Need new AntiVirus Software.

I just looked at my Avast and it allows wildcard exclusions,and it is a highly rated anti virus program.

I have been using Panda Anti Virus. It will let you do what you want (filter by folder, include and exclude, etc). Very highly rated by PC Magazine.

2 versions...free and paid. Of course, the paid version has more bells and whistles.

Of course, everyone has their own favorite.

The Geek squad recommended Kaspersky and I have been happy with it.

If you ever buy Mac get the anti virus. guidry has just been lucky so far.

I use Malwarebytes. They have a free version and a pay version. I also use Zone Alarm. I also use a directory cleaner.

guidry wrote:
If you're getting a new computer I'd recommend a MacBook Pro and avoid any anti virus completely! What you save on that software can be spent on a great laptop! I'll never go back to a windows laptop.

Please Please Please do not take this advise, I have no issue with Mac (really not trying to start a Mac vs PC debate), I use them from time to time, but in the last few years hackers have realized Windows has become more difficult to hack and they have looked for other platforms that are easy to hack. They found, what better platform to attack than one that blindly ignored security for decades. The Mac OS has very quickly become known in IT security circles as a hot target for hackers and virus creators. You should have AV on every device on every platform.

As for a recommend I was on an evaluation committee that evaluated a very large purchase for 100,000's of PC'. I would avoid 2 in particular McAfee and Norton, they are known for being filled with additional crapware, put a significant load on your PC, and our tests showed their success rate is low compared to most other options. If you are looking for free, Microsoft Security Essentials was adequate (middle of the pack) but had low load, was free and stable. If you want a paid solution Kaspersky was consistently rated the best (but has the made in Russia stigma behind it). If that bothers you, than Eset NOD32 was excellent. I actually run a large enterprise install of NOD32 and have no complaints, and yes they have it for Mac OS :).

Been using the free version of Avast for years and no problems.

I use Windows Defender that comes free with Windows 7. So far no issues.