Advice on antivirus/malware for new computer?

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the Tom's Hardware community: where nearly two million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
Status
Not open for further replies.

jhark515

Reputable
Jul 20, 2015
36
0
4,530
I'm building my first computer soon, and I'm a little overwhelmed with all the info out there about antivirus, anti-malware and what have you. I'll be installing windows 8. Does anyone have any advice about what programs I should install to protect my PC? I'm on a budget so the cheaper the better. Thanks!
 

nzrajput

Honorable
Jun 20, 2015
257
0
10,810

You think Windows is more vulnerable? Read this: Most Vulnerable OS in 2014. You will be shocked to know who topped the list.
 

Skylyne

Reputable
Sep 7, 2014
678
0
5,160
nzrajput- I'm definitely not surprised to know what the OS with the most KNOWN vulnerabilities are; that's another thing entirely. When it comes to Windows, there are a number of known vulnerabilities, but not necessarily ones that have been fully disclosed. Why? Well, thanks to the Microsoft terms of use, depending on what kind of vulnerability you find, you could actually be breaking the contract you sign just by installing the OS. That wall of text nobody reads before installing their OS covers some legal ground that prevents people from legally altering the OS, which means certain vulnerabilities cannot openly be brought to the public's knowledge.


See my previous post lol- "There really is no such thing as "the best" for antivirus software." Already covered that ;) lol
 

nzrajput

Honorable
Jun 20, 2015
257
0
10,810
I have now switched to Avira from Windows Defender (Windows 8). It's rated 5/5 in AV-Test lab.
Use Malwarebyte Anti-Malware as the second line of defense. Keep Hitman Pro around as well. They both are on-demand scanner. When in doubt, use them.
 

Skylyne

Reputable
Sep 7, 2014
678
0
5,160

Avira is a good AV, but I wouldn't go off AV-Test reports. They don't release enough information on testing, and have recently lowered certification requirements. Who knows what else got a budget cut.

The only review lab I've found to be trustworthy is AV-Comparatives. Avira is in the top three, using their reports, and my standards.
 

nzrajput

Honorable
Jun 20, 2015
257
0
10,810


AV-Comparatives has also rated it high. I followed both AV-Test and AV-Comparative and then decided to install it.
 

CWEric

Reputable
Jun 13, 2015
172
0
4,760


Malwarebytes Anti-Malware premium active protection can also be use.
 

nzrajput

Honorable
Jun 20, 2015
257
0
10,810


Yes, it can be used... but I am talking about Free Anti-virus solutions.
 

Skylyne

Reputable
Sep 7, 2014
678
0
5,160

AV Test's testing is suspect, considering they have minimal results published. Their rating system was also compromised, as they lowered the requirements for obtaining certifications/etc.. I don't really look at any other lab from AVC because many labs are doing similar things to what AV Test is doing, or worse.

It would be much nicer if more labs provided better reports... but I digress.
 

Dr Gounahr

Reputable
Nov 14, 2015
3
0
4,510


First read lots of stuff on computers, how to get the best info.[GOOGLE is your friend] I signed up for beta tester from Avira A/V. They give me the latest and crazy stuff to try, report on PRO programs for free. When the testing is over, they send another, FREE!. I also love Malware Bytes PRO. [CHEAP] It was designed by a 14 yr old kid!
I love both of these for years now!
 

Dr Gounahr

Reputable
Nov 14, 2015
3
0
4,510
First read lots of stuff on computers, how to get the best info.[GOOGLE is your friend] I signed up for beta tester from Avira A/V. They give me the latest and crazy stuff to try, report on PRO programs for free. When the testing is over, they send another, FREE!. I also love Malware Bytes PRO. [CHEAP] It was designed by a 14 yr old kid!
I love both of these for years now!
 

Dr Gounahr

Reputable
Nov 14, 2015
3
0
4,510


First read lots of stuff on computers, how to get the best info.[GOOGLE is your friend] I signed up for beta tester from Avira A/V. They give me the latest and crazy stuff to try, report on PRO programs for free. When the testing is over, they send another, FREE!. I also love Malware Bytes PRO. [CHEAP] It was designed by a 14 yr old kid!
I love both of these for years now!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

TRENDING THREADS