Anti Virus Software

[Rogar]

I've been running McAfee for several years and paying their annual fee of $75 for the subscription for routine updates. Knock on wood, I've never been infected with anything and fell pretty safe with McAfee. I'd just like to get away from the annual fee. And I've heard that McAfee slows your system down.

I preparing to reformat my desktop hard drive, which would be a good chance to install different anti virus software. I'm extremely paranoid about identity theft and computer security. I remember a Consumer Reports issue several months ago that evaluated the different programs and some of the freeware rated pretty good, but I've forgotten which ones.

Curious what folks are using and how comfortable you are with it?

[Alan]

I'm currently using Microsoft Security Essentials (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials) as a replacement for Avast (http://www.avast.com/en-us/index). I've been happy with both..

[herbgeek]

I use both anti virus as well as anti malware solutions. Currently using McAfree for anti virus, but was previously used one provided by Charter, my cable company. For anti malware, I've used both Spybot and Malwarebytes.

[Perplexa]

My mom had trouble with her Norton install and so we switched her to AdAware for a long time, which was great and is free. It's specifically for malware, and I can't recall what we used for viruses. When you install new anti-virus software, be SURE you un-install the old one. Otherwise the two will see each other as viruses and your entire system will come to a screeching halt.

A more permanent solution is to switch to a Mac (not frugal unless you're already in the market for a new computer) or switch your computer to Linux, which is free but takes a bit of tech savvy. It's primarily Windows machines that suffer from virus problems.

(ETA: In the interest of full disclosure: my partner works for Apple, so I'm a bit biased.)

[rose]

I used Avast for years (free) and was happy with it. When I researched reports showed it as being just as effective and taking up less space on computers. My cable provider provides free anti-virus software so I'm using that now.

[Perplexa]

The anti-virus software I was thinking of is called ClamWin. It's free too.

[pony mom]

I've been using Avast also and have had no problems. Free is my favorite.

[AustinKat]

I've also use Microsoft Security Essentials. It's free, it plays very well with Windows (obviously), and it runs and updates automatically. I'm very pleased with it.