Which free anti virus do you use?

[irnbru]

I've just got rid of my talkralk landline so now I have no antivirus software to use when im using other folks wifi through fon.

What free antivirus do you recommend for laptop and also tablet?

 

[Cavs]

Sophos: https://www.sophos.com/en-us.aspx

 

[Robert Clark]

Microsoft security essentials

 

[peterc10]

AVG. I have it on my PC, tablet and phone

 

[Scout]

AVG. I have it on my PC, tablet and phone

ditto

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[Deleted34567]

AVG. I have it on my PC, tablet and phone

Ditto...#3

 

[Shrimp]

I always used AVG, always worked well, but must keep it updated!

 

[jezport]

Avast. used it for years.

 

[Taran_Las]

AVG

Ditto...#4​

 

[GJH]

Microsoft security essentials

Same here on all our PCs.
We used to use AVG until it started playing up some years ago (can't recall the details now). We still use it on Android devices though.

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[Minxy]

We use McAfee and Malwarebytes on all of our machines.

 

[Robert Clark]

Same here on all our PCs.
We used to use AVG until it started playing up some years ago (can't recall the details now). We still use it on Android devices though.

AVG used to cause my laptop to crash all the time

 

[GJH]

AVG used to cause my laptop to crash all the time

It may have been that. As I say, I can't recall the details but there was some problem that meant we changed.

 

[Langtoftlad]

Microsoft security essentials

+1
Nothing on phone or tablet (haven't had a malware issue - touch wood).

 

[scotjimland]

Another vote for MSE ..

backed up with Malwarebytes premium.

https://www.malwarebytes.org/products/

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[Bailey58]

MS Essentials for me too. Had Mcafee pre-installed on the new laptop but found it too invasive although to be fair I was struggling with Win8 at the same time before upgrading to Win10.

 

[Mack100]

When I got my iMac I was going to put AVG on it just in case I did something daft when I came across all these sites saying that AVG was now classed as spyware itself!
Apparently it sells your details to cover it's costs as the program is free
http://www.techeye.net/news/avg-spies-and-sells-private-data-to-advertisers

Because of this I installed Avast, it seems OK, just waiting to read that Avast is now spyware!

PS just read that Avast was doing similar stuff until last year but cleaned up its act. Seems you can't trust anyone!

 

[peterc10]

AVG used to cause my laptop to crash all the time

Robert, I have been using it for years on the last 3 laptops plus the desktop without any problems. What version of windows were you using?

 

[Gizmouk]

The best 'anti-virus" is OSX

 

[Chockswahay]

on my Macbook? no real need

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[Chockswahay]

I think a lot of anti virus software is more like 'bloatware' and slows down your 'puter and gives a lot of spurious warnings that only lead to further paranoia

Common sense is a good form of anti virus (oh, and buying a Mac )

(hard hat on now and ducking for cover)

 

[mid4did]

ms security essentials here as well,uninstalled mcafree had to enable windows defender afterwards.

 

[Robert Clark]

Robert, I have been using it for years on the last 3 laptops plus the desktop without any problems. What version of windows were you using?

Hi Peter
It was Windows 7 professional on a Dell
The AVG we we using was the server based one

 

[scotjimland]

Common sense is a good form of anti virus (oh, and buying a Mac )

Yes.. on both counts

It's common sense not to download free stuff, tool bars etc.. and unless you know the contents, don't open email attachments .. don't share on peer to peer networks.. mostly all common sense.. which isn't so common..
In saying that, hands up all who haven't (knowingly or unknowingly ) downloaded pirated software, movie or music album... but we take a risk, they can contain malicious scripts .. don't ask how I know..

Kids are the most vulnerable .. my daughters laptop was infested with malware, tool bars, 'free' games and loads of other stuff, much of it from places like FBook .. it that was slowing it right down.. took ages cleaning it..

Also have two Macs, with no protection.. but I'm not complacent.. they are just as vulnerable, up until recently it wasn't worth the hackers time targeting the relatively small OSX market.. but that is changing.. more and more people are using Apple products so they will become more attractive to attack..

Malicious Mac software is rare, but it does exist. Discover how to remove Mac malware for free with our guide to getting rid of malicious OS X software
http://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/mac-software/how-remove-mac-malware-for-free-3594625/

 

[Cavs]

One of things we Mac users need to be aware of is that we can transmit Windows viruses and other nasties without being away of it. One of the reasons I chose Sophos is that a it detects Windows viruses even when using OS X on the Mac, and also when using Parallels as well as potential Mac malware.

I also agree with @chockswahay that lots of anti-virus stuff is intrusive, unfriendly bloatware, whereas Sophos is very unobtrusive.

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[peterc10]

Hi Peter
It was Windows 7 professional on a Dell
The AVG we we using was the server based one

I have had it on laptop and desktop. Both started with XP Pro and went on to Windows 7 Pro. But I was using AVG's free product with no problems, but it wasn't the server version and nor were the versions of Windows. That could be the difference I suspect.

 

[Dazzlin]

Something new!
AVG. Laptop, tablet & phone.
Works for us.

 

[Gellyneck]

Regular reviews in the trade press, Sandra @irnbru
An example here - http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2388652,00.asp
I've previously used AVG Free for a number of years but switched a couple of years ago to Avast Free. Also use Malwarebytes Free.

 

[Puddleduck]

AVG and Avast. They do work together

 

[Gellyneck]

AVG and Avast. They do work together

No. You should never install two anti-virus systems as they'll "clash" with each other!

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