Off-topic: Antivirus Software

[Andrew]

OK, this is off-topic but I feel it's very important to know what we can do to protect our systems against virus attack...

For a while now, I have used AVG Antivirus from Grisoft, a nice freebie which blocks most viruses and has regular updates but doesn't always get rid of a nasty. I had Nortons come with this computer but it made everything unbelievably slow...

So I heard a bit about another free package called "Avast!". Well the download is a hefty (for dialup) 7MB, but it was worth every minute of connection.

The website is http://www.avast.com and you want the free home version (V4). They do require registration to send you a key, but this is free and fully automated online. You also need to re-register every year or so to keep active but that's not a big hassle for this awesome product.

Simple
The main thing I love is how simple it is to use, most new users scream when a massive screen comes up informing them they have a virus. But with Avast I got a dialog popup, a nuclear warning logo spun on the screen and a siren sounded followed by a calm female voice informing me "Warning - there is a virus on your computer".

I especially love how the dialog says - "Don't worry there is no cause to panic" and provides simple options to ditch the nasty.

Interface and Support
The interface is skinnable and simple to use, and they post regular updates which install seamlessly without you doing anything. It even integrates seamlessly with my email via Outlook Express.

Sorry about the rave guys but in today's world, it's very important for us to have AV protection and this is my new favourite. Heaps more info on their site.

[Jonathan Simpson]

I find it increasingly disturbing the number of updates and patches required to keep a Windows PC operational. I do computer work for a number of local clients, including some home users, and it's distressing how out of date most of them are as far as updates. Of course, the situation is made much worse by the prevelence of spyware, viruses, exploits that break IE, and the millions of other irritating bits that get onto our PCs. Microsoft had better get their act together.

[Andrew]

Jon,

I agree - and with all honesty, Avast has the most simple and quick update I've seen.

A bubble pops up beside your clock, you click it if you want to update and it starts immediately and by itself, no further clicking required.

Once the download is done, it installs itself, and pops up a window informing you of the successful upgrade, length of time etc...

Today - they updated the definitions and it took about 5 seconds before I was up to date again Imho, I don't know about the engines underneath but this program means business.

[Jonathan]

Yeah, I've used avast in the past, and I've been happy with it. I use it on fresh machines that don't have an included antivirus.

[Dylan1]

Jon,
I do tech support in my spare time (and for a 15 year old, its good money) and I've found that avast is good but i have to say that you are correct in it takes a lot to make a windows PC work, so tell dale to code for linux & MAC, were goin anti-Microsoft!!!!! LOL To tell you the truth, DHPOS is the only software that keeps a windows machine in my room, otherwise they'd all go to linux (probably SuSe Linux 9.0 Pro edition, the XP of linux)

Later Ya'll,
James Dylan,
aka Dil aka JD
http://www.nrg.to/jdr

[Dale Harris]

Dylan1,

There is a program named DOSEMU which simulates DOS on a Linux computer. From all reports POS runs fine under DOSEMU.

[MJ]

Dylan1 is right, I think we shold go anti-Microsoft.
BUT, a conversation I had with another computer tech has lead me to believe that people rely on Windows and Microsofts familiarity. It's basically the computer worlds security blanket

What do you think?