Member Avatar for jo2995

I currently use Avast! Free Antivirus as my antivirus. I decided against using McAfee Security Suite 2007 on a new computer when it slowed down the computer too much. Now, I'm worried that freeware antivirus might be insecure compared to paid ones. I do have other freeware antispyware programs and a firewall installed. What is freeware antivirus compared to paid antivirus? Is freeware worse than paid? If so, how so: Are there slower breakout response times? Are there less definition updates? Is there worse proactive protection? Now I'm thinking of possibly buying a version of Kaspersky Antivirus 6 on ebay after it was rated the Best Buy in a PCWORLD article. So, what do you think I should do? Should I go buy a paid antivirus, or should I stick with Avast? Or, should I reinstall McAfee Security Suite 2007? The PCWorld Article is: "" I am considering buying Kaspersky because I trust them. Note: I have never needed technical support for an antivirus product. PCWorld also rated Avast as the best free antivirus.

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Dani AI

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Thread summary and practical guidance based on the replies from , , and : reputable free antivirus engines often provide the same core signature protection as their paid siblings, while paid suites mainly add features, vendor support and management conveniences rather than a fundamentally different detection engine. Cost is not a reliable shortcut to safety; usefulness depends on features needed and how the product fits the machine and habits.

Typical differences to expect from paid suites include web/URL filtering and anti-phishing, behavior-based heuristics and exploit mitigation, bundled firewall/parental controls/backup, centralized management for multiple PCs, and formal technical support. These can matter for business use, multi-PC households, or users who want vendor support and extra layers (sandboxing, rollback, cloud-analysis). For many home users, a well-maintained free product plus layered defenses is adequate.

Key, practical items to apply now:

  • Enable automatic definition updates and keep real-time protection active.
  • Install all OS security updates and service packs; avoid running an unpatched system.
  • Use a properly configured host firewall (router NAT helps but is not a complete substitute).
  • Schedule full scans at idle times and run an occasional on-demand second-opinion scan.
  • Avoid running two real-time antivirus engines at once to prevent conflicts and slowdowns.
  • When considering a paid license from a marketplace, verify activation, transfer rules and vendor support before purchase.

Given 's experience with McAfee slowing the computer and no need for vendor support, sticking with a lightweight, reputable free product while maintaining the checklist above is a sensible choice. If extra features or formal support become important, evaluate paid suites with a trial, confirm licensing/transferability (especially for used licenses), and test performance impact before committing.

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Member Avatar for jbennet

I have used AVG free on all my pcs since about 2000. It has caught every virus they have ever had and managed to heal them just as well as any commercial offering.

Member Avatar for pty

'Costs more money' does not automatically mean better.

Member Avatar for jbennet

Yes, in most cases the onyl differences between the pro and free versions are features such as Network Scanning (as is the case with avg)

Member Avatar for DimaYasny

I use AntiVir by Avira. free, light and a good catcher. Haven't updated my XP since SP1 and still no problems

Member Avatar for jbennet

not getting sp2 is a bad idea

Member Avatar for DimaYasny

not getting sp2 is a bad idea

even behind a router?

Member Avatar for jbennet

yes, there are way to many exploits

Member Avatar for DimaYasny

nothing a firewall can't handle

Member Avatar for jo2995

=) Thnks everyone! I guess i'll be sticking with Avast for now. =)

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