what is the best antivirus software ?

[HumboldtLogger]

I'm setting up a new desktop this Wed. broadband cable, windows 7 home premium, Intel core 13. Which antivirus software should I buy for it? I've mostly used Norton, but things change so much I'd like some suggestions. Thanks

[frostbitetwice]

Originally Posted by HumboldtLogger

I'm setting up a new desktop this Wed. broadband cable, windows 7 home premium, Intel core 13. Which antivirus software should I buy for it? I've mostly used Norton, but things change so much I'd like some suggestions. Thanks

Logger, we gave up on Norton, but their is little support and it is a resource hog...

We have used Avast for the past years and caught only one bug! Plus, it is freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

[michaels39]

I've used McAfee for years,never had a problem.

[HumboldtLogger]

Thanks for the replies, but I'm still not sure about which one to choose. The reason I say this is because my wife uses Norton and it updates every week and her AV flags things all the time so I don't understand how Avast could only find one thing in all the time you have been using it. And I haven't really heard much about McAfee.

[nomaxim]

I use McAfee Enterprise, but I get it for free from work.

PC World; Top Standalone Antivirus Software for 2010.

This list changes every year and some of them have free versions.

[pegasus1114]

Microsoft Security Essentials is very good and free! I have used it on my new Vista rig for the past several months with no issues. You should NOT pay for security software as there are plenty of good, free alternatives. Don't buy the hype...
FileHippo.com - Download Free Software

[HumboldtLogger]

thanks again for all the replies

[gunsmythe]

Honestly I'm surprised by the answers you got from people. Anyone who has used Norton or McAfee for any period of time has been compromised more than once. Not necessarily in the last 6 months, but beyond that it has been rough. I'm a compulsive shopper and compare product to the extent I drive everyone else crazy with tiny little details I find out about companies or products. There are two Security Suites I'd recommend:

1.) Eset this has the smallest footprint, and an unbelievable record of never having a Virus or worm on a customer's computer. This is what I chose, but it isn't free, not really cheap, it is around $80 per year for 3 computers. After Norton allowed a Virus in 2008 and I lost my entire hard drive, it seems fairly cheap for piece of mind. It has the added advantage of not asking you what you want to do on every piece of information you receive, which a lot of programs do. The Fire wall is top notch too.

2.) Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 is pretty much everyone's top choice, and it is excellent, they improved the product from 2009 to 2010 to the point that if I'm honest it is now the best, despite my affection for Eset. KIS does have a larger footprint and require more interface but it stops everything and it does it 100% of the time. It is a little Cheaper, possibly $70 for 3 computers but again how can you put a price on piece of mind?

To be fair, Norton has bought out a couple of companies and integrated their software into a decent product. Their newest suite is supposedly equal to KIS and a hair better than Eset (having trouble believing it, but so the experts say). So the Norton Security Suite is supposed as good as KIS, personal experience will never allow me to use Norton again even if Bill Gates declared it perfect, LOL.

[HumboldtLogger]

Thanks for the reply gunsmythe, your reply has been the most detailed by far. (so far) I think I'm going to have to do some more research before I make a choice.

[alliedarmory]

I have used AVG for the past few years and seems to work fine