What Antivirus Program Should I Get?

[Continuity]

I am normally a cheap bastard when it comes to things like antivirus programs, and always just use free programs to get the job done, currently using AVG Free and Malwarebytes. However I've recently started to think it might be worth investing in an actual paid antivirus program.
what antivirus program would you recommend? I want a program that is very effective, but that doesn't hurt computer-performance too much.

I recommend eset, formally nod, very lightweight and effective with it. A few people have recommended kaspersky but I would rule that out, good protection but invasive and resource heavy.

Personally I don't run antivirus, I rely on my router to stop external attacks and combine chrome with sandboxie to cover browser security, if you're careful there are actually very few vectors for a virus to get onto your computer, I also use malwarebytes and a trendmicro houscall scan every few weeks but I haven't had a virus or Trojan since I stopped using IE several years ago. I did use kaspersky for a couple of years but I got fedup with it.

Also:

http://www.virusbtn.com/vb100/latest_comparative/index

 

[KiraTaureLor]

Norton 360, or McAfee Total Protection

Those too are usually at the top paid products because they have huge databases, and money to invest in better programming.

I use avast though, I do however reformat my laptop every now, and then.

 

[KiraTaureLor]

To add a question into this thread,

I have Microsoft Security Essentials, Avast!, and AVG installed
But my computer is on fire, which one can be deleted?

Take off AVG

 

[RamirezDoEverything]

To add a question into this thread,

I have Microsoft Security Essentials, Avast!, and AVG installed
But my computer is on fire, which one can be deleted?

Take off AVG

Just did, thanks

 

[ModReap]

avast! Is the best free one as far as I can see.

 

[kurupt87]

Avast! or MSE.

No need to buy something, the adage that the more expensive something is the better it is hasn't fully penetrated the internet yet; hopefully it never will.

 

[Shadow-Phoenix]

AVG and Malwarebytes since i tried Avast once and didn't work well to my expectations.

 

[Sethzard]

If you want to spend money then norton 360, the old norton systems weren't great but this one more than makes up for it.

 

[TheIronRuler]

The best anti-virus protection lies between ones' ears.

 

[gigastrike]

I have Norton and it's saved me multiple times. It's a lot better now than people think, thought it's still expensive.

 

[zhoominator]

I have F-Secure. I don't know how it compares to others (I got a free 4 year contract with my laptop) but I've never had a problem with security. Ever. There's a crazy powerful firewall but I don't know if that's F-secure or something to do with the uni network.

 

[KiraTaureLor]

To add a question into this thread,

I have Microsoft Security Essentials, Avast!, and AVG installed
But my computer is on fire, which one can be deleted?

Take off AVG

Just did, thanks

Glad I understood the question, I was thinking that your computer was LITERALLY on fire....

 

[MrTub]

http://www.av-test.org/certifications?order=protection_desc&lang=en

http://www.pcworld.com/article/227187/microsoft_security_essentials_struggles_in_new_antivirus_tests.html


I recommend reading those links and then decide.

"Security Essentials was in the end awarded a 'pass' certification under the AV-Test assessment for making the grade in at least 11 of the 18 tests, putting it ahead of five products that failed altogether. In addition to CA's suite, these were Norman Security Suite Pro 8.0, McAfee Total Protection 2011, PC Tools Internet Security 2011, and Comodo Internet Security Premium 5.0/5.3.
"

 

[TheYellowCellPhone]

I use a combination of Avast! and Malwarebytes. Personally, I love Malwarebytes, since it's pretty simple to use and damn effective.

 

[Your Fearless Captain]

Avast or AVG. Don't pay for anti virus. Waste of money.