Ask Slashdot: Best Anti-Virus Software In 2015? Free Or Paid?

CryoKeen writes: I got a new laptop recently after trading in my old laptop for store credit. While I was waiting to check out, the sales guy just handed me some random antivirus software (Trend Micro) that was included with the purchase. I don't think he or I realized at the time that the CD/DVD he gave me would not work because my new laptop does not have a CD/DVD player.

Anyway, it got me wondering whether I should use it or not. Would I be better off downloading something like Avast or Malwarebytes? Is there one piece of antivirus software that's significantly better than the others? Are any of the paid options worthwhile, or should I just stick to the free versions? What security software would you recommend in addition to anti-virus?

Comments

Avirea (www.free-av.com) Is Great

[machineghost]

I've used Avira (free-av.com) for years (since Windows XP at least), both on my computers and my friends' and family's, and I've never gotten a virus despite visiting Bit Torrent and other questionable sites.

It's 100% free and it doesn't install malware (though it might optionally install some crapware, I forget). The only downside is that they pop an alert maybe once a day or so with different messages (the point of which is clearly to prod you to purchase the paid version). I strongly recommend getting the paid version to make those alerts go away ... but I'm embarrassed to admit that I haven't actually done as much myself (sorry Avira!).

ClamWin

[PAjamian]

ClamWin, the windows port of ClamAV which is relied on for mail scanning on just about every Linux/UNIX mail server you run across.

I think there may be a better front end that uses the ClamAV database as well, but I tend to just install ClamWin and call it a day.

Re:In after somebody says don't run Windows.

[Guy From V]

I use visual and audible cues like an oddly running HDD: going by the activity light mostly using SSDs. Also, fan operation, CPU temp, resource monitoring stuff. Just checking out what .exes are running and/or in startup once in a while is a good habit.

Re:In after somebody says don't run Windows.

[cbiltcliffe]

I don't execute virus files on my work computer. That would be stupid. I decompile/reverse engineer/etc them.

I have a separate computer that I use if I need to actively infect one. It's not a VM (for the exact reason that some posters have already given) but I do have a Clonezilla image of it, so I can quickly wipe/reinstall after analyzing the infection.

Re:Seriously???

[Luckyo]

Yes. Because these tests are pure FUD generation. These "tests" are designed specifically to give high marks to AV kit that has its heuristics engine to produce as many false positives as possible and low marks to AV kit that has a reasonable heuristics engine that looks for realistic threats and doesn't spam user with "this is a potential threat, upgrade for 9.99 now to fix" advertisements.

Reminder - home users aren't threatened by latest custom tailored malware. They are threatened by well known mass-produced threats like bitlocker. And MSE catches those just fine.

Re:In after somebody says don't run Windows.

[ArcadeMan]

I have a separate computer that I use if I need to actively infect one.

Oh, so you're this guy.

Re: In after somebody says don't run Windows.

[dotancohen]

So how do I configure my graphics designer's Windows box to look like a VM so that the malware won't run?