Iīve recently had my computer fixed and the technician said that free antivirus programs can damage the system in the long run. I had the free version of "avast" installed and it worked fine. When I still had "Norton", which I purchased it didnīt detect half as many viruses as this program does so I disabled it. He insisted that this was a mistake.
I also installed the free Spybot program. Iīm quite happy with it and with CCleaner which is also free.
My computer is 3 years old though and Iīm wondering if I should install a paying antivirus, I donīt mind admitting that the technician made me doubt. Do you think this is absolutely necessary?
Do you have free programs installed and how do they work for you?
Please share your thoughts.
[question posted by dana234]
responses and comments:
I used to have avast on my other computer and that worked perfectly for me. :) I wouldn't trust just any free antivirus program though. I have norton now and it works just as good as avast. [maclanis]
Iīm glad that Norton works for you. It didnīt really do a good job for me. [dana234]
I've had Norton and Macaffee (sp?) and also Verizon security suite which were all paid for. My problem with them was they would either not pick up viruses (I got a nasty e-mail virus with both Norton and Macaffee) or pick up false viruses. I have used Avast, which I had fewer problems with, however it did pick up a few false viruses. I am now using PC Tools, which I have yet to have any issues with. I've been using it about a month now. I also use Spybot search and destroy for spyware, and zone alarm for firewall. All are free programs. They all came recommended from a friend. My husband works with computers for a living, and he has these programs on his computer as well, so I must assume they are not all that bad. [katsmeow1213]
You set my mind at rest here. I also had the free version of Zone Alarm installed, the technician said it was necessary to upgrade to the paying version to be protected. I was sceptical about it. Of course your husband is competent in this domain, so I will reinstall zone alarm. Iīll also give PC Tools a try. Thanks for all this valuable info. [dana234]
I've been using AVG free edition. Since we don't know how nasty the next virus will be, a Pro version might have additional features. But as of the moment it works well for me(the Free version). I just make sure I update it regularly, and wbeing little wary while surfing, and good common sense, helps. Norton doesn't work for me. I find it to be using most of my memory resources so my PC slows down. I'g get the trial version since it came with the pc package I bougght, and I didnt mind acquiring the full version bec. I assume it's expensive. I havent used Avast, but I know it's popular. But with my experience with AVG, I think your technician is wrong with saying, the antivirus will damage the PC in the long run. In what way, he means. The software itself? Probably other freewares available elsewhere. But if you stick with reputable developers, and some review from other users, I think, you can look for yourself what protection you'll need. [crisesand]
Iīm happy with the AVG free version as well. The technician is convinced that any free software installs Spyware, Malware a.s.o. on your computer when you download it. He says that anything thatīs free is suspicious. As you stated, I also believe that this only happens with doubtful companies. [dana234]
I dont think free softwares by any way can harm your system. it might as they might have failed to capture some virus and that virus has damaged your system.. but even with the paid softwares we cannot deny this possibility. Though i use the Kaspersky internet security, which is very cheap i dont mind installing some freeware like firewalls. [kriskhedkar]
Iīve heard a lot of praisal concerning Kaspersky. I might give it a try. [dana234]
I have used those same free programs on my computer and had no problems. An expert told me that some free antivirus software was better than the ones you have to pay for, but you should only use the well known ones with a good reputation, like avast and AVG. Some unknown free antivirus sites could deliberately plant a virus onto your system so you will pay for their service to remove it. [paid2write]
Thatīs what I think. It makes sense. Of course itīs better to do a bit of research before installing free security software. The technician insists that anything free can only be bad because otherwise it wouldnīt be free. [dana234]
I have always just used the free ones. Never have used Avast. Norton was on this computer when it was new, but I never saw as good results as with Spybot and Lavasoft [GardenGerty]
Lavasoft's Ad-aware is a excellent anti-spyware/adware also, the free version offer no real-time protection meaning you have to open it and scan your PC. Unlike the Spybot which monitor your system from startup to shutdown. If your comfortable with spybot, having two actually is beneficial in case of miss or false detection. Having plan B has its benefits. Scheduling system scan twice a month is a good start you make reduce it depending on the scan result or the frequency of your internet browsing activities. [ferdzNK]
I have had some anti-virus programmes which are more of a virus than any virus I've ever come across! However I have three reccomendations for you. Windows live one care is available as a 90 day free download and is excellent for getting your pc into top condition. After that you can subscribe if you're happy with it, or download these two free programmes, ad-aware and spybot search and destroy. Windows live will not install whilst you have ad-aware. Ad-aware and spybot will keep your pc in great condition and all for free, just google them. [iZoran]
Thanks for the info about Windows live. Iīll give it a try. Spybot is really good, Iīve installed it inspite of the technicians opinion. [dana234]
I have avast now and it is working great. better than the others I have had in the past. I have always used a free version of an antivirus, and have had no problems with my computer. I think you will be fine. [shymurl]
I had avast before too and was very satisfied with it. Now Iīm using AVG and have had no problems so far. [dana234]
I have used Norton for years as I thought it was always best to pay for an antivirus. I had problems with my computer a while ago. My computer technician advised me to get rid of Norton as Norton causes problems and advised me to get the free version of AVG. He said that is what he uses and he never has any problems. So, I did what he advised and I haven't had any problems since. If my computer technician uses it and advised me to use it...I wonder why your technician advised you not to? [biancia10]
I guess itīs just the personal opinion of my technician, I had viruses and Spyware on my computer when he checked it, but that wasnīt the main reason why it crashed. Itīs a relief to hear that your technician is using a free version, it means that Iīm not totally wrong. [dana234]
I cannot imagine what promted him to make such a statement. There is no reason why a free antivirus program should cause problems, and many of them do a very good job. I have often recommended AVG to friends and have never know anyone who has had any issues with the programs. [Asylum]
Heīs convinced that anything thatīs free canīt be too good. Hidden spyware when you download it, etc. According to him antivirus programs which you have to buy are safer. [dana234]
Yep it is quite fine to install that free anti virus as they can also detect all the viruses but make it sure that it is updated. [amitpuri]
Yes, updating is vital. [dana234]
Hi Dana I have had a free Antivirus on here for 6 years now and it has never let me down I have free Spyware on here These People say this because they want you to buy I do not like Avast the one I have is called Antivir and for 6 years now it has been protecting my Computer and still is I have had to uninstall it a couple of times and install it again because it played up a bit but once you have done that it works again 100% When I was looking at Laptops they where trying to tell me that free downloads are no good so I told them how long I had been using them and that there was never a Problem all they want is to make higher Sales and nothing else Hugs xxxxxxxxxx [gabs8513]
My computer is rather old and the last thing I would want is to slow it down due to too many resources. Useful comment :=) [dana234]
dana I have AVG thatis free virus and have had it for bout a year. its fantastic and much better than Norton ever was. it deletes all virus at once and never leaves you standed. no it does not harm my machine at all. I like it better than Norton or Mcafee either one. [Hatley]
Oh, thatīs good to know. Norton didnīt work for me and I havenīt tried Mcafee. [dana234]
I have AntiVir installed in my computer. It's actually a free antivirus program, and so far it's the best antivirus software around. [fsound]
I have to inform myself about Antivir. Youīre the third person so far whoīs mentioned it. [dana234]
Free antiviruses are usually ok. I don't recommend avast! for a few reasons: 1-Its ugly/clunk interface 2-Its a huge system hog, especially compared to AVG and Antivir 3-It doesn't even have the best detection rates. I would suggest the free programs AVG or Avira's Antivir. [MrNiceGuy]
I had avast before, thanks for the info about it. Using AVG at the moment, it seems ok. Iīm counting the people now who use Antivir. Iīve only ever heard about it in this discussion. Must check it out. [dana234]
Im really stubborn about the whole Virus protection thing because I did put money into programs but mainly the ones that find viruses and spybots and whatever names they find for them but I never knew what they were doing if anything at all but it seemed alot of visuals that didnt mean anything to me. I don't trust most all free software because they make you agree to them downloading things on your computer you dont want and god knows what else. I now have Comcast that offers Norton Security but all wants me to agree to allow them selling my info and downloading things on my computer that they put no names to, Im over it. I have my firewall and probably my happy critters that came in through the back door but I keep to myself for the most part. [revellanotvanella]
I don't know its safe or not . But I use free antivirus on my PC . I am using quick heal . Only one thing I know about virus and antivirus is ...every virus has been created by some antivirus company to make popular of his antivirus . So If I have some free , then why wouldn't I use ... Thanks !!! [sincere4frdship]
Yes, that makes sense. Thanks to you. [dana234]
Right now I'm using a combination of AVG Free and Spybot Search and Destroy, also free. Haven't had any problems so far. I can't speak for the long term though, because I only started using AVG this year. [wisedragon]
Iīve only started using AVG recently as well, works fine for the moment. Been using Spybot for years, itīs always done a good job in my opinion. [dana234]
A few trusted ones with high rating can be OK. [p_vadla]
I am using Kapaski which is better protecting your computer. I feel good. [andypl]
I've had nothing but problems with programs that I buy. I got avast and I've had nothing wrong with my computer. I don't think it's necessary to buy a program that doesn't work half as good as avast. There's no point to it. [k1tten]
The only antivirus I ever paid for was "Norton" which didnīt work. I might as well have thrown my money out of the window. [dana234]
I actually had more problems with the paid antivirus programs than I did with the free programs. McCaffe antivirus worked fine for awhile and then it completely killed my computer. I couldn't get anything to work. I actually had to reformat the harddrive and start from scratch because it messed the whole system up to the point where I couldn't use the internet or anything. After that, I swore off McCaffe and started using Avast, and CCleaner. My computer works wonderfully now. It just sounds like he's trying to sell you something. [highflyingxangel]
Sorry to hear that. Some people swear that itīs the best antivirus around. Iīve never tried it. Good to know that your computer works fine with the free software. [dana234]
Yeah i did installed the Free version of Avast into my computer sometimes ago but i installed it due to its inability to detect minor viruses. I believe what the technician try to tell you is that if you are using free AV software you might get viruses and Trojans pile into your PC left undetected. That's what happen to me before the avast didn't alert anything but after i installed kaspersky they are plenty of them hiding in the system 32 file. In my opinion Kaspersky AV is the best of all because from experience I've been using this for four years now and my computer live in peace without any threats. The best part of Kaspersky is the automatic detection mode where it detect viruses from any external device i.e. thumb drive when you are trying to transfer a file. And the database is frequently updated for to detect new viruses. Kaspersky is too good to be true compare to any AV software out there. And simple to use as well. [frontier2002]
If you like you to try search in the bittorrent site like mininova.org. Download for free and install it scan your pc using to see whether any hidden Trojans in your computer ;). [frontier2002]
There are a few (very few) free programs that will not harm your computer. Avast, Avira, AVG etc (most of them have paid versions also) as antiviruses, SPybot is most excelent for antispyware but about the antiviruses i must warn you that the free versions are often a lot weaker than the paid ones. I am not making commercial publicity but talking from experience. You know, the viruses can be there, but if they don't do anything that is easy visible and don't get caught by your (free) antivirus program, that does not mean they are not there. Personally i would recommend using F-Secure. I have been using it for 3 years now with no problems what so ever. It even secured me against the well known annoying SABUREX virus wich only Bitdefender, F-secure and Karperski were able to detect and block. [elitess]
The free versions you mention here are the ones that I was using except that Iīve installed AVG now instead of Avast. Itīs possible that Iīve got viruses on my PC without knowing it, because the program wonīt detect them. But I thought that this also happens with paid versions. Thanks for the info on the most efficient programs. [dana234]
My computer technician is the one who suggested the free sites to me. Even said they were better then the paid anti-virus ones. My mom bought me Mcaffee Anti virus(pardon the spelling) and my computer pechnician advised me not to install it. Instead he suggested Avast and AVG which if I kept updated regularly then they worked better. I have had Norton and I must say I didn't like it at all really. I had it when my other computer had a worm and 8 viruses hit it all at once. It totally disabled the Norton. I also use a registry cleaner called Eusing free registry cleaner, I also have CCleaner and Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal adaware remover it is great and they all work great together to keep your computer going. I have not gotten a virus in over a year. I have also tried a trial version of the errornuker. maybe this technician is just looking for a way to get a few extra dollars out of you by selling you a virus protection but the freebies work great. Search File Hippo and it will have alot of useful free downloads to keep your computer shipshape. [mtdewgurl74]
Forgot to say "thanks for the link" :=) [dana234]
free antivirus is working but not so harsh as purchased antivirus.and free av is not for long time, after some days that av will expire and and did not function smoothly. it is only good to remove only just normal virus but it is unable to remove strong virus. [geeta100]
he was just trying to get a sale out of you. [Antianara]
Hi Dana, Popular free malware tools has strip down functionality of their paid equivalent. We just have to be aware of its weaknesses and add tools to strengthen it. The only problem here are the combination and version update instead of worrying only one tool. I only have free versions, free Pctools Firewall, Avast4.8he on one boot and AVG8 on another boot and Ad-aware 2008 for my anti spyware/adware. I'm using firefox with no-script addon. What I'm trying to say here is, relying on a single tool is disastrous even on a paid version. Knowing the malwares mode of attack and strengthening our system with the right tools is a must. The most important of all is employing safe web/computing practices. These can all be free. [ferdzNK]
Its alright, every one have their share of lost emails, I wonder if spam experience this too. Happy myLotting Dana. [ferdzNK]
i use free anti-virus most of the time because it's cheaper. we just have to be extra careful when going to some unknown sites so that we can avoid some viruses that our computers may get [rhane7315]
not all paid anti-virus are good and not all free anti-virus are bad. Although paid anti-virus (good ones) provides more features some free anti-virus like avg[ i prefer ] should do the trick economically. [mtsandeep]
I have been using,fixing,rebuilding and installing software in computers for nearly 10 years now, and in all that time i have never had a computer come into my workshop, that was damaged by a free antivirus program, i have however had several computers come into my workshop with norton antivirus in them, be full of (undetected by norton)viruses, any tech who tells you that free download antivirus programs will damage your system is full of it,the only thing that will damage your system is viruses spyware adaware and malware, plus several other hardware faults and electrical faults,that can be fixed by a tech, i have bought programs from a computer shop that have done as much damage as a hacker can, i had a computer delivered to my workshop only yesterday, it had 245 virus's 692 adaware 865 spyware and 298 malware in it, and it had norton,spybot search and destroy and zone alarm installed. so i say dont listen to all the money hungry techs out there, learn from your own experiences, if a tech can talk you into spending more money on your computer, he will, because we have to make a living too lol. [rocky1011]
Hey, thanks a million for all this useful info. Iīll bear it in mind. Norton is definitely not getting very good comments in this discussion. I understand now why it comes free with new computers, lol. [dana234]
I would have to say they are useful but please, for the love of God, do NOT go with Norton when and if you decide to go with a paid program. Get Kaspersky, the best around. I've used Norton in the past and it just uses up system resources and misses things it shouldn't. [br3nn4n]
Donīt worry Norton is the last thing I would ever buy. Had it and disabled it. [dana234]
I have no idea why your tech would tell you that but I have used AVG and Avast without a problem for years. Avast is very good at updating its databse. In addition to that I have used Zone Alarm without a problem and every now and then I go to Kaspersky's online virus scanner. Norton never worked for me either. It seems that some people have excellent results with Norton and others, well, our computers get sick if we use it. [syeryn]
Good to know that the free stuff has worked for you. I was beginning to think I was the only one who didnīt have any paid for security apps. running. Thanks for the tip concerning Kasperskyīs online virus scanner. [dana234]
On what basis did your technician say that free antivirus programs can damage the system in the long run? Maybe he knows something we don't. I have been using free programs like AVG, Spybot, Adaware and CCleaner for some time now, and I don't find my computers worse off than when I was using other paid programs. In fact, I feel they are good for my system because they help provide a better level of protection for my computers compared to the times when I didn't have them. Until I get confirmed evidences that such free programs can harm my computer, I will continue to place my trust on them. [lexus54]
The technicians opinion is that free programs are not too trust because they usually install Spy or Malware on your computer when you download them. No confirmed evidence, donīt worry. [dana234]
I personally use the free version of Zone Alarm Security Suite, which was highly recommended by my computer geek, oops! forgive me guru. He always has the best security set up to protect his computers. He has to have, he has his own online radio station. ZA has all the protection you will ever need. [lttlmischievious]
Oh itīs good to hear that a "Guru" is using some free stuff. He wouldnīt if he didnīt fully trust ZA. I had the free version of Zone Alarm Firewall. Iīll certainly check the ZA Security Suite out. Thanks. [dana234]
Well, I normally rely on the review. It is understand that you trust "free" programs less - same here, to some extent. But I think avast should be fine. I use AVG personally. But one thing you must bear in mind, do NOT install and run more than one anti-virus program on your computer. There will be conflicts and you and your computer are the ones going to suffer. rasp Spybot - that's for spyware. CCleaner - that's for possibly spyware but really just clearly junk. You need one more - firewall. Try e.g. zonealarm or comodo. Both are free. Cheers! lol [lordwarwizard]
Thanks for the info, lord. Hmmm.... Not so good. I like to comment on my comments a.s.a.p. not a week later. Therefore I apologize to you and everyone else here for answering the comments so late. [dana234]
Hi Dana-I had to have my laptop recently fixed cos it was picking up viruses etc and I had the free antispyware AVG but when I got it back from the shop they told me that hackers,viruses etc are actually finding a way through the free editions of anti-spyware now and it would be better for me to pay for a an antivirus-of which i have-Kapersky-that works fine for me and run all the time to detect anything and then put it into the vault or delete it-my advice is to pay for an antivirus-littleowl [littleowl]
Hi Dana-my technician said he had looked for a reliable antivirus and that kas[ersky was the best one and also fairly cheap that why I asked him to install it for me and since then I haven't had a problem-hope you can decide what to do about yours but the free editions hackers viruses etc seem to be getting through now-littleowl [littleowl]
I have had some pretty good luck with those free programs. I think it would be pretty ironic if we actually caught a virus from the installation of a free ANTI-VIRUS software program. That would be funny in an annoying sort of way. [danishcanadian]
More than annoying I would say :=)) [dana234]
I do not think the technician differentiated between the good free antivirus programs and the ones that drop up on ptr links. I have used Norton, Macafee that were offered when we first got our computers and when I could no longer use them, stuck to AVG and Antivir, both that were recommended as good programs. It has to do with the kinds that you pick up. If you watch what you get, you will have no problem. [suspenseful]
Yes, I agree on that. Itīs important to get some info about free programs before installing them. [dana234]
since that the computer is over 3 year may be is not good again [abi123]
You have to be careful with free anti-virus software as some can put virus's on your computer rather than getting rid of them, so only use ones recommended by a lot of other people. They also don't update as quickly as paid anti-virus's so new viruses aren't detected and can get past the firewall. If you can afford an anti-virus then buy one, but if not then don't worry about it, a recommended free one will still do the job most the time. In my opinion there are better things to spend your money on. [Elixiress]
Yes, I really donīt want to spend money on a paid for program if I can download a reliable one for free. [dana234]
I use Trend Micro's PC-cillin Internet Security Suite which you have to pay for, but before that I used the free version of AVG anti virus for many years with no problems. I wouldn't just trust any old free program though, search the web for tools with good reputations. I can't recommend AVG enough though :) [heleni0]
Hi heleni, Been using AVG for a while now and so far it seems to work fine. Thanks for the IT Security Suite tip. [dana234]
I have no idea why he would tell you that. I have never heard anything like that just cause its free. I use AVG free and have for years and it hasn't caused any damage to my computer at all. So i would say the tech probably doesn't have a clue what he is talking about. [Timothy31]
Yes, it's possible that he's clueless when it comes to free antivirus programs. [dana234]
I've used a lot of free software from download.com and i havent got any problem. I think its okay,as long as you dont install more than 1 antivirus because it can conflict. [taqinaka]
I'm glad to hear that the free stuff does a good job for you. Someone told me that Avast and AVG can both be installed without causing conflicts, but I prefer not to take the risk. [dana234]
I think as your technician had told you is right. he might be talking about free programs like CCleaner or Spybot. Just install an anti virus program it'll do enough for you. Other free program may slow down your computer due to occupying the memory. Once, I visited a site which checks whether your system has a virus. Before it starts checking, pushes a trojan into your system. As a result visitor has to download its anti virus software and then buy it. This software can detect only. To remove the threats you need to buy it. Kaspersky helped me here to read all story behind these sites. [tx_666]
from the day i purchase my computer back 1 year ago i used free antivirus, never tried antivirus that i have paid. my computer works properly. i encounter problem about the installation 3 months ago because i didn't read the instruction no other antivirus found in the system when i want to install this new antivirus i found from the internet. my system was down but after i fixed it i read the instruction and the result is great. i used kaspersky antivirus. [julyteen]
It's an effort, but after all beneficial to read the instructions. Good to hear that your computer functions with free antivirus. [dana234]
I think your technician was a newbie or he is trying to sell you a anti-virus. Free anti-virus programs are good and by no means they harm your computer in the long run. The only disadvantage of having free anti-virus is its less powerful heuristic engine. In other words, this engine helps detecting virus by its pattern instead of relying on updates. And remember no anti-virus is fool proof not even paid ones. I also used free anti-virus and I had no problem at all. [figjam00]
Thanks for the useful info concerning heuristic engine. You're right, nothing is perfect whether it's paid for or free. [dana234]
Do not let the technician worry you. You have to remember that it is the technician's job to sell software. There is nothing wrong with running good, free anti-virus programs on your machine. My husband runs AVG and I have run Avast for years. When we had Nortons, which is costly, it never detected all the viruses. I was forever having to run other programs to clean up my machine. I also run Spybot, Ad-Aware, and Advanced Windows Care. They are all free and very good programs. Since getting Advanced Windows Care, I think my machine is cleaner than it has ever been. Also, Avast checks all your emails, which is great for catching those bugs before they make it to the machine! [Barb42]
The notable ones are safe but they do have their downsides. For one thing, they can interfere with processes during scans. A few have pop ups and monitors. And some are very "homemade" and can easily conflict with other programs on your system. You also want to avoid having so much free "protection" on your system as they can conflict with each other (same as installing several anti-viruses). The ones I have are fine. [theprogamer]
uhhh? im using AVIRA "Free" for almost a year and never had a problem with VIRUSES... [shannon2001]