Opinions please

[Snagged]

What are the best Anti-virus software packages for home users using Windows system?
Please assume that the users are just smart enough to turn on the computer and know nothing else about them.

[Bobby]

I use AVG free version and am pleased with it.
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php

[bill]

if looking to buy
http://www.kaspersky.com/
http://www.nod32.com.au/

a2 (a squared) is also another choice for free protection
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/

I simply like AVG, it has never failed me. I also run an on-line scan from time to time because some nastys will disable your anti-virus. I run both Housecall and Panda on-line. (links found in the sticky).

[ShadMan]

Like Bobby and Billy said, AVG is a decent free software. I don't like a², personally. I watched two viruses wreak havoc on it.

If you want the best protection (fastest updates when new viruses are found, etc.) and if you don't mind paying a few bucks, go with PC-Cillin by Trend Micro. Easy setup and leave it alone. Comes with a firewall, pop-up blocker, and anti-spam for email, all for $40 or so. The firewall also sets itself up, so you don't have to constantly approve or deny access like in ZoneAlarm.

Here are some links for PC-Cillin:

http://www.trendmicro.com/en/products/desktop/pc-cillin/evaluate/overview.htm

http://www.trendmicro.com/en/about/awards/products/overview.htm

[bill]

nice feature and as a total package hard to beat price wise.

[Snagged]

If I read this thread correctly PC-Cillin come in first?
I'm looking for something better than McAffery and I think others are also.
Your opinions as Professionals odes mean a lot, being that and members of this board mean more.

[bill]

it has many awards and I know several MVP's that swear by it. It's called
F-Prot
http://www.f-prot.com/products/home_use/win/

I think it boils down to this, NOTHING is perfect. Not at every moment does any program catch it all, the key is how fast they have a solution. I know dozens of home users that use AVG and Zone Alarm and have no problems, where do you surf and what kind of risk do you feel? I have several systems here I use daily and most have access to the internet, I feel safe with AVG on a few because IF I get something and it is not caught, I can remove it (fingers crossed) and drive on. I have one system that gets put out front from time to time that has NO protection. It has a reason to be there and I consider it a throw away in the event something happens but worth the risk. Yes, it gets hit alot but still kicking after several years.
I have no ties to any anti-virus software and would not say one stands out as the best. I will say there are some better than others. Maybe look around on some security sites/message boards and see what everyone is talking about, read what other MVP's say about the different options.
You could always use Mozilla, have no Java, No Active X but then where's the fun. LOL
I say, pick one (from given in this thread, great ones listed) keep it updated and have fun.

[ShadMan]

Jerry - You're correct...PC-Cillin Internet Security (the newest version) has topped the list of best antivirus applications in most publications this year. As an IT professional, I swear by it, and use it on my own machine. Norton and McAfee have no chance of making it onto my machine! ;)

[Snagged]

Jerry - You're correct...PC-Cillin Internet Security (the newest version) has topped the list of best antivirus applications in most publications this year. As an IT professional, I swear by it, and use it on my own machine. Norton and McAfee have no chance of making it onto my machine! ;)
That was what I wanted to hear. I'll pay for a good product, but McAfee hasn't done a real good job.
Thank you.