Which Program?

[raj_head]

Im have ben using AVG security for some time but an increasing number of people have told me its not reliable. Ive heard good things about NOD32 but i cant seem to find a free version of it. Is it a paying product only? (if not, has anyone got a link to the free version?). If it is a paying product, what is the best free anti-malware program?

 

p.s. im sure there has been alot of discussion on this topic already so apologies for bringing it up again!

[maynardvdm]

Hi

 

Unfortunatly NOD32 is a paid anti-virus, but its also the best anti-virus.

 

Anoter free anti-virus you can try is Avast.

 

If you are really serious about security then i would recommend NOD32.

 

Have a look at this post by Seth

 

Also have a look at this thread

 

If you need any further information please do not hesitate to ask :)

[RandyL]

Hi raj;

AVG is not reliable. As such can I ask you if you suspect an infection? An infection can cause a wide variety of issues. Maybe your Windows Media Player post is related to an infection.

 

In any case since your using AVG maybe you would like to follow our malware guide to check your system out. It can't hurt and might pick up something so I'll post it.

 

Malware is the term used to describe computer infections such as Adware, Spyware, Viruses, and Trojan Horses.

You will need to run at least two malware scanners as well as an Antivirus scanner that are listed in the following instructions.

Anti-Malware and Anti-Virus scanners perform different tasks.

The reason to run multiple scanners is to ensure that no single scanner is missing something.

 

The time it takes will vary depending on your system and your internet connection.

Typically the SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes scanners will take between 30 and 90 minutes.

The Eset online scan should take between 1 and 3 hours.

In most cases, these scans will suffice to clean and disinfect your computer.

 

For best results print the following instructions and bookmark this Web page

To keep this guide printer-friendly, use your cursor to highlight the contents below.

From your browser select File - Print and in the printer dialog box under "Print range"

click the Selection choice to print out these instructions for removal of malware.

 

http://kixhelp.com/wr/images-freepchelp/printer-selection.gif

 

 

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• Follow these instructions carefully.
  
• Download ATF-Cleaner from Snapfiles.com to remove "junk" files from your computer that may contain malware.
  
• You can also download it from Majorgeeks.com
  
• When you run ATF-Cleaner, check the items as shown below for Main.
  
• For FireFox, be sure to click on the FireFox tab on top and check the items as shown below for FireFox
  
• NOTE: If you don't have FireFox or Opera installed then they will be grayed out and can be ignored
  
• Then click on "Empty Selected".

http://kixhelp.com/wr/images-freepchelp/atf-cleaner01.gif . http://kixhelp.com/wr/images-freepchelp/atf-cleaner02.gif

 

 

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• Install and run the free version (not the Professional version) of SUPERAntiSpyware from SUPERAntiSpyware.com - AntiAdware, AntiSpyware, AntiMalware!
  • Accept any prompts to allow SUPERAntiSpyware to install the latest rules and infection definition files.
    
  • You do not have to send them your e-mail address, just click next.
    
  • You can leave the automated check for updates on.
    
  • You can uncheck "Send a diagnostic report to research center" if you don't want to send the information.
    
  • DO NOT allow SUPERAntiSpyware to protect your Home Page settings.
    
  • On the Top Left select the Scan your computer button.
    
  • Make sure there is a CHECK MARK on all Fixed Drives.
    
  • Click "Perform a Complete Scan". Click "Next" and reboot the computer when prompted to do so.

  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• Install and run Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware from this link.
  
• Malwarebytes - click to directly download the application
  
• Accept all defaults for the installer and then click on the Quick Scan and click Next.
  
• If any items are found allow it to clean them and then Reboot your computer.

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• Disable your internet security by right clicking on its icon (usually located in the system tray next to the time display) and choosing "Exit", "Disable", or "Shut Down".
  
• Run an online scan with Eset from Free Virus Scan: Use ESET's Online Antivirus Scanner
  
• You must use Internet Explorer for this online scan. FireFox, Opera, etc will not work for this scan.
  
• Accept the terms and click "Start".
  
• Once the scanner is ready, check "Remove found threats" AND "Scan unwanted applications".
  
• Click "Start" to begin the scan.
  
• When completed restart your computer

Make sure your internet security is enabled, and then please return to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help and tell us how the computer seems to be operating.

At that time, you will receive instructions to assist you in removing malicious programs from your Add/Remove program list if warranted.

[raj_head]

Thanks maynar. Ill assess the funds to see if they can stretch to a paying anit-virus!

[raj_head]

Thanks Randy. Yes i was suspecting an infection not just from the Windows Media Player fault but also my computer occasionally completely freezes and i can only get out of this by closing my laptop so it goes to sleep and then opening it again.

 

I have performed a malwarebytes scan that revealed nothing and will do the other scans to see if that missed anything.

 

Then i guess i got to choose a new program! Bitdefender, Avast or SuperAntiSpyware? (decided to do the cheap option). Which is best?

[maynardvdm]

Hi

 

Bitdifender is also not a free anti-virus.

 

Superantispyware doesn't have "real-time" protection in the free version.

 

Avast has real-time protection and its free.

[raj_head]

Thanks maynar, Avast it is.

[AdvancedSetup]

SUPERAntispyware and Malwarebytes are Anti-Malware products NOT Anti-Virus products.

 

NOD32 from ESET is one of the best Anti-Virus products

Malwarebytes and SUPERAntispyware are among the current top products for Anti-Malware and both have a FREE and PAID version.

The only real difference between free or paid is automated updates and scheduling.

If you don't mind keeping them up to date manually they work just fine.

 

Malwarebytes

SUPERAntispyware

ESET NOD32 Anti-Virus