best free anti-virus?

[Drd]

Hi: I use an XP system and live outside the US in one of the sanctioned countries. I have always used AVG but recently they are giving me a notice that they will not update my program because I live outside the US.

 Can anyone suggest an alternate free and good anti-virus? You don't have to tell me whether or not I can use it from my country. I'll be glad to try your suggestions one by one and use whichever one works. I would just like to ask you for suggestions on an alternate free anti-virus/malware program, other than AVG.

Thanks for your help.

In peace
Dr. D.

[Darthgumby]

I've been using Avast! and that seems to do just as well of a job - if not better than AVG.  I also use ThreatFire (another free program) on top of that.  they work well together and run very quietly and out of the way.  Aside from a little icon in the tray I don't notice them at all and have not had any security issues I can think of.

Along with that I do use Mozilla Firefox as my browser, which is much safer than IE.  Also remember to use common sense when browsing the net and downloading and opening files - that's a very key element in keeping your computer safe.  I hope this helps.

[Drd]

thank you. Does anyone else have any ideas? I'll look up Avast in the meantime!

In peace

Dr. D

[reddevilggg]

Running two Anti-virus programs simultaneously is not recommended.

If you want ideas, then Google: Free Anti-virus programs.

If you want opinions, then i use Avast and never had a problem.

I also use Malwarebytes and Super anti-spyware. I do not run them in real-time, i just scan once a week or so.

[BC_Programmer]

[reddevilggg]

I can see somebody asking for a link to download that. 

[patio]

 

Only $29.95...

[BC_Programmer]

I can see somebody asking for a link to download that. 

All they need to do is send me their credit card info and they can have the latest version.

Common sense XT2011 Professional Edition with Enhanced Security and Tools SP2.

Order now and receive a copy of Basic Logic 2011 Ultimate with enhanced fallacy detection absolutely free. That's a 30 dollar value.

But wait there's more! You also get this free set of Ginsu Knives!


Anyway, on the topic, aside from AVG, Avira, Avast, ClamWin, and Nod32 (although I'm not sure if Nod32 is free) get a lot of good publicity around here.

[patio]

Actually a well kept secret is the latest Microsoft Security Essentials....good for systems from XP SP3 and up...
Runs great...low on resources...and just does it's job.
Most people will not consider it because it's an MS product...but i'd give it a thumbs up...

Let the bashing begin...

[Transfusion]

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ten-best-antivirus-programs/
MSE is at the top of the list, but Common Sense 2011 is at the bottom!?! Maybe its not foolproof just look at the not-so-fine print:

Common Sense 2011

This one’s unusual in that it’s free and considered by far the best protection out there, yet can’t be downloaded anywhere. Without it, however, even the best security software is rendered useless.

So this is some sort of shady trade agreement between Common Sense and antivirus companies? Sue Them!
Oh and BC, how do I upgrade from Common Sense 2010 to 2011? Are there any noticeable benefits? Will my database become obsolete against all the threats out there? Do you sell Basic Logic 2011 in a combo with Common Sense 2011? I want to know as I have recently been infected with a virus called ID10T. Common Sense 2010 identifies it as a W.PEBKAC.M0R0N32.


http://www.virusbtn.com/vb100/latest_comparative/index
VirusBulletin is one of the best resources on virus detection, known by its VB100 award. Look at its Oct 2011 comparison:

I use Qihoo, FYI

[nixie]

Just like Patio ... I too run MS Security Essentials on all my systems.

[Drd]

Hi: I downloaded AVIRA and installed with no problem. But when I try to update I get the report below. It looks like a failure to connect report, yet I have no trouble connecting elsewhere on the internet (including here!).  What do you think could be the problem? What do you suggest?

Thanks in advance

Dr. D'Elia

 Avira Free Antivirus Updater
Complete product update

Creation time: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 16:06:32

Operating system:
Windows XP (Service Pack 3)  [5.1.2600] 32 bit

Product information:
Product version: 12.0.0.849
Updater: C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\update.exe 12.1.13.17
Update resource: C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\updaterc.dll 12.1.0.17
Library: C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\update.dll 1.0.0.8
Plugin: C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\updext.dll 12.1.0.17
GUI: C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\updgui.dll 12.1.3.17

Temp Directory: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\TEMP\UPDATE\
Backup folder: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\BACKUP\
Installation Directory: C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\
Updater folder: C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\
AppData folder: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\

Proxy settings:
System settings used

16:06:32 [UPD] [INFO]       Checking whether newer files are available.
16:06:32 [UPD] [INFO]       Select update server 'http://80.190.143.231/update'.
16:06:32 [UPD] [INFO]       Downloading of 'http://80.190.143.231/update/idx/master.idx' to 'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\TEMP\UPDATE\idx\master.idx'.
16:06:34 [UPDLIB] [ERROR]   Download manager: Connection failed while downloading the file http://80.190.143.231/update/idx/master.idx
16:06:34 [UPD] [INFO]       Select update server 'http://80.190.143.232/update'.
16:06:34 [UPD] [INFO]       Downloading of 'http://80.190.143.232/update/idx/master.idx' to 'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\TEMP\UPDATE\idx\master.idx'.
16:06:35 [UPDLIB] [ERROR]   Download manager: Connection failed while downloading the file http://80.190.143.232/update/idx/master.idx
16:06:35 [UPD] [INFO]       Select update server 'http://80.190.143.233/update'.
16:06:35 [UPD] [INFO]       Downloading of 'http://80.190.143.233/update/idx/master.idx' to 'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\TEMP\UPDATE\idx\master.idx'.
16:06:36 [UPDLIB] [ERROR]   Download manager: Connection failed while downloading the file http://80.190.143.233/update/idx/master.idx
16:06:36 [UPD] [INFO]       Select update server 'http://80.190.143.234/update'.
16:06:36 [UPD] [INFO]       Downloading of 'http://80.190.143.234/update/idx/master.idx' to 'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\TEMP\UPDATE\idx\master.idx'.
16:06:37 [UPDLIB] [ERROR]   Download manager: Connection failed while downloading the file http://80.190.143.234/update/idx/master.idx
16:06:37 [UPD] [INFO]       Select update server 'http://80.190.143.235/update'.
16:06:37 [UPD] [INFO]       Downloading of 'http://80.190.143.235/update/idx/master.idx' to 'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\TEMP\UPDATE\idx\master.idx'.
16:06:38 [UPDLIB] [ERROR]   Download manager: Connection failed while downloading the file http://80.190.143.235/update/idx/master.idx
16:06:38 [UPD] [INFO]       Select update server 'http://80.190.143.236/update'.
16:06:38 [UPD] [INFO]       Downloading of 'http://80.190.143.236/update/idx/master.idx' to 'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\TEMP\UPDATE\idx\master.idx'.
16:06:39 [UPDLIB] [ERROR]   Download manager: Connection failed while downloading the file http://80.190.143.236/update/idx/master.idx
16:06:39 [UPD] [INFO]       Select update server 'http://80.190.143.237/update'.
16:06:39 [UPD] [INFO]       Downloading of 'http://80.190.143.237/update/idx/master.idx' to 'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\TEMP\UPDATE\idx\master.idx'.
16:06:40 [UPDLIB] [ERROR]   Download manager: Connection failed while downloading the file http://80.190.143.237/update/idx/master.idx
16:06:40 [UPD] [INFO]       Select update server 'http://80.190.143.238/update'.
16:06:40 [UPD] [INFO]       Downloading of 'http://80.190.143.238/update/idx/master.idx' to 'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\TEMP\UPDATE\idx\master.idx'.
16:06:41 [UPDLIB] [ERROR]   Download manager: Connection failed while downloading the file http://80.190.143.238/update/idx/master.idx
16:06:41 [UPD] [INFO]       Select update server 'http://80.190.143.239/update'.
16:06:41 [UPD] [INFO]       Downloading of 'http://80.190.143.239/update/idx/master.idx' to 'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\TEMP\UPDATE\idx\master.idx'.
16:06:42 [UPDLIB] [ERROR]   Download manager: Connection failed while downloading the file http://80.190.143.239/update/idx/master.idx
16:06:42 [UPD] [INFO]       Select update server 'http://80.190.143.240/update'.
16:06:42 [UPD] [INFO]       Downloading of 'http://80.190.143.240/update/idx/master.idx' to 'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\TEMP\UPDATE\idx\master.idx'.
16:06:43 [UPDLIB] [ERROR]   Download manager: Connection failed while downloading the file http://80.190.143.240/update/idx/master.idx
16:06:43 [UPD] [INFO]       Select update server 'http://89.105.213.18/update'.
16:06:43 [UPD] [INFO]       Downloading of 'http://89.105.213.18/update/idx/master.idx' to 'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\TEMP\UPDATE\idx\master.idx'.
16:06:44 [UPDLIB] [ERROR]   Download manager: Connection failed while downloading the file http://89.105.213.18/update/idx/master.idx
16:06:44 [UPD] [INFO]       Select update server 'http://89.105.213.17/update'.
16:06:44 [UPD] [INFO]       Downloading of 'http://89.105.213.17/update/idx/master.idx' to 'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\TEMP\UPDATE\idx\master.idx'.
16:06:45 [UPDLIB] [ERROR]   Download manager: Connection failed while downloading the file http://89.105.213.17/update/idx/master.idx
16:06:45 [UPDLIB] [ERROR]   No other server, update aborted
16:06:45 [UPD] [ERROR]      Generation of update structure failed. UpdateLib delivers error 537.

[Transfusion]

That's strange, I'm able to ping 80.190.143.231 and 89.105.213.17 without any issues...
Can you do a manual update without issues? http://www.avira.com/en/support-vdf-update-info

[patio]

Is there a firewall involved here ? ?

[Drd]

Hello: Avira itself doesn't have a firewall for my service. I had to uninstall AVG to get Avira so I assume that any firewall associated with that was also uninstalled. My Windows firewall is turned off. Could there be a firewall from anywhere else?
  I did go to Avira (free Avast) help and they had some zip files for manual updating. But I can see where this is something I'd not like to have to do daily.  Any suggestions?

Thanks

Dr. D.