New Antivirus?

[Connor]

MSE is actually pretty damn good indeed by now, and particularly so when used in conjunction with MBAM and Spybot now and then for good measure. MSE plus occasional Spybot scans are what I've been using for years now on all my Windows computers after getting tired of Avast's popup ads, and I can't say that I've had any (known) issues with viruses/spyware/malware for at least that long.

This. I use MSE and Spybot and they've kept my computer pretty clean (Afaik)

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[SMGSterlin]

This. I use MSE and Spybot and they've kept my computer pretty clean (Afaik)

Thanks, guess I'm not using that combo then, since I know for a fact you are infected... Your user title proves it.


But ye, in all srs, I already had MSE installed with AVG, so I nuked AVG and kept MSE. That along with Spyware Blaster should suffice, I may install Spybot again later. Most of my online activity is perfectly safe, so I'm not too worried.

[Colonel Mustang]

I know I'm going to get some hate for this because everyone has this "Free or Die" culture but I think its important. I strongly suggest you avoid all free antiviruses like the plague, and if you are going to install AVG free read its contract, its been awhile but back in 2004ish it actually said that they will use your machine as a test subject but infecting it with viruses they have the resolution for to test the effectiveness of their code, hence why it used to update like 4 times a day.... If money isn't an issue the best anti virus is Sophos but that tends to be massive overkill for the average user like me and you. I have been using Kaspersky for 5 years and its brilliant and affordable.

[Colonel Mustang]

Microsoft Security Essentials
Go no further

If you are dead set on getting something for nothing*

[Redon]

If you know not to get shady programs from shady websites, common sense will help you more than any anti-virus ever will.

[Alley]

If you know not to get shady programs from shady websites, common sense will help you more than any anti-virus ever will.

That's a really stupid thing to say.

There are tons of programs that used to be legit that now have one of these annoying adware/spyware/malware bundled installers (want to install some crappy software? click no to actually install it despite the whole description leads you to believe clicking no will not install it). It's literally impossible to have no AV nowadays.

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Alley was right.

[SMGSterlin]

Ye, hate those things.

After clicking "Accept" for the 5th time though, you should realize something is up, and take that opportunity to "nope" your way back and decline them all, or cancel installation completely.

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[VinitS]

If you know not to get shady programs from shady websites, common sense will help you more than any anti-virus ever will.

That's a really stupid thing to say.

There are tons of programs that used to be legit that now have one of these annoying adware/spyware/malware bundled installers (want to install some crappy software? click no to actually install it despite the whole description leads you to believe clicking no will not install it). It's literally impossible to have no AV nowadays.

+1

Yeah, Read while installing. All those tool bars get installed like that. Also when downloading, get the direct Download link, most of the website ask you to download a "their own small downloader" to download the file you need.

[Redon]

If you know not to get shady programs from shady websites, common sense will help you more than any anti-virus ever will.

That's a really stupid thing to say.

There are tons of programs that used to be legit that now have one of these annoying adware/spyware/malware bundled installers (want to install some crappy software? click no to actually install it despite the whole description leads you to believe clicking no will not install it). It's literally impossible to have no AV nowadays.

That's why you read what an installer says before clicking on "Next". Also, software that does what you mentioned goes in the category of "shady software" to me. If I see anything like it I throw it away and look for a better alternative. I 've seen that utorrent tries to trick you into installing malware along with it, and I'm surprised there's people who think it's a good idea to use it anyway. Do a bit of research before you download software. Then again, I also don't have the desire to install new software every day. Can you give me an example of these "tons of programs" where a bit of reading and caution won't save you?

[Exploration]

Managed to dodge a lot of spyware and Viruses through just being careful. Ran without an AV altogether (Aside from Defender) for 6 months and when i installed one literally 4 weeks ago. It didn't pick up anything in the scan. (Panda Internet Security). Only reason i actually purchased an Antivirus was that my network was hijacked a week or so ago. So really, only purpose i have for an AV is the Firewall that comes with it.