topic Re: Free Avast vs. Free AVG.....or something else? in Electronics

Free Avast vs. Free AVG.....or something else?

Sue98 — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 15:15:15 GMT

I finally bought a new computer! Yay! Now I need to decide on antivirus software, and for now I would like to try something free. I have done a lot of research, and honestly, I'm just more confused, as I am not super computer savvy.

I have considered Avast, as it is the highest rated on downloads dot com, but the reviews all talk about very annoying pop ups. I've also considered AVG, but I've read some nightmare reviews there, too.

I realize there is a price to pay for FREE antivirus, and I'm willing to accept that. I just don't know which one to pick. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Re: Free Avast vs. Free AVG.....or something else?

ValuSkr — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 15:22:28 GMT

I've heard that Microsoft Security Essentials is good.

Re: Free Avast vs. Free AVG.....or something else?

Nuttmeg — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 15:53:51 GMT

Either one of these programs is very good. I use some free software, but do not download from CNet. I go to the company site. When you download a program make sure you are not getting any extra software.

I like CCleaner, and Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes can be used as a trial or as a free program. The paid one is real time.

Re: Free Avast vs. Free AVG.....or something else?

apple1964 — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 16:03:49 GMT

I have Norton security suite on all my computers. Good Techs and excellent CS.

Re: Free Avast vs. Free AVG.....or something else?

LTT1 — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 16:06:08 GMT

@Sue98

Is your new computer a Windows system?

The only program I trust is Norton Antivirus by Symantec. We purchase the one with the most security.

Symantec was the system used district-wide (very large district) -- there have never been any problems for us on our systems. 1 purchase is good for up to 4 computers.

Re: Free Avast vs. Free AVG.....or something else?

Beauty$Junkie — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 17:18:21 GMT

After Norton did not block my last virus, my computer tech installed the free versio of Avast and I have had no issues since. He told me that is all he puts on his parents' computers and told me not to upgrade to the paid version. Micro essentials is what I have on my desktop computer and I have not had any issues with this virus protection, as well. I will never get Norton again. Their tech help IMO was of no help when my virus was taking over my laptop.

Re: Free Avast vs. Free AVG.....or something else?

bonnie f — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 17:48:13 GMT

i was in the same boat.. i downloaded AVG on my tablet.. i asked a comp. tech if i need an anti virus for a tablet, he said definetely.. so far no problems, i didnt wanna pay almost 80.00 for norton again.. after the 1st yr it went up in price... i checked the reviews on amazon, its always good to read reviews from others

Re: Free Avast vs. Free AVG.....or something else?

ValuSkr — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 18:16:47 GMT

I would not recommend Norton - been there, done that. I now use McAfee, can get it on sale - single device - for about $15 per year. But I think the free AV software is about as good. At times I've had to use McAfee tech support and they're great - can take remote control of my computer and fix whatever ails it while I watch. I'm not sure freeware offers such service.

Re: Free Avast vs. Free AVG.....or something else?

Moonchilde — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 19:02:20 GMT

@Nuttmeg wrote:
Either one of these programs is very good. I use some free software, but do not download from CNet. I go to the company site. When you download a program make sure you are not getting any extra software.
I like CCleaner, and Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes can be used as a trial or as a free program. The paid one is real time.

I second this. I've used both Avast & AVG; currently use AVG along with CC and Malwarebytes. All free, all excellent.

Re: Free Avast vs. Free AVG.....or something else?

chickenbutt — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 20:00:04 GMT

ValuSkr wrote:
I've heard that Microsoft Security Essentials is good.

Although the OP didn't give any clues, I'll go ahead and assume it's a PC with Windows10.

That being the case, you can't use MSE anymore (only on older operating systems).

Also, if it is a new PC with Win10, it comes with its own anti-virus program and that works perfectly fine. You cannot have two anti-virus programs running. That will cause BIG problems. Just try the one that comes with the OS and I think you'll find that it works well.

Re: Free Avast vs. Free AVG.....or something else?

Sue98 — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 01:28:42 GMT

I should have made it clear that I do have Windows 10. I had no idea Windows 10 comes with antivirus software. Can you tell me what it is and if there is a way to make sure I have it? Thanks!

I've got so much to learn. My old computer had Windows XP. lol

Re: Free Avast vs. Free AVG.....or something else?

Caffeina — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 17:35:03 GMT

@Sue98, all Windows 10 computers include Windows Defender. You can enter Windows Defender in the search box on the left side of your taskbar, or just go to www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-defender.

Re: Free Avast vs. Free AVG.....or something else?

ceekay — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 19:42:41 GMT

I just got a new Windows 10 laptop a couple of weeks ago. It came with a free trial of McAfee which I knew I did not want to use. Several people I trust to know what they are talking about assured me that Windows Defender should be sufficient. And that adding something like Malwarebytes should cover all bases. What I discovered is that as long as you have antivirus software on your laptop (trial or not), you cannot activate Windows Defender (it is grayed out with a message about other antivirus software being in the way). You have to uninstall the antivirus and then Window Defender can do its job. Had me a little confused but so far, so good! Good luck.

Re: Free Avast vs. Free AVG.....or something else?

Nuttmeg — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 04:44:55 GMT

@ceekay wrote:
I just got a new Windows 10 laptop a couple of weeks ago. It came with a free trial of McAfee which I knew I did not want to use. Several people I trust to know what they are talking about assured me that Windows Defender should be sufficient. And that adding something like Malwarebytes should cover all bases. What I discovered is that as long as you have antivirus software on your laptop (trial or not), you cannot activate Windows Defender (it is grayed out with a message about other antivirus software being in the way). You have to uninstall the antivirus and then Window Defender can do its job. Had me a little confused but so far, so good! Good luck.
@ceekay @Sue98

Window Defender is given to customers to use until they get something better. It is not strong enough to provide great protection. I am not your average user. I get Norton Internet Security from Comcast. It is a complete package. TWC, and Verizon Fios offer their customers McAfee Security Suite.

AVG or Avast are also great programs,when coupled with paid Malwarebytes. I would feel safe online. Here is the But, I like to use a firewall. It let's me know what programs have access to the web.

Security does not have to cost money.