Advice PLEASE re anti virus protection.

[maineman]

By MCE do you mean the Microsoft Security Essentials, OR something else?

Yes, W&B is referring to MS Essentials

IF you had of asked me some time ago I would have said mainly only very safe sites, however I do now do quite a lot of downloading of torrents. Does this mean you think I should stick with the McAfee now, or are the free ones still okay even with the torrents?

No one is telling you to stay with McAfee.
As W&B said, retail versions typically include more bells & whistles, (eg., user conveniences) and it is foolhearty to think they are "safer",
particularly when visiting risky sites.

Torrent files are only as safe or reliable as the person who uploaded them, although I'm sure some sites are more reliable than others.
Myself, I don't ever frequent these sites and frankly, I have no interest and can't be bothered

You seem to want some sort of assurance with whatever software you choose...
there isn't any.

Just pick one and try it.

[crackinhedz]

I had been using Bitdefender for the last several years...no complaints, always did as it should.

But I got tried of paying for it, so I switched to Avast (Free version).



I still feel like Im getting the same great protection, but for free!

[Guest]

Again thank you for all the advice, that is what I am looking for informed advice, I do know that nobody can give assurances.

Re the torrents, I hadn't thought of that earlier and when they were mentioned I thought maybe using them was a reason to stay with McAfee rather than change to one of the free ones, apparently not so.

Still not sure what to do, I have a few weeks left to decide, from the replies so far it would seem most favour AVAST free version.

[jakish]

Avast !

... i've used Avast free version for long time on several different machines & really like it .... ditto for my local circle of friends ... you've got more than enough good advice it seems already so why don't you just take a shot at it, it's easily uninstalled too so if you don't like, you can always try another ..

[maineman]

...from the replies so far it would seem most favour AVAST free version.

Ya think !!!
Arrrgh....time to walk the plank ya scurvy dog...

[Guest]

Still doing research about this, on the official AVG web site it has this warning about the free version.

Important: Please make sure you are aware of what is NOT INCLUDED in AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

Protection against hacker attacks
Protection against downloading and sharing files
Protection against infected instant message exchanges
Protection against spam

Doesn't sound too great.

[Guest]

The AVAST web site says similar things about its free version.

Download avast! Free Antivirus 6

The world’s most popular antivirus software:
161,214,309 registrations and growing

Our avast! Free Antivirus often outperforms our competitors´ paid-for products and is the minimum protection anyone should have against viruses and spyware.

But if you shop or bank online and store sensitive data on your PC, we recommend our maximum, next-generation protection, avast! Internet Security.

[DarthCopier]

As this topic drags on, I think it prudent at this point to remind all that this is the DVDFab Forum, not the Anti-Virus Software Experts Group.

You asked for advice, and ended up getting several opinions about what various individuals here are using. Since I doubt any here are A/V experts, I think that's all you can expect.

Not the best way of getting to an informed decision.

If you're really after advice... contact any shops in your area that specialize in virus and malware removal (especially ones with no particular software affiliations), solicit and TAKE their advice. They're the ones that are the professional experts, and will have the best advice to offer.

The ball is now in your court.

DC

[signals]

DC
Discussions like this are OK in General Chat.

David
The DVDFab Office uses Avira. I use Kaspersky Internet Security 2011, but unless they fix the resource hog problem I will be making a change when it expires.

[Guest]

Signals,

Thank you for your advice, I am still doing research.

The main reason I was looking at other protection is that, as you would know, McAfee often quarantines DVD Fab downloads as it finds false trojans, so it IS DVD Fab related.

[DarthCopier]

DC
Discussions like this are OK in General Chat.

David
The DVDFab Office uses Avira. I use Kaspersky Internet Security 2011, but unless they fix the resource hog problem I will be making a change when it expires.

Thanks, Paul, but I wasn't saying the topic wasn't OK... I was just concerned that the direction the OP seemed to be going in would be counter-productive to what he really wanted to accomplish.

He asks for advice... gets several personal opinions... seems to refuse to try any freebies... he'll have to uninstall one virus program to install another (thus leaving his system unprotected for a short time)... then starts quoting the manufacturers 'hype' about their product, all under the banner of 'research'.

He'll still have to do exactly the same process if he selects another program and doesn't renew his McAfee license... yet he balks at trying something new...

That's why I offered my advice... talk to a Pro, and take his advice... that's what I did... and have stuck with (TG)... ESET's NOD32 for several years now, and am glad I did!!!

Otherwise, keep this topic rolling!!

DC

[CBR929]

He'll still have to do exactly the same process if he selects another program and doesn't renew his Kaspersky license...

Hey DC
The user is using McAfee, and agree, some time or another they will have to pick one.
CBR929

[DarthCopier]

Hey DC
The user is using McAfee, and agree, some time or another they will have to pick one.
CBR929

Sorry... yer right... I need to learn to read... (and remember!!)...

DC

[chris]

After some general advice and help PLEASE, it is about protection from viruses/trojans/malware etc and does relate to DVD Fab in that my current paid for McAfee protection often interferes incorrectly with DVD Fab.

It is up for renwal soon and I would like to pick your collective brains about what one is best?

I have done some research and a lot of people say the free ones are more than adequate now, like the free versions of AVAST and AVG. Others say the free Microsoft Security Essentials is good and all you need.

Any constructive advice most welcome PLEASE.

I an and have been using PAID AVG for several years and yes they have had a few hickups but I am very impressed with them.. Just my 2 cents worth.

Cheers!

[Guest]

Again, thank you for all the advice.

I am still checking all the options, I have a few weeks left of my McAfee paid subscription so nearer when that expires I will decide whether to renew that OR go with something else, I do NOT need to decide right now and DO appreciate all the advice, well most of it.