What anti-virus software is recommended for a new laptop?

[holoscofo]

I am soon going to buy a new laptop and wonder whether to buy a security software package (anti-virus, anti-malware etc) eg. Kaspersky, Panda, or something similar, or whether I might just as well download free anti-virus such as AVG, which I have used in the past. Any recommendations gratefully received!

[boxtops]

We're with Norton - I know some people recommend the free ones, but we are pleased with what we get from Norton.

[deggers316]

avg free / avast free / I've got comodo free on mine. all good programmes, DONT pay,
google "cnet"downloads and look for internet security , and make your choice

[deggers316]

sorry but avoid norton !

[boxtops]

Each to their own, deggers, it does what we want it to. Regularly and effectively.

[boomster]

I have to agree with Deggers ... DO NOT buy Nortons!

[beso]

Microsoft Security Essentials is very good.
Avast is good too.

AVG is very annoying. It pop up to tell you need to restart your computer after it has updated. This even happens when the computer is not connected to the internet and could not possibly have updated so I recon it is rubbish. I gave up on it when it insisted every item page on ebay was a threat.

Norton is made by Symantec which generally makes very clunky bloated software. Older versions of Norton ran fourteen separate processes and used vast amounts of memory and processor time. I have been told that htye have rewritten it since.

We use Symantec's Veritas NetBackup at work and we call it NotBackup because it is always finding pathetic reasons not to do the backup. The reasons it gives often make no sense.

Many of the important functions in NetBackup are not even included in the user interface and we need to run DOS commands to do simple stuff like expire a tape. We had to go and look for those commands online because they are not explained in the help.

I would not recommend any software that comes form Symantec.

[RATTER15]

We use "Microsoft Security Essentials" it appears to be excellent! and its free.

[VHG]

Most people who say "dont buy Norton" have not used it for years and just keep repeating the mantra from a few years ago when Norton was not that great. It is now a very good product.

Personally I use Microsoft Security Essentials (free) for anti virus (and some anti malware).

The free Malwarebytes is also good for anti-malware but you do need to run it manually to "find" any problems (it does not run on it own).

Only the "paid for" Malwarebytes runs in the background all the time.

[Brinjal]

I use MSE. Seems ok. I used to use kaspersky which I liked but have decided to use the free MSE.

[johnny37]

Deggers and Broomster,

Why do you say dont use Norton without justifying your comment? I have had it for a couple of years without any probs. Seems pretty good to me. I can also get a free antivirus with my provider Talktalk (I know - Dont use Talktalk). Im sure it is every bit as good as Norton but I recently bought a new laptop at PCWorld (I know - Dont use PCWorld) and Norton came as part of the package for £10 so I have decided to stay with Norton.

[Answerprancer]

Norton is invasive and slows things down - it's a pain in the arss.

[jno]

am I right in thinking MSE runs in the background all the time? I also have Malwarebytes and run the occasional scan; I presume I'm well covered.

johnny37, Norton used to be a pain (for instance, it wouldn't let you into the Adverts section of AB); and it costs money. It may well have improved, but it still costs money. There are free ones around that seem to do the job.

[vivandorron]

My understanding is that MSE quietly keeps running in the background and it is my personal choice for an anti virus programme. However, if one types into the AB search box, above, "Anti Virus", there are lots of questions and answers on the matter of what is the best programme. e.g.:-

http://www.theanswerb.../Question1130223.html

Ron.

[craft1948]

I would highly recommend Norton.................I've never, ever, had a virus.

[jno]

thanks, Ron. I recently tired of AVG popping up all over the place, so I deleted it and installed MSE instead. I don't think it was slowing my computer down, though.

[boomster]

One thing I will say to you is this - you should not bother with the Norton's 360 ....

[deggers316]

all i can say is if you want to pay for product which is NO better than the free ones do so I've had free security progs for 12 years and never had any comp problems, its found some viruses and and ive deleted them just like the PAID for versions
paid for versions i would advise for business people but not general users

[holoscofo]

Thanks for all your answers and feedback

[SamualCage]

ESET Smart Security is quite good.

For free anti-virus program, I would like recommend Microsoft Security Essential.

System optimization tool: Cloud System Booster.