Good Free Anti-Virus/Anti-Spy Ware?

[hexagram23]

I've had Norton for a while and it's sort of "eh". The subscription expires soon so I was wondering is there any good free alternatives?

[Eticket]

AVG is pretty solid and usually comes up in these threads

I like using Avast as well

As for spyware, Spybot has a pretty solid rep.

There are a lot of options really.

[stewie]

I use AVG/Spybot S&D. Avast has a good rep also.

[Firedemon]

AVG and Spybot S&D on my computer as well....shit's awesome.

[Kohan]

I'd recommend Avast over AVG. Used to be a hardcore AVG advocate, but they've gone the way of the clunky resource hog.

[0ni0n]

I'd recommend Avast over AVG.

This.

[#686578]

May want to consult the sticky http://www.bluegartr.com/forum/tech/...utilities.html

[Nibandh]

Avira antivirus.

but do note that it is an antivirus and everything, but does not have protection against malware etcetc

[Kohan]

Avast is better than Avira, even if only because Avira has the occasional irritating pop-ups and Avast doesn't do that.

If you like having huge advertisements for the full version of the program popping up every now and then, Avira is just the program for you.

[hexagram23]

Thanks for the info guys, I appreciate it.

[hexagram23]

Avira antivirus.

but do note that it is an antivirus and everything, but does not have protection against malware etcetc

Hmmmm....I got Spybot S&D. What is good against malware?

[Nibandh]

Hmmmm....I got Spybot S&D. What is good against malware?

Spybot is ok.

Might want to install Spyblaster?

[_chuchu]

I'd recommend Avast over AVG.

Truth. Avast has not ever let me down

[Cephius]

Hmmmm....I got Spybot S&D. What is good against malware?

MalwareBytes is the current leader at cleaning out malware.

[#686578]

Avast is better than Avira, even if only because Avira has the occasional irritating pop-ups and Avast doesn't do that.

If you like having huge advertisements for the full version of the program popping up every now and then, Avira is just the program for you.

I swear if I hadn't read your post this morning this would not have happened

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/5...isthisshit.png

[Seraph]

MalwareBytes is the current leader at cleaning out malware.

I've had to fix 2 friends computers recently, and MalwareBytes worked flawlessly both times. They get my recommendation.

[Kohan]

I swear if I hadn't read your post this morning this would not have happened

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/5...isthisshit.png

That's nothing compared to Avira. Have you used it?

Depending on the resolution you're using, the pop-ups will cover the entire screen. They'll take you out of full screen apps, and so on.

[_chuchu]

Avast pop-ups go away in less than 30 seconds and you can also disable the scan messages >_>

[Kriz]

I know it sounds absolutely batshit stupid, but here is my methodology.

No preventative AV software. Spybot Teatimer's registry edit notifier if I'm feeling particularly bored with my machine not harassing me. Run Ccleaner if I get bored.

Stupid right? It's not, when you are a behind a hardwire firewall (most people are, or at least a NAT router with basic functionality) and the key Don't be unsafe on the net. That means FireFox (NoScript not required, but if you're serious you may as well) and just being smart.

If you do get infected, MalwareBytes. If it's crazy bad (rootkit'd, how you pulled that off who knows) ComboFix. Not having to deal with AV software updating, eating resources, the feeling that it's "not really working", or the worst, that it isn't actually catching the stuff.

I'm a Mac user at home, and at work I use the above setup. My job involves a lot of fixing people's virus'd up machines. I'm bitter and hate AV software and love Macs. My opinion is probably invalid to most people, just thought I'd say my piece

[#686578]

That's nothing compared to Avira. Have you used it?

Depending on the resolution you're using, the pop-ups will cover the entire screen. They'll take you out of full screen apps, and so on.

No, because I only use superior programs.

But also this had never happened to me before today