Best Spyware, Malware Recommendation
I've used the FREE AVG for several years. Wondering if there is a better FREE product out there. I am using Windows 8. THANKS!
Forum Discussion
What version of Windows? If for WIN 7, then Bitdefender 2014 Free is still rated the highest, both in protection and lightest on computer resources by independent security groups. Higher than both AVG and Avast. You need to register an online account to keep it active, and there is not much custom security settings. It's basically, set it and forget.
Panda Cloud AV Free is also rated higher than AVG and Avast for protection, while using about the same computer resources. It also has more custom security settings than Bitdefender. However, if you need to temporarily turn off Panda's real-time protection for some reason, make sure to turn it back on. Panda's tray icon doesn't indicate that it's turned off, but Windows built in status should flag a warning that AV is turned off.
Comodo Internet Security Premium Free is also rated higher for protection than AVG or Avast, includes a powerful firewall, and has a protected sandboxed environment mode on demand. It's also the most flexible for custom security options, but can be daunting if not confusing for non-techies. IMO, it's default settings may not be the best for all users, and customizing settings can affect system performance and usability if not careful. It's system resources are rated similar to AVG/Avast.
A better option may be to install another more intuitive and lighter AV package, along with Comodo's Free Firewall, which includes the Sandbox environment when needed.
I wouldn't recommend Microsoft Security Essentials(MSE), as MS themselves have acknowledged that its just basic protection, and rated at the bottom along with AhnLab Internet Security for detection by AV-Test.org.
Panda Cloud AV Free is also rated higher than AVG and Avast for protection, while using about the same computer resources. It also has more custom security settings than Bitdefender. However, if you need to temporarily turn off Panda's real-time protection for some reason, make sure to turn it back on. Panda's tray icon doesn't indicate that it's turned off, but Windows built in status should flag a warning that AV is turned off.
Comodo Internet Security Premium Free is also rated higher for protection than AVG or Avast, includes a powerful firewall, and has a protected sandboxed environment mode on demand. It's also the most flexible for custom security options, but can be daunting if not confusing for non-techies. IMO, it's default settings may not be the best for all users, and customizing settings can affect system performance and usability if not careful. It's system resources are rated similar to AVG/Avast.
A better option may be to install another more intuitive and lighter AV package, along with Comodo's Free Firewall, which includes the Sandbox environment when needed.
I wouldn't recommend Microsoft Security Essentials(MSE), as MS themselves have acknowledged that its just basic protection, and rated at the bottom along with AhnLab Internet Security for detection by AV-Test.org.
