[ph03n!x]

Antivirus software impact performance because they have to scan each and every bit that moves - to and from RAM, to and from HDD, and to and from storage devices (USB, CD, etc). The RAM footprint and processor usage of antivirus software do not impact performance as much as the realtime scan engine's efficiency. Again, if any of you have not, try the Microsoft Security Essentials - will be worth the try.

Side note: MSSE is one of the very few AV that is not impacted by the SDDT exploit (Norton / McAfee are affected and can be completely bypassed).

[anku94]

Sacrificing power for something as primal as Norton would have been something a few years back. Nowadays PCs are literally monstrous. Norton won't have any effect on performance, if you have a 2008+ worthy PC.

[Ace F355]

Originally Posted by ph03n!x

Antivirus software impact performance because they have to scan each and every bit that moves - to and from RAM, to and from HDD, and to and from storage devices (USB, CD, etc). The RAM footprint and processor usage of antivirus software do not impact performance as much as the realtime scan engine's efficiency. Again, if any of you have not, try the Microsoft Security Essentials - will be worth the try.

Side note: MSSE is one of the very few AV that is not impacted by the SDDT exploit (Norton / McAfee are affected and can be completely bypassed).

Have to agree with you on this. I have been using MS Live OneCare from past 2 years and oh boy, complete peace of mind.

[Raccoon]

Originally Posted by ph03n!x

Antivirus software impact performance because they have to scan each and every bit that moves - to and from RAM, to and from HDD, and to and from storage devices (USB, CD, etc). The RAM footprint and processor usage of antivirus software do not impact performance as much as the realtime scan engine's efficiency. Again, if any of you have not, try the Microsoft Security Essentials - will be worth the try.

Side note: MSSE is one of the very few AV that is not impacted by the SDDT exploit (Norton / McAfee are affected and can be completely bypassed).

Not true for those AVs that only scan if a change is detected.

AVs have become to complex to decide on the "lightest" AV based on just installation file size/RAM footprint/etc.

Originally Posted by wildsdi5530

Norton is Bloatware. NIS includes firewall and site advisor.
I would advice getting Kaspersky or QuickHeal.

I was a Norton hater myself. However, it seems Norton has done an about turn. I tried their Anti Virus a few months ago and was surprised to be using one of the "lightest" AVs around... at least in terms of RAM footprint. In fact it seemed to only slow down my system marginally. Dunno about NIS, but I guess the same holds true for it.

[ph03n!x]

Originally Posted by Raccoon

Not true for those AVs that only scan if a change is detected.

Exactly. But how much is "changing" in a computer - even when an idle computer - any idea?!

I worked for one of the common names discussed here, nad pretty much know the behind the scenes of atleast that one...

Originally Posted by Raccoon

AVs have become to complex to decide on the "lightest" AV based on just installation file size/RAM footprint/etc.

True. From simple TSRs, these have come a long way - on to including network protection at sessions layer. Not to even mention the OS complexities that has evolved over time!

Btw, did I ever mention that the user is the best antivirus, and the actual antivirus is only a basic line of defense for the user?!! I have known people who have managed to live without AV at all in Windows without infections, as well as those who have more than one (yeah, I know...) and yet manage to get infections!

[Raccoon]

Originally Posted by ph03n!x

Btw, did I ever mention that the user is the best antivirus, and the actual antivirus is only a basic line of defense for the user?!! I have known people who have managed to live without AV at all in Windows without infections, as well as those who have more than one (yeah, I know...) and yet manage to get infections!

Thats very true. My AVs, as far as I know almost never catch anything at all. I'v often toyed with the idea of not using any AV at all, because I hate any AV that slow down my comps... no matter how fast it is. After all, one does not invest in hardware to run AVs! But then I sometimes really need it to scan pen drives which have been used on other comps... something I can't always avoid. And thats the only time my AVs have intercepted malware.

On the other hand, I know some people who use AVS and still have hordes of malware issues.

[ph03n!x]

Originally Posted by Raccoon

I sometimes really need it to scan pen drives which have been used on other comps... something I can't always avoid.

Two things you can do to ensure you do not get a virus infection on to your computer through a USB drive-

1. Disable Autorun. There is a way of doing this for all versions of windows, google should help in case you are not sure.
2. NEVER double click on the USB drive's letter / icon in My Computer / Windows Explorer. ALWAYS browse by single-clicking / expanding the drive's letter in the left pane of Windows Explorer.

This will ensure that even if a trojan and its payload is present in the USB drive, it will not get active - in other words - infect your computer.



EDIT: One more- Always view extension of all files, and do not hide any kind of files - included protected OS files. This may show a few thumbs.db, desktop.ini, etc at odd places - but that is better than having something hidden away from you!

[Raccoon]

Yes, I know... have already taken care of all that, but the problem is with the (possibly) infected files on the USB drive itself! For that I need to have an AV. In fact, when I have stronger doubts, I try to do a multiple AV engine scan online.

[victor0012]

Hi. Just picked up a new sony Vaio (i3, Win 7, 320 GB, 3MB) and it came with McCafee preinstalled.

My question is - in 30 days when the trial runs out, what should I do.

(A) If I were to buy a AV Suite, should it be Norton or renew McCafee etc

(B) If I were to go the free way, should it be AVG or AVAST etc?

Also, is the only way to renew your MS Office to buy a student edition for 2700?

Rgds,

Victor

[sammyboy]

^^ Lol dude I was about to write the same thing. I got McAFee pre installed on my Dell. SHould I continue after the trial is over or get something else?

[Raccoon]

^^^ McAfee was horrible bloat when I last tried it. I don't know if they have improved, like Norton. Anyway, there are so many other good options - Kaspersky, NOD32, Dr. Web, Bitdefender, etc., etc. Dr. Web is perhaps the "lightest" AV in existence.

If you want a free AV, then I'd suggest Avira. Its the "lightest" amongst them.

[ph03n!x]

An old news: Attack by-passes almost every Windows Security product (don't miss the Update)

MSSE not affected by KHOBE

[arin_12]

I use Kaspersky, it is very cheap too. 3 user license cost also most 700-1000. so per license is avg 300, very much effortable. Good and effected. no need to use some pirated version.

[WindRide]

Intel aquired McAfee yesterday.
Am wondering how long it will be before i can buy a PC with AV built into the chip

[suzuki san]

I have been using EScan for the last couple of years both on my desktop and laptop.
I am pretty happy with the product and the after sales service.
Cost is Rs. 750/=

SS