Should I use the free AV from my ISP?

Hello and thanks for taking a look at my question. My pay AV is about to expire and I just learned that my ISP offers http://www.totaldefense.com/shop/total-defense-internet-security-suite.aspx for free

i would characterize my computer usage not particularly risky so should i go with this Total Defense or just use MSE and Windows firewall? Thanks

 

Never heard of the security suite offered by your ISP. But then again I don't pay much attention to pay for PC security products. That said, if your system's OS is XP MSE will not be viable AV solution once support for the OS is pulled by M$ come next April. If you have a newer OS, and since both MSE and Total Defense are free for your use, why not try both solutions and see which one is a better fit for your system and its setup?

 

Its common for ISPs to offer users some selection of security solutions. I can not say whether these solutions perform better free or paid solutions available on the market.

I did find this after clicking reviews on the link you provided:

 

As Techwiz showed it's the old CA suite rebranded, far from being recommendable. You're better off with a free AV. Or if you want a suite go wihth Comodo CIS.

 

Total Defense Business looks OK:https://www.virusbtn.com/vb100/archive/vendor?id=39
Total Defense Consumer not so much:
https://www.virusbtn.com/vb100/archive/vendor?id=46

 

Use Avira Free then you are secured from viruses.
good luck

 

Yes ..
If you download executable files from untrusted sources,
check them with VirusTotal :
https://www.virustotal.com/en/documentation/desktop-applications/virustotal-uploader

 

well i know that some are giving good report about it but they screwed up everything on my computer a few years ago and many many many other users . CA IS was a total disaster and no one really likes them even with a changed name. I would go for AVIRA AVG or Fortinet Free

 

I used the CA consumer version around 2004-5 in response to a 1-year free offer. The software was terrible, with random large, automatic program (not definition) updates, which were a real pain on a slow connection, and universally bad scores on independent tests. In my case, it failed to detect a trojan in a fake screensaver which almost every other vendor on Virus Total detected. Fortunately, I didn't run the file so I didn't get infected, but no thanks to CA.

Like the others, I would recommend something like Avira Free instead.

 

CA was probably the worst security company ever. They bought out Tiny Personal Firewall then froze out users with no updates or support until all the paid licenses expired. Then they ruined it by trying to make it part of their suite...and at some point along the way a number of higher-ups at the company ended up at the gray bar (prison). The company that purchased CA's consumer line is still deceptively advertising on Facebook. I would rather go without any security than what their program provides. Take the other people's advice and find an alternate program. There are plenty of free antivirus programs that will cause you many fewer headaches than anything that originated from CA.

 

You have to wonder about the common sense of the folks at an ISP that would offer that. Perhaps a change of ISP's should be considered.

 

Yup, I would recommend that. Go with Forticlient.

 

CA use to be decent back in the day, however I think their biggest mistake was instead of building upon tech they had they just pretty bought out different companies and slapped a fresh coat of paint on them.

A believe it was back in the 09 release every module was not even in a unified UI it would have to laugh a new program window for the module. I have not tested the latest version to see if they improved any so maybe its different today.

 

Should I use the free AV from my ISP?

No

 

@joxx.
Why are you not using avast anymore.?

 

Check your PMs

 

I'll second that

 

+1 I like Forticlient; just wish it was lighter on the cpu. Most of my overseas family and friend have older pc's, and they notice the slowdown with it installed. Other than than, Forticlient is a good choice.

 

I've wondered this from time to time as well. My ISP (Comcast) provides Norton Security Suite for free and I've wondered if I should just use it over the default protection that comes in Windows 8. Have used both and neither has given me any problems so not sure if the suite is really worth installing or just going with basic protection is sufficient.

 

Go with Norton