Seeking Suggestions Making Free Antivirus Software List

[reddevilggg]

Learn what you're talking about before you make recommendations so there is no misinformation on your part.

That's what usually happens when people confuse their own opinions with fact.

I agree with quaxo.

[kimsland]

Right now the list is made up of the following:

Free Antivirus Software
1.Microsoft Security Essentials
2.Avast
3.Avira Anti-Vir
4.MalwareBytes
5.Super AntiSpyware
6.PC Tools
7.Kaspersky
8.Emsisoft Anti-Malware
9.AVG
10.Dr.Web CureIt!

Yes! Thanks kimsland! I've been searching through computerhope for the past week trying to find something like that. Thanks to Allen, I am breaking down the list into different categories and adding various tools as well.

Is it Free? Yes.
Does it detect and remove threats? Yes.
Does it serve its "intended purpose?" Yes, it REMOVES THREATS.
...

Nonetheless, play with symantics and credibility challeges if you wish. In the meantime, I stand by my word.

Hi computercorner,

I have to agree with members quaxo and reddevilggg on this one.
This is not a concern on semantics, and although it may look as though its a "credibility challenge", it's not that either. ie Nothing personal.

I've been servicing computers both online and in service centers, for probably (most likely) longer than even you! There weren't that many online techs around back in 1200Bd rate online BBS forums (text only, before pictures and real color came out). I think I may have been one of the few originals.
So, to challenge both our credibility in this issue, is not helpful to anyone, ie mostly you.

Your heading: Free Antivirus Software, should have these properties as minimum:
Is it Free?
Does it detect and remove threats?
Does it serve its "intended purpose?"
ALSO.

• Able to update periodically (manually or automatically or both)
• Provide resident live protection of virus
• Detect and remove virus

Otherwise its not really an "Antivirus Software" program, its just a > Tool.
As clearly stated by Kaspersky > Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

...It cannot substitute a resident antivirus application.

If we look at virus removal "Tools" alone, I think Norton has hundreds of them (I haven't visited horrible Symantec for a while, but I know there's a lot!
To create a list of Antivirus "Tools" on your site, would be pages and pages and pages... long. And I don't really feel that's exactly what you wanted?

Therefore your original list, included software that were not  "Antivirus Software", including the anti-malware and anti-spyware programs, which again are not "Antivirus Software"

By including these incorrect entries in your original posts, and then defending your actions, concerns members (such as myself) that you may be providing misleading information to others.

You should take this information as the way I (and others) have intended it to be. As a support person I am compelled to help you understand this concern before you finalize your 'site'.

If you require further assistance, I can help. But try to make it one thing at a time, to stop any further confusion.

[computercorner]

Kimsland, Quaxo and Reddevilggg

I stand corrected.

I am not going to go back and forth about how I have used the Kaspersky Tool. You are all right that the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool is a "Tool" that should not be included in the "Free Antivirus Software List" am creating.

Like Allen recommended in the beginning of the thread I need to differentiate between the various software on the list.

In an effort to expand and categorize the list and make it as useful as possible I put up a "Handy Tools" for feedback and opinions as well.
Hence my "I would like to expand it as much as possible to include as many utilities as possible" statement.

Regardless, after thoroughly reading over each post I can see that (like Kimsland said) all of your intentions are to help me put together the best possible list to help people solve their problems in the most user friendly way possible. Not to attack me, my skillset or how I use whatever is out there.

Therefore, I am putting my head back out on the chopping block again in an effort to stick to my main objective without deviating from it "too much."

With that said, it looks like you guys are telling me the best thing to do is to categorize headings for a more accurate, trustworthy and useful user experience. Sort of like the following:

Free Antivirus Software

Free Virus Removal Tools

Free Bootdisk Utilities

Programs to Clean Your Computer for Free


....and so on. Agree?

My initial objective was to make it as easy for the basic user as possible. But it doesn't look like I can accomplish that goal on one page. I looks like may need to have separate pages for basic, novice and advanced users or I may risk confusing someone (and getting slammed here).

[kimsland]

the best thing to do is to categorize headings for a more accurate, trustworthy and useful user experience. Sort of like the following:

Free Antivirus Software

Free Virus Removal Tools

Free Bootdisk Utilities

Programs to Clean Your Computer for Free


....and so on. Agree?

My initial objective was to make it as easy for the basic user as possible. But it doesn't look like I can accomplish that goal on one page. I looks like may need to have separate pages for basic, novice and advanced users or I may risk confusing someone (and getting slammed here).

Yes that's better Obviously as long as each category only have those specific relevant softwares under them. As I'm sure you will do.

The point here, is if your site is correct in all areas, then support members can refer 'novice' members, requiring help, to go there, if ever needed. And to tell the truth a one stop all included place would be ideal. Mind you there are some softwares out there that you cannot link to. ie Combofix. Without permission from the author, your site will look like untrustworthy if holding links to this app. So each app, requires the utmost of importance.

Back on 'Tools' (oh no not again!) This are is large, some would say too large. There are some malware removal 'tools' that are just short scripts, I couldn't begin to quote howmany there are.
Therefore you may just want to quote the common removal 'tools'. All ideally via links back to the original.

Linking (if allowed) is obviously preferred over holding the software on your site, mainly because there may be important notes to follow, plus they update often. It would be too difficult to check every single one every day.

Actually, you are best to have a disclaimer too!

[reddevilggg]

The point here, is if your site is correct in all areas, then support members can refer 'novice' members, requiring help, to go there, if ever needed. And to tell the truth a one stop all included place would be ideal.

We do, and, there is.

http://evilfantasy.wordpress.com/2008/05/20/keeping-yourself-safe-on-the-web/

Evilfantasy is a Malware Removal Specialist on this forum.

[BC_Programmer]

"threat" is an awfully vague term.

current and on access threats.

Withstanding the clarification of the above vague wording with regard to "threat"- what is an "on-access" threat and what makes it different from a "current" threat? I reason that on-access in this thread has come to mean the ability of scanners to scan when a file is accessed. Reasonable. But why is it that a threat would only be an on-access threat and not a "current" threat?

If you believe I am spreading false information (I believe the more appropriate wording is "misinformation")

The terms are synonymous, though... actually, misinformation is worse because it means "false information with intent to mislead"... I'd be inclined to call this word pedantry, but I didn't start it...

That is what we do and have always done probably since you were in kindergarden.

This isn't against anybody in particular, but this sort of sparked something of a rant.

If you have to fallback on "I've been doing this longer than you" or some variant thereof to try to 'prove' your expertise, you've already lost.

Think about it. It's not a qualification. Here is an a example. Again, this is not against anybody in particular, I see it all the time:

Helper A: I think you should perform procedure X, it should fix your problem
Helper B: I'm not sure if that would help, given <A> and the fact  that <B>
Helper A: I've been doing this longer than you, I know what I'm talking about. he should do procedure X

See the problem?

Helper B points out facts, and circumstances that makes X a more questionable course of action, and rather than addressing those points, the original helper takes it "personally" and falls back on them doing it longer, implying of course that it is in any way relevant. Doing something, particularly in computers, for a longer length of time does not mean anything. More to the point, if Helper A really had more experience, they should be able to point out why procedure X is still applicable given <A> and <B>, but when they ignore that and basically say "I'm smarter than you" it helps nobody. It's just feeding their own ego.

Myself, I try to avoid ANY references to how long I've done something, or how many times I've gone through a given procedure, or had to deal with an issue, etc. If I cannot prove competence with my information, and my rationalizations for given advice when it is criticized (or changes to supplement new information) than saying how long I've been doing it won't either. A Bad fisherman is still a bad fisherman if he's been doing it for years.

Another example; if I say something about how C# works, and somebody contests it, I will either note where they are in error or accept that I am in error, possibly making the appropriate corrections to the information I provided. At no point would it be prudent to try to defend information I provide with "I've been doing this for X years". Because I could very well have been doing it wrong for that length of time. Just  because somebody has been doing something a certain way for X years doesn't mean that they've been doing it right.

[patio]

A Bad fisherman is still a bad fisherman if he's been doing it for years.

Quote of the Month Finalist...

             

[computercorner]

After reading Kimslands reply, I was not going to go back and forth about the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.

But, it has become increasingly obvious to me that it is easy to slam me for saying "We remove viruses and repair computers every day. That is what we do and have always done probably since you were in kindergarden." after being told I "dont know what I am talking about." Thats cool though. No worries.

If you download and install the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2011 it will:

A.) Remove Viruses that are Currently infecting a computer

B.) Notify you if the Signature Database gets out dated

C.) Detect, Quarantine, and or Delete On-Access threats (for example if you have a virus on a FlashDrive or attempt to access a website that has Malware on it, it will detect it and provide you with various options to remove, quarantine or delete).

Interestingly, Kaspersky says "Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2011 is not intended for real-time protection of computer. After the disinfection of the computer is complete, the application should be uninstalled from the hard drive and replaced with the real-time protection anti-virus" Should be?  http://support.kaspersky.com/viruses/avptool2011?level=2

Another interesting thing to point out under the older versions Product Info "Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2010 does not provide resident protection for your computer. After disinfecting a computer, you are supposed to remove the tool and install a full version of antivirus software." Supposed to?  http://support.kaspersky.com/viruses/avptool2010?level=2

Does that support my claim? Perhaps nothing will support my claim to anyone here at this point.

Nevertheless, on the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool Product Info page the above is also supported under General functions:

• Automatic and manual removal of virus, Trojans and worms.
  Automatic and manual removal of Spyware and Adware modules.
  Automatic and manual removal of all types of rootkits.

As a "Disclaimer" I am sure that someone will be able to spin the wording and find some creative way to discredit this rather than try and see if this virus removal "Tool" has any of these characteristics. I am also pretty confident that someone will be able to say that the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool does not come with same features as the full version as well. Either way no problem.

Perhaps the marketing team at Kaspersky intended to use vague and ambiguous terminolgy on their Threat page as well?  Who knows.
http://www.kaspersky.com/threats
 
Either way, thank you all for your help, I really appreciate your feedback. I dont know if I should be impressed or offended at how well some of your insults so mellifluously flowed into the thread.

There is a saying that "it is better to be silent and thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt" Im sure someone will probably be able to dispute the saying, form, wording etymology and so on as well. Its about time I go fishing.


Special Thanks to:

Kimsland
Quaxo
Reddevilggg this link gave is perfect -->http://evilfantasy.wordpress.com/2008/05/20/keeping-yourself-safe-on-the-web/

[kimsland]

...
C.) Detect, Quarantine, and or Delete On-Access threats
...

Ok, I had a better read of ALL the pages on Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2011

Here are a couple more quotes regarding this tool, from here: http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208284228

Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2011 is unsuitable for providing resident protection on computers.

Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2011 does not have a function to update its antivirus databases

Then referring back to my previous reply:

ALSO.

• Able to update periodically (manually or automatically or both)
• Provide resident live protection of virus
• Detect and remove virus

Yes it does scan 'on-access threats' whilst its running!
But it cannot update itself either manually or automatically or both. The only option is to fully uninstall it, and then download the newest one again, thus not making it a 'Free Antivirus Software', and Kaspersky know this, so they call it a 'Tool'

It is still a Tool, and always will be, and therefore cannot go in the 'Free Antivirus Software' list, ever.

Again, no need to defend yourself here ever either. Especially since you're the topic starter asking for help, in the first place.

Still interested in any other support you require on this? I'm sure you must have further questions?

Edit:

Another quote from their download page: http://www.kaspersky.com/antivirus-removal-tool?form=1

Please note that the Virus Removal Tool only treats computers that have existing infections and does not provide any ongoing protection from threats.

[quaxo]

It was never my intent to "insult" or "discredit" you. Only to point out that you conclusion was incorrect. Even in the light of Kaspersky saying the same thing, you're still defending your stance.

I was a Kaspersky user for years, finally dropping at the 2012 version this year to give Norton's new version a try. I have also used their removal tool before. They are very few similarities in KIS and KVRT. The most important differences being real-time protection and automatic updates, which the latter does not offer but any full-fledged anti-virus will. Otherwise, KVRT is just a tool, nothing more.

[kimsland]

Topic back in action
Are you still there computercorner?

[computercorner]

Thanks again Kimsland and Quaxo.

I have removed the KVRT from the list on our site, and shared the list that Reddevilggg
posted with our team. As Kimsland pointed out earlier, the concern of having a disclaimer
kept arising so we decided to make the more powerful tools only available for our techs.

Again, thank you guys for all your help and feedback.

[kimsland]

By the way, have you heard of Stinger Antivirus utility
http://www.mcafee.com/us/downloads/free-tools/how-to-use-stinger.aspx

[patio]

I believe Stinger is a Trojan detection and removal tool...not neccessarily an A/V app.

[kimsland]

Not specifically.

But this is the first line of the description

Stinger is a standalone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses.

I know my stuff