GeorgeyBoy > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:41

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I see you've been subliminally brainwashed by your pre installed bloatware and anti virus software. You must break the machine now.

GhostZ > GeorgeyBoy 09/24/2014 at 22:45

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That's not Windows fault, I blame HP for that (and HP deserves the blame). And I do clean installs of Win7/8 Professional edition on my machines, because I get free product keys. I am empowered not to have a single piece of bloatware on my computer because I'm not the average consumer.

That being said, I don't mind paying 30% less for a machine if it means I have to take the incredibly difficult 5 minutes it takes to clean the hard drive and re-install the best OS version. If you can't do that when you buy a new computer, you cannot be saved.

In an ideal world, we'd all have Macbook Pros running Windows 8 with user interface packs to make it look like what you want.

Also, I was going to brag about Godmode in windows, but I actually have no idea if OSX has some equivalent.

If I was a software developer though, I'd probably be using OSX. Thankfully, I'm not.

Kailand09 > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:48

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Defender is good if you are careful at browsing, in the least. AKA no clicking bad links / ads / careful with your pronz.

Malwarebytes isn't really used as a real time anti-virus, so it is something I'd use in conjunction with another software. Unless you pay for it, that is.

GhostZ > Kailand09 09/24/2014 at 22:49

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How does defender deal with downloads and torrents?

GeorgeyBoy > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:56

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I just switched to OSX about a year ago and I feel like I've been cured of some disease. Haven't had experience with Win8 but I guess it's a matter of opinion.

Kailand09 > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 22:58

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Ah, torrents I have no idea, as I don't torrent ever. The rest from what I hear it does fine, but if you are doing that stuff I would probably go with something a bit more customizable and in depth than Defender, as it is intended for more general use.

I believe Comodo is more down that road, though.

StoneCold > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 23:00

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You put that dirty torrentor in its place

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 23:01

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I have been using Avast Free for a few years now and never had any problems. It boost fast, isn't a resource hog, and has a rather nice UI to boot. CNet gives it high praise as well, if that means anything to you.

I use on my home Win7 PC and my XP work computer. Haven't had any issues so far. It does require a yearly "renewal" but you don't have to pay for anything despite the constant invitation to upgrade to the paid version.

GhostZ > StoneCold 09/24/2014 at 23:03

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She likes taking it in the DMZ.

CAcoalminer > GhostZ 09/24/2014 at 23:19

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This may be helpful:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,281…

Jedidiah > GhostZ 09/25/2014 at 01:36

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Regularly torrent things?

Don't like viruses?

Don't use third party software?

Sounds like you need to join the Linux Master Race. We always welcome new brothers.

GhostZ > Jedidiah 09/25/2014 at 01:55

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I'm literally 8/10ths converted. The last step is unplugging myself from Outlook and Excel.

davedave1111 > GhostZ 09/25/2014 at 20:34

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The one you want is Microsoft's free Windows Security Essentials, or whatever they're calling it these days. It's the only free AV which doesn't follow the model of 'give it away free for a while, and then try and trick the userbase into paying for it'.

Philbert/Phartnagle > GhostZ 09/26/2014 at 10:40

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I run Malwarebytes Pro and Windows Defender. The Pro version of Malwarebytes does a great job of protecting me from virus laden downloads and websites for $25.