Which anti-virus program are you using?

Which free AV programme do people use ?

If you don't want or can't afford to pay, then I would recommend Kaspersky Free Antivirus, Sophos Home Free Antivirus, Panda Dome Free Antivirus or Bitdefender Anti-virus Free Edition if you prefer not to use Windows 8/10 Defender/Windows Antivirus or Microsoft Security Essentials, the free solution for Windows 7 and Vista SP1/SP2 that combines the features of an anti-virus and anti-malware scanner to provide real-time protection.

I just use security essentials

I just use security essentials

MSE is a good, if not a perfect, choice!  Along with Emsisoft, both do a good job of on-demand scanning.

Kaspersky Security Cloud Free antivirus. I also use NoVirusThanks OSArmor as an extra layer of protection.

I'm using Emsisoft Anti-Malware, used before different free programs such as AVG and Avast, but Emsisoft is for me perfect.

I personally use Kaspersky Free

I usually would opt for Bitdefender Free, but I chose Malwarebytes Antimalware for the simple fact that Bitdefender sucks and DOESN'T LET ME CHOOSE THE INSTALLATION LOCATION. But uh, statistically, Bitdefender is better at detecting stuff than Malwarebytes Antimalware.

 

Also, if you are for any reason wondering WHY I am so angry at the non-existing nature of the installation location feature in Bitdefender's installer, my C: drive is for my Windows installation, but all default installations try to install there. I do not like that. (And Windows updates break down if I change the default.)

Although the marketing of Malwarebytes 3.x Premium "claims" it can be used as a replacement for an existing anti-virus, it is not an anti-virus...see here. Malwarebytes has limitations and lacks many constructs that a traditional anti-virus applications employ...it is not a historical anti malware solution...meaning it does not detect legacy malware, it does not target scripted malware, document files, media files and it is incapable of of removing malicious code that has been prepended or injected into legitimate files (i.e. file infectors, Trojan patches). The Anti-Exploit module is primarily for protection against software exploitation...it does not protect against social engineering, the human exploit often resulting from fraud, spam and phishing emails.

This is a more detailed explanation by David H. Lipman, a trusted Security Colleague and Malware Researcher/Analyst.

MBAM is not an anti virus application and does not replace an an anti virus application. MBAM is an adjunct, complimentary, anti malware application.

In its role as a adjunct, complimentary, anti malware application it has limitations in aspects that the anti virus application performs in its role. MBAM does not target script files...It also does not target document files...media files...MBAM targets mainly non-viral malware. The exception being a virus dropper (a malware file that drops a virus and starts a virus infection but is not infected with the virus) and worms (such as Internet worms and AutoRun worms). MBAM is incapable of removing malicious code that has been prepended, appended or cavity injected into a legitimate file. That means if a file infecting virus infects a legitimate file MBAM will be unable to remove the malicious code...MBAM is not a historical anti malware solution. That means it will not target old malware. It's intent is to target 0-Day malware. Malware that is infecting computers Today with malware found in-the-wild, Today...With all the things that that MBAM can not do, it is not an anti virus application and it remains an anti malware application which relegates it to its complimentary position.

Dave provides the same explanation in this topic at Malwarebytes where he provides assistance on the forums board.

That indicates to me that Malwarebytes 3.x Premium is still better served as an adjunct anti-malware solution to complement and strengthen your protection when utilizing a traditional anti-virus solution.

Have to say, since I ditched Avast, and used MSE in conjunction with malwarebytes free a few weeks ago, my Squeezebox has worked perfectly and everything else seems much quicker and smoother all round. Apart from I had a problem with the last microsoft security monthly rollup but I presume that is something else altogether. 

Preparing to Ditch Avast on Home systems here,  had a minor set back though, it was some reason erasing my Temporary Internet FIle path from Internet Options, not sure if Avast uninstall did that or what...Ended up doing a repair install on main desktop

 

Should I attempt Avast Removal one more time and Stick with Defender/Malwarebytes on the household systems.

If you want to remove avast, refer to these resources.

• Uninstalling Avast Antivirus via the Windows Control Panel using the Avast Setup wizard
• Avast Antivirus: Using the Uninstall Utility <- run in safe mode
• Uninstall avast Antivirus software using avastclear <- run in safe mode

If you want to remove avast, refer to these resources.

• Uninstalling Avast Antivirus via the Windows Control Panel using the Avast Setup wizard
• Avast Antivirus: Using the Uninstall Utility <- run in safe mode
• Uninstall avast Antivirus software using avastclear <- run in safe mode

 

 

Ok will Attempt that, and hopefully all goes well this time lol

Good luck.