Is McAfee AV ok?

[mvdu]

Just as I had decided on the Avira suite, the new version started giving me BSODs. I might go back when this issue is fixed, but for now, I went to the free McAfee offered by Comcast. I'm not a dangerous surfer, but I do use the internet a lot, and there's always a chance I'll run across a dangerous website. I am not impressed with McAfee's last two AV Comparatives scores. Is it safe, or should I go to Norton or NOD32? I'm staying away from KIS right now.

BTW, I also use Firefox, have BOClean and System Safety Monitor, and use Ad-aware and Spybot S&D on demand. I'm on Vista.

[solcroft]

With SSM and Firefox, you could use no AV and still be safe. McAfee will do just fine for protection.

[BlueZannetti]

{QUOTE-> I'm not a dangerous surfer, but I do use the internet a lot, and there's always a chance I'll run across a dangerous website. <-QUOTE}Focus on the "not dangerous surfer", rather than the hypothetical miscue. That says a lot with respect to your needs right there.
{QUOTE-> I am not impressed with McAfee's last two AV Comparatives scores. Is it safe, or should I go to Norton or NOD32? <-QUOTE}I'd try out the McAfee since it's a free option. McAfee's latest score is fine. However, also look at the trending behavior. They seem to have had a bit of a drop in the past, but do seem back on track at the moment.
{QUOTE-> BTW, I also use Firefox, have BOClean and System Safety Monitor, and use Ad-aware and Spybot S&D on demand. I'm on Vista. <-QUOTE}This, in conjunction with almost any major AV product, is more than enough security coverage.

Blue

[mvdu]

Thanks for the responses. For firewall, I have a router and McAfee's software firewall. Just wanted to make sure that the McAfee AV isn't falling behind too much.

[bigc73542]

Just like any other AV, it will have some minor ups and downs. It is just the nature of the beast, they will all do it. But McAfee is a good choice for an antivirus.

[Diver]

{QUOTE-> With SSM and Firefox, you could use no AV and still be safe. McAfee will do just fine for protection. <-QUOTE}


Please explain.

[mercurie]

I have it on PC1 now for over one month. Works well. Really plug and play, but by all means move the firewall to at least 'tight' if not 'stealth'. I believe the default is a little... well open for lack of a better word.

I have Verizon service on PC2, but have another offer for one year for Virus Scan Plus. I am seriously considering putting it on that machine. I too surf safe. :)

My current set up is o.k. too but, there for a while OutPost and Avira were not getting along. They seem to crash each other. I now have Self protection of OutPost off and Logging off too and do not log off before putting the machine in stand by, this all seems to have stopped the crashes. :wacko: Exactly why I am considering the change.

Any way I see the AV comparatives too but it is still ADVANCED. I am satisfied with it for free...why not! If you want security it works. If you want something to play with and tinker with and all that maybe not Comcast offer.:-\

[Perman]

HI, FOLKS: It is always a nicest thing that your ISP can provide free security apps. Comcast, I believe is a reputable Internet/cable provider which has a huge customer base. If there were a flaw in its security setup(McAfee's), you probably have heard earful by now. I would trust these ISP, because they will not put their reputation on thin ice.

[mercurie]

{QUOTE-> HI, FOLKS: It is always a nicest thing that your ISP can provide free security apps. Comcast, I believe is a reputable Internet/cable provider which has a huge customer base. If there were a flaw in its security setup(McAfee's), you probably have heard earful by now. I would trust these ISP, because they will not put their reputation on thin ice. <-QUOTE}...yes they want their customers to have clean and working PCs too. It is in their best interest...one day verizon DSL will wake up. They want to charge for everything :P and to much too.

[farmerlee]

A while back mcafee had virusscan plus offered for free, i installed it on some friends computers and they've all been very happy with it. They're only average users with average computers and it works well for their needs.

[acr45]

{QUOTE-> A while back mcafee had virusscan plus offered for free <-QUOTE}

McAfee Virus Scan Plus is still free and with more crap too.

http://safety.aol.com/isc/MaximumSecurity/

[mvdu]

The current version is running well so far. Does anyone know what changes might be in store for the upcoming version? I wish they would do more weekend updates.

[acr1965]

McAfee VirusScan Plus looks to still be available for free at the below link.

http://www.natwest.com/microsites/personal/latest_deals/index.asp?referrer=online

[farmerlee]

{QUOTE-> McAfee VirusScan Plus looks to still be available for free at the below link.

http://www.natwest.com/microsites/personal/latest_deals/index.asp?referrer=online <-QUOTE}
I remember trying that link a few weeks ago and it said it was expired, perhaps they've resumed the deal.

[trjam]

Its working. I installed, or am still trying to install or update, and it says good through Jan, 09.

[C.S.J]

{QUOTE-> Is McAfee AV ok? <-QUOTE}

yes, its fine.

[Graystoke]

{QUOTE-> Just as I had decided on the Avira suite, the new version started giving me BSODs. I might go back when this issue is fixed, but for now, I went to the free McAfee offered by Comcast. I'm not a dangerous surfer, but I do use the internet a lot, and there's always a chance I'll run across a dangerous website. I am not impressed with McAfee's last two AV Comparatives scores. Is it safe, or should I go to Norton or NOD32? I'm staying away from KIS right now.

BTW, I also use Firefox, have BOClean and System Safety Monitor, and use Ad-aware and Spybot S&D on demand. I'm on Vista. <-QUOTE}


Hi mvdu. I'm a Comcast customer also, and started using their free McAfee again. I'm not having any problems with it running along side Firefox as my default browser. There's not a lot of configuration options, but I'm beginning to think that's not a bad thing as far as my needs are concerned. :) I also like the firewall. I have it set on Stealth. No problems so far.


EDIT: Changed wording in last sentence.

[rhuds13]

Another Comcast customer here and just gave up on NIS2008. After reading here decided to give the free Mcafee Security a try. Working ok but to pass shields up all ports had to raise to stealth. That's fine by me as long as does not interfere with anything working.

Changed back to standard and turned back on XP firewall and now pass all ports ok and pages seem to load fast.

[JerryM]

{QUOTE-> Its working. I installed, or am still trying to install or update, and it says good through Jan, 09. <-QUOTE}

Hi Jeff,
Is it working well? A new avatar in the works?
I downloaded the installer, but don't have a key. When you installed was the key already listed as a trial?

BTW, it appears that FS did not last long.

Regards,
Jerry

[The Hammer]

{QUOTE-> Hi Jeff,
Is it working well? A new avatar in the works?
I downloaded the installer, but don't have a key. When you installed was the key already listed as a trial?

BTW, it appears that FS did not last long.

Regards,
Jerry <-QUOTE}He's caught in the spiders web at the moment. ;D

[interstate ron]

{QUOTE-> He's caught in the spiders web at the moment. ;D <-QUOTE}
Jeff is #1 in my book. Maybe he should try the blue dot with a #1 in it. Just kidding Jeff!

[Graystoke]

Hey, if it weren't for Jeff, how would the rest of know how all these different AVs/Suites perform? :) You go Jeff. ;) ;D

[JerryM]

{QUOTE-> Hey, if it weren't for Jeff, how would the rest of know how all these different AVs/Suites perform? :) You go Jeff. ;) ;D <-QUOTE}

Oh what tangled webs we weave,
When our favorite AV we leave. ;D

Yes, Jeff is number 1.

Best,
Jerry

[interstate ron]

{QUOTE-> Hey, if it weren't for Jeff, how would the rest of know how all these different AVs/Suites perform? :) You go Jeff. ;) ;D <-QUOTE}
That's hitting the nail on the head. By the way, Perman post#8 brings up good point for OP.

[acr1965]

{QUOTE-> I remember trying that link a few weeks ago and it said it was expired, perhaps they've resumed the deal. <-QUOTE}

I just had that page bookmarked for some reason. Good thing it came in handy.

[trjam]

we get virus scan plus for free from work, but everytime I have tried to install it, it grinds my computers to a halt.:dry:

[JerryM]

{QUOTE-> we get virus scan plus for free from work, but everytime I have tried to install it, it grinds my computers to a halt.:dry: <-QUOTE}

Since you tried this free one, where did you get the key? I did not receive one, and suppose that the download will register itself without a key from me. Is that true?

Best,
Jerry

[trjam]

we download it through with our local government IT site. Problem is, it a version back from where they are now.:-[

but I do have a current license for the current suite Jer. It just doesnt do well for me. Of course you know what is currently behind the question mark.

[JerryM]

{QUOTE-> we download it through with our local government IT site. Problem is, it a version back from where they are now.:-[

but I do have a current license for the current suite Jer. It just doesnt do well for me. Of course you know what is currently behind the question mark. <-QUOTE}

Thanks, Jeff. I don't need a license, and just got it because it is free. I have a friend that has used it, but I think that the trial will automatically register when installed.

I wonder if you are going to end up with AVG IS? ;D
No one has reported on it, and that might be right down your line. A straight line of course.:thumb:

Best,
Jerry

[Defcon]

After having a lot of bias against McAfee bloatware, I finally installed it on my laptop from the free download for Comcast users. I think its not quite the latest version and I can't say its lean and mean (it has close to 15 processes and I've seen cpu spikes), but so far I am happy with it and don't want to pay for a commercial product.

[Zombini]

{QUOTE-> Just as I had decided on the Avira suite, the new version started giving me BSODs. I might go back when this issue is fixed, but for now, I went to the free McAfee offered by Comcast. I'm not a dangerous surfer, but I do use the internet a lot, and there's always a chance I'll run across a dangerous website. I am not impressed with McAfee's last two AV Comparatives scores. Is it safe, or should I go to Norton or NOD32? I'm staying away from KIS right now.

BTW, I also use Firefox, have BOClean and System Safety Monitor, and use Ad-aware and Spybot S&D on demand. I'm on Vista. <-QUOTE}

If you are knowledgeable internet user i.e. you dont open email attachments no matter who they come from, you dont install random ActiveX objects, and you dont install fake codecs, that only leaves malicious HTMLs, which ANYONE can chance upon and no amount of browser patching an fix this since the vulnerabilities are in 3rd party activex objects like Yahoo Messenger, Yahoo Widgets, NCTAudio, Quicktime, flash etc. If you want the best protection for this area, nothing comes close to NIS/NAV 2008 (not 07). All other products can be easily bypassed with obfuscation, polymorphic shell code, etc.

[rhuds13]

Worked great the first day then started having problems with pages loading very slow. Was using sometimes 99% CPU so went back to my normal AV & FW now all is normal. Well have tried two of the top ones and had problems but strange enough no trouble with free stuff. My system must just be picky.

[bigc73542]

{QUOTE-> Worked great the first day then started having problems with pages loading very slow. Was using sometimes 99% CPU so went back to my normal AV & FW now all is normal. Well have tried two of the top ones and had problems but strange enough no trouble with free stuff. My system must just be picky. <-QUOTE}


sounds like you were having a compatability problem, not an av problem.

[rhuds13]

Yea that's what I was thinking. Could be this Asus MB. Years ago had a Asus board that had trouble with and was reason had to move to Avast then. After all this time I figured any conflicts would be worked out. Course could also be some other program or game I use. No problem will just wait and try something else later. Tried Avira free a few months ago but got a lot of FPs and trouble with updating. Liked Kaspersky but then had problems with chkdsk.

[mercurie]

I don't understand those with slow downs...I have such low resources on such a humble machine and have no slow downs. :-\

[trjam]

{QUOTE-> we get virus scan plus for free from work, but everytime I have tried to install it, it grinds my computers to a halt.:dry: <-QUOTE}
Tried to tell you, they have their work cut out for the singular user. Great product for the corporate enviroment.

[bigc73542]

The only version of McAfee I personally have seen slow down a computer was 4.0,3 I haven't had it do it on a computer since. I am running Virusscan + now and it runs so light I can't tell it is running, It doesn't even slow down my games such and Halo.

[lucas1985]

{QUOTE-> If you want the best protection for this area, nothing comes close to NIS/NAV 2008 (not 07). All other products can be easily bypassed with obfuscation, polymorphic shell code, etc. <-QUOTE}
What about Firefox + NoScript (controlling all plug-ins)?

[interstate ron]

{QUOTE-> The only version of McAfee I personally have seen slow down a computer was 4.0,3 I haven't it do it on a computer since. I am running Virusscan + now and it runs so light I can't tell it is running, It doesn't even slow down my games such and Halo. <-QUOTE}
I can vouch for that. I just put it on yesterday. Really nice!

[EliteKiller]

{QUOTE-> The only version of McAfee I personally have seen slow down a computer was 4.0,3 I haven't it do it on a computer since. I am running Virusscan + now and it runs so light I can't tell it is running, It doesn't even slow down my games such and Halo. <-QUOTE}
Since I service pc's for a living I see just the opposite. Old versions of McAfee are pigs just like NAV 04-06 with anywhere from 12-15 running processes depending on the version. The newer versions ( 2007-2008 ) of McAfee VS+ seem to run ok on fast pc's w/ Vista.

[bigc73542]

EliteKiller, I guess you didn't read my post very well. What I said was that the older version 4.0.3 slowed down my computer and that I was now running Virusscan+ which didn't. And I owned two computer shops for at least two decades and have probably seen more copies of mcafee than you will in the next ten years.;)

bigc

[C.S.J]

suite 2007 does not slow the computer down.

still has a slow-ass splash screen though. lol

[EliteKiller]

{QUOTE-> EliteKiller, I guess you didn't read my post very well. What I said was that the older version 4.0.3 slowed down my computer and that I was now running Virusscan+ which didn't. And I owned two computer shops for at least two decades and have probably seen more copies of mcafee than you will in the next ten years.;)

bigc <-QUOTE}
I had no trouble deciphering your previous post. However you do realize that there are several versions between v4.0.3 and the current versions of VS/VS+, right? Have you been using v4.0.3 for 7+ years? If you've truly seen more copies of McAfee than I have, for you to claim that the ~8 yr. old v4.0.3 is the only bloated version of McAfee certainly raises some doubts. :-X

[Firecat]

McAfee is an OK AV IMO with decent detection rates. I have seen and used McAfee version 6 (NAI VirusScan), 7.0, 8.0 (which I absolutely hated), 9.0 (bloated), 10.0 (still bloated) and now 11, which is definitely a good improvement over previous versions. It works well enough. :)

[mercurie]

{QUOTE-> suite 2007 does not slow the computer down.

still has a slow-ass splash screen though. lol <-QUOTE}Yes, that would be one of my few complaints. Good grief is that suppose to be for effect or does it really take that long to come alive so to speak. :blink:

Ellitekiller,
Everyones circumstances are different I guess...but you sure must not have read my post #35 or chose to ignore it. ::)

[EliteKiller]

{QUOTE-> Ellitekiller,
Everyones circumstances are different I guess...but you sure must not have read my post #35 or chose to ignore it. ::) <-QUOTE}
I suppose it's no different than you ignoring Firecat's last post. ;) Typical brand loyalty makes us blind even when there is an obvious problem.

[mercurie]

{QUOTE-> I suppose it's no different than you ignoring Firecat's last post. ;) Typical brand loyalty makes us blind even when there is an obvious problem. <-QUOTE}Brand Loyalty??? ;D my ISP offers it to me for free. I thought I would not like it and it would be gone by now.

Having experienced the exact same things Firecat said. Actually have found this most recent version to be satisfactory.

Well, I guess this has gone about as far as it can without turning ugly. :P

Goodbye ;)

[mvdu]

Everyone remember that each computer seems to have a personality of its own - and that software can act differently on each.

It seems like I solved my BSOD problem with AntiVir's Suite. It had a compatibility problem with System Safety Monitor. I put ThreatFire on instead. Anyway, after reading this thread, I will feel more comfortable having McAfee as a free option.

[rhuds13]

For me it was not the AV slowing down IE page loading I believe was the FW. Comcast has the McAfee IS and the when FW is set to stealth pages began loading really slow. But if I set standard and turned back on XP FW in order to pass ShieldsUp all ports then all was OK. I just believe that the standard settings in FW should be enough. If it's not a problem to leave XP FW on then maybe I could give it another go since it's free. For now am using Avast Home and PCTools FW V3 final and all is working ok and passes ShieldsUp. I had no other problems with Comcast McAfee IS.

[Metal425]

IMO, if it slows you down don't use it. If it doesn't slow you down use it, if you are getting it for free.

[mvdu]

I have the firewall on tight instead of stealth. I have a router that stealths, so I guess this is ok?

The things I'd like in the next version are:

- Weekend AV updates (currently McAfee only updates on Saturday and Sunday in the event of a MAJOR outbreak. But viruses never sleep.)

- Rule-creation ability in the firewall

Here's a positive about the AV: I have noticed when looking at the CastleCops malware uploads that McAfee is doing better with the Zlob and DNSChanger trojans. Before, it would pretty much not bother with them.

[nodHead]

Reply to the O.P.

McAfee is a very poor choice. It's detection rates are mid-range and its resource usage is very high.

[Bunkhouse Buck]

It is bloated and will slow you down. We use Windows XP SP2 firewall and Avira Premium AV or NDO32. We have found that you don't need anything else.

[mvdu]

I like having a software firewall as a part of my layered security. McAfee does have a lot of processes, but I haven't noticed a slowdown.

[Bluenile]

I don't really trust a firm that puts out a product which:

1 Turns off Windows Firewall (which is stealthed)

2 Replaces it with one that isn't stealthed in default mode. I thought the main way a firewall protects you was to hide you from potential attackers or have I got that all wrong?

Bearing in mind this product is probably aimed at novice PC users it seems a bit strange.

[Bunkhouse Buck]

{QUOTE-> I don't really trust a firm that puts out a product which:

1 Turns off Windows Firewall (which is stealthed)

2 Replaces it with one that isn't stealthed in default mode. I thought the main way a firewall protects you was to hide you from potential attackers or have I got that all wrong?

Bearing in mind this product is probably aimed at novice PC users it seems a bit strange. <-QUOTE}

You are correct to not trust them. To have a default firewall that does not stealth all ports (btw neither does the Avira suite which has some ports closed but not stealthed) is unconscionable.

[The Hammer]

{QUOTE-> You are correct to not trust them. To have a default firewall that does not stealth all ports (btw neither does the Avira suite which has some ports closed but not stealthed) is unconscionable. <-QUOTE}I know that Stem has already said he can find a firewall, stealthed or not. You might want to ask him or another expert how important stealth is. The main thing is the port is at least closed. And why wouldn't you(Bluenile) want it to turn off the windows firewall when installing it's own? Surely the McAfee one is better once stealthed or do you want two running?

[Bunkhouse Buck]

{QUOTE-> I know that Stem has already said he can find a firewall, stealthed or not. You might want to ask him or another expert how important stealth is. The main thing is the port is at least closed. And why wouldn't you(Bluenile) want it to turn off the windows firewall when installing it's own? Surely the McAfee one is better once stealthed or do you want two running? <-QUOTE}

And? My point was that they are not stealthed-and they are not.

[The Hammer]

{QUOTE-> And? My point was that they are not stealthed-and they are not. <-QUOTE}And my point is if a hacker can find it anyway then how important is stealth.

[Bunkhouse Buck]

{QUOTE-> And my point is if a hacker can find it anyway then how important is stealth. <-QUOTE}

Are your computer ports unstealthed?

[The Hammer]

{QUOTE-> Are your computer ports unstealthed? <-QUOTE}I use a router not a software firewall and for what it's worth, yes they are stealthed. But I think were in the wrong forum for the deviation this thread is taking.

[ronjor]

{QUOTE-> wrong forum <-QUOTE}That is correct. Feel free to start a thread on stealth or not stealth in the other firewalls forum.

Let's stay on the topic of the thread. {QUOTE-> Is McAfee AV ok <-QUOTE}

[031]

Is there any way to exclude folders from the real time scanner ?
McAfee is just a little bit slow....... except that everything is fine .

[C.S.J]

{QUOTE-> < Snipped > <-QUOTE}
I suggest you delete your post.

[Menorcaman]

Good call C.S.J. I've deleted it for him.

As Ronjor said in Post #62 above - this thread needs to stay on topic i.e. McAfee AV.

Regards

Menorcaman

[Wordward]

using free comcast mcafee internet security suite. on the threatfire website it shows that threatfire gives additional 15% protection over mcafee antivirus. just wondering if threatfire would be needed with suite though?

[drkoopz]

{QUOTE-> using free comcast mcafee internet security suite. on the threatfire website it shows that threatfire gives additional 15% protection over mcafee antivirus. just wondering if threatfire would be needed with suite though? <-QUOTE}

Not really sure where Threatfire gets those statistics. I used Threatfire with McAfee for awhile but it essentially slowed my system down enough where I gave ThreatFire the temporary boot. TF is great though, dont pass it up if you think it will provide you with proper protection.

[Wordward]

newest version is suppose to be better but not sure if it will slow down pc or not. just wonder if 15% is worth installing it to find out?

[Perman]

{QUOTE-> using free comcast mcafee internet security suite. on the threatfire website it shows that threatfire gives additional 15% protection over mcafee antivirus. just wondering if threatfire would be needed with suite though? <-QUOTE}
Hi, folk: The chart in question has been on their web site since CyberHawk's era, I have questioned them on this forum , got no response. It will be nice if they can substantiate it with creditable substance (?), although I am using TF with McAfee Virus Scan Enterprise and no issues.