mre5765

Just install Microsoft Security Essentials.

exerda

Yep! I recall a comparison a couple of years ago which found it was as good as, and in some cases better than, the paid alternatives. And nowhere as obtrusive as say, Symantec/Norton.

gglave

This. Great application that's free & isn't a systems hog.

9Benua

Still safer & easier to use than windows

DJ Bitterbarn

OP: I think that this question would get the best response in the Travel Tech forum.

essxjay

[Emphasis mine.] Agreed. Please follow the discussion over there.

essxjay, the OMNIs co-mod

cblaisd

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...ight=antivirus

Ancien Maestro

Ive used Microsoft Security Essentiels, but the RCMP/FBI type viruses override the virus protection. Or maybe I'm using Security Essentiels in error.

Free is best, but I moved onto SpyHunter. But perhaps I'll try some of these recommendations mentioned here.

gglave

What RCMP viruses?

cblaisd

You might want to read the report linked to in the first post of this now-merged thread:


E.g., http://www.computersquad.ca/remove-R...olice-RCMP.htm

cblaisd

I'm wanting to see if there are any other recent experiences/opinions....

My paid version of Norton (which came with a trial with my Lenovo and which I then extended for a year for very cheap for both my and spouse's computer) is coming to an end.

I'm again looking at free versions

Avast, AVG Free, MSE, and ???

Interested in experiences of:

a) Least system-hoggy
b) Least intrusive re popups for upsells and that kind of crap (this would be especially important for spouse's computer)
c) Does a good job blocking/alerting particularly when those nasty attachments to emails get clicked on because they do a good masquerade as a real "invoice" et al.

Thoughts?

TIA!

gglave

Microsoft Security Essentials.

I know it's extremely difficult, and likely not what you want to hear, but when it comes to these issues they're best addressed through user training.

cblaisd

Even with this disturbing review?
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/softw...ity-essentials

I used it for years and was happy with it, but that review is worrisome.

Good point

gfunkdave

Every AV program has its ups and downs.

Your main defense is always to be aware of what you're clicking.

javabytes

A long time ago, I used AVG... then switched to Avast, which I liked even better. Neither was very system hoggy... they both did have their own ways of trying to upsell, which weren't particularly intrusive. Most important for me, they stayed out of the way of legitimate apps. However, the 2014 update for Avast seriously disagrees with my computer for some reason. I ended up having to ditch it. There also seemed to be a loss in some granularity of the controls over which shields you want to run. 2014 seems to be a step back from 2013. I have an ingrained belief against paying for antivirus, dating back to the days when McAfee and Norton ruled the world despite being complete and utter garbage, but Kaspersky has gotten my attention and may be winning me back over.

MSE is garbage. Abysmal detection and removal capabilities. I'd rather have nothing than to have MSE.

If you're not already aware of it, AV Comparatives runs benchmarks of detection, removal, performance, and similar features, if benchmarks are your sort of thing. http://www.av-comparatives.org/