Best FREE AV

[jaxson]

Hi

From what I have read here NOD32 seems to be your choise as best AV.

But i'm a poor student ;) so I was wondering which one you think
is the best free one?

Thanks.

[Madsen DK]

Hi Jaxson.

AVG or Avast i would think.
Look under the free tools. There are some links for them.
Regards :)
Ole

[jaxson]

Thanks for the advice then

I'm running Win2K BTW.

Okay well which do ypu prefer out of AVG and Avast ;)

Also I believe having Fprot dos scanner or something
is a good idea to have installed beside one of these?

Thx.

O yea, any good free Anti-Trojan and do you think
they are really necessary?

Weird how so many good firewalls and Spyware stuff is free.

[Technodrome]

There is no the BEST Antivirus software!

The choice is up to you. Try AVG or Avast and see what you like best.

If you got at least $ 20 (19.95) you could go with EZ AntiVirus or Kaspersky Anti-Virus Lite.


Technodrome

[Technodrome]

-{ Quote: " quoting: jaxson link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=0#49123 date=1045845198]

Okay well which do ypu prefer out of AVG and Avast ;)" }-

Avast!

-{ Quote: "Also I believe having Fprot dos scanner or something
is a good idea to have installed beside one of these?" }-

Yes!

-{ Quote: "O yea, any good free Anti-Trojan and do you think
they are really necessary?" }-
Do you use Kazaa? Downloads? Warez? Porn?
BTW, there is no good free AT tool available at the moment.

-{ Quote: "Weird how so many good firewalls and Spyware stuff is free.
" }-
Well firewalls don’t need updates (other then bugs) so developer’s cost of building a firewall is much lower, then building an antivirus or antitrojan.


Technodrome

[tahoma]

ive heard good things about http://www.free-av.com/
but i never tried it myself. but its an option i guess. personally i prefer DrWeb simply cos its incredibly fast, no slowdown whatsoever

[wizard]

-{ Quote: " quoting: tahoma link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=0#49127 date=1045846019]
ive heard good things about http://www.free-av.com/
but i never tried it myself. " }-

The only good thing about AntiVirPE is that it is free - and IMHO that is not enough for a product that should protect me against malware.

When I was a student it was very important for me to have a good virus protection because in this time I had to exchange a lot of file with my fellow students and all the files and work stored on my PC were far more important than to be damaged or deleted due malware.

IMHO there is at the moment no free antivirus software out that I really could recomment for protection. Long time I recommended F-Prot (for DOS) but as it seems the days of the famous Iceland antivirus product are over as the test results become worser each time I read a new test.

wizard

[Technodrome]

-{ Quote: " quoting: wizard link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=0#49138 date=1045850185]
as the test results become worser each time I read a new test.

wizard
" }-

Trojan/backdoor(packed) or Virus Tests ? Which ones are you talking about?



Technodrome

[dqa]

Hi tahoma,

Well, in spite of the erudition of some of the contributors to this site, I must personally demur from the above post. I've been using AVPE for some years, and found it to offer excellent protection, a good user community, and fine support.
I'm a poor student too. I check with other scanners now and then, but Antivir is my main line of defence and I've never had virus trouble it hasn't dealt with. It isn't as flash, memory heavy or full of 'War-on'Bad-guys' macho metaphors as a lot of those who want your cash, and the interface is old-hat. But it works good ;D

Use Bit -defender for ICQ if you use that aswell, and check on-line scanners now and then for back-up and you'll be ok- oh, and make use of all the good advice from the folks at Wilders..apart from when it comes to Antivir.
8)

regards,

dqa

(Chris H. at the AVPE BBS... ;D)

[Tinribs]

I agree, Antivir is an ok free antivirus, it does suffer with a few false positives but I would certainly choose it over AVG for example.

In fact I gave it a good test early last year and it performed fine, I'm not saying it will catch everything out there but for a freebie I give it the thumbs up, the support forum is pretty good too.

[wizard]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Technodrome link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=0#49139 date=1045850779]Trojan/backdoor(packed) or Virus Tests ? Which ones are you talking about?" }-

For packed malware F-Prot is no solution as of the limitation of MS DOS regarding 32-bit packers. That's why Kaspersky switched from DOS to Linux scanner for their rescure disks.

Also regardings virus detection F-Prot isn't that good as it was in previous years. Mainly this is due to the fact that F-Prot was strong on macro malware but that plays less and less a role for private users.

wizard

[wizard]

-{ Quote: " quoting: dqa link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=0#49140 date=1045851173]I've been using AVPE for some years, and found it to offer excellent protection, a good user community, and fine support.
" }-

Do a good user community and a fine support protect you from malware? Nope. Here are the basics facts: AntiVirPE has no heuristics, no unpacking engine (therefore useless for trojan protection) and also to update the program you have to reinstall the whole package each time. So what is excellent about this tool? I find it a little bit scary to you have to completly reinstall the antivirus program for the detection of for example vbs malware which most other scanners would pick up heuristicly.

-{ Quote: " I'm a poor student too. I check with other scanners now and then, but Antivir is my main line of defence and I've never had virus trouble it hasn't dealt with. " }-

Lucky man so far :)

wizard

[Technodrome]

I failed to see any VIRUS test that’s showing the poor detection results for F-Prot! Oh well, maybe I am looking at the wrong places.

From my personal experience F-Prot is still top notch antivirus product.



Technodrome

[vlk]

Wizard,

-{ Quote: "IMHO there is at the moment no free antivirus software out that I really could recomment for protection. " }-

Just to make things clearer, what criteria do you use when making such statements? I mean, what does it take for an AV to be 'recommendable' by you? I just wanted to check if we can do something with our piece of software so that maybe you'd change your mind... Just a little hint, please... ;)

Thanks
Vlk

[wizard]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Vlk link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=0#49198 date=1045902257]Just to make things clearer, what criteria do you use when making such statements?" }-

Various independ test results and own experience.

-{ Quote: "Just a little hint, please... ;)" }-

Reduce false positives and performe better on independ tests. ;)

wizard

[eyespy]

Hi all !
I used to be a fan of AVG. Still am, but Avast is becoming a formidable and respectable AV. I think I might give Avast the edge at this time !

regards,
bill

[wiseguy]

I think It's the New Kid on the block! ;D

http://www.gladiator-antivirus.com/

[wizard]

-{ Quote: " quoting: wiseguy link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=15#49252 date=1045933439]
I think It's the New Kid on the block! ;D

http://www.gladiator-antivirus.com/
" }-

This software is still unfinished and far away from being a reliable antivirus protection. This one could be dangerous to use if it is the only malware protection programm.

wizard

[eyespy]

-{ Quote: " quoting: wiseguy link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=15#49252 date=1045933439]
I think It's the New Kid on the block! ;D

http://www.gladiator-antivirus.com/
" }-

Yes....I have GAV as a backup right now. I can hardly wait for the finished version !

regards,
bill ;)

[wiseguy]

-{ Quote: " quoting: eyespy link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=15#49289 date=1045947998]
-{ Quote: " quoting: wiseguy link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=15#49252 date=1045933439]
I think It's the New Kid on the block! ;D

http://www.gladiator-antivirus.com/
" }-
Yes....I have GAV as a backup right now. I can hardly wait for the finished version !
regards,
bill ;)
" }-

Yes... I like there appoach! Very promising. :D

[Luthorcrow]

-{ Quote: " quoting: jaxson link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=0#49102 date=1045827562]...From what I have read here NOD32 seems to be your choise as best AV.

But i'm a poor student ;) so I was wondering which one you think
is the best free one?" }-

Hell, I missed an opprotunity to weigh in early on the free AV issue! This issue hits home with me because after having made the rounds of the well known and respected AV Centers, I have discovered that AVG has very weak record. Which was a bit surprising because (not this forum) this AVG is offered like the holy grail to a lot of fresh newbies at a lot of forums.

So as you may have guessed, I would recommend Avast over AVG. First let me offer you some background to make your own opinion. That way you don't have to rely on any one person's opinion.

Av Testing Centers:

www.virusbtn.com/ (click on VB100%/Search by Vendor)
VB AVG hasn't passed this test since 98 under DOS. It has never passed a single Windows based Test. Avast has shown a better record recently.

AV-Test.org. (make sure to select Category: All and Level of Details: High on on-line viewer for test results)
http://www.av-test.org/index.php3?lang=en

VTC Hamburg
http://agn-www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/vtc/eng1.htm

ICSA
http://www.icsalabs.com/index.shtml
Utterly useless testing center in my opinion (at least what is published on the webpage for the lay user) but included for balance.

Vunerablities Notices (good for checking out fixed/unfixed flaws of current security products)
http://www.cert.org/nav/index_red.html
http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1

Recommendations:

1. Here is one I don't hear often, but instead of rushing out to commit to one piece of software, why not take free ride offered by most AV houses and trial all of the good products for 30 days. If you go by the list and links provided at VB under their 100%VB listing you could easly stay in free AV apps for better than a year, all of which are better than AVG, and be one hell of an informed customer at the end of that year. Plus by then you should have enough coins, Xmas, present, whatever to get what you like.

2. Avast if it has to be free.

3. The KAVlite suggestion is a winner. $19.99 for one of the best AV engines and signatures out there and much easier to use than the full blown KAV. http://www.kaspersky.com/buyonline.html?chapter=610707

[wizard]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Luthorcrow link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=15#49657 date=1046153602]
Which was a bit surprising because (not this forum) this AVG is offered like the holy grail to a lot of fresh newbies at a lot of forums. " }-

In Germany it is AntiVirPE who is mostly recommended. In the international forums the hype is more about AVG. It seems if something is for free most people forget about to ask questions about the quality of the product or if it fits really their requirements (this is what you see most likely in regards to personal firewalls).

I think the price is an important part (because nobody likes to spend to much ;)) but for security products for me 'quality' comes first.

wizard

[jaxson]

I have heard Avast uses a lot of system resources though which puts me off it, this true? I need a one that has a small footprint really.

[wiseguy]

-{ Quote: " Recommendations:

1. Here is one I don't hear often, but instead of rushing out to commit to one piece of software, why not take free ride offered by most AV houses and trial all of the good products for 30 days. If you go by the list and links provided at VB under their 100%VB listing you could easly stay in free AV apps for better than a year, all of which are better than AVG, and be one hell of an informed customer at the end of that year. Plus by then you should have enough coins, Xmas, present, whatever to get what you like.
" }-

Not a bad Idea. ;) The only thing is, then we will have to talk about good reg cleaners.
All those programs would leave so much garbage in the reg after deleting. ;D

[vlk]

jaxson,

-{ Quote: "I have heard Avast uses a lot of system resources though which puts me off it, this true? I need a one that has a small footprint really. " }-

Well, avast 4 indeed takes some memory - in a typical scenario, it consumes about 12MB. If that's a lot depends mainly on your hardware...

Vlk

[jaxson]

Well I have an Athlon 700 with 256RAM, it's just I like a clean, smooth running system. I'll try it out though.

[Fedorov999]

Out of all my virus program tests I found Avast!4Pro to perform the best out of all of them.

Only reason I have now purchased Kaspersky is due to it's very good archive/packer support.

I believe Avast is going to improve this a lot in the next version.

Avast is still top of my list though.

Fedorov.

[meneer]

I like Avast a lot. It is very unobtrusive, updates are almost unnoticeable (wheres I had to reboot to update signatures in antivir, don't know if they improved that design flaw).
Pity you have to reboot to finish installing the engine update :-\

Big plus: they also sell this same product, so engine en updates better be good :P

[Luthorcrow]

Wiseguy
-{ Quote: "Not a bad Idea. The only thing is, then we will have to talk about good reg cleaners.
All those programs would leave so much garbage in the reg after deleting. " }-

Well, hell if you don't have that you are pretty doomed from the start, right;) Ok, I'll include this link with my advice with the added advice to chose ignored items and use the search function to find all the junk enteries.

http://www.vtoy.fi/jv16/index.php

The above is needed if you want to play with apps and keep your room clean.

[jaxson]

I tried Avast, interface was okay and i'm sure detection is etc... But I really hate bloatware, it had like 4 processes running, the main one 25MB of memory, the others between 6-8MB, far far too much, I thought NAV was bad!

Back to AVG for now. 2 processes each just over 1MB of memory :)

Actually why does it have these 2 processes? 1 of them is the control centre which is fine.

The other is avgserv.exe, it's running at startup as a service, what does this do? Is it needed, or can I turn it off?

[notageek]

Well, I'm not going back to AVG. It's not a good AV IMHO. As a test on my old machine I ran AVG as my main AV to see what happens.Yep ran as my main and got a virus (thank god for NAV to back me up there). I got this virus over that 2 weeks that they didn't even update. I say way pay for AVG if they won't update the pay version weekly. Anyway as for a free AV I would have to say run with the system hog, Avast. lol

[adiel]

Thats strange..i am using AVG for a long time and its the best...caught all the viruses and even trojans on my pc..performed much better than nod32...

i would say AVG is the best as its so light you will never even notice its running until it will pop up a screen telling you about some virus or trojan.

[Luthorcrow]

-{ Quote: " quoting: adiel link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=30#49938 date=1046311566]Thats strange..i am using AVG for a long time and its the best...caught all the viruses and even trojans on my pc..performed much better than nod32..." }-

I am curious did you upload any of these viruses to a virus expert to verify that they were actually virii? I only ask becuase AVG is famous for false positives. I found the trojan claim a bit dubious considering that is one of AVG's biggest weakness among other forms of malware.
Example:
AV-Test.Org Test Test 2002-01 (Clients)
Trojans 15,6%
Backdoors 62,2%

As for NOD32, what do you have to support that claim? Honestly it sounds pretty outrageous. Do you have a link?

[Tinribs]

The world is full of stories that one scanner found several virii that another missed and personally I disbelieve them all unless proof is available, Just ask Rod, he recieves several emails a day stating the exact same thing.

Results speak for themselves, I believe impartial test results over hearsay and gossip everytime.


Kev

[adiel]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Luthorcrow link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=30#49961 date=1046324184]


I am curious did you upload any of these viruses to a virus expert to verify that they were actually virii? I only ask becuase AVG is famous for false positives. I found the trojan claim a bit dubious considering that is one of AVG's biggest weakness among other forms of malware.


As for NOD32, what do you have to support that claim? Honestly it sounds pretty outrageous. Do you have a link?


" }-


first of all i did'nt uploaded...do you believe i should have stopped AVG from deleting them and kept them on my pc???

secondly i was infected by a trojan backdoor.delf.....it comes with "ispynow"..its a keylogger....nod32 did'nt detected it..AVG did.

your last one i did'nt understood..what link???
i am not talking about any test....i am talking about performance on my pc..
but if you want some results go to
http://www.rokop-security.de/main/article.php?sid=494&mode=thread&order=0

AVG did better than Nod32 here.

[Paul Wilders]

-{ Quote: "secondly i was infected by a trojan backdoor.delf.....it comes with "ispynow"..its a keylogger....nod32 did'nt detected it..AVG did." }-

First of all, NOD32 is a specific antivirus - and in that context outperforms AVG by miles. Virusbulletin is the proof of the pudding for years in a row - as it is for AVG's performance.

-{ Quote: "your last one i did'nt understood..what link???
i am not talking about any test....i am talking about performance on my pc..
but if you want some results go to
http://www.rokop-security.de/main/article.php?sid=494&mode=thread&order=0" }-

Roman is testing antiviruses within the context of results as for trojans backdoors etc. in particular.

-{ Quote: "AVG did better than Nod32 here." }-

As stated before: NOD32 is in principal the king as for ITW viruses. AVG is overall no more than a mediocre antivirus. IMHO it's up to the user to make up his mind: using the best ITW antivirus - being NOD32 - in conjunction with a top notch antitrojan (like for example TDS), or stick to a mediocre antivirus having a mediocre line in defense on all fields, viruses, trojans, backdoors etc alike.

regards.

paul

[Luthorcrow]

Funny, I am involved in a similar but more involved debate on this AVG subject at the site below.

http://forums.techguy.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=120667&pagenumber=1

What continues to bother me about this whole AVG debate are two basic things:

1. AVG is recommend like the holy bible to newbies at various forums. Always highly recommened and not a single voice to the contrary.

2. AVG supporters never produce any facts, studies, tests, or supporting evidence. It always boils down to something on the order of "It works for me" or "I like it" or "it caught this virus on my machine." I have yet to have a single person produce a scrap of evidence to support their argument. Bahhh.

[Paul Wilders]

Luthorcrow,

-{ Quote: "Funny, I am involved in a similar but more involved debate on this AVG subject at the site below." }-

Had a brief glance at the thread. Just let me state this: as soon as Opaserv turned up, our support has been bombarded with AVG users in despair, having their systems compromised - and we have not been the only ones - just one of many examples. Nuff said. In case people are happy campers using AVG, so be it. Lots of them have learned the hard way in the meanwhile ::).

regards.

paul

[notageek]

This seems to be a saying that goes around on forums. "You get what you pay for." lol ;D

[Paul Wilders]

-{ Quote: " quoting: notageek link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=30#50358 date=1046551609]
This seems to be a saying that goes around on forums. "You get what you pay for." lol ;D
" }-

Couldn't agree more. IMHO opinion the culprit as for those lacking funds to actually buy reliable security software is the fact, they should be aware (for example) free antiviruses merely "do the job" in a mediocre way. As long as that awareness exists and users are perfectly aware of the fact their system(s) can be compromised easily: that's a matter of choice. Creating a false sense of security in believing such an app actually will do the job would be a major mistake - happens all the time, unfortunately.

regards.

paul

[notageek]

You're right Paul, it happens all the time. What I would to know is what's does the PAy version of AVG offer that The free version don't?

[Paul Wilders]

-{ Quote: " quoting: notageek link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=30#50364 date=1046552594]
You're right Paul, it happens all the time. What I would to know is what's does the PAy version of AVG offer that The free version don't?
" }-

Have a look at their home page in regard to the commercial version ;). That said: far better solutions are available.

regards.

paul

[notageek]

LOL they don't offer more to the pro from the free version.

[sig]

Yes, AVG's performance is not due to the fact that it is freeware since as far as detection goes it is qualitatively the same as the payware version.

Its popularity is that there is a freeware version, it's easy to use and light on resources for older machines. When the freeware IPE was discontinued (and became EZ Antivirus) many IPE users switched to AVG and spread the word. If one is extremely careful, perhaps it may be adequate. But for an average user it's not IMO. And to pay for the Pro version which just has a few more features but the same detection performance, no way.

From what I've seen here KAV Lite for $20 might be the best deal for performance and price.

[notageek]

If I was to go with a free AV alone it would be Avast!4.

[Firefighter]

To everyone from Firefighter!


Hi everyone! Can someone tell how Avast 4 Home and AVG 6 have got their 4/5 stars in the wilders.org/free tools category? :o

As almost everybody have seen the results of independent tests (VB, av-test.org, Rokop security etc.) with AVG 6, they are not very imposing! :o

About Avast 4 that was more understandable, when there have been only some tests yet. :o 8)

See the links this below!

(http://www.rokop-security.de/main/article.php?sid=501&mode=thread&order=0)

(http://www.hackfix.org/miscfix/icons-av-all.shtml)


As we can see in those tests, there is not pure virus test in it, only macrovirus category (96 macros/of all 5 490 viruses) that Rokop usually tests (1 of the all 6 virus category).

In Trojans detecting and packed Malware Avast 4 was quite good (11/100 packed was actually better than the most av:s are capable to scan, like Norton 2003, Pc-Cillin 9, NOD32, F-Prot Win 5.12, Norman 5.40 or AVG 6 for instance), as we can see in those tests and that test below.

(http://www.rokop-security.de/main/article.php?sid=494)

So, where is the "beef"? ??? ::)


"The truth is out there, but it hurts!"

Best Regards,
Firefighter!

[Madsen DK]

Perhaps it is cos they are the best free ones. ;)
Its the free tools section you know.
Regards
Ole :)

[Paul Wilders]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Madsen DK link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=45#50510 date=1046624689]
Perhaps it is cos they are the best free ones. ;)
Its the free tools section you know.
Regards
Ole :)
" }-

Bingo, Ole ;).

regards.

paul

[Madsen DK]

;D ;D ;D

[Prince_Serendip]

;) Hi Wizard!

Vlk asked you:
-{ Quote: "Just to make things clearer, what criteria do you use when making such statements?" }-

And you responded with:
-{ Quote: "Various independ test results and own experience." }-
*independent

Could you be more specific here? What independent tests? When were these conducted and by whom? What were the results? Please provide supported facts, not suppositions nor opinions.

Thank you. :)

[wizard]

For independent tests you may want to have a look on one of these sources:

VirusBulettin http://www.virusbtn.com
AV Test http://www.av-test.org
University of Hamburg http://agn-www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/vtc/eng.htm

Hope this helps you. :)

wizard

[wbheath]

Wizard does not know what he is talking about when it comes to APVE.

Wildman

Thanks (Danke)

[Technodrome]

-{ Quote: " quoting: wbheath link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=45#50991 date=1046895532]
Wizard does not know what he is talking about when it comes to APVE.

Wildman

Thanks (Danke)
" }-

I don't know about that but hes showing the facts.

Earth - Fact - Round


Technodrome

[Wildman]

-{ Quote: "" }-

What facts? For free AVPE is most likley the best virus protection program available. If you can prove there is another one that is better with more options, support and updates, for free then show it. I have not found one yet. If one wants to pay then yes there are better virus protection programs, but for free AVPE is the way to go.

Thanks (Danke)

Wildman

[Technodrome]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Wildman link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=45#51006 date=1046911348]
-{ Quote: "" }-

For free AVPE is most likley the best virus protection program available. If you can prove there is another one that is better with more options, support and updates, for free then show it." }-

Can you prove that AVPE is better then rest of free ones?


Technodrome

[Wildman]

I don't have to prove it, it speaks for itself. I also didn't make the remarks about AVPE that Wizard did. It is Wizard who needs to indicate a better free virus protection program than AVPE. (NAME THE PROGRAM)!

If you want proof, just download and use the other free anti virus programs for an extended period of time, chances are you will return to AVPE. The others come no where near to the same functions as AVPE, nor do they update their program any where near as often as does AVPE.

Thanks (Danke)

Wildman

[notageek]

Sorry to get in the middle of this AVPE thing but AVPE don't even scan incoming or outgoing emails. I looked at the web site and found nothing saying when the last update was. Like I stated before for the price of free AV I would run with Avast!4.

[Wildman]

Sorry but I see no support for AVAST. If you look at the BB for AVPE, you will find all the info you need. Could the administration for AVPE be better? The answer to that question, sadily is yes. However as I said, for free, this so far is the best source for Virus/Torjan/Worm protection that I have found on the NET/WEB. If you have a better one, post the info on this BB. Thus far, no one has done so in my opion.

Thanks (Danke)

Wildman

[xor]

LOL before you say such thinks, learn first how to write trojan.

PS: Do you have any facts for this ? Or is this all your own experience ?

[JimIT]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Wildman link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=45#51111 date=1046969604]
Sorry but I see no support for AVAST
Thanks (Danke)

Wildman
" }-

Avast support is VERY good, in my experience. They have also set up a help forum on their website, and their developers regularly stop by this board asking questions about how to make their product better.

I don't think there's any question Avast has good support.

[Madsen DK]

Wildman
Are you in any way related to Adiel( the AGV story), perhaps a brother??
;D ;D
Sorry just joking.
I do not know much about AVPE, and will not comment further ;)
Regards
Ole

[Wildman]

For what it is worth, I just down loaded AVPE's new release and ran the program. The program checked 1,057 folders, 41,131 files and took 32:18 minutes doing so. Now this is even better than my old pay virus program could do. I ask you, for FREE, what more could one ask for. Yes, there may be better virus programs, but not for FREE that I have found. If you know of a FREE virus program better than AVPE, post it's information on this BB. ::)

Thanks (Danke)

Wildman

[wizard]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Wildman link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=45#51019 date=1046926004]It is Wizard who needs to indicate a better free virus protection program than AVPE. (NAME THE PROGRAM)!
" }-

F-Prot for DOS? :) You can compare the results of AntiVirPE and F-Prot (assume FP-Win has the same results as F-Prot for DOS) from this tests:
http://www.av-test.org/online/sites/os01.php3?test=2002-01&lang=&js=1

wizard

[Tinribs]

I'd choose F-Prot Dos over over Antivir any day, although it may not have an on access scanner it would still give me more confidence.

[Prince_Serendip]

:) Hello again!

Notageek said:
-{ Quote: "AVPE don't even scan incoming or outgoing emails." }-
*doesn't

Actually, yes it does. Incoming and outgoing. Perhaps you were refering to an earlier edition?

Oh, and BTW, it does heuristic scanning as well as unpacking most archives.

How does AVPE/AntiVir compare to other AV's? Check this link here:

The Miser's Desk Set: Free AV Scanners (http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Exhibit/5430/s/antivir.html)


Best regards from Larry :)

[notageek]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Prince_Serendip link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=60#51274 date=1047008357]
:) Hello again!

Notageek said:
-{ Quote: "AVPE don't even scan incoming or outgoing emails." }-
*doesn't

Actually, yes it does. Incoming and outgoing. Perhaps you were refering to an earlier edition?

Oh, and BTW, it does heuristic scanning as well as unpacking most archives.

How does AVPE/AntiVir compare to other AV's? Check this link here:

The Miser's Desk Set: Free AV Scanners (http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Exhibit/5430/s/antivir.html)


Best regards from Larry :)
" }-


Thanks for the correction. :)




Is it true that AVPE have lot more False positives than AVG (I am in no way saying that I like AVG or telling people to use AVG over AVPE)? If that's the case wouldn't that make a person that's new to computers get really nervous thinking that they have a real virus?

[Wildman]

O.K. where is the support for f-prot? How come it seems as if they only update their VDF program monthly? AVPE updates their VDF weekly, and more often if necessary. Which download would one use if they wanted to try f-prot? Looked confusing to me. ??? ;D 8)

Thanks (Danke)

Wildman

[LowWaterMark]

Well, the site I use for F-Prot is: http://www.f-prot.com/download/index.html (you can download the application and the virus definition updates from there).

Here are the updates since January 1, 2003 for the two different types of virus signature files produced in support of F-Prot. There are also much more frequent updates put out via a beta cycle, but I don't have the link handy as I only use F-Prot for DOS as a backup, on-demand scanner, and don't feel the need to use the beta sigs. As you can see, these aren't really on any kind of set schedule.

Application/Script viruses and Trojans signature file updates...

01/08/03
01/09/03
01/20/03
01/28/03
01/30/03
02/03/03
02/11/03
02/18/03
02/24/03
02/25/03
02/28/03

Document/Office/Macro viruses signature file updates...

01/06/03
01/20/03
01/28/03
02/03/03
02/11/03
02/17/03
02/25/03
03/03/03

They seem to come out when there is a need for them, rather than on a schedule.

[Mr.Blaze]

;DGAV IT FREE it looks cool and its geting updated almost as much as TDS for freeware thats really really good

as an alpha it got a rateing of 4 compare to all other freewares out there gav is now in its beta stage so lol do the math lol

[solarpowered candle]

Its a nice looking programme Mr Blaze but I must be a few sheep short in the pastuere as I gave up trying to download the new updates etc . Just got into a loop with Gav saying I hadnt registered when I had . I tried following the thread on the download but it didnt gel for me . I think when the automatic updates (if they already arnt ) happen that would possibly not discourage so many newbies like me .As im sure Im not alone with this issue .

[Technodrome]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Wildman link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=60#51285 date=1047012123]
O.K. where is the support for f-prot? How come it seems as if they only update their VDF program monthly?
Thanks (Danke)

Wildman
" }-

Wildman, you need to do more research. See LowWaterMark post.



Technodrome

[dqa]

Hi Notageek,

Regarding your enquiry, actually AVPE nowadays is *much* less prone to false positives than it used to be, though of course we get a few.

This thread has taken off , eh? The thing is, most people try a few AVs and settle with one which they like, which suits their individual circumstances (PC and pocket), and that they have a good feeling about. Human beings aren't always rational, if rationality is modelled according to the processes of calculating machines...or PCs. ;)

But some mutual tolerance is advisable.

It would be a boring world if everybody used and liked the same things, after all... ;D


dqa
8)
and in another incarnation

Chris H.
AVPE bbs

:)

[root]

-{ Quote: "Human beings aren't always rational," }-
Naawww......... You're pulling my leg right? ;D ;D

[wizard]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Mr.Blaze link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=60#51299 date=1047020400]
;DGAV IT FREE it looks cool and its geting updated almost as much as TDS for freeware thats really really good" }-

The frequency of database updates does nothing say about the quality of a product. Also I understand that you like to support GAV. But for those who don't know the software you should mention a little bit more that it is 'still under development'. In the future it might be a powerfull antivirus software but in the current stage GAV is not able to cover the Wildlist (www.wildlist.org (http://www.wildlist.org)) due to the fact that the development of the scanengine is not that far to deal with all types of available virus/malware types.

And before somebody gets again something wrong here. This is not to blame GAV or to 'attack' the development of GAV. I am looking forward to see in a final version. I just want to get the facts right: In the current stage it is not enough to fully protect against ITW malware and therefore any other free antivirus solution discussed here (including AntiVirPE ;)) is at the moment the better choice if it really comes to malware protection and not to have an additional (second? third?) malwarescanner to play around/test with.

wizard

[Primrose]

-{ Quote: " quoting: solarpowered candle link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=60#51302 date=1047023585]
Its a nice looking programme Mr Blaze but I must be a few sheep short in the pastuere as I gave up trying to download the new updates etc . Just got into a loop with Gav saying I hadnt registered when I had . I tried following the thread on the download but it didnt gel for me . I think when the automatic updates (if they already arnt ) happen that would possibly not discourage so many newbies like me .As im sure Im not alone with this issue .
" }-

GAV no longer requires registration in this phase of the Beta testings...daily updates are now smaller.
If you have an Alpha version that did require registration.. uninstalling it would be your best bet.
Anyone who you then like to continue will find the current one available for download.

GAV should not be coming up in a thread that is about the BEST FREE AV at this point in time.

[notageek]

-{ Quote: " quoting: dqa link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=60#51362 date=1047056413]
Hi Notageek,

Regarding your enquiry, actually AVPE nowadays is *much* less prone to false positives than it used to be, though of course we get a few.

dqa
8)
and in another incarnation

Chris H.
AVPE bbs

:)
" }-

Dqa, Thanks for setting me straight on the false positvies thing. But I still would like to know if anyone else has tried AVPE and how many false positives they had?

[Prince_Serendip]

:) Hi notageek!

I've been trying it for several days now. No false positives yet! So far, it has been very stable and fast. And, as I said before (somewhere) it uses about half the RAM and resources that my old Norton 2002 did. With Norton my CPU would be almost peaking after an hour or so online (92%). No wonder I had so many "weird" crashes! With AntiVir my CPU is 50% or less after three hours online. The Guard/Monitor is running continuously.

I'll give it a month to really understand it, but so far this application works well and I'll keep using it. No AV or application is perfect, so I have several AV's to use as backups. One of them is AVG, another is GAV.


Best regards from Larry :)

[Luthorcrow]

Of course a good back-up strategy is actually more important than which AV you are using. Which is funny because I never see any passionate debates about back-up or drive image programs? Could it because most folks are not doing it? Hhhmmm;)

As free AVs my opinion is pretty much this, "Its better than not having one, and if you are not willing to pay for an AV please install a free one."

[Wildman]

:P O.K. I think it all comes down to this. People will use what seems easy for them. If it seems to accomplish the task they will continue to use it. This sums up AVPE as far as I am concerned. It is simple to install and use. It (for a free virus protection program) seems to do a good job. There is a support BB for the product. AVPE seems to always be on top of current trojans/worms and viruses. Is AVPE perfect? NO! and even they will admit to that. However is any virus protection program perfect? I doubt it. SO what ever works for you, is the way to go. Just don't knock a product, unless you can support your claims with current and accurate information.

Thanks (Danke)

Wildman 8) ;D :P

[wizard]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Wildman link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=75#51534 date=1047146814]AVPE seems to always be on top of current trojans/worms and viruses." }-

AntiVirPE is as many other antivirus programs nearly useless against (backdoor-)trojans.

wizard

[xor]

Larry, dont complain now about wizard's statement cuz its true. :o

[Firefighter]

Why you don't believe that, only Avast has got 5 Virus Bulletin Awards so far! ;D

There is no room to AGV or AVPE ! 8)

"The truth is out there, but it hurts!"

Best Regards,
Firefighter!

[Smokey]

-{ Quote: " quoting: jaxson link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=0#49102 date=1045827562]
Hi

From what I have read here NOD32 seems to be your choise as best AV.

But i'm a poor student ;) so I was wondering which one you think
is the best free one?

Thanks.
" }-

Hi poor student! ;)

It's amazing how many people read a topic when it contains the simple word "FREE"...... ;D ;D

Till yet the statistics for this topic:

Views: 2224
Replies: 81

[Wildman]

-{ Quote: " quoting: wizard link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=75#51536 date=1047147085]
-{ Quote: " quoting: Wildman link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=75#51534 date=1047146814]AVPE seems to always be on top of current trojans/worms and viruses." }-

AntiVirPE is as many other antivirus programs nearly useless against (backdoor-)trojans.

wizard
" }-

What do you want for FREE? I said AVPE wasn't perfect. I still think for FREE it does a good job. A great job? NO! A good job YES. It still is easy to install and use. Also I think IMO (HBEDV) is willing to learn and listen. I have been using this for some time now, and it is much better than it was when I started, and it gets better all the time.

Thanks (Danke)

Wildman ;D 8) ;) :-*

[wizard]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Wildman link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=75#51584 date=1047180354]What do you want for FREE?" }-

I care about reliable protection. You care about the price.

-{ Quote: " Also I think IMO (HBEDV) is willing to learn and listen." }-

Good joke. ;D Ask them about the internet update. Why you still have to download the whole package again almost every time new malware is released? AntiVirPE users are requesting a better solution for this crap way of updating the software years now. ;D

-{ Quote: " I have been using this for some time now, and it is much better than it was when I started, and it gets better all the time." }-

That's with all malware protection programs. Isn't it?

wizard

[Smokey]

-{ Quote: " quoting: wizard link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=75#51614 date=1047202652]
-{ Quote: " quoting: Wildman link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=75#51584 date=1047180354]What do you want for FREE?" }-

I care about reliable protection. You care about the price.

wizard
" }-
Hi Wizard,

And that's the real issue! :D

Reliable protection is not for free, it costs a few bucks and the problem is a lot of people expects the same reliable protection of a free porgram. 8)

[Wildman]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Smokey link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=75#51631 date=1047215170]
-{ Quote: " quoting: wizard link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=75#51614 date=1047202652]
-{ Quote: " quoting: Wildman link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=75#51584 date=1047180354]What do you want for FREE?" }-

I care about reliable protection. You care about the price.

wizard
" }-
Hi Wizard,

And that's the real issue! :D

Reliable protection is not for free, it costs a few bucks and the problem is a lot of people expects the same reliable protection of a free porgram. 8)
" }-

For what it is worth I had a pay virus protection program that came bundled with my machine. The program took up masive amounts of memory, missed decting a valid virus and caused my system to lock up. So this is your answer? No I'll go with the free stuff, knowing that it is not perfect and that I have to use a little comon sense to protect myself.

Thanks (Danke)

Wildman >:( ::)

[wizard]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Wildman link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=75#51689 date=1047236603]So this is your answer?" }-

No. Your focus is just on the price and not on quality. I find this point of view very limited. For me quality and reliability of an antivirus solution counts. Two points where I personally don't see AntiVirPE be competive to the solutions I recommand/prefer.

-{ Quote: " No I'll go with the free stuff, knowing that it is not perfect and that I have to use a little comon sense to protect myself." }-

Good luck than... ;)

wizard

[asklepios]

well just read these 6 pages of your discussions and i m prompted to get a better AV. i m using AVG but seems to me that its not enough.
anyways, i m ready to pay but can you give me a RELIABLE anti-virus solution?
don't tell me a system hogging crap like NAV, that starts to heat up a puter after a few hours of job. i scrapped NAV for AVG, for the sole reason of it being lite on resources.
so anyone have a RELIABLE AV and please guys i want 100% surity cos i m PAYING for it and i would be really greatful, if you can support your recommendations with links/proofs/facts that the particular thing is sure shot approach against all virii.

[Luthorcrow]

asklepios
-{ Quote: "...i m using AVG but seems to me that its not enough..." }-

Well that is a solid deduction.

-{ Quote: "...so anyone have a RELIABLE AV and please guys i want 100% surity..." }-

Sorry to be contrary but there is nothing that is 100% security. There are always some trade offs. What would help would be if you defined a little more what you mean by 100% security.

I am making these recommendations on these assumptions:
1. Low resource use
2. Not willing to pay for multi-layered defense (trojan detector, worm detector, etc)
3. Reliability

My first two recommends would have been NOD32 and Dr Web based on your desire for a strong AV that is lite on the resources. But you would need to back both of these solutions up with other pay software for trojans and worms. NOD32 in particular is focused primarily on viruses.

So assuming you want one solution I see only three AVs that come close to meeting your needs:

1. KAV 4 Personal
2. KAV Lite
3. F-Secure
4. AVK
5. Macafee Virus Scan

Now that said, you shouldn't rely on any of our opinions. There are just that opinions (some better supported than others;) Below I have include links for each of the major AV test centers. Here you can find more than enough data to narrow the field down to those that meet your security needs. Once you have done that, trial each and see how it works on your system. I wouldn't buy any until you have a chance to try several and find the one that works best for you and your system.

(Only ratings not details for non-subscribers but is still useful due to the number of tests and that this such a seminal test center)
http://www.virusbtn.com/vb100/about/index.xml

http://agn-www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/vtc/eng1.htm

(make sure to select all categories and high detail on the on-line test results)
http://www.av-test.org/sites/tests.php3?lang=en

http://www.check-mark.com/cgi-bin/redirect.pl

http://www.icsalabs.com/index

[zapp]

Hi guys,
I have for some time read a lot of discussions on this board.
And I often think, where and how do you catch up all those "nastys" which frighten you up so much?????? *

Some background, I am working at a company with a network of about 6000 computers connected to the world. Our internet security (including F-secure 5.40) picks of course up some malware. I am fortunate to be able to use this "in the wild catched malware" for trying AV scanners on one of my home computers (just for fun). And I have done that for some years.

As this thread have become some form of competition between Antivir and AVG my contribution to this is that both works very good in praktice for "viruses" and so far have catched everything I have tested. But I also have a small collection of "backdoor/trojans (about 200). For this type of malware Antivir totally outperforms AVG. Antivir also totally outperforms some of the not free "favorites" on this board.

This was not science nor some fanatic opinion. It was just a piece from the real world. I am to tired go deeper in this.
Greetings
Zapp ;)

* When I read on Wilders I often think that I must be a idiot which not use double safety belts and a helmet when i drive.

[Wildman]

-{ Quote: " quoting: wizard link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=75#51696 date=1047238604]
-{ Quote: " quoting: Wildman link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=75#51689 date=1047236603]So this is your answer?" }-

No. Your focus is just on the price and not on quality. I find this point of view very limited. For me quality and reliability of an antivirus solution counts. Two points where I personally don't see AntiVirPE be competive to the solutions I recommand/prefer.

-{ Quote: " No I'll go with the free stuff, knowing that it is not perfect and that I have to use a little comon sense to protect myself." }-

Good luck than... ;)

wizard
" }-

Hey if you want to throw money away, I can suggest where to throw it. You most likley will pay for something that will work no better than what one can obtain for free. No! I care about using good common sense. I don't bye the hype crapola. One must ask what they want from a virus protection program. If it is profection, they are looking for something that I doubt there is. If however they are willing to put in a little effort on their own, then AVPE is not a bad choice. I have said all along this is not perfect, but it sure sounds better than what we have seen you suggest.

Thanks (Danke)

Wildman ;D 8) :P

[notageek]

Wildman I'm not trying to get you started but I have to say some of the free AV don't update weekly (we all know which ones). But as for paying for a AV, I would pay for one any day for a little better protection like more updates and what not. It's said here all the time (among other places ;) ) you get what you pay for. :)

[Wildman]

-{ Quote: " quoting: notageek link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=90#51805 date=1047271526]
Wildman I'm not trying to get you started but I have to say some of the free AV don't update weekly (we all know which ones). But as for paying for a AV, I would pay for one any day for a little better protection like more updates and what not. It's said here all the time (among other places ;) ) you get what you pay for. :)
" }-

Hey if you buy that, I got a bridge I'll sell you at a good price. I told you, I had a pay virus protection program. Frankly it wasn't worth a damn. It took up vast amounts of memory, didn,t catch a valid virus and caused my system to lock up. NO! I do not believe you get what you pay for.

Thanks (Danke)

Wildman >:( :P 8)

[Madsen DK]

Wildman.
Perhaps i missed the name( there are seven pages in this thread now), but
whats the name of the useless paid AV, your talking about. ???
If you DO believe you get the same protection, you are ofcourse free to do so.
I think the various test mentioned by many here, prove otherwise.

Pro & cons and choice of AV , sometimes takes almost religious propertions.
Just my opinion.
Regards
Ole :D

[dqa]

Hi again,

(Probably) the last comment from me on this one- after all, I don't care all that much what software anyone wants to use...

8)

With all the good ol' folksy wisdom about 'You get what you pay for', though, I wondered if any of the posters here make their living from the computer security business, and might just have a vested interest in propogating that point of view?

;D ;D ;D

Chris H.

[Mr.Blaze]

-{ Quote: ":-\solarpowered candle
Its a nice looking programme Mr Blaze but I must be a few sheep short in the pastuere as I gave up trying to download the new updates etc . Just got into a loop with Gav saying I hadnt registered when I had . I tried following the thread on the download but it didnt gel for me . I think when the automatic updates (if they already arnt ) happen that would possibly not discourage so many newbies like me .As im sure Im not alone with this issue .
" }-

-{ Quote: "Mr.Blaze :D
=)LOL not a problem any more and it now seems to get alot of daily updates
if you have the old one uninstall it and dowenload the new one you update and you dont have to register anymore." }-

-{ Quote: "wizard :)
The frequency of database updates does nothing say about the quality of a product. Also I understand that you like to support GAV. But for those who don't know the software you should mention a little bit more that it is 'still under development'. In the future it might be a powerfull antivirus software but in the current stage GAV is not able to cover the Wildlist (www.wildlist.org) due to the fact that the development of the scanengine is not that far to deal with all types of available virus/malware types.

And before somebody gets again something wrong here. This is not to blame GAV or to 'attack' the development of GAV. I am looking forward to see in a final version. I just want to get the facts right: In the current stage it is not enough to fully protect against ITW malware and therefore any other free antivirus solution discussed here (including AntiVirPE ) is at the moment the better choice if it really comes to malware protection and not to have an additional (second? third?) malwarescanner to play around/test with.
" }-

-{ Quote: "Mr.Blaze :D
Look like Blaze must defend GAV withh mighty wooden spoon
first off i belive i said it beta lol

second alot of newbs been useing it and from what i seen for it not being share ware or 30 day trial it perty darn good

lot of newbs have detected several nastys with it

And as for me lol those that have a perty good ideal whats on my machine will be intrested to know it detected 3 potinthial nastys

also im not sure cause i dont nomaly pay attintion to sphisticated stuff but i think gav can scan ace and win rar and some other unuseal archives

not 100% sure but if thats true that something alot of payware av's like norton and some other ones dont do

so that says alot


must i wave my wooden spoon algain lol" }-

[sig]

"You get what you pay for" well, sometimes. A reminder, though, that these FREE AV's such as Avast, AVG, Antivir have commercial versions in which the detection rates may not be at all different than the free versions. That is true for AVG and Avast as they use the same engine and sig defs. Dunno about Antivir and its commercial version. So the performance (plus or minus) of the free version is usually a reflection on a commercial product as well.

That is to say, if the detection rate of any of these is considered not so good (or if it is wonderful) t is not because the product is free. One could pay for the commercial version and get the same results.

[dqa]

Hi sig,

Good point. And, for your information, Antivir too uses the same engine and virus definitions for its professional and personal editions...

;)

best wishes,

Chris H.

[Wildman]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Madsen DK link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=90#51924 date=1047318296]
Wildman.
Perhaps i missed the name( there are seven pages in this thread now), but
whats the name of the useless paid AV, your talking about. ???
If you DO believe you get the same protection, you are ofcourse free to do so.
I think the various test mentioned by many here, prove otherwise.

Pro & cons and choice of AV , sometimes takes almost religious propertions.
Just my opinion.
Regards
Ole :D


" }-

O.K. I will name the pay Virus program. It was McAfee's Virus Scan.

Thanks (Danke)

Wildman :) ;D 8) :P

[blah]

i couldn't resist...
100th post!!!

[sig]

Ah, thanks for the info, dqa. I wasn't sure about Antivir.

At any rate, debate aside, I do think companies should be commended for providing a free version of their software. IMO no AV (pay or free) should be considered a replacement for safe computing practices, since new things come out everyday and it only takes a couple mouseclicks to be bitten by some of the really nasty stuff out there if a definition isn't available or heuristics isn't enough.

Of course, if one has other people or family using the computer, then the task is a bit more difficult to secure one's PC against user activities. Then I would probably load up on security stuff and place more restrictions on what other users could do.

Right now I suspect the biggest threat to my PC is the user. ;)

[notageek]

-{ Quote: " quoting: dqa link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=90#51932 date=1047322273]
Hi again,


With all the good ol' folksy wisdom about 'You get what you pay for', though, I wondered if any of the posters here make their living from the computer security business, and might just have a vested interest in propogating that point of view?

;D ;D ;D

Chris H.
" }-


Dqa, I would to say that if you pay for an av, more or less it get updated weekly (if I'm wrong please point it out, not counting the ones that offer free versions :)). Avg has and does go weeks without updating ( even their pay version don't offer updates a week) Know the track record on some of the free AV why would you not believe you get what you pay for. If you look at message board (not just this one) you see people complaining about free stuff all the time. Most of the pay versions of program come with good support. But sometime free doesn't mean it's a bad program. Look at Eraser and Spybot S&D. they bot are free and are good programs. But as for free AV's most of them have a really bad track record. Read the reports about them. But to each his (or hers) own. If you're happy with a free AV so be it.



Sig, well said.

[dqa]

Notageek,

Hi, fair points. I would say this:
The only reason for a degree of healthy skepticism about 'getting what you pay for' is that naturally the profit motive has been known to lead people to make less than wholly honest statements... ;D

With regard to Antivir PE, fyi, during the recent spate of new viruses we were getting *daily* updates, and as the user community over there we largely provide our own support- and it's good, really. Average AVPE update these days is about twice a week.

best wishes and each to their own,

Chris H.

;)

[Tinribs]

-{ Quote: " quoting: dqa link=board=24;threadid=7443;start=90#52176 date=1047402876]



best wishes and each to their own,

Chris H.

;)
" }-

And I guess thats about the size of it, lets be happy with what we have and mix common sense with knowledge and we'll all be alot safer. ;)

[Wildman]

;D My last post on this subject. Buyer beware!

Thanks (Danke)

Wildman :P ;D