Best Antivirus Options

silverp1silverp1 Member Posts: 124
Hey guys,
I'm in the market for a new antivirus/firewall type of software for my home PC's.

Previously I had used Norton (yes, I know...I got it next to free because I was doing contract work for Symantec) but I'm looking for something else as Norton is fairly expensive. I have 5 machines, 4 running Windows 7, one running Windows 8. I'm looking for something relatively lite in terms of resource utilization but still very secure with active monitoring and whatnot.

I understand there are dozens of articles out there but I have a tough time trusting some of the articles from the "big" PC sites knowing that some are written based on who wants to pay for their product to be in the spotlight - so I'm looking for some opinions here!

Also, I've been looking for an inexpensive solution for a couple of Windows 2k8 boxes - I have the standard Windows firewall / security essentials running on them now - do you guys think this is enough?

Thanks for any input!
Certs: CCENT, CCNA:R&S
Working on: MCITP:SA
Goals: CCENT (ICND1) [Done], CCNA (ICND2) [Done], MCITP:SA

Comments

  • datgirldatgirl Member Posts: 62 ■■□□□□□□□□
    For clients, I will often use Comodo AV / FW. For AV, personally, I tend to favor Norton, Kaspersky, Trend-Micro, Eset, in no particular order. But no matter what AV solution I utilize, I always layer my security.
  • Concerned WaterConcerned Water Member Posts: 338 ■■■■□□□□□□
    I use windows firewall and Avast antivirus. It's free and not a memory hog.
    :study:Reading: CCNP Route FLG, Routing TCP/IP Vol. 1
    SWITCH [x] ROUTE [ ] TSHOOT [ ] VCP6-NV [ ]
  • ally_ukally_uk Member Posts: 1,145 ■■■■□□□□□□
    Avast and Malwarebytes and I create regular images if the s##t hits the fan. Norton yuck can't stand that junk!
    Microsoft's strategy to conquer the I.T industry

    " Embrace, evolve, extinguish "
  • ZorodzaiZorodzai Member Posts: 357 ■■■■■■■□□□
    We use ESET at work and I like the relatively small footprint. Have also used Sophos though I have found it to be a bit "heavier' than ESET though it's just as efficient.
  • srabieesrabiee Member Posts: 1,231 ■■■■■■■■□□
    I've always used Microsoft Security Essentials and common-sense/precaution when browsing the web.

    For any suspected infections, I will use both Combofix and Malwarebytes to scan and clean the computer.

    I've only had 2 or 3 incidents over the past decade or so.
    WGU Progress: Master of Science - Information Technology Management (Start Date: February 1, 2015)
    Completed: LYT2, TFT2, JIT2, MCT2, LZT2, SJT2 (17 CU's)
    Required: FXT2, MAT2, MBT2, C391, C392 (13 CU's)

    Bachelor of Science - Information Technology Network Design & Management (WGU - Completed August 2014)
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 2,091 ■■■■■■■■■■
    Of all the ones I've tried, I like Kaspersky the best. Have Trend-Micro installed at my folks and it seems easy to use. Norton's ok, but a hog. Really hated Mcafee. Can't remember what I'm using now, but not a big fan. Probably go back to Kaspersky when it expires.
    2018 Certification Goals: Maybe VMware Sales Cert
    "Simplify, then add lightness" -Colin Chapman
  • dbrinkdbrink Member Posts: 180
    I wouldn't spend money on anti-virus, just use Microsoft Security Essentials.
    Currently Reading: Learn Python The Hard Way
    http://defendyoursystems.blogspot.com/
  • HaswellHaswell Member Posts: 73 ■■□□□□□□□□
    dbrink wrote: »
    I wouldn't spend money on anti-virus, just use Microsoft Security Essentials.

    +1 icon_biggrin.gif

    At my work we use Forefront Endpoint Protection.
  • QordQord Member Posts: 632 ■■■■□□□□□□
    dbrink wrote: »
    I wouldn't spend money on anti-virus, just use Microsoft Security Essentials.

    This. Why pay for what you can get for free? This is what I use at home, in conjunction with SuperantiSpyware, MalwayeBytes, and Spybot. I haven't had any problems so far (that I know of). For the servers, check out ClamAV.

    But the best answer: Use Linux.
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 2,091 ■■■■■■■■■■
    dbrink wrote: »
    I wouldn't spend money on anti-virus, just use Microsoft Security Essentials.

    Most of the commercially available products offer 100% rebate during their lifecycle.
    2018 Certification Goals: Maybe VMware Sales Cert
    "Simplify, then add lightness" -Colin Chapman
  • redzredz Member Posts: 265 ■■■□□□□□□□
    Immunet. Free. Analysis is cloud based. It has almost no local footprint.
  • NetworkingStudentNetworkingStudent Member Posts: 1,407 ■■■■■■■■□□
    I use Microsoft Security Essentials and Malware bytes pro. As far as getting infected..it depends on where you go. There is no silver bullet AV solution. When I do a virus removal I really try to push Kaspersky and malware bytes pro on my clients. However, a lot of people want a free AV. Free AV’s aren’t as good as the paid Av’s at detecting threats. Additionally, Malware bytes won't receive automatic updates after the trial date.
    When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened."

    --Alexander Graham Bell,
    American inventor
  • About7NarwhalAbout7Narwhal Member Posts: 761
    srabiee wrote: »
    I've always used Microsoft Security Essentials and common-sense/precaution when browsing the web.

    For any suspected infections, I will use both Combofix and Malwarebytes to scan and clean the computer.

    I second this. MSSE will meet your needs assuming you use a little common sense. When in doubt, I too use MBAM or hijackthis. It is free, integrates very well, and I never noticed a performance hit with it.
  • SteveLordSteveLord Member Posts: 1,717
    MSE has been failing in recent certification tests. But I still use it like I have been. A recent mbam scan turned up nothing on my computer. Avira is another popular free option.

    Anything is better than nothing.
    WGU B.S.IT - 9/1/2015 >>> ???
  • binarysoulbinarysoul Member Posts: 993
    Avast seems good.
  • kj0kj0 Member Posts: 767
    i use Vipre by GFI (Previously Sunbelt). It's never let me down except for block my VMware Workstation, but I just needed make an exception. costs me AU$69 for 10 machines.

    Will never touch Norton after my experiences - Escept Symantec EndPoint that we use at work due to a Mass million seat buy in.
    2017 Goals: VCP6-DCV | VCIX
    Blog: https://readysetvirtual.wordpress.com
  • mjoymjoy Member Posts: 10 ■□□□□□□□□□
    Been using Avast and Malwarebytes altogether. Never had any serious virus problems when I had those.
  • devils_haircutdevils_haircut Member Posts: 284 ■■■□□□□□□□
  • gunbunnysouljagunbunnysoulja Member Posts: 353
    I used MSE, aka Windows Defender for Windows 8, and never had any issues. It's light and works perfect for my needs.
    WGU BSITStart Date: July 1, 2013
    In Progress: CJV1 (4 CU)
    Transfered: WFV1, TJP1, CLC1, INC1, INT1, EUP1, EUC1, BVC1, GAC1, DHV1, DIV1, CWV1, CRV1, DEV1, CTV1, DJV1, IWC1, IWT1, CVV1, RIT1, CIC1, CJC1, TBP1, TCP1, EAV1, EBV1, TJC1, AGC1 (82 CU)
    Completed: MGC1, TPV1, CUV1 (14 CU)
    Remaining: BOV1, BNC1, TXP1, TXC1, TYP1, TPC1, SBT1, QZT1 (22 CU)


  • PristonPriston Member Posts: 999 ■■■■□□□□□□
    I use Avast!
    A.A.S. in Networking Technologies
    A+, Network+, CCNA
Sign In or Register to comment.