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.

[Transfusion]

Have you checked the Windows Firewall (Control Panel>Windows Firewall) to see if there is an exception made for Avira?

[Drd]

I think I mentioned in a previous letter that my Microsoft Windows Firewall is turned off altogether.  What about firefox, could that be blocking things on its own in anyway?

Dr. D'Elia

[soybean]

I think I mentioned in a previous letter that my Microsoft Windows Firewall is turned off altogether. 

So, you have no firewall protection, right? 

[Drd]

Not that I know of. Firefox does block some kind of things though. I'm sorry I don't more about this; I guess that's why I need help!  Anyway, as far as I know the only security I have right now is AVIRA free personal. I turned off my Microsoft firewall a while back.  There is a red shield always in the corner of my computer reminding me of that!

Thanks

Dr. D

[soybean]

Unless you use a router, which provides firewall protection, you absolutely should have a software firewall running.  I suggest you either enable Windows firewall or download one such as http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/free-download.html, and do it immediately.

[Drd]

Hi: What's a router. Sorry to sound so uninformed. I do use a proxy sometimes, is that a router? I remember there was a reason for turning off that firewall, but I don't remember what it was.  So, is a proxy a router?

Thank you
Dr. D

[soybean]

A router is not a proxy.  A router is a hardware device used in computer networks.  Home users who want to use multiple computers on one Internet line can use a router to achieve this.  The router connects to the modem and then the computers are connected to the router, not the modem.  Routers provide firewall protection.  So, for that reason, they are beneficial even where only one computer is being used on an Internet connection. 

[Drd]

HI I have something called an ADSL router. That's what's written on it. It is by "billion". My computer connects to that and then it connects to the phone line.  Is that a real router. Does that have a firewall. Would I need to have the ADSL provider open up to having the updates allowed?

Thanks. WE may be getting closer!

[nickgr5]

HI I have something called an ADSL router. That's what's written on it. It is by "billion". My computer connects to that and then it connects to the phone line.  Is that a real router. Does that have a firewall. Would I need to have the ADSL provider open up to having the updates allowed?

Thanks. WE may be getting closer!

Check below or behind your router for any sticker(s) that display the model, part no. etc.
Whether your router got a built-in (hardware) firewall, it's of vital importance that you have a software firewall up and running. You can use Zonealarm or Comodo.

[Drd]

OK. I turned on my Windows firewall, but I'm back to my original question:  Now that I did install Avira, it won't update automatically, even though I'm online it says there is no connection.  I get the same problem, actually with my Adobe automatic updates and Java too. Something, somewhere is blocking all this. Maybe I should open a new topic for this?

Thanks

[nickgr5]

OK. I turned on my Windows firewall, but I'm back to my original question:  Now that I did install Avira, it won't update automatically, even though I'm online it says there is no connection.  I get the same problem, actually with my Adobe automatic updates and Java too. Something, somewhere is blocking all this. Maybe I should open a new topic for this?

Thanks

Have you checked the Windows Firewall (Control Panel>Windows Firewall) to see if there is an exception made for Avira?

Since the windows firewall is now enabled, make sure to add an exception. Do it for each application which can't connect to the internet.

[reddevilggg]

Best anti virus is quick heal.. i use this.. its good.

If you're going to buy an Anti-virus, there are better to choose from, and from what i've read has more bad reviews than good

http://quick-heal-anti-virus.en.softonic.com/comments

[rthompson80819]

Maximum PC magazine just did a rating on av programs.  They rated Norton as best of the paid programs with a 9+ rating and all of the free programs rated from 6 to 8.  Based on that you usually, but not always, get what you pay for since McAfee was rated a 5.

Since Comcast is my ISP I get Norton for "free" and it's worked fairly well for me.

And I know if you get 10 people to rate anything you will get 10 different opinions.

[computercorner]

I like to use a combination of free software because I have noticed that what may get detected by one program may go undetected by the other and vice verse. Either way the following is a pretty good place to start:

Microsoft Security Essenitials
Avast
Avira Anti-Vir
MalwareBytes
Super AntiSpyware
PC Tools
Kaspersky (Yes they to have a free tool that is full functional)
Emisoft Anti-Malware
AVG
Dr.Web CureIt!

I have left the links out but they will all show up in a search no problem.

Another worthy note, the difference between most paid and free antivirus or anti malware programs is on access protection. For example, with MalwareBytes you have to get into the habit of updating the program and scanning unless you use the paid version which comes with on access protection and automatic updates. Microsoft Security Essentials has on access protection, and also detects low level Rootkits (like TDSS) all for free though.

[Dan Ashl]

I'm also using Microsoft Security Essentials - no problems. Has detected and removed quite a few threats.

[patio]

MSE is pretty solid.

[kimsland]

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.

How rude of them!
Yes uninstall that horrible antivirus. But be aware AVG continues to linger in your system!
AVG are aware of this so they have made a 'Remover' tool > http://www.avg.com/us-en/utilities
The 'Remover' tool can be run even after you install another antivirus. Although in some cases you cannot fully install another antivirus until the AVG 'Remover' tool has been run! Such is this horrible antivirus. (IMO)

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.

I use and highly recommend:

• Avira Free Antivirus http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus
• Free Malwarebytes http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free