Which Anti-Virus Prog Should I Keep Please.......

[Bathsheba]

I have just tried to access MP3 Rocket which I haven't used for ages, and it prompted me to update to the latest version, which I did,......and now I appear to have also acquired AVG.

As I understand it, more than one anti-virus prog is NOT A GOOD THING...and as I already have MSE, which would you helpful folk recommend I keep, + which should I bin?
Thanks,
Baths x x

[galeck1947]

Microsoft Security Essentials has limited support from Microsoft it would be advisable to uninstall it . I would also uninstall AVG as well and replace it with AVAST free antivirus instead. It is the best free antivirus around ay\t present

[janbee]

Galeck, I've never heard of AVAST. Thanks for info. I currently have Kaspersky, which I HATE and am looking for a new anti-virus . I've heard of AVG. Why don't you like that ? I'm getting a new laptop soon and will then have the dreaded windows 8.1. I want to get rid of Kaspersky. I'll look into AVAST. Thanks for info.

[rsvp]

I've got Windows 8.1 and Avast - have had no problems with it (and I'm USELESS with anything to do with computers). It seems to do what it says on the tin.

[Old_Geezer]

Everyone has their own views on which is best. I'd suggest picking one you like and keeping that, as it is more important to have an AV than worry about whether it is the first to get the protection for new threats in. I'm sure there are comparison sites out there if you wish to avoid the non leaders in the field. I've not tried AVAST but it's been recommended many times. I have used AVG in the past and think it is fine. Although personally I have, the past few years, bought Kaspersky which seems to be fine, and a decent support system I'm paying for.

[EDDIE51]

I have the free version of AVG and it is fine just does the job with out making itself obvious. If you want AVG free be careful you don't put on the free trial of the paid for version instead as I did at first.
I actually prefer the free version it is less 'in your face' but still does the job.

[Bathsheba]

Thanks to all for the replies so far.
I'm still undecided. Incidentally, I'm on Windows 7.

[HansUrbancka]

@Bathsheba.....Stick for a while with MSE and, if you do change, free Avast could be the answer.

@janbee.....There are still lots of Computer/Laptops available for purchase with Windows 7 pre loaded.

Hans.

[Bazile]

I thought MSE was not supporting XP, only - but is fine for other windows operating systems

Am I incorrect ?

[gingejbee]

janbee: I can't understand why you HATE Kaspersky....it's the best-performing Internet Security suite available to buy. I've had it for three years...although I get it free with my Barclays account and find it excellent.

[gingejbee]

Microsoft has admitted that MSE gives only "baseline" protection ie not that good.

[HansUrbancka]

@Bazile....If you have Windows XP, I say stick with it. Possibly one of (if Not the) best OS produced by Microsoft. There are still lots of companies that are still using it.

There is a very highly respected Top Techie in AB who still uses XP. Read what Buenchico has to say about it.:-

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Technology/Computers/Question1356291.html

Hans.

[Bazile]

//Microsoft Security Essentials has limited support from Microsoft it would be advisable to uninstall it . //

HansUrbancka - I was querying galeck1947 statement above - i.e that Microsoft Security Essentials was not being supported fully as a product for Microsoft operating systems - i.e i thought that was only true with respect to XP only ?

I have windows 7
Should i therefore get rid of Microsoft Security Essentials ?

[Old_Geezer]

I liked XP; but with a new PC build I decided a new Windows, and 7 seemed appropriate. As I've stated a few times here, the mere look of 8 makes me not want to touch it. I'll consider again when they have stopped pandering to the teenage market and produce a professional looking interface rather than a mish mash. But hey, this thread is about AV ;-)

[HansUrbancka]

@Bazile......Short Answer...No.

I have Windows Vista in my Desktop and W7 in a Laptop. Both have MSE with the addition of the free Malwarebytes. I don't think I need anything else at the moment.

Hans.

[Daffy6543]

We have MSE on both desktops and both laptops, we've had no real problems whilst using it. We also have Free Malwarebytes and scan regularly for spyware, malware and PUPs with that.

[Buenchico]

I very much doubt that you've actually acquired AVG Anti-Virus. It's far more likely that you've accidentally installed a browser extension called either AVG Secure Search Toolbar or AVG SafeGuard Toolbar. It simply examines web links offered to you, to check on their safety. (i.e.it's NOT an anti-virus program, as such)

You don't need it. Get rid of it:
http://malwaretips.com/blogs/avg-safeguard-toolbar-removal/
(I'd omit Steps 3 & 5 from that list, which I regard as 'overkill').

However you shouldn't be using MSE either! (It failed several security tests last year and Microsoft admitted that it wasn't as good as they'd like it to be). Get rid of it and install either Avast (which I use)
http://www.avast.com/index
or Comodo
http://www.comodo.com/products/free-products.php
(Click on 'Comodo Antivirus')

[HansUrbancka]

@Buenchico.....Tell me Chris, in your opinion would it be the case that with Avast there is a need to have the addition of Malwarebytes but with Comodo there would Not be a need to install Malwarebytes.

Hans.

[Buenchico]

Hans:
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware seems to be able to pick up potential threats that get past any antivirus program (or even full security suites, such as those offered by Norton, McAfee and Kaspersky), so I'd always recommend having it available. (As it's 'run on demand' software, rather than 'run in the background', it's presence can't lead to any system conflicts).

[HansUrbancka]

Cheers Buenchico. You have put forward good reasons for using the free edition of Malwarebytes which is an 'on demand' programme; whereas the Premium edition 'runs in the background' and could conflict with Anti Virus programmes or full security suites.

Free Avast and free Malwarebytes seem to be a complete all around protection.

Hans.

[Bathsheba]

Many thanks to all for your helpful answers.
Much appreciated.
Baths x