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
SCR
While I agree that the reputable testing organizations provide a useful service not all testing organizations are reputable. I don't think the average user will take the time to sort the good from the bad. Most will ask the doctor on the street what they are using for their security measures.
Burl
If I was expecyed to know the deliberations of standards testers for all the things I use...I won't just ask doctors, but anybody. Opinions are data.
SCR
It amazes me that people are always looking for the free or cheapest means to protect the information contained in their devices. On the other hand they will pay hundreds of dollars for the device and put the most sensitive details of their lives on it and risk it all on the Internet using free security software that they know nothing about or none at all.
Burl
That downward fall towards free everywhere once free somewhere is hard to avoid. Possibly its that they are already paying for internet access and needed hardware to do so, so maybe they say "you internet providers need to fix this AV/AM problem from your coffers." But really, mostly just penny-pinching covers it well!
SCR
Occasionally I will visit the testing sites but find that the AV that's number one today may be number five in a matter of weeks or less. The security software I use, paid for, will tell you up front that there is no magic software that will protect you 100%. I have spent considerable time setting up my computer and understanding the needed security measures to protect my data. Most people will not take the time to do so. While I am far from a professional I don't consider myself an average user.
Burl
I have observed the same yearly trends. Not just in AV/AM rankings, but in most branches of tech and business (autos, insurance, cell phone...). There is one constancy I have noted in AV/AM that has survived several years now...the advice that I hear most often is just run MSE or Win Defender and follow-up w/ an occasional Malwarebytes full-scan. It has been good for me, I think.
SCR
I follow several security forums and have come to realize that most of the issues are self induced. They would not have occurred had the user paid more attention to what they are doing or if they had educated themselves a bit.
Burl
And as you mention as online virtue, being careful has saved me from lots of grief, I am positive.
SCR
@burlmart:
I use several of the items that you referred to and very strict AV/Firewall/HIPS rules and find that my Internet experience to be just fine. Occasionally I will find a website that my security measures don't like but that's the point of having it.
There are always other websites that I will not have issues with that contain the same information. This is not to say that our use of the Internet is similar or even remotely the same, it's just my experience.
Burl
My lite powered laptop bogged a bit w/ some of the AV/AM I have tried (RV.net posters recommendations) like Avast and Comodo. i went back to MSE. In Firefox, I now only run Adblock Plus for ads and trackers. It often has to be disabled as it cuts off stuff I might want to see. But it is pretty good at getting lousy ads blocked. NoScript was way too invasive, as was no flash.
While I agree that the reputable testing organizations provide a useful service not all testing organizations are reputable. I don't think the average user will take the time to sort the good from the bad. Most will ask the doctor on the street what they are using for their security measures.
Burl
If I was expecyed to know the deliberations of standards testers for all the things I use...I won't just ask doctors, but anybody. Opinions are data.
SCR
It amazes me that people are always looking for the free or cheapest means to protect the information contained in their devices. On the other hand they will pay hundreds of dollars for the device and put the most sensitive details of their lives on it and risk it all on the Internet using free security software that they know nothing about or none at all.
Burl
That downward fall towards free everywhere once free somewhere is hard to avoid. Possibly its that they are already paying for internet access and needed hardware to do so, so maybe they say "you internet providers need to fix this AV/AM problem from your coffers." But really, mostly just penny-pinching covers it well!
SCR
Occasionally I will visit the testing sites but find that the AV that's number one today may be number five in a matter of weeks or less. The security software I use, paid for, will tell you up front that there is no magic software that will protect you 100%. I have spent considerable time setting up my computer and understanding the needed security measures to protect my data. Most people will not take the time to do so. While I am far from a professional I don't consider myself an average user.
Burl
I have observed the same yearly trends. Not just in AV/AM rankings, but in most branches of tech and business (autos, insurance, cell phone...). There is one constancy I have noted in AV/AM that has survived several years now...the advice that I hear most often is just run MSE or Win Defender and follow-up w/ an occasional Malwarebytes full-scan. It has been good for me, I think.
SCR
I follow several security forums and have come to realize that most of the issues are self induced. They would not have occurred had the user paid more attention to what they are doing or if they had educated themselves a bit.
Burl
And as you mention as online virtue, being careful has saved me from lots of grief, I am positive.
SCR
@burlmart:
I use several of the items that you referred to and very strict AV/Firewall/HIPS rules and find that my Internet experience to be just fine. Occasionally I will find a website that my security measures don't like but that's the point of having it.
There are always other websites that I will not have issues with that contain the same information. This is not to say that our use of the Internet is similar or even remotely the same, it's just my experience.
Burl
My lite powered laptop bogged a bit w/ some of the AV/AM I have tried (RV.net posters recommendations) like Avast and Comodo. i went back to MSE. In Firefox, I now only run Adblock Plus for ads and trackers. It often has to be disabled as it cuts off stuff I might want to see. But it is pretty good at getting lousy ads blocked. NoScript was way too invasive, as was no flash.
