Is McAfee AV ok?

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.

 

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

 

Focus on the "not dangerous surfer", rather than the hypothetical miscue. That says a lot with respect to your needs right there.

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.

This, in conjunction with almost any major AV product, is more than enough security coverage.

Blue

 

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.

 

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.

 

Please explain.

 

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. 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.

 

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.

 

...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 and to much too.

 

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.

 

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

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

 

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.

 

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

 

I remember trying that link a few weeks ago and it said it was expired, perhaps they've resumed the deal.

 

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

 

yes, its fine.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

He's caught in the spiders web at the moment.

 

Jeff is #1 in my book. Maybe he should try the blue dot with a #1 in it. Just kidding Jeff!

 

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

 

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

Yes, Jeff is number 1.

Best,
Jerry

 

That's hitting the nail on the head. By the way, Perman post#8 brings up good point for OP.

 

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