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Question

Avast, Malewarebytes Pro or Hitman Pro?

Apr 13, 2017 6:38PM PDT

SO confused as to which is the best route to go with these as it seems to change all the time. Are any of the free ones really worth it?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
This is a common question.
Apr 13, 2017 6:44PM PDT

The answer is there is no best. Just like in horse races the one that comes in first today will not next month. Here I just use Windows 10 own protection along with some beefed up browser security and most of all, don't look for cracked software or shady sites.

It's been over a decade without such and I have yet to find a virus.

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Sorry, forgot to give you a link to very simalar question.
Apr 13, 2017 6:50PM PDT
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Thanks
Apr 13, 2017 7:11PM PDT

Can you elaborate on the beefed up browser security?

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Here's what I added to Firefox and if it fits, Chrome, IE.
Apr 14, 2017 8:03AM PDT

Ublock Origin, Web Of Trust and Privacy Badger.

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Answer
Confusing...yes
Apr 14, 2017 1:37PM PDT

The score card seems to change monthly and can change just by the review site you visit.

If I was running w10 I'd consider windows defender for av.

Since I'm running an old OS that won't work for me so I use avast free.
I've used it for years and it does not give me any fuss.
A couple of tweeks in the gui and let it fly.

It would be best not to use a msft browser.
I've used firefox for years, seems to work fine.
A nice add-on is ublock origin just to filter out some of the junk.
There are many more FF add-ons, pick what fits your needs.

Others will use a different mix and that's fine, I won't argue with them.

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Answer
Thoughts
Apr 19, 2017 1:02PM PDT

Syrinx77 -- I can't tell you which is "best," unfortunately -- you know what I'd say Wink

I can tell you, however, that Avast Free 2017 is better than ever and goes way beyond "basic" or "built-in" protection -- yes, even in the free version.

Here's some information you can take a look at regarding the new Behavior Shield and Game Mode. You can download on Cnet if you want to give the free version a try and let your experience speak for itself. Happy to answer any questions you may come up with.

Also, definitely take a look at AV-comparatives for 3rd party testing, so you can see how the various security suites perform in the real world.

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That download.
Apr 19, 2017 1:06PM PDT
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Direct download
Apr 21, 2017 12:55PM PDT

I looked at that article and it looks to be over two years old, so not sure if that experience is still current.

I tested our Cnet download for Free 2017 just now, and aside from the filename being different, it looks to be the standard online installer. It's actually a slightly older version so the filesize is actually a bit smaller than the direct download of the online installer (of course it would update immediately, but figured I'd mention that) I downloaded the file directly and didn't use any "installers" or anything like that, just clicked the download link Happy

For anyone who wants to download directly, here's the link on the official Avast site.

The 'offline' installation files are available here.

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It's still happening.
Apr 21, 2017 1:09PM PDT

It's so bad that moderators here know but we are kind about it to CNET.

Feel free to try these downloads on an everyday Windows PC. I used to test this on and off but after too many back and forth discussions download.com lost me forever. It's a shame really but they sold out for the dollar.

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Have to back up my fellow mod here.
Apr 21, 2017 1:25PM PDT

Take a read in the download.com forums.
Dafydd.

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Answer
Hitman Pro
Apr 23, 2017 6:23PM PDT

I tried Malwarebytes when I had a really bad browser infection and it didn't help at all. Hitman Pro was the only thing that took care of it.

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Yup
Apr 23, 2017 8:17PM PDT

That just says no one product catches them all.
That's why we have multiple anti scanners.

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I've been using Malwarebytes for
Apr 24, 2017 5:50AM PDT

years and never had an issue. I used to remove from other peoples machines. The first thing I do is go to program and features and order by date so I get the last installed on top. I uninstall eveyrthing I didn't knowingly install. Then I run Malwarebytes. One thing to know is usually the difference between free and paid professional version is the paid give you real time protection. By real time that mean it blocks before it installs. If you don't have real time protection the attack happens and you have to remove it with a scan after it's installed.