📎 AI Summary:
The thread is a poll-style discussion about which antivirus people prefer and why, with contributors sharing experiences about performance and usability across products like AVG, Avast, ESET, Kaspersky, and Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE). Key answers repeatedly point to AVG causing heavy resource use or even system slowdowns/freezes on newer systems, leading some to switch to MSE or Avast; others recommend ESET/Kaspersky as more reliable, and one notes Avast worked fine after moving away from bloat-heavy Norton/McAfee. Overall sentiment is skeptical of AVG (and older “bloat” suites) and generally supportive of lighter or more stable alternatives, with some frustration about the poll’s limited options.
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Mitchell_A

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There's a number of different AV program on the market today, and I thought it could be a good controversial thread to create..

Vote and post why you like the anti-virus, if you selected "other" make sure to tell us the name of the one you're using.

I, myself have been switching around a lot lately.. Started with Microsoft Security Essentials but removed due to some strange problem it was causing with my disk IO at login. From there, I moved (back) to AVG since I received a free 1-year professional licence, but found the same result: it's been a resource hog every since version 8.
 

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Drew
PhyllisColeman said:
i just want to put some questions here as is it wise to go for freebie AV software ? are they of enough potential to put a sturdy check on sorts of threats ? and finally .. why MSE is the best among the rest?
Click to expand...

Patti,

Depending which free one, yes, it can be quite alright.

Well, MSE is good enough to be embedded in Windows 8. Would not make any sense for MS to give End Users something crappy. It comes from the same lab fighting global malware. It plays nicely w/ others... fully auto, no fuss, no muss. Just simply works well and does it's work quietly.

Cheers,
Drew

An image from 'Which Anti-Virus do You Use?'. Windows 8.1 logo in blue with text on a white background.
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OTT

OTT

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#301
My main AV is Kaspersky Anti-Virus.
A second opinion I get from MBAM or ESET Online Scanner...

OTT
 

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Pauli

Pauli

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#303
I went back to Avast Internet Security. Don't ask me a rational explanation, I just felt for it. :scratch:
 

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Zaid

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#304
Avast... I have been using avast for 7 years it is great and i like it
 

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Neemobeer

Neemobeer

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#305
I run Webroot Internet Security Suite which handles viruses and spyware, firewall and other misc features. I also use Microsoft EMET which is a free tool from Microsoft which helps mitigate attack vectors commonly used by malware. Another good practice is the dual account setup. You have one regular and one admin account. You use the regular account for your daily use. This can also help isolate malware from running in an admin context and minimizing the infection to your regular account.
 

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Mike

Mike

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#307
It doesn't matter which one "you use" or which one "you think is best". It matters what scientific lab results determine is the best. So instead of using CNET, or some other garbage, use https://www.av-test.org/en/ and http://www.av-comparatives.org/. The rest are magazines that have paid advertisements, including reviews.
 

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Pauli

Pauli

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#308
I agree with Mike, a solid statement. Although I must admit, I'm more of a "feel for it" person. Technically, facts are most important. Emotionally, what you feel is right, is right. I'm still, at age almost 57, trying to find a balance. The MOST important is to have one AV running. What comes with Windows today, I find reliable, 'cause so many here use it. Personally, I'm still hung with Avast, but I have the paid-for-version, Avast Internet Security. I had a short experience with Windows 10, it was impressive and assuring, however I went back to Windows 7, as I got no sound, and DVB Viewer wouldn't get any video - I didn't have the time to solve issues, I decided to wait until they have resolved problems. Pragmatism is a key word when doing your job, and earning a living.
 

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Snowflake24694

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#309
Just Windows Defender. When I need a deep scan I install MalwareBytes which I uninstall after the scan.
 

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gtatler

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#310
Used to use Microsoft Security Essentials and NEVER had any problems with it. Under 10 it is now called Defender, but it is exactly the same program, and you can do a quick or deep scan.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

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gaz83

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#311
I use avast anti virus free version, i' ve seen alot of reviews for 360 internet security does anyone use this.
 

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Sonny

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#312
I use internet security that my service prolvider offers. I have no complaints about it.
 

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holdum333

holdum333

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#316
Hi I run Windows Defender with MBAM Pro! I have WOT and Ad-Muncher on all my browsers and I'm a very safe surfer!
I have Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit free for drive byes! I'm very fortunate to have a life time license for MBAM Pro!
 

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Reddython

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#317
I'm using Kaspersky cause it's very good and safe in my opinion! Never had any problems with it
 

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Neemobeer

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#319
Just to be clear though AV is still good to have; however nowadays 99% of AV programs are only about 50% effective in stopping threats.
 

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kurteb

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#320
Trying Norton Internet Security, had it on my new motherboard cd, works pretty good, has a cool live update feature, and does disk maintenance in the background, too. Was using MSE, which was pretty good for freeware, Norton provided a more robust option. The newest version is a nice improvement. The anti-phishing and identity protection helps.
 

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