Opinions on Avast4Home antivirus please.

[babbler]

I get a newsletter from TuDogs and today's included a link to this free antivirus program - Avast 4 Home. I was using AVG but got the Nimda virus so I'm trying out a few others. PC-cillin caused problems. I'm now trying NOD for 25 days, and before I decide what to choose I would like some opinions.
Thanks in advance.

[Daizy]

Hi babbler
Unfortunately, I've not heard anything on Avast4Home, so can't give you an opinion. But as far as AVG goes, I am a huge fan so far. I do a manual update every day. It takes literally seconds, to check, rather than leaving it to automatically update. Most any antivirus will let things through if not kept up to date.

Daizy

[jerryctx]

I don't have any experience with Avast either but I want to second Daizy's advice. Viruses now spread so fast that no a-v can offer complete protection. The following list is from a discussion of another new a-v. Point number 2 is probably why AVG missed a virus.

1) Use an av that provides a new signature file every day or two on average and update as soon as available.

2) Hold all email attachments and downloaded files until you have a later signature file (2 or 3 days after you received the suspect file).

3) Use an anti-Trojan program. Not all Trojans qualify as a virus so av's don't check for all of them.

4) Use Script Sentry.

5) Turn off auto install in your browser

6) Turn off ActiveX.

[markp62]

I have used Avaste for a short period of time. It did work, but did seem to be overloaded with features. Too much, as the on access scan seemed to be too slow. If I remember right, a right clicked menu on a file would time out and disappear before it was done. That was annoying.
It takes quite a lot of digging around menus to set it up.
The updates was once, maybe twice a week, if any.
The AVG on access scan is lightning, as Avast is molasses. If it has not been improved.

[babbler]

Daizy, AVG didn't have daily updates for me. I am in the habit of checking for updates regularly, and maybe would get one a week.

jerryctx, AVG doesn't update that often, from my experience with it.
Don't have an anti-Trojan program - could you suggest a good one?
What is ScriptSentry? and where do I get it?
How do I uncheck auto install and I'm pretty sure ActiveX is turned off because when I try to run Trend's online scan it can't run and explains it's because ActiveX is not enabled.
Which anit-virus do you use? I'm trying NOD right now, 25 day free trial. They have almost daily updates too. Your suggestions would be appreciated!

markp62, thanks for your input.

thanks all! and keep the suggestions coming!

[edsod]

AVG updates between one and ten,even fifteen days
(every week on average).
It is good to LOOK for updates every day if you don't use
a scheduler.

I'm trying NOD32 too !
What are your first impressions ?
I have some problems with AMON interfering with some
other programs.
I wonder if this is happening to others also..

[wiggero]

I have been using this anti-trojan for awhile no problems yet,good reveiws to
http://lockdowncorp.com/bots/reveiw.html
ditto on AVG,numero uno

[jerryctx]

I consider frequency of updates and the ease of downloading and installing updates the most important considerations in selecting an a-v. An a-v that hasn't been updated in a week is nearly worthless.

I use EZTrust a-v. Its updated, on average, about once a day. I don't allow any application to automatically update so I use EZTrust's email notice that a new signature file is available. Its no longer free but it is cheaper than most.

A free trial anti-Trojan is available here

http://www.anti-trojan.net/

Script Sentry (and an explanation of its use) is available here

http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/scriptsentry.asp

This page on my web site has more info on Script Sentry and other malware issues

http://pcinsecurity.com/b35vir.html

This page on my web site describes how to configure Windows for security, including ActiveX

http://pcinsecurity.com/b400net.html

Wiggero - I don't know if lockdowncorp is related to lockdown 2000 but you might be interested in this web site

http://www.nwinternet.com/~pchelp/lockdown/claims/

[Doc]

wiggero, your link does not seem to go to a valid site.


Doc

[Daizy]

Just a typo Doc.

Try this: http://lockdowncorp.com/bots/review.html

[wiggero]

Thanks for pointing that out,This should do it
http://lockdowncorp.com

[wiggero]

Ah,looks like we posted at the same time,at least you had it rite the first time

[Junker]

Between using AVG (updated monthly), Kerio Personal Firewall, Spybot, Ad-Aware & Spider, I've never even had a hint of any attack on my computer. Of course, I'm definitely not stupid enough to use an email client that downloads my email before I can preview it. I use strictly web-based email. (email,com, Operamail, etc.)Keeps spam/viruses etc. off my HD...