Good Free Anti-Virus Programs?

[tomalak301]

I need some computer help. The last month I've had issues with connecting my Ipod to Itunes in that it would always say "Ipod Detected but could not be identified properly" and "Required disc space could not be found." Well, I think (Hopefully) found the problem but it meant having to uninstall my Anti-Virus software and everything else.

So my question is if this works, and I'm thinking it is because my Ipod is synchronizing right now, what are some good Anti-Virus programs out there and what is the workaround to allow the program and the Ipod to run congruently. I have been using AVG and that's been working, but it was also the program that apparently was giving me all the problems.

 

[Amaris]

Microsoft Security Essentials. It's lean, unobtrusive and very comprehensive. Microsoft gives it away for free: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

 

[Niorah]

I use AVG and I'm quite happy with it, does the job.

Ooops, never mind, didn't see it was giving you problems. Have you tried the latest update?

 

[Robert Maxwell]

Microsoft Security Essentials. It's lean, unobtrusive and very comprehensive. Microsoft gives it away for free: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Yeah, this is pretty much my advice.

 

[tomalak301]

I went with the security essentials and things seem to be working fine now. It only took more than a month to figure it out, but at least things seem to be working now.

Mods, you can close this thread now since the problem has finally been solved.

 

[RJDiogenes]

That's okay. Some other people may have additional suggestions. It's always good to know about free anti-virus programs.

I'm glad your problem has been solved.

 

[Amaris]

Microsoft Security Essentials. It's lean, unobtrusive and very comprehensive. Microsoft gives it away for free: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Yeah, this is pretty much my advice.

That would be because I got this particular bit of advice from you. I had been using AVG and you had suggested a better option, and I latched onto it.

 

[Jetfire]

I use Avast! Should I switch to the Microsoft one???

I haven't had any problems...just wondering.

 

[Amaris]

So far, Microsoft Security Essentials is very light on resources, quiet in the background, updates itself, runs itself, stays out of your hair and just works great, and since it's integrated into Windows when you install it, it's more effective than third party AV programs. That said, if you're happy with Avast! and it's not causing you any trouble, well then the old adage "if it ain't broke don't fix it" works just fine.

 

[Kommander]

I also use Avast! In my experience, it works better than the other stuff I've tried. AVG would give me false positives, and Norton would miss things, in addition to costing money and sucking.

The only downside is that it plays sounds. A lot of people find it irritating, but I rather enjoy it. It can be turned off though, so it's not really an issue.

 

[sojourner]

Switched from AVG to MSE about 5 months ago. No issues yet.

 

[Deks]

Out of the free ones, the best ones would be:
MSE, Avira and Avast.

MSE on the other hand has the highest detection rate with lowest false positive of them all.
It's very light and effective as well.

I've been using it since it first came out. No issues.

Btw, I recommend you download/install/update Malwarebytes (free).

While av's are good and have high detection rates, they don't always catch everything.
Having MBAM as an on-demand scanner would be recommended.

 

[Maniarek]

You could consider downloading MS Windows Defender if you don't already have it.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx

It's primarily for defence against spyware though, but it's very effective and constantly updated. It could be a good program to have to compliment your anti-virus scanner.

Maniarek.

 

[Roger Wilco]

I've been using antivir for years and I'm quite satisfied with it.

 

[Nerdius Maximus]

I also use Avast! In my experience, it works better than the other stuff I've tried. AVG would give me false positives, and Norton would miss things, in addition to costing money and sucking.

The only downside is that it plays sounds. A lot of people find it irritating, but I rather enjoy it. It can be turned off though, so it's not really an issue.

I really like avast. It does scare the shit out of me if I've happened to leave the volume turned up on the computer and it says "VIRUS DATABASE HAS BEEN UPDATED!"

 

[sojourner]

You could consider downloading MS Windows Defender if you don't already have it.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx

It's primarily for defence against spyware though, but it's very effective and constantly updated. It could be a good program to have to compliment your anti-virus scanner.

Maniarek.

It's already built in to Windows Vista and Windows 7.