View Full Version : Need Advise regarding Virus Scan Apps
Hi, I used to have McAfee VirusScan 4 but the new dats just cause an error, seems that the program is now too old, I reinstalled & works with the original old dats but will not work with the new ones. I then purchased a new version "VirusScan Plus 2007", only to find this will not install because I use Zone Alarm! & Ad Aware! what a load of crap!:nope: I certainly am not getting rid of them, I think you only get 12months use out of the program now anyway, what a waste of money!:-?
What I would like is a Virus Scan program without all the extra garbage such as firewalls, managers, & shields! Could someone please point me to a good application, if one exists!:yep:
Many thanks.
FIREWALL
11-06-07, 07:42 PM
Hi REECE :)
Google > SUPERANTISPYWARE and give it a try.
I had Norton and it was a piece of crap and goes to many places in the computer and runs way more than it needs to in the background.
And this also removed a virus that Norton didn't even detect.
And Superantispyware is user friendly and doesn't dunn you to buy.
BTW the home edition is free. And the upgraded version is cheap and gives 3 year support.
It's worth it just to check it out.
Skybird
11-06-07, 07:43 PM
You buy Virus Scanners?
Get this for free, it is the leader of the pack in Germany, and tester's darling. I use it myself, with Zonealarm - no problems.
http://www.free-av.de/
Note you can switch the site to English in the left top corner.
Before that, carefully dleete all remains of previous AV scanners, and use a registry cleaner to make that sure. consider to do the same with Zonealarm as well, a then reinstall it.
This is great news, wonder what I'll get on ebay for the McAfee CD?:lol:
I use Spybot & Adaware but even with VirusScan they would all find different things, would be nice to find an app that found all virus's, trojans, spyway bots etc!:yep:
Downloading Avira & SUPERAntiSpyware now, the more the merrier!:smug:
Cheers.:up:
Tchocky
11-06-07, 08:22 PM
I'd like to echo FIREWALL here, and advise against Norton.
It will bring your PC to its knees.
@ Skybird ... Luke Filewalker !!!:lol: 1.6% done with 2 deletions already ... this is going to take some time!!:yep: Noticed front page says licence valid for 1 year only, do you know what happens then?:D
FIREWALL
11-06-07, 09:17 PM
It takes mine about 2 minutes to scan my pc. I don't remember how many files but it's alot. :D
I'm gonna checkout Skybirds Virus protect downlwd and see how it works.
Can't have enough options when it comes to protection. ;)
If you're like me and use msconfig.exe you will find an entry in Startup & in services that you may want to untick!:D Still scanning by the way! 27%, found total of 4 now!:up:
FIREWALL
11-06-07, 09:47 PM
If you're like me and use msconfig.exe you will find an entry in Startup & in services that you may want to untick!:D Still scanning by the way! 27%, found total of 4 now!:up:
Please more info and pathway for above. Thx
I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer when it comes to some computer stuff.:D
Built my own rig but the rest I'm sorta self taught. Go figure :rotfl:
With members help I recently learned how to copy & paste. No Kiddin :D
Only been messin with computers since late 2004.
You will find msconfig.exe in c:\windows\system32\dllcache, just right click drag a shortcut to the desktop, you can tick or untick other things listed that you feel you don't need, can always tick on again, just be a little cautious in services, at the bottom of layout you will see a box to show non microsoft services only, tick that.:up: Just don't be like me, I love RegEdit! I always make sure I have a Ghost image backup before attacking the register!!
You may find it useful to check the task list at this site:
http://www.answersthatwork.com/
Compare it with what processes you have running in the task manager, and it should point you in the direction of your issues. This is useful because there is a lot of misunderstanding where virus scanners are concerned.
For example, Ad Aware (which many people will recommend) is not a virus scanner in the real sense (this comes as a surprise to many who have it), it attempts to block things getting ON your system in the first place as a firewall, and has a few concessions to scanning your drive, but not being a dedicated anti-virus SCANNER, it is not often successful at this (it missed two on one of my computers just the other day). Conversely, stuff like AVG and Kaspersky (the best free and payware virus scanners by most accounts) attempt to clean up the mess AFTER the thing has arrived, but are less successful at stopping things getting on there in the first place, such as browser hijacks and the like. This is an important distinction, because many people will say 'oh use such-and-such, it always works for me', which is like saying, 'oh use a spanner to fix your car, I did that last week and now it is fine'.
So, you actually need two things (at least). One, a firewall, to stop the sh*t getting on there, and two, a decent virus scanner to clean things up if your firewall misses anything. Now, there are plenty of free ones out there, but like everything else in life, you get what you pay for with software too, so the free ones may indeed be very good, but they often lag behind the payware ones in terms of up to date databases and such, if they were as good as the payware ones, nobody would buy the payware ones. This is the trouble with free versions of stuff like Zone Alarm and AVG, so the thing to ask yourself is, how much do you want to pay for protection? which is annoying, but not as annoying as thinking 'sh*t, I knew I should have not relied on that free one' when you are faced with formatting your hard drive and re-installing all your stuff.
When you've got a virus scanner and a firewall, then you might want to consider a registry cleaner and a look at the dedicated DOS programs your virus scanner devs provide to clean out the really nasty ones, such as trojans like BackDoorFlood (which is well named, as it is a pain in the ass).
Personally, I use Ad Aware 2007 plus, Ad Watch 2007, AVG (bnot the freebie one), RegSeeker and VCleaner, plus a few others too occasionally, I don't like Zone Alarm myself, but many people do. So don't take my word for it on those, type a search into google or whatever for 'best virus scanner' and 'best firewall' and read some reviews, then compare prices with features. You may well find some free ones suit you, many payware ones have a chopped down freebie version (but you don't get the support you do with a payware one), and they aren't THAT expensive if you look around, so you may want to cough up some cash.
I know you probably know a lot of this stuff already by the way, but when you are looking for suggestions, everything helps.
:D Chock
kiwi_2005
11-06-07, 11:22 PM
Nortons 360 AIO never fails for me. Othewise next best antivirus i would recommend is Nod32.
Stealth Hunter
11-06-07, 11:24 PM
LOL, you know that Norton Anti-Virus is a "Back Door" program, right? That basically means it might SAY your computer is secure, but it's incredibly easy to get around it and enter that PC.
Norton must join THE FAILBOAT.
http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/30/Failboat.jpg
Thanks Chock, I like Ad-Aware but doesn't find all trojans!:-? I have been using Zone Alarm for a few years now & never got a virus, ther only time is from downloading files that may have them embedded, The 2 apps recomended above are ok but I really would like to find a Virus Scan that will scan a particular folder like McAfee did.:yep: I download always to the same folder & when I have the files, I then got McAfee to just check those files! Any recomendations?:D
kiwi_2005
11-07-07, 12:28 AM
LOL, you know that Norton Anti-Virus is a "Back Door" program, right? That basically means it might SAY your computer is secure, but it's incredibly easy to get around it and enter that PC.
Norton must join THE FAILBOAT.
Rubbish, thats fear mongering. Nortons 360 AIO friggin owns. Nortons 2004 to 2006 were sh*t. Nortons 360 is a whole new appz.
I wouldn't use any other.
Not been hugely impressed with Norton in the past myself, but I've not used it for years, so I wouldn't know which opinion is correct on it these days. It did have the reputation of being crap when I was (forced to) use it years ago, while working at a newspaper, but I'm talking ten years ago.
:D Chock
kiwi_2005
11-07-07, 12:48 AM
Early Nortons were total crap i admit but this nortons 360 is good, best way to test your antivirus/spyware is download some key logger trogans, which are harmless just make sure the keylogger isn't for a game you have install on your pc otherwise some chinaman will be logging into your game online :lol:. Place the keyloggers in a folder and run your anti virus a good one will find it straight away.
Nortons 360 found the keyloggers in seconds and offered to delete them same with Nod 32. AVG never found them, Antiviril told me my system was clean lol, Avasti said the same thing, McAfee came up with an error when it found the logger and didn't know what to do with it and Kaspersky was onto it and deleted keyloggers.
Best results were N360, NOD32 & Kaspersky. The rest are rubbish:yep:
Best results were N360, NOD32 & Kaspersky. The rest are rubbish:yep: That should get the water boiling!!:lol:
OK sounds like good advise Kiwi, any idea on cost? and do you have to keep upgrading the application (fawking out money), every year? and can you scan just a single folder with any of these?:-? Thanks.
Chock, you didn't respond to post 14!:roll:
Spoon 11th
11-07-07, 03:23 AM
...but I really would like to find a Virus Scan that will scan a particular folder like McAfee did.:yep: I download always to the same folder & when I have the files, I then got McAfee to just check those files! Any recomendations?:D
I use F-Prot DOS version for just that task. link (http://www.f-prot.com/download/home_user/download_fpdos.html)
signature files:
http://www.f-prot.com/download/signaturefiles.html
I use F-Prot DOS version for just that task.
I don't use DOS anymore, I did check the link & although there is a windows version it's not free, I think if I had to pay I would go for the other recommended apps.:yep:
Thanks though for the advise.
Spoon 11th
11-07-07, 04:15 AM
That DOS application works just fine under XP and looks like this:
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/6044/fprotdp9.png
HunterICX
11-07-07, 04:38 AM
I've been using the Norton Protection center for about 2 years now
and my PC runs fine, and I've been deleting and installing a lotta stuff while it is installed.
and guess what, I dont have any performance issues so far.
and I dont have a state of the art computer (2004) 2.8ghz, 512 ram , Geforce FX5700LE 256 mb
and I run IL2 1946 without problems, and can play SH3+GWX with a average FPS of 35 with just one thing switched of in the graphic settings.
what people say about Norton I could say the same thing about freeware AV scanners, I've had bad issues with them in the past so I dont go near them anymore.
I use the payware Zone Alarm and Spyware Doctor. Also Ad-Aware. I find SwD is effective at catching trojans.
Reminds me of the old dos days Spoon, I see that you can scan a folder only, I'll give it a go, that makes number 5!!:yep:
Edit: Forget it, it's about to be discontinued!
Skybird
11-07-07, 06:14 AM
@ Skybird ... Luke Filewalker !!!:lol: 1.6% done with 2 deletions already ... this is going to take some time!!:yep: Noticed front page says licence valid for 1 year only, do you know what happens then?:D
It is prolongued automatically. I use it since years. It beats hands down Norton and Kapesrky that I have used years before. Especially Norton gave me noithing but troubles. Luke Filewalker, at maximum settings, may take his time. But he wins the yearly tests in our print magazines since many years in a row. No other has had a better detection rate than this one. They are also very fast with updates. Once a day, sometimes twice.
since you asked for other applications:
AntiVir (you have it)
Zonealarm
Spybot S&D
Ad Aware
A-square (A2)
I use them at least once per week for active scanning.
And since Chock mentioned freeware scanners not using the same databases like the selling stuff: not true in case of AntiVir. The downgrading is with regard to additonal options, but it uses the same daily and most actual database for updates like the commercial software.
Skybird
11-07-07, 06:17 AM
It takes mine about 2 minutes to scan my pc. I don't remember how many files but it's alot. :D
I'm gonna checkout Skybirds Virus protect downlwd and see how it works.
Can't have enough options when it comes to protection. ;)
Two minutes? You either have not much stuff on your PC, or your scanner is ot at maximum settings!?
AntiVir at maximum takes around one hour to scan my PC en detail, with plenty of libraries (Flight simulator) present. All in all it is around 100-120 GB. Quick scans last a minute, but only skim over the most important things.
goldorak
11-07-07, 06:17 AM
Good freeware alternatives exist :
Avira Antivir for the antivirus (and its not a resource hog as Norton :rotfl: )
Comodo for the firewall.
Trying to get any info out of Symantec is useless!! could someone tell me what 6 months Subscription means, does this mean I pay say $50 for NAV and 6 months later I throw it in the bin!:x It's rather confusing! All the payware applications mention subscription costs, if anyone can shed some light here I would appreciate it!:yep:
Edit: I just had another go at trying to email Symantec for some info but there is no way to email them, you just get sent on a wild goose chase that ends back at the start, so I have given up on them!:down:
goldorak
11-07-07, 06:43 AM
Trying to get any info out of Symantec is useless!! could someone tell me what 6 months Subscription means, does this mean I pay say $50 for NAV and 6 months later I throw it in the bin!:x It's rather confusing! All the payware applications mention subscription costs, if anyone can shed some light here I would appreciate it!:yep:
All commercial antivirus solutions are based on a subscription model, that is you pay an annual fee and recieve free upgrades during that time.
As you end the subscription period you have two choices : renew and pay again or choose to not pay and in this case your software won't update anymore.
So it will be useless as an antivirus needs to be updated daily for it to be effective.
Freeware solutions are free of course but you still have to subscribe.
For instance Avast gives you a new key free key every year but you must subscribe, Antivir updates automatically your free subscription evey year etc...
Subscription in this case is free you don't pay anything.
Thanks goldorak, that makes it clear cut!:yep: Wonder if Avira (not classic) works this way.:huh: Will have to do some research .... again!:doh:
goldorak
11-07-07, 06:59 AM
Thanks goldorak, that makes it clear cut!:yep: Wonder if Avira (not classic) works this way.:huh: Will have to do some research .... again!:doh:
I use the free Avira and it works this way.
The key is automatically renewed 1 month before the subscription ends and you're good to go for another year.
The renewal is transparent to the user you don't have to do anything.
And its a real good antivirus, better than avast and among the top when competing with commercial solutions.
In fact I ditched Avast for Avira and didn't regret it.
Oh poo I was just downloading Avast to give it a try!:lol: I'm trying to find one where you can select a single folder to scan!:yep:
HunterICX
11-07-07, 07:10 AM
to scan one folder?
normally it would be ''right-click'' on the folder and the ''scan with....''
Skybird
11-07-07, 07:25 AM
Good freeware alternatives exist :
Avira Antivir for the antivirus
Good morning! :D
Thanks HunterICX, I always select not to install shell integration, now I know why they ask it!:doh: The things you learn!:yep: Thanks again!!
The Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic Shell Extension generates an entry Scan selected files with AntiVir in the context menu of the Windows Explorer (right-hand mouse button). With this entry you can directly scan files or directories.
Just found this: Add/Remove/Avira/Modify ... all fixed & happy!!
Finally: Thanks to all for the help!!
antikristuseke
11-07-07, 10:55 AM
When it comes to antivirus software i personaly use Kaspersky which isnt free, but from the free ones Antivir and Avast work well ennough.
I use AVG anti virus and had no problems along with ZoneAlarm firewall, Spybot search and destroy, Ccleaner and finally Ad-Aware SE Personal. All them are free and as long as you remember to DL the updates your be find.
AVG is not free???:oops:
Edit: I could be wrong, I went to the Australian site & no mention of any free product, I just found this http://free.grisoft.com/ and it's free there, thanks Steed!
DeepSix
11-07-07, 09:04 PM
^ That's the right site. Norton was great way back when, but with Internet Security Suite I thought it turned into a memory monster ("It's aliiiiiive!"). It may have improved some lately but I wouldn't know; I'm happy with free AVG and Ad-Aware. And (depending on whom you ask) - common sense.:D
I was a longtime user of NAV 2005 until recently I swapped to NOD32 which I am entirely satisfied with. If nothing else it has a drastically smaller footprint than norton.
Some time this week I hvae to go and 'fix' a friends copy of norton internet security 2007 as it continually fails to detedt program and definition updates, despite following all of the symantec instructions to reinstall the live update module and force a program update. This coupled with the repeated failure of the live protection component is why I will be removing norton IS and replacing it with the windows firewall or ZoneALarm, and the antivirus changed to either NOD32 or AVG free http://free.grisoft.com/doc/download-free-anti-virus/us/frt/0.
I just found another virus with AVG, Avira couldn't see it, but before I installed AVG Avira found 4, and prior to that McAfee didn't find any of them, So I am quite happy now with Ad-Aware, AVG, Avira & SuperAntiSpyware, I will see over the next 6 months or so as to what finds what.:yep: I haven't installed Avast but I figure I have enough for now!:lol:
Skybird
11-08-07, 07:13 AM
there is always a small chance for false alerts. check before deleting!
I do a on line scan every other month and if my AVG detects something I deal with it and then DL another free Anti Virus run it once then delete it then run AVG again, more to do with peace of mind there's no harm in a cross check as well.
Better safe than sorry.
I must say that I haven't actually had a virus take control of my machine for a few years now, I have become very wary of certain files & email attachments, the last one I had destroyed the whole system, lucky for ghost! something Norton done right.:yep:
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