[Ian1943]

I have just purchased a new computer which has a trial version of McAfee. However I am considering using one of the free systems. I have previously used AVG but wondered what advantages or disadvantages there might be using Avast. Would anyone who has any views on Avast, AVG or even McAfee please let me have their views. Thanks for your help.

Ian

[evilfantasy]

I have never used McAfee but know that some people are not happy with it. Besides a free AV works just as well.

I use AVG on one computer and Avast on another and am happy with both.

[Glaswegian]

I've used AVG free for years - no problems. I tried Avast a while back but didn't like their interface - I didn't find it very user friendly. Around the various forums I see many users having problems with products from the big AV vendors - usually to do with system resources, rather than detection rates.

[satellite]

Originally Posted by Ian1943

I have just purchased a new computer which has a trial version of McAfee. However I am considering using one of the free systems. I have previously used AVG but wondered what advantages or disadvantages there might be using Avast. Would anyone who has any views on Avast, AVG or even McAfee please let me have their views. Thanks for your help.

Ian

I personally would recommend staying away from McAfee as an antivirus, have had nothing but trouble with the software, and isnt very user friendly either.

I would recommend, as have the guys above, to using AVG..it has always done its job in my experience, and always recommend it to my clients. I also use Virgin Media Total Guard which seems to work alongside AVG very smoothly, and sometimes finds things faster than AVG!

[Elmer Fudd]

Currently using AVG Internet Security 30 day trial which is great. I've got my AVG freeware on hold for when that expires.

I thought the McAfee was not user friendly but good until......I got hi-jacked by something that I assume used their site adviser to get through, I assume this as I clicked on their tool button to see what was up when it went amber, I then got an "offer not to be refused" off of STORAGE PROTECTOR, then the pc went bazoomy and totally filled my disc up with crap.

I (laughingly) tried a system restore and when the welcome screen came up I had a new p/word protected administrator called ASP.NET !!

But back to the point, stick with the free AVG, I just need a bloody good freeware firewall to go with it now, any recommendations ?? Windows is too vague.

[satellite]

Originally Posted by Elmer Fudd

Currently using AVG Internet Security 30 day trial which is great. I've got my AVG freeware on hold for when that expires.

I thought the McAfee was not user friendly but good until......I got hi-jacked by something that I assume used their site adviser to get through, I assume this as I clicked on their tool button to see what was up when it went amber, I then got an "offer not to be refused" off of STORAGE PROTECTOR, then the pc went bazoomy and totally filled my disc up with crap.

I (laughingly) tried a system restore and when the welcome screen came up I had a new p/word protected administrator called ASP.NET !!

But back to the point, stick with the free AVG, I just need a bloody good freeware firewall to go with it now, any recommendations ?? Windows is too vague.

The only firewall I use is Virgin Media built in firewall, which seems to do the trick - I ued them when they were NTL aswell and have always found them to be better than any other piece that i've tried. ZoneAlarm Free Firewall is pretty good aswell, from what I have been told anyway, but having never used it, I cant comment.

[evilfantasy]

Comodo Firewall <<- In advanced mode only.
Agnitum Outpost
PC Tools Firewall Plus

[Elmer Fudd]

Cheers EF

From EF !!

I'll have alook at those.

[evilfantasy]

No problem. A more complete list of trusted security programs can be found here