best free anti virus

iamthenugget · 23 Jun 2017 at 14:19

looking for a good free anti virus for my daughters laptop that wont slow it down too much.

lost track how many times ive had to reinstall windows for her
TIA

hornetstinger · 23 Jun 2017 at 14:21

If she's that bad with computers and loading .exe viruses I'd probably look at another OS maybe linux
As for AV I use avast.

iamthenugget · 23 Jun 2017 at 14:24

hornetstinger said:
If she's that bad with computers and loading .exe viruses I'd probably look at another OS maybe linux
As for AV I use avast.

its all this MSP and ends up installing these programs that in turn loads things like chromium and god knows what else.

i shall have a look at avast just now

Armageus · 23 Jun 2017 at 14:38

Have a look in here: https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/t...eep-all-av-questions-in-here.18581904/page-12

Although Linux is less susceptible to viruses, I still wouldn't recommend it for general desktop.

Having several children of various ages, I can't honestly recommend any of the free antivirus packages (tried Security Essentials/Defender, AVG Free, Avast, Bitdefender Free over the years), despite "educating" them all of them suffered infections at some point. Currently using the paid for ESET Internet Security, and have had no issues with either viruses or malware.

iamthenugget · 23 Jun 2017 at 14:43

Armageus said:
Have a look in here: https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/t...eep-all-av-questions-in-here.18581904/page-12

Although Linux is less susceptible to viruses, I still wouldn't recommend it for general desktop.

Having several children of various ages, I can't honestly recommend any of the free antivirus packages (tried Security Essentials/Defender, AVG Free, Avast, Bitdefender Free over the years), despite "educating" them all of them suffered infections at some point. Currently using the paid for ESET Internet Security, and have had no issues with either viruses or malware.

thnx for reply. i shall try avast out to start with before looking at ESET.

the problem i have is they just keep clicking next when installing stuff as well as visiting all these sites etc

hornetstinger · 23 Jun 2017 at 14:44

Set user privlages, guest.

Don't give them admin rights.

something daft already!! · 23 Jun 2017 at 14:44

Mostly common sense is the best AV.

iamthenugget · 23 Jun 2017 at 14:46

hornetstinger said:
Set user privlages, guest.

Don't give them admin rights.

i was just about to ask if there is a way to stop them installing anything.... bear in mind we dont have user accounts on any laptop whatsoever only 1 main account and nothing else

hornetstinger · 23 Jun 2017 at 14:49

Then create user accounts, that's what it's for.

iamthenugget · 23 Jun 2017 at 15:25

hornetstinger said:
Then create user accounts, that's what it's for.

thats easier said than done, thats when you end up with pcs locked when children cant spell properly, like my daughters iphone whenever the young ones get a hold of it and it gets disabled for 4 hours when they keep inputting the wrong pin :eek:

KIA · 23 Jun 2017 at 17:02

iamthenugget said:
i was just about to ask if there is a way to stop them installing anything.... bear in mind we dont have user accounts on any laptop whatsoever only 1 main account and nothing else

1) Create a new admin account for yourself. Don't tell her the password.
2) Remove her admin rights.

Craig321 · 23 Jun 2017 at 17:12

AVAST currently has the best performance/real world detection rates, or at least one of the best (especially as it's free).

I check this every few months: https://chart.av-comparatives.org/chart1.php. If you compare the real world protection test and peformance test you can pick the best ratio.

Raumarik · 23 Jun 2017 at 17:36

If you can use application whitelisting, should help a LOT.

Also don't allow her to run as admin, ever.

Recommend Windows defender + malwarebytes (paid for version for realtime scanning)

LoadsaMoney · 23 Jun 2017 at 17:51

I use the free Avira.

iamthenugget · 23 Jun 2017 at 18:45

KIA said:
1) Create a new admin account for yourself. Don't tell her the password.
2) Remove her admin rights.

That is probably the best option amd what I should have done to start with

iamthenugget · 23 Jun 2017 at 18:46

Halfmad said:
If you can use application whitelisting, should help a LOT.

Also don't allow her to run as admin, ever.

Recommend Windows defender + malwarebytes (paid for version for realtime scanning)

I've never heard of white listing before will need to read up on that

iamthenugget · 23 Jun 2017 at 18:48

LoadsaMoney said:
I use the free Avira.

I have avast now installed. Wasn't too bad only 137 items flagged. Will try it for a week or so then possibly try avira afterwards

Raumarik · 23 Jun 2017 at 18:59

iamthenugget said:
I've never heard of white listing before will need to read up on that

it can be annoying to setup but totally worth it

iamthenugget · 23 Jun 2017 at 19:00

Halfmad said:
it can be annoying to setup but totally worth it

I'm sure there will be a decent guide online somewhere for when I get lost/stuck

hornetstinger · 23 Jun 2017 at 19:24

use malwarebytes as well