I've been running windows for a LONG time, since before windows 95, and the only cases where I have gotten a virus was when it was my own fault. I've also helped get rid of other people's viruses, but I found out that this was thier fault too. I reccomed that If you don't want to get viruses, then don't steal programs from the internet, such as getting that new program/game from kazaa, which was a big thing awhile ago. And lastly, just don't check suspicious emails.
If you do happen to just be unlucky though, I do reccomend getting a free virus/adware remover. Don't buy them, since most of the ones that you buy will slow down your computer all of the time by doing unneccisary scans every hour or so, or limiting you from doing things. Also, don't get extra firewalls, unless your a big buisness, there's no reason that someone will hack your computer.
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General discussion
Free vs. paid security software
My paid security suite is up for renewal soon, and I'm not too sure as to whether I should renew it or not--because I hear about the many free antivirus, spyware, and firewall programs available out there. Is what I'm paying for going to do a better job of protecting my PC? I'm hesitant to believe that free software will do as good of job as a paid one or am I wrong for this belief? After all, I've always been taught that nothing is free. Please help me, as I really want to know the facts about paid versus free security programs? What benefits do I gain or lose by going free? How do these types of freely distributed security program companies make their money anyway? There has to be a catch and I would like an
answer. Any help in demystifying this will help me tremendously with my decision in the next security software I pay for or receive for free. I love this newsletter, and the people who are always so helpful. Thank you!
--Submitted by Jasmine H.
Answer voted most helpful by our members:
Actually, in this case you can get something for "nothing"
In most cases your assumption would be correct. With most types of products you can expect that the paid version will be better than the freebies, but this is an exception.
If you pay for your antivirus and anti-spyware protection you tend to get some nice features, but you usually don't get better protection and the reason is really simple. Viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, adware, and all the other malicious garbage that can attack your computer isn't just a threat to you-- it threatens everyone on the internet. This includes big companies and governments. It is in everyone's best interests to control these attacks, but that can't happen if the malicious code can hide in private computer systems because the owner can't or won't pay for the software needed to protect the machine. Therefore a number of private companies have committed themselves to providing free versions of their software for those who can't or won't pay money for it. A lot of this software is superior quality.
There is a catch, but it isn't any different than if you were buying the software. Whether you pay for the protection or get it free, make absolutely certain that you know what you are getting. Many companies also put out bad programs, and some of them actually cause the problems they are supposed to be detecting. There is no way to avoid the need to check a product out before using it, unfortunately. Many people have purchased or downloaded software believing that they were protecting their computers, only to be infected with viruses or spyware as a result. Never respond to a pop up that offers to "scan" your computer for free. This is one tactic used to sell inferior or even malicious products. Always check out the reviews of the product before allowing it to access your computer.
It is, fortunately, very easy to check out a product before purchasing or downloading it. CNET has a lot of information. Check out download.com, and don't forget to type the product's name into your favorite search engine and see what the reviews on other sites say. You can get a lot of information in a short period of time.
You should run one (and only one) antivirus product on your computer. You should run one (and only one) software firewall on your computer, and the one that comes with Windows is not the best choice. You should run 3 or 4 anti-spyware programs, but not in "real time." Run only the one you trust the most constantly, then run the others manually right after updating them (at least once a week). Be sure to disconnect from the internet while running your scans manually. This is also a good time to run a full antivirus scan and any other utilities that need to be run, such as a defrag program.
If you are still deciding which products to choose, and you are willing to pay for the products, I urge you to support those companies that offer free versions of their software. The paid versions aren't going to protect any better, but you should get some nicer features. Any company that will offer quality software for free deserves your business. They are doing their part to ensure that we can all access the internet safely, and we should appreciate them for that effort.
Also, don't despise some of the free software in other categories. Much of it is high quality. The open source movement is one reason. Also, some of the software is put out by individuals who create a program for themselves and then just want to give others access to it. Some of it is software put out by companies that also sell paid software, hoping that you will like the product and come to them for other software you might need. Take a look at it. You might find something you need for free or at little cost. You will probably find something that is just cool. Don't go wild! After all, there is a lot of junk out there as well, but do take a look and check the reviews. You will be pleasantly surprised at what you find.
Denise
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-10149_102-0.html?forumID=7&threadID=249393&messageID=2496562&tag=nl.e497#2496562
--Submitted by 4Denise
If you have any additional advice or recommendations for Jasmine, let's hear them. Click on the "Reply" link to post. Please be detailed as possible in your answer and list all options available. Thanks!
Discussion is locked
91 - 120 of 268 Posts
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I never used any anti virus since most of them regardless free or buy they slow the PC and that's Big No,, I have only got one virus which was the Sasser that's realy fault of stupid Microsoft OS which hit every one, and the other was trojan silently exeucted by IE just by vistiing a web page, only after that I installed Jetico fire wall the free one. Maybe it's hard to learn but once you master it, you can keep most of garbage out.
Maybe you need to have one free anti virus installed but run them on demand in case of you suspect certain download,,
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4Denise gets my vote.
I run a free antivirus program and find it excellent.
Before using this I bought and ran two major apps.with nothing but pop-ups and and holes.
I would gladly pay for a program if it does what its supposed to do,but alas, many don't.
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Thanks for the advice. I had not given thought to why the software was free except to say that I was a little suspicious about free stuff. But what you said makes very good sense. I am 55 years old and am learning something new all the time. It is great to have people such as you Denise that can explain things so clearly yet in ordinary words. I like CNet and was turned on to it when a friend suggested I download Spybot. In my search I opened CNet and also opened a great opportunity for easy and free learning. What a deal! Yes, on my paycheck this week I will make a donation. It is worth it. THANKS DENISE.
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I thought this answer was really informative and well written. Thanks for sharing your expertise... and the professionalism of your writing.
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I recently stumbled onto a website that offers a superior free firewall pro, antivirus software, malware, and antispam. I have all these installed on my computer and I am very happy with them. Best of all these are free lifetime licenses for all these products.
The website is www.comodo.com
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HELLO I AM A RETIRED MINISTER FROM A SMALL CHRISTIAN CHURCH. INCOME IS VERY LEAN. 90% OF AL THE WORK ON THIS COMPUTER IS OF A SPIRITUAL NATURE. COST ARE ALWAYS A HUGE CONCERN. I TRIED WINDOWS NEW ONE CARE PRODUCTS. SEEMED GREAT BUT THE PRICE WENT FROM 20.00 TO 50.00 IN ONE YEAR. THEN I TRIED THE PRODUCTS FROM MY ISP PROVIDER,SYMPATICO,AND IT IS MINIUM 10.00 PER-MONTH AND THAT IS TO MUCH. I TRIED BUT ALL THINGS WOULD NOT WORK WELL WENT I USED AVG FOR SPY WARE ETC. ZONE ALARM FOR FIRE WALL AND AVAST FOR VIRUS. WHEN I TRIED MY EMAIL WOULD NOT WORK AND I COULD NOT FIND SOME ONE TO HELP WITH THE PROBLEM. I DO FIRMY BELIEVE THAT THE FREE ARE THE TRUE ANSWER. BUT THERE NEEDS TO BE SUPPORT. I DONATED TO JAVA COOL FOR THE PRODUCT SPYWARE BLASTER. THIS IS A FANTASTIC PRODUCT. IF I COULD HAVE A SAFE COMPUTER I WOULD BE HAPPY TO DONATE A FAIR AMOUNT TO BE PROTECTED. I AM NOT TO SECURE IN MY OWN JUDGEMENT ABOUT PRODUCTS. IF YOU CAN MAKE SOME RECOMENDATIONS THAT WOULD KEEP A CHURCH COMPUTER CLEAN OF FILTH AND ALL THE OTHER GARBAGE I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. GOD BLESS ROD GARNETT rod.garnett@sympatico.ca or rodgarnett@hotmail.com
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Since my 1st computer(1st Apple in a case),later when Apple no longer supported the II series and I went to PCs, I have used many diverse protection programs. Sadly to say, no one program was sufficient to cover even 50% of spyware, pop-ups,firewalls, catch all virus, spyware etc. I used most of the free & pay programs some of which were AVG, Panda, Ad Aware, Bug Doctor Spybot Search & Destroy (the latter 3, used in conjunction with each other and kept current daily do a pretty FAIR job). Up until 3 or 4 months ago, I used both Norton & MacAfee. Now I have trashed them both, as I tried eAcceleration's STOP Sign suite through a free trial offer. Before the trial even ended, I signed on with them for MY LIFETIME, NOT the computers!! Buy a new computer, they will allow you to continue your subscription on the new computer!! Yes its a paid service and absolutely the best. They have several tiers of subscriptions, but the one I chose was the payment of $99.00 for LIFE and $10.00 for the CD! Figure out how much you pay for the original horrible Norton or MacAfee program & what the renewal costs are! Boo & Good riddance to Norton & MacAfee and their yearly renewal! The STOP Sign Suite gives you so much more. Example: Pop-up blocker; Firewall; Threat Scanner; Constant Virus Protection; E Mail (if you desire it, Speed-up your computer; LIVE help 16/7, auto help 8/7; when they see you have a problem they will create a custom cleaner especially for YOUR computer automatically; a game; plus more. A quick comparison: Norton Suite deep-scanned my files - they found 35,000 files. MacAfee deep-scanned and found 50,000 files. STOP deep-scanned and found ALL the files - I have 836,000 FILES!!! Yes, It takes several hours to deep-scan that many files, BUT are YOU satisfied with a <10% file scan? Not I! I want my 'puter squeaky clean! Its on DSL 24/7; updated automatically, and deep-scans after I go to bed. I can also use the computer while its running, albeit a wee bit slower. You can also suspend it & it will go back where it left off. Its EASY to set up and start-up!
I use XP Pro on (HP)an AMD Athlon XP Processor 3000+ Board; 512 mb DDR SDRAM Memory, soon to be 1 (or 2) gig; 160 gig HD; Back-up 360 gig external USB Hard Drive. I have been building\upgrading\repairing PCs free for friends since 1989 as a hobby. This STOP program really works!
The 3 programs I mentioned above (that I use in conjunction with each other) I still use during the day when I don't want to use STOP and I use them for quick checks. Hope this helps you. Try their trial offer.
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I have paid for McAfee, and Norton, as well as ZoneAlarm and several other firewalls, I have run Spybot and half a dozen others,over the last 10 years. I now run AVG Free from Grisoft, and I run the AVG antivius(paid), as well as AdAware SE plus(paid). For me this mix is best, and works well. I run the firwall all the time and the anivirus and antimalware weekly and have had no problems for the last 16 monthes since I installed them.
Whatever YOU find that works for you is best!
Be aware that many antimalware and antispyware utilities regard each other as spies, etc and will trigger false "alarms" if running at the same time.
Good Luck! Mike.S
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The "free" products are free because they are largely unsupported by the vendor. The idea is to give non-commercial users a taste of the product so that they will eventually buy the product.
As for the differences between the paid versions and the free version it varies between vendors. All security software vendors obviously give their paid customers first priority for tech support. Users of the free edition receive support as time allows.
At least with Grisoft, the producer of AVG, they are upfront that the free version receive lower priority for updates. The free editions usually just provide a manual scanner.
Background scanning is the most common example of a feature usually reserved for the paid versions. Lavasoft's Ad-Aware, probably the most well known vendor with a free version, has always distinguished their free version from the commercial versions by only including a background scanner in the paid version. I know some of my less knowledgeable friends ask me why they would want to pay for Ad-Aware when they can get it for free. The background scanner is designed to prevent you from getting spyware in the first place.
Another feature that some of the free security software excludes is a command line scanner. While it may seem like a quaint idea it can be very useful when you have a serious spyware or virus infection and want to minimize the damage. The less time Windows is running the less damage the virus or spyware can do. This is especially true of viruses. Some spyware are almost impossible to remove while Windows is running. Instead of trying to kill the all the processes that a piece of spyware spawns to defend itself, you can remove the spyware because it gets a chance to start by booting up in the command line.
Even if the missing features of the free security products bother you, I might question whether you should stay with the same vendor. Not all vendors are created equal. Norton and McAfee are notorious for gloated security suites. In addition, there have been several reported have reported the obvious, Norton and McAfee, are the first targets of malware. ZDnet did a a story about a year ago noting that the big name AV software was frequently disabled by malware. AV software that has been disabled when you NEED it is worthless. Furthermore, some of the AV vendors have dubious effectiveness. Microsoft's OneCare has lower effectiveness than AVG or Avast's free editions. There are multiple serious security firms that have given it poor reviews.
I would check out reviews from someone like AV-Comparitives (http://www.av-comparatives.org/) or the Virus Bulletin. I would steer clear of the recommendations from PC Mag, PC World, Consumer Reports etc. The big names like Norton and McAfee seem to consistently receive awards despite questionable reasoning. It may sound like a consipracy theory, but there is strong reason to believe that the "winners" of these magazines' awards are predetermined. Consumer Reports despite not taking advertising dollars doesn't seem to know how to do a good review.
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I know this thread concerns computer protection, but one needs to be aware that Consumer Reports should not be one of your sources of information. They have SERIOUS problems with accurate ratings and product information. Remember the recent car seat fiasco that they finally had to make some public retraction for? For your protection, do not rely on Consumer Reports for AV ratings.
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Dear Jasmine, in reply to your post. I used to use a paid for security suite from a well known company, however since trying out several free ones i am of the opinion they are just as good, and some much better!
Best thing to do is check out the reviews on CNET, thats what i did and now use- AVG Antivirus, AVG Spyware, AVG Rootkit,. I am so impressed i am thinking of paying for the Spyware through the AVG web site, as my free version has now run out,[but is still very effective]. Perhaps because they are free and so good i am now feeling guilty!
There are many options out there for you [other than AVG] this is just the one i like the most , and does not slow my computer down. Hope this helps you out. G - UK
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AVG Free products are usually all you need. They've been doing a sterling job for me now for over 3 years and my PC is on and open to the web 24 X 7. Using these in conjunction with Ad Aware and Spy-bot along with another program called CCleaner should be all you ever need.
Jeff
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While the free anti-virus programs seem good at first glance,they offer only basic cover unless you take the option to update the standard of protection.This of course costs you to do so, which means you are back to 'Square One'.
I would suggest using a comprehensive Program such as Kapersky or Norton 360 which are updated every day or 2 days automatically and also advise all attempts to invade your computer.These can be purchased at discount prices from suppliers on the 'net'. Hope you buy a regular program,it will pay in the long term.
Best regards
Brian
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Hi Jasmine as you said your self there is nothing free in this life you are better off to get an antivirus software form some off the well known brands which will cover you for one year well thats the way it works here in Ireland because you get all the latest up dates downloaded to your system it tells you which item is being downloaded if its for spam popups spyware with the free software you really dont know what is being put onto your system there can be hidden programs built into the software that the person or people who seam to be doing the nice thing giveing away free antivirus software have a hidden agenda and all your personal information on your system can become an open book to these people for the few pounds or dollars better safe than sorry
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AVG is one of the best antivirus program. It also has a free version, which works fine. It recognizes lot of viruses that paid versions of great antivirus softwares fail to recognize.
Get the AVG Free version here: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5
You can try quickheal (quickheal.com) or avast which is a freeware utility at (avast.com).
On my PC with AMD 64 Athlon 3200+ I use McAfee Enterprise 8.0. It is not at all intrusive as compared to Norton.
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Hi Jasmine,
Depending upon which 'Security Suite' you are subscribing to and your satisfaction with the service from the company, as well as if you believe that it has served you well, will depend on your renewal action.
There are going to be a plethora of answers/suggestions offered to you, so I will attempt to be as unbiased as possible.
My advice has a few points, so I shall be as brief as possible.
Firstly, as mentioned if the company that you have been subscribing to has served you well, my suggestion...."Better the Devil you know than the Devil you don't".
Secondly, If you think that its time for a change; then, make a concerted effort to discover just what is available, and will suit your needs.
There are Anti Virus and Security Suite softwares available that are very intrusive and resource hungry...meaning that every time you run (or it runs) a scan it will virtually 'take-over' your computer for the duration of the scanning operation, making it nearly impossible to do any other tasks on the machine.
Some of these type programs (although quite reputable) are the likes of Norton
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Hi Jasmine H.,
I hope your current security suite isn't Norton or Mcafee, because they are not trustworthy.
If your current security suite is doing it's job very well, I would suggest sticking with that one.
If you want to change, there are many possibilities.
Benefits Paying Security Suites :
- Automatic updates ( most will do that daily )
- Support through phone or by e-mail
- Choice between Internet Security Suites and normal antivirus products ( choice depends on your budget and how well protected you want to be )
Some paying products also offer protection against spyware and other threats.
If you don't want to spend money, there are numberous free applications available, such as the following :
- AVG Free Edition ( http://free.grisoft.com )
- Avast ( http://www.avast.com )
- Avira ( http://www.avira.com )
- and many more, just search Google to find even more
In terms of anti-spyware protection, there are numberous free applications available that are thrustworthy, such as the following :
- Ad-Aware SE Personal ( http://www.lavasoft.de or http://www.lavasoftusa.com )
- Spybot Search & Destroy ( http://www.spybot.info )
- SpywareBlaster ( http://www.javacoolsoftware.com )
- SpywareGuard ( http://www.javacoolsoftware.com )
- SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition ( http://www.superantispyware.com )
In my opinion you should use a paying antivirus product, because it offers much more support than the free versions that are available.
I don't say that free applications aren't good, but I don't trust them either, like you stated in your question.
I hope I helped you with your decision and I hope you will choose the right solution for your computer.
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I am an economist as well as a user of "free" software so I have thought about how this "market" really works. I use AVG anti-virus and Sygate Personal Firewall (alas no longer with us, but still working well) and Comodo free firewall (on my laptop as a trial, and giving no problems, so a possible replacement on the others). I pay for the AVG on my desktop machine, partly because I feel well-disposed to AVG, and also being honest as I do use it for business, and use the free on my others. I can't tell the difference between the two versions. Like many others I used to use paid for security suites (Norton in my case) and my experience was so dire (crashes, incompatibilities, vanishing email) that I resorted to trying out various free ones until I found a problem-free combination. This can take a bit of trial and error. Zone Alarm free does not work with some free antivirus programs. I found I could not get Avast to work for me at all. But at least while you are working out what works for you you are not spending a fortune on software that makes you tear your hair out.
The companies that give away their software free to home users are doing so in the hope that enthusiasts and journalists will recommend them to the corporate purchasers from whom they actually make their money. It is a very cheap and effective form of advertising. They have developed the software anyway. They maintain a website for downloads anyway. The marginal cost to them of letting home users have the software for free is close to zero. The value of the personal recommendations they get by doing so is very large and it keeps the cost of sales down.
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hi personally i wouldn't go for the upgrade, free anti viruses are only samples or cut versions of the full anti viruses,the free anti viruses contain only simple scans which are always successful and beneficial however the full antiviruses contain more security for ur computer for example: firewall, spam killer, and spyware etc...)
for a healthy free security go to Cnet Tv or reviews and see what free programs are recommended. but i suggest you download AVG Free edition for viruses and Lavasoft AD-AWARE Se software for spyware.(both are free) and with ur biult in windows xp or vista security center it will do the job however u wouldnt want to install a lot of security programs since it will eat up a lot from ur memory and it will make you internet slower and you computer will freeze some times.
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Hi Jasmine
I have been useing Free program for 4 years
The three i have on my computer
1-AVG Free
2-AD Aware SE Personl
3-Spyware Teminator
How thay make their money is that thay hope that you will buy
the program at some time.
I have at times paid for a programs.
you can fine
AVG at ( http://free-avg.org/ )
Ad Aware at ( http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html )
Spyware Teminator (http://www.spywareterminator.com/dnl/landing.aspx)
Good Luck
sfctracey@msn.com
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... and I'm a pc tech. I use Grisoft AVG Free for my AV software, ZoneAlarm for firewall and AVG anti-spyware software as well. I recommend these products to my customers also with no problems.
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I used to use paid for security software (no names mentioned) but i found that this did not mean it was infallible. So i looked in to the free versions of various security software and gave them a try. I can honestly say that in 3 years of using free software whether it be firewall, anti virus, anti spyware etc i have never been hit by any malicious software.Freeware is good enough as long as you keep it updated much the same as paid for software. As to what these companies get out of it all i can say is that it is in their own interests to keep the internet malware free. Most freeware has a paid for version which adds little extra's but in the main freeware is good enough for the average user. I have tried all the major freeware versions that you here about and basically it comes down to your own personal choice in what you find works for you. I would say try all the major players in freeware versions and make up a security suite that suits you.
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Free security software works better for me than the paid subscriptions did. The way I see it, why pay for something like this that may or may not work. No problems with the free security suites though.
Computer users need to know how to maintain their machines by cleaning up the registry and temporary junk often enough so that mean things do not stand a chance in the first place.
Sharon Solesbee
www.InternetEngineer.biz
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I am a first time author. Writing my first novel. I know the need to back up my work. So I have been backing it up on a floppy. But what do I do when the floppy gets filled up? If I put in a new floppy it well still try to put all the information on it and then tell me there isn't enough space available. So, are there any programs out there to make it put the rest on another floppy? I retired early so I could write and don't have much money to buy fancy new things. I have an emachine, an old one, lol, help please.
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Try labeling the floppy that's filled up as 1, then use another disk labeled 2...
My suggestion is to get a DVD burner installed into an empty expansion slot and back everything up onto a single DVD. I installed one of these myself. They really are worth every cent.
Sharon Solesbee
www.InternetEngineer.biz
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On my system, when backing up on a floppy if there is too much information to put on a floppy, it gives an error message, telling me there isn't enough room on the disc. Then when I put in another one it says the same thing. So I assume you cant continue from one to the next. Like you suggested.
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There are a ton of free anti-virus, anti-spyware programs that you can download from the internet that will work just as good as if you paid for one. I have yet to pay for a single program like that. I am always being kept upto date and they inform me if something is wrong. One that I would recomend is the AOL Safety and Security center. They are always on top of everything. Also, I can give you a website that offers tons of free software that you can download as well that will work just as good. Some of the free programs have a sponsor or the person or campany that created them will simply ask for a donation only if you can. I am one that is always looking for free programs like that. There are quit a few programs I have in my system that keep it running nice and smooth and I don't pay a penny for it. Microsoft website also offers a couple of free downloadable programs that might be helpful to you as well. Anyway, here is the website:
http://www.nonags.com/nonags/index.html. On the left hand side you will see a little yellow box that has a different variety of things to choose from. Click on software list and it will give you tons of free categorized programs that you can choose from and download for free. Another one is SpamPal. I believe I might have downloaded it from that site as well. Another thing, when you are searching for anything free, and you are using maybe the Google search site, always type in freeware, not shareware. There is always a catch to shareware.
You can always download for free the Active Security Monitor from AOL as well. It constantly monitors your computers performance and lets you know when your computer is below 100%. Also you might want to think about getting a program from McAfee which is a site advisor and that is free too. It lets you know when a website you have gone into is good or bad. It automatically pops up to let you know. Another program that you can download and use fully for free for 30 days is TuneUp Utilities 2007. You can use if for 30 days for free, no strings attached. They let you test it out before you buy it. Fully test it out. You can even keep using it after the 30 days is up, but they have made it to where you have to wait 45 sec. to continue testing it and then 59 sec. to continue testing it etc. etc. The time to beable to keep testing it will go higher and higher until you get sick of having to wait. But it will still be for free. The website for that is www.tuneuputilities2007.com. Download the free 30 day version. Well that is about all I can think of that might be helpful for you. I wish you luck.
Sincerely, Tresa
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The best answer would be that " NO, free programs are not bad". Free antivirus software can be as good or better than paid software. Programers get their products on the market by offering them to users. Companies want more exposure for their products and have backing from other sources. It is all about exposure and visability. There will always be features not included in free antivirus, antispyware, and firewalls. These features would include settings that would noramlly be for more expert users. They would include scheduling backups, etc... Examples of free software would include Grisoft (AVG) antivirus and antispyware, Zonealarm (Firewall). They work pretty good as standalone products and offer free updates as well. Give them a try and see if they work to your expectations. Please make sure you do not have two firewalls and antivirus programs installed at the same time. You must remove them before installing a different version. They can conflict and cause your system to have problems. Hope this answers your question.
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