Avast/AVG Free plus Defender adequate?

[kplumm]

I am considering uninstalling the 90-day Norton trial that came with
my new Vista-equipped Toshiba laptop. I had AVG, the free one, on my
XP machine, and have heard about Avast. I don't want to be more
worried than I need to be about viruses; would the free version of
AVG, or Avast Home Edition and, if necessary, the Windows Defender and/
or Firewall be enough, or more than enough, in place of the Norton
suite. There is Norton checking my main email account at Yahoo so
that's safe anyway.

They use AVG in my local internet cafe, at a guess the free one.
Though they have adware popping up a lot, they have a lot of perhaps
over-experimental customers and the version of Windows there is XP.
Maybe they don't update and check enough either. (I was harebrained
with my XP machine, never had virus-protection and when belatedly
installing AVG found 18 worms and Trojans, gathered over 3 years
possibly.)

Could someone summarise what problems or flaws I would be free of when
I uninstall Norton, other than the obligation to pay up after the 90
days, which I'm keen on. Having never had such a fast computer and
broadband before I don't know any difference regarding any lag it may
cause, but obviously if it's real I'd like to be rid of it, and I've
heard a lot of criticism of Norton.

I don't fully understand viruses, either. Could someone fill me in on
this: I thought you'd have to install something infected or malware-
containing, but the first time I used Norton, with my laptop plugged
in in the i-cafe, it found 2 viruses straight away - or was this a
Norton test? (Do viruses somehow make a beeline for computers that
are online and try to find a way in regardless of what we are
downloading?) Only cookies have been found since, and I keep, perhaps
unecessarily, 'fixing' these

Thanks in advance for all advice. I can spot commercial input, so
impartial comment only please.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

One of the best Windows Vista protection suites I have
used is Windows OneCare. Though not free, it
is very comprehensive in preventing malware from
entering into your system. You can try it free
for 90 days: http://onecare.live.com/standard/en-us/default.htm

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows System & Performance

---------------------------------------------------------------

:

I am considering uninstalling the 90-day Norton trial that came with
my new Vista-equipped Toshiba laptop. I had AVG, the free one, on my
XP machine, and have heard about Avast. I don't want to be more
worried than I need to be about viruses; would the free version of
AVG, or Avast Home Edition and, if necessary, the Windows Defender and/
or Firewall be enough, or more than enough, in place of the Norton
suite. There is Norton checking my main email account at Yahoo so
that's safe anyway.

They use AVG in my local internet cafe, at a guess the free one.
Though they have adware popping up a lot, they have a lot of perhaps
over-experimental customers and the version of Windows there is XP.
Maybe they don't update and check enough either. (I was harebrained
with my XP machine, never had virus-protection and when belatedly
installing AVG found 18 worms and Trojans, gathered over 3 years
possibly.)

Could someone summarise what problems or flaws I would be free of when
I uninstall Norton, other than the obligation to pay up after the 90
days, which I'm keen on. Having never had such a fast computer and
broadband before I don't know any difference regarding any lag it may
cause, but obviously if it's real I'd like to be rid of it, and I've
heard a lot of criticism of Norton.

I don't fully understand viruses, either. Could someone fill me in on
this: I thought you'd have to install something infected or malware-
containing, but the first time I used Norton, with my laptop plugged
in in the i-cafe, it found 2 viruses straight away - or was this a
Norton test? (Do viruses somehow make a beeline for computers that
are online and try to find a way in regardless of what we are
downloading?) Only cookies have been found since, and I keep, perhaps
unecessarily, 'fixing' these

Thanks in advance for all advice. I can spot commercial input, so
impartial comment only please.

 

[kentsyl]

I used AVG free 7.5 with Vista until recently with good results. AVG and
Microsoft say that it dose not work with Vista, but other than the Vista
problem warings I had no problems. For spyware I use Spybot S&D (also
freware) which has an optional resident that that ask you about registry and
other changes so that you can allow them or Deny them (which I find
helpfull). I needed a security sw to be able to do backups and such so I
bought Windows Live One Care it comes with 3 lic. and I installed it on two
computers XP and Vista it had issues. It was hard to install on the XP
machine, and in my oppinion didn't work as advertised on either machine.I
didn't keep it on either computer for a week. I did learn to only get a trial
ware first, although I'm not sure the lesson was worth 50 bucks. I used
Norton for years,but it became worse than the malware in 2007, and then was
real hard to get rid of. I've not tried avast.

PC magazine (online) has reviews on software and veiwer comments. Most
software manufacturs have forum, and that will tell you alot about the
problems you are considering buying. The best way to pick a security software
is search for reviews by companies that don't sell the sofware they review.
The forums give you a lot of info about problems people are having with the
product and compatibility issues.

Good Luck

 

[DL]

OneCare received another bad review on the PC magazine I just read

 

[FromTheRafters]

[snip]

I don't fully understand viruses, either. Could someone fill me in on
this: I thought you'd have to install something infected or malware-
containing, but the first time I used Norton, with my laptop plugged
in in the i-cafe, it found 2 viruses straight away - or was this a
Norton test?

A lot depends on 'where' 'what' was found. Worms are especially
likely to be detected - the mere fact that you're networking opens
you up to them. Files are created and data transfered as a matter
of course during networking - especially the internet (think TEMP
files, log files...)

(Do viruses somehow make a beeline for computers that
are online and try to find a way in regardless of what we are
downloading?)

Yes... well 'worms' actually - but some of these are viruses too.

It's like a dormitory and a bad guy finds a key. He doesn't know
what door his key fits, so he just randomly tries doors. Worse,
there are many bad guys trying many keys in many doors. When
you connect to the network - you've moved your valuables into
the dorm.

Your AV probably detected a bad guy trying a key in your door.
It doesn't necessarily mean his key worked. It also doesn't mean
your spare cash is still safely tucked away in the icecube tray.

Without knowing what and where, it is all speculation.

[snip]

....and now a word from our sponsors

 

[midway]

AV-Test.org released their latest test results in which WLOC earned a 97.8%
malware detection rating. This is a HUGE improvement over this time last
year. The spyware detection (91.5%) is low compared to others but this is
being addressed:
http://sunbeltblog.blogspot.com/2008/03/march-test-results-of-antivirus.html

Also MS acquired Komoku to beef up their rootkit and proactive defenses in
Forefront/OneCare
http://blogs.technet.com/antimalware/archive/2008/03/20/microsoft-acquires-komoku.aspx

 

[Kayman]

I am considering uninstalling the 90-day Norton trial that came with
my new Vista-equipped Toshiba laptop.

Good! Norton Removal Tool:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

I had AVG, the free one, on my
XP machine, and have heard about Avast. I don't want to be more
worried than I need to be about viruses; would the free version of
AVG, or Avast Home Edition and, if necessary, the Windows Defender and/
or Firewall be enough, or more than enough, in place of the Norton
suite.

There is no need purchasing AV/A-S applications; The average computer user
can safely operate utilizing quality programs free of charge.
Top-notch applications:
Avira AntiVir® PersonalEdition Classic - Free
http://www.free-av.com/antivirus/allinonen.html
You may wish to consider removing the 'AntiVir Nagscreen'
http://www.elitekiller.com/files/disable_antivir_nag.ht
and
SuperAntispyware - Free
http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispywarefreevspro.html
and
Ad-Aware 2007 - Free
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_free.php
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html
and
Spybot Search & Destroy - Free
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
and
Windows Defender - Free (build-in in Vista)
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
Interesting reading:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,136195/article.html
"...Windows Defender did excel in behavior-based protection, which detects
changes to key areas of the system without having to know anything about
the actual threat."

Optional:
SpywareBlaster - Free
"SpywareBlaster is not a scanner application. It blocks the installation of
most ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers and other
unwanted programs from the user's computer. SpywareBlaster works by
blacklisting the CLSID of known malware programs, effectively preventing
them from infecting a protected computer and also allows the user to
prevent privacy hazards such as tracking cookies."
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

You are not going to find anything better than the Vista FW and Vista in
itself due to the advanced features the FW and Vista are using.

"Personal Firewalls" are mostly snake-oil.
http://www.samspade.org/d/firewalls.html

Jesper's Blogs-
At Least This Snake Oil Is Free.
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2007/07/19/at-least-this-snake-oil-is-free.aspx
Windows Firewall: the best new security feature in Vista?
http://blogs.technet.com/jesper_johansson/archive/2006/05/01/426921.aspx

Exploring The Windows Firewall.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/technetmag/issues/2007/06/VistaFirewall/default.aspx
"If you try to block outbound connections from a computer that’s already
compromised, how can you be sure that the computer is really doing what you
ask? The answer: you can’t. Outbound protection is security theater—it’s a
gimmick that only gives the impression of improving your security without
doing anything that actually does improve your security. This is why
outbound protection didn’t exist in the Windows XP firewall and why it
doesn’t exist in the Windows Vista™ firewall."

Tap into the Vista firewall's advanced configuration features
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877-6098592.html
"...once you discover the secret of accessing its advanced configuration
settings via the MMC snap-in, you'll find it to be far more configurable
and functional. At last, Windows comes with a sophisticated personal
firewall that can be used to set up outbound rules as well as inbound, with
the ability to customize rules to fit your precise needs."
Or
Configure Vista Firewall to support outbound packet filtering
http://searchwindowssecurity.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid45_gci1247138,00.html
Or
Vista Firewall Control (Free versions available).
Protects your applications from undesirable network incoming and outgoing
activity, controls applications internet access.
http://sphinx-soft.com/Vista/

There is Norton checking my main email account at Yahoo so
that's safe anyway.

Disable the e-mail scanning function during installation of AV apps (Custom
Installation on some AV apps.) as it provides no additional protection.
http://www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#3
In fact, most of experts (incl. Norton) believe that scanning incoming and
outgoing mail causes e-mail file corruption.

They use AVG in my local internet cafe, at a guess the free one.
Though they have adware popping up a lot, they have a lot of perhaps
over-experimental customers and the version of Windows there is XP.
Maybe they don't update and check enough either. (I was harebrained
with my XP machine, never had virus-protection and when belatedly
installing AVG found 18 worms and Trojans, gathered over 3 years
possibly.)

Could someone summarise what problems or flaws I would be free of when
I uninstall Norton, other than the obligation to pay up after the 90
days, which I'm keen on. Having never had such a fast computer and
broadband before I don't know any difference regarding any lag it may
cause, but obviously if it's real I'd like to be rid of it, and I've
heard a lot of criticism of Norton.

Criticism of Norton AV ss justified.
A number of experts agree that the retail AV version of McAfee, Norton and
Trend Micro has become cumbersome and bloated for the average user and can
play havoc with your pc

I don't fully understand viruses, either. Could someone fill me in on
this: I thought you'd have to install something infected or malware-
containing, but the first time I used Norton, with my laptop plugged
in in the i-cafe, it found 2 viruses straight away - or was this a
Norton test? (Do viruses somehow make a beeline for computers that
are online and try to find a way in regardless of what we are
downloading?) Only cookies have been found since, and I keep, perhaps
unecessarily, 'fixing' these

Routinely practice Safe-Hex.
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html
Hundreds Click on 'Click Here to Get Infected' Ad
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2132447,00.asp

Thanks in advance for all advice. I can spot commercial input, so
impartial comment only please.

Good luck

 

[Allan]

I am considering uninstalling the 90-day Norton trial that came with
my new Vista-equipped Toshiba laptop. I had AVG, the free one, on my
XP machine, and have heard about Avast.

....(snip)
If you can wait for AVG Free 8.0 it may be certified as Vista compatible.
Why don't you just wait until your 90-days is expired or nearly expired?
There is also an AVG Anti-spyware (free) as well as SpywareBlaster 4.0.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/index.html
I have been using AVG Free on Windows XP SP2 since April 2005 without
problems.

 

[Mick Murphy]

Windows Firewall is fine!! Remove Norton ; it is a resource hog!

http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

Above is a link to Avast Free 4 Home Anti-Virus
It is low resource using, free and Vista 32bit and 64bit compatible.

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

For Spyware removal, use the above link to “Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2â€
Download it, install it, update it, immunize your system and scan your
System with it.

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/

For a non-scanning, but running the background, Program to STOP Spyware
being downloaded to your Computer, use SpywareBlaster 4, available at the
above link.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I am considering uninstalling the 90-day Norton trial that came with
my new Vista-equipped Toshiba laptop.

Good. Norton is almost certainly the *worst* choice in security
software.

I had AVG, the free one, on my
XP machine, and have heard about Avast. I don't want to be more
worried than I need to be about viruses; would the free version of
AVG, or Avast Home Edition and, if necessary, the Windows Defender and/
or Firewall be enough, or more than enough, in place of the Norton
suite.

Viruses and spyware are two different kinds of threats, so there are
two different questions here.

Regarding anti-virus software, although I prefer Avast to AVG, yes,
both are good and either is preferable to Norton. Other good choices
are NOD32 and Kaspersky, although neither is free.

Regarding anti-spyware, note that a single such program is not good
enough to protect you. Note what Eric Howes, who has done extensive
testing on Anti-Spyware products, states:

"No single anti-spyware scanner removes everything. Even the
best-performing anti-spyware scanner in these tests missed fully one
quarter of the "critical" files and Registry entries" See
http://spywarewarrior.com/asw-test-guide.htm

So given that a single product is not enough for good protection, two
are better than one, three are better than two, and so on.

Do you "need" more than two? There's no clear answer to those
questions. My own practice is very conservative, and I
personally run

Spybot Search and Destroy
Adaware
Spyware Blaster
Windows Defender
Super-Antispyware
A-Squared

But not at the same time.

Also note that Windows Defender is probably the weakest of those
listed above, so I certainly wouldn't rely on it alone.

Regarding a firewall, yes, the Windows firewall is adequate, and you
should run it in addition to the other security software.

 

[Allan]

I am a old fan of SpywareBlaster, But I havent used it for a year. Since
I moved to Vista Ultimate x64 i havent been able to get a clear answer
as to whether or not its x64 safe.

If anyone knows whether or not SpywareBlaster works with x64 Vista,
please post.

Try posting your question in the online SpywareBlaster forum.
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/forumdisplay.php?s=1eee29af4259cb8136fe320383885452&f=23

 

[Robinb]

i use avg free 7.5 on all my clients computers running xp and vista with no
problems.
AVG just came out with 8.0 but that is only in the Pro version as of yet.
and right now until they get all the bugs out I would hold off on it for
vista or xp. it is a good product it just needs a bit more fine tuning.
I do not like Onecare. I have seen a lot of people have issues with it.
Why get a paid virus protection if you can get one for free and it works
exactly like the paid one except it has less user options.
For more protection I use Superantispyware Pro. You can get the free
version too but then you must manually run it.
I also have spybot search and destroy 1.5 and spyblaster 4.0
You can only run one antivirus program but you can run various antispyware
programs.
I do suggest to have one antispyware program and one antispyware program
running as a resident shield "in real time" and do weekly scans on the
others manually.
robin

 

[lisa young]

I am considering uninstalling the 90-day Norton trial that came with
my new Vista-equipped Toshiba laptop. I had AVG, the free one, on my
XP machine, and have heard about Avast. I don't want to be more
worried than I need to be about viruses; would the free version of
AVG, or Avast Home Edition and, if necessary, the Windows Defender and/
or Firewall be enough, or more than enough, in place of the Norton
suite. There is Norton checking my main email account at Yahoo so
that's safe anyway.

They use AVG in my local internet cafe, at a guess the free one.
Though they have adware popping up a lot, they have a lot of perhaps
over-experimental customers and the version of Windows there is XP.
Maybe they don't update and check enough either. (I was harebrained
with my XP machine, never had virus-protection and when belatedly
installing AVG found 18 worms and Trojans, gathered over 3 years
possibly.)

Could someone summarise what problems or flaws I would be free of when
I uninstall Norton, other than the obligation to pay up after the 90
days, which I'm keen on. Having never had such a fast computer and
broadband before I don't know any difference regarding any lag it may
cause, but obviously if it's real I'd like to be rid of it, and I've
heard a lot of criticism of Norton.

I don't fully understand viruses, either. Could someone fill me in on
this: I thought you'd have to install something infected or malware-
containing, but the first time I used Norton, with my laptop plugged
in in the i-cafe, it found 2 viruses straight away - or was this a
Norton test? (Do viruses somehow make a beeline for computers that
are online and try to find a way in regardless of what we are
downloading?) Only cookies have been found since, and I keep, perhaps
unecessarily, 'fixing' these

Thanks in advance for all advice. I can spot commercial input, so
impartial comment only please.

 

[FromTheRafters]

I would suggest Avast! - not that AVG is bad, but some
have reported problems with it on Vista (may be fixed by
now). Keep the Windows Firewall and Defender programs.

I'm sure others will recommend additional adware/spyware
applications, and I concur with that as well.

As to the "virus" question, your AV probably stopped some
worm rampant on their network from infesting your laptop.

 

[Sidi Mohammed Musah]

I am considering uninstalling the 90-day Norton trial that came with
my new Vista-equipped Toshiba laptop. I had AVG, the free one, on my
XP machine, and have heard about Avast. I don't want to be more
worried than I need to be about viruses; would the free version of
AVG, or Avast Home Edition and, if necessary, the Windows Defender and/
or Firewall be enough, or more than enough, in place of the Norton
suite. There is Norton checking my main email account at Yahoo so
that's safe anyway.

They use AVG in my local internet cafe, at a guess the free one.
Though they have adware popping up a lot, they have a lot of perhaps
over-experimental customers and the version of Windows there is XP.
Maybe they don't update and check enough either. (I was harebrained
with my XP machine, never had virus-protection and when belatedly
installing AVG found 18 worms and Trojans, gathered over 3 years
possibly.)

Could someone summarise what problems or flaws I would be free of when
I uninstall Norton, other than the obligation to pay up after the 90
days, which I'm keen on. Having never had such a fast computer and
broadband before I don't know any difference regarding any lag it may
cause, but obviously if it's real I'd like to be rid of it, and I've
heard a lot of criticism of Norton.

I don't fully understand viruses, either. Could someone fill me in on
this: I thought you'd have to install something infected or malware-
containing, but the first time I used Norton, with my laptop plugged
in in the i-cafe, it found 2 viruses straight away - or was this a
Norton test? (Do viruses somehow make a beeline for computers that
are online and try to find a way in regardless of what we are
downloading?) Only cookies have been found since, and I keep, perhaps
unecessarily, 'fixing' these

Thanks in advance for all advice. I can spot commercial input, so
impartial comment only please.

 

[Kayman]

Good move! Since it is a new computer you may find this tool useful:
The PC Decrapifier
The PC Decrapifier was designed to remove programs from new computers
running Windows XP or Vista
http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/

But Avira's Anti-Vir is better
Avira AntiVir® Personal - FREE Antivirus
http://www.free-av.com/
(The free version won't scan your emails.)
Why You Don't Need Your Anti-Virus Program to Scan Your E-Mail
http://thundercloud.net/infoave/tutorials/email-scanning/index.htm
Ensure your e-mail program is configured to display e-mail messages in
'Plain Text' only.
You may wish to consider removing the 'AntiVir Nagscreen'
http://www.elitekiller.com/files/disable_antivir_nag.htm

But you should, really.
Routinely practice Safe-Hex.
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html
Hundreds Click on 'Click Here to Get Infected' Ad
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2132447,00.asp

Yes, the average homeuser can get by with one (1) each real-time AV and A-S
application.

You are not going to find anything better than the Vista FW and Vista in
itself due to the advanced features the FW and Vista are using.

Easy guide to make Windows Firewall better in Windows Vista.
http://www.expertvista.com/security/winfirewall2.html

SolutionBase: Take a look at the Windows Vista Firewall
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877_11-6171339.html?tag=rbxccnbtr1

Vista Firewall Control 32-bit version
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/downloads/index.cfm?categoryid=1446&itemId=64950

Windows Firewall: the best new security feature in Vista?
http://blogs.technet.com/jesper_johansson/archive/2006/05/01/426921.aspx

Managing the Windows Vista Firewall
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/cc510323.aspx

Don't count on it

Since you're on broadband, you may wish to consider a wireless router!

Don't know.

Download and execute HiJack This! (HJT)
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis

Please, do not post HJT logs to this newsgroup.
Fora where you can get expert advice for HiJack This! (HJT) logs.

http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/index.php?board=3.0
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5
http://forums.tomcoyote.org/index.php?showforum=27
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showforum=7
http://www.5starsupport.com/ipboard/index.php?showforum=18
http://www.theeldergeek.com/forum/index.php?s=2e9ea4e19d3289dd877ab75a8220bff6&showforum=29

NOTE:
Registration is required in any of the above mentioned fora before posting
a HJT log and read the 'stickies' (instructions/guidelines) for the
respective HJT forum.

Keep your operating system and AV/A-S applications updated and practice
Safe Hex!

That's good. Now try to educate yourself about safe browsing and malware
prevention, among other things.
User Account Control Step-by-Step Guide
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc709691.aspx

You got it, good luck

 

[Sam Hobbs]

But you should, really.

Who's definition of "need" are you using? Unless there is a definition I
missed, what you are saying is that every definition of need, even your own,
is inaccurate. If so then your comment is not productive. People in groups
such as this use the group to express personal frustration that people do
not deserve.

 

[Kayman]

Who's definition of "need" are you using?

Unless there is a definition I missed,

The meaning of life?

what you are saying is that every definition of need,

I said what I am saying and not what you're dreaming up.
Besides, let the op decide...my suggestions won't harm his os nor his modus
operandi.

even your own, is inaccurate

So correct it but obviously it's beyond the issue of your mental capacity,
and that's your problem.

If so then your comment is not productive.

*If* you'd taken your medication you'd understand.

People in groups such as this use the group to express personal frustration

You're a prime example; Try masturbating or if you're lucky enough engage
in a meaningful sexual relationship - it'll release tensions, but you've
got to try it! (I even doubt you know what I am talking about).

that people do not deserve.

Then why don't *you* provide a deservedly response.

 

[Joe]

I've been using Avast AntiVirus Home Edition for free for quite some time on
my Vista machine without any problems. As some have mentioned, its
compatible with Vista and they are very good at keeping it updated.

 

[Bill Daggett]

I've been using Avast AntiVirus Home Edition for free for quite some time on
my Vista machine without any problems. As some have mentioned, its
compatible with Vista and they are very good at keeping it updated.

Those "some" said so when the thread started by "kplumm" was still
current... "kplumm" left the room over a year ago, bucko.