Avira Anti-Virus

[jlaak5]

Hello all,

I just have a quick question.  I am currently using AVG, and was thinking about trying Avira.  Does the free Avira program offer email protection? 

[evilfantasy]

Yes.

http://www.free-av.com/en/products/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html

AntiPhishing
AntiSpyware
AntiRootkit
Email protection
Award winning malware protection

[jlaak5]

Thanks evilfantasy, however; according to the specs. the free avira does NOT offer the email protection.  Perhaps AVG may be my better option

[evilfantasy]

oops, I didn't see that.

Actually though email protection is a bit confusing. As long as an antivirus is running you have email protection. Products advertise it but it's there anyway.

[jlaak5]

So I should not be worried about my email not being protected with Avira?

[evilfantasy]

No you don't need to worry. Opening an attachment in an email is just like when you download software. The antivirus is protecting you either way. It won't scan them before you open them but that rarely does much good anyway.

There is also Avast you could look at. It does everything that AVG and Avira do and more, for free.

[jlaak5]

Evilfantasy,

Thanks you very much for your input   I can now at least have some peace of mind knowing my email is protected.

I appreciate the input on the Avast program.  I will check it out.

Thanks again!

[evilfantasy]

Email safety is pretty basic, with or without an antivirus. If it contains a virus many times it will install before your antivirus can stop it. Some even have the ability to turn off your AV long enough to install themselves. Or they will lie dormant until you start or shut down your PC. Then nothing is running that can stop them from invading.

Safe Email Practices

#  Attachments

Attachments require special attention. They could contain viruses - even if it's coming from the computer of a friend. Therefore:

1. Don't open attachments if you don't know who they're from
2. Even if you do know who it's from, if the subject line sounds suspicious, contact your friend before opening. Viruses often "spoof" the from address (masquerade as someone else - usually getting the name from an infected computer's address book - the infected computer could be a friend's which is why all email - even from friends should be held suspect.) Viruses also often try to come up with a compelling  subject line to get you to open them.