Computer folks help me out

[Machdup1]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: I am not convinced that Kaspersky doesn't write a fair number of viruses just so they can be first to the market with the fix. My AV used to go off on a regular basis and any google search of what it found would take me to a kaspersky add and offer to fix it for a fee. that and the fact that they are based out of Russia is enough to make me not trust them farther than I can throw my cobra.

You need to do more research before commenting. If you would have done any research you would find that in the monthly statistics that are published for virus/malware detection capabilities and the ability to repair infection there are only two players consistant ranked in the top five of the fifty or so products on the market. Trend and Kaspersky.

The statistics go back several years if you want to check. As Trend is heavily geared towards the enterprise, Kaspersky is king. If you would like to see the data, PM me and I'll link you up.

 

[RDJ]

You need to do more research before commenting. If you would have done any research you would find that in the monthly statistics that are published for virus/malware detection capabilities and the ability to repair infection there are only two players consistant ranked in the top five of the fifty or so products on the market. Trend and Kaspersky.

The statistics go back several years if you want to check. As Trend is heavily geared towards the enterprise, Kaspersky is king. If you would like to see the data, PM me and I'll link you up.

actually no, I do not need to do more research before commenting. I was very specific in my comments and they are accurate.

These are the FACTS:

Kaspersky is HQ'd in Russia, they have offices in the U.S. but their Hqs is in Russia. YOU may trust your computer into their hands if you want. I will not.

Back when they first started out I got hit with a number of virus at different times, a google search of ALL of them led me to the kaspersky website where they offered to clean my computer for a FEE. and kaspersky was the ONLY website that would come up in a search over several days. This led me to the conclusion that they had written some kind of addware that was setting off AV programs and counting on stupid people to pay their fee for them to clean up their own addware/virius. Now YOU may be willing to do business with a company like that but I am not.

I dont' need to see the data. this is not my first rodeo, I do this shit for a living and have been since before you were born. I am well aware of where they stand on the list and I don't give two shits. because of the above they could give there shit away for free and pay people to use it and I would not take them up on it.

 

[SweetSVT99]

actually no, I do not need to do more research before commenting. I was very specific in my comments and they are accurate.

These are the FACTS:

Kaspersky is HQ'd in Russia, they have offices in the U.S. but their Hqs is in Russia. YOU may trust your computer into their hands if you want. I will not.

Back when they first started out I got hit with a number of virus at different times, a google search of ALL of them led me to the kaspersky website where they offered to clean my computer for a FEE. and kaspersky was the ONLY website that would come up in a search over several days. This led me to the conclusion that they had written some kind of addware that was setting off AV programs and counting on stupid people to pay their fee for them to clean up their own addware/virius. Now YOU may be willing to do business with a company like that but I am not.

I dont' need to see the data. this is not my first rodeo, I do this shit for a living and have been since before you were born. I am well aware of where they stand on the list and I don't give two shits. because of the above they could give there shit away for free and pay people to use it and I would not take them up on it.

I had the same experience when I first started seeing Kaspersky. Back then I didn't give it much thought, other than it was probably another piece of scare-ware, then I was surprised when I started seeing them as a "legitimate" security product more often.

I know they seem to consistently score high on the comparison tests, but I still can't bring myself to trust them.

 

[CobraBob]

actually no, I do not need to do more research before commenting. I was very specific in my comments and they are accurate.

These are the FACTS:

Kaspersky is HQ'd in Russia, they have offices in the U.S. but their Hqs is in Russia. YOU may trust your computer into their hands if you want. I will not.

Back when they first started out I got hit with a number of virus at different times, a google search of ALL of them led me to the kaspersky website where they offered to clean my computer for a FEE. and kaspersky was the ONLY website that would come up in a search over several days. This led me to the conclusion that they had written some kind of addware that was setting off AV programs and counting on stupid people to pay their fee for them to clean up their own addware/virius. Now YOU may be willing to do business with a company like that but I am not.

I dont' need to see the data. this is not my first rodeo, I do this shit for a living and have been since before you were born. I am well aware of where they stand on the list and I don't give two shits. because of the above they could give there shit away for free and pay people to use it and I would not take them up on it.

Interesting you bring that up. THAT was the major reason why I ditched Kaspersky about 4 years ago. My wife and I were both using Kaspersky, and she got hit with a nasty virus that, after trying every trick in the book to get rid of, forced me to wipe her hard drive clean and completely re-install Windows. I was so upset about Kaspersky allowing the virus through in the first place that I uninstalled it from both machines and went with Norton. Haven't had any issues since on her computer.

Bob the newest versions of Norton don't eat up that many resources. I'll try to find some graphs/reviews. I've had good experiences with NIS for my clients, but it has broken a firewall or two...but I think that has to do with the use sometimes. If you want something very light on resources, check out Webroot SecureAnywhere. Good product.

Thanks, Aaron. I appreciate your input and recommendations.

 

[20redfire03]

CCleaner
Avast
Malwarebytes anti malware
Spybot S&D

Get them all. They are all free, and they are all awesome.

I use all of these and common sense. Only comptuer I have to worry about is my moms as she can be click happy at times. I tried Kapsersky but that was becasue I got a free disc to use it. I dont feel paying for AV is worth it as they look no different then the free verison.

 

[dirtyd88]

I run the paid version of Avast on my PC and my laptop. I have yet to have any problems with anything, and my resources aren't being hogged and everything runs seemlessly.

I will have to check out MSE for malware though.

 

[WireEater]

This day and age, I'm not sure what people are doing to catch viruses. As long as you stay away from clicking on ADs and not accepting downloads to something you don't understand you should be fine. I can't even tell you the last time I've had a virus or malware on my machines. That's why I am fine with just running MSE.

 

[wht93gted]

This day and age, I'm not sure what people are doing to catch viruses. As long as you stay away from clicking on ADs and not accepting downloads to something you don't understand you should be fine. I can't even tell you the last time I've had a virus or malware on my machines. That's why I am fine with just running MSE.

Agreed. Although, my parents are clear examples how it happens.

I typical call from my mom will go something like:
Mom - "I was working, and everything was fine, but I needed to read a PDF file. So I installed the Adobe reader and now it doesnt work."

Me - "Where did you get Adobe Reader from?"

Mom - "I dont know, it just popped up when I tried to open the pdf online."

Me - facepalm "I'll be there saturday. Don't turn your computer on until then"

I'll get there and it's always funny to see their IE browser with 15 tool bars.

 

[RDJ]

I would add to this that there are STILL holes in most internet software. and there are exploits that are know yet still not closed. so an unsuspecting person can wind up in trouble by simply visiting a site they go to regularly and get hit because a company they trust was not careful enough to close up their shit.

Things are A LOT better than back in the day but companies still have a very long way to go.

Agreed. Although, my parents are clear examples how it happens.

I typical call from my mom will go something like:
Mom - "I was working, and everything was fine, but I needed to read a PDF file. So I installed the Adobe reader and now it doesnt work."

Me - "Where did you get Adobe Reader from?"

Mom - "I dont know, it just popped up when I tried to open the pdf online."

Me - facepalm "I'll be there saturday. Don't turn your computer on until then"

I'll get there and it's always funny to see their IE browser with 15 tool bars.

 

[Machdup1]

I dont' need to see the data. this is not my first rodeo, I do this shit for a living and have been since before you were born. I am well aware of where they stand on the list and I don't give two shits. because of the above they could give there shit away for free and pay people to use it and I would not take them up on it.

Trust issues aside, the only legitimate question is what product actually keeps computers from getting infected and which products can fix the infection if it does occur.

The research is clear on this point, though the leader among the top products changes month to month.

There are five AV products that appear to work: BitDefender, F-Secure, G-Data, Kaspersky and Trend. Having supported all five and others (Rolling them out in all size clients) since they were announced, I'll take Kaspersky any day of the week for home users and I'll take Trend for the Enterprise.

I can respect your position though (Flawed as the analysis may be), you see a potential causal relationship between the malicious person writing the bug and the manufacturer, as a good IT security person, you don't see the need to take a risk so you punt them off of your products list. Fair enough. I have punted products for similar reasons.

BTW, I am surprised that you have been doing this since the 1960's.

 

[RDJ]

I can respect your position though (Flawed as the analysis may be), you see a potential causal relationship between the malicious person writing the bug and the manufacturer, as a good IT security person, you don't see the need to take a risk so you punt them off of your products list. Fair enough. I have punted products for similar reasons.

I don't see my analysis as flawed, since it is based on personal experience at a time when viruses (viri?) were running rampant. you will also note I said I suspected at the time. all the evidence pointed in the direction I mentioned. and you cannot put trust issues aside, especially when it comes to Russia and China. Perhaps I am jaded by my time at that three letter agency when the iron curtain was still firmly in place and we were seeing the kind of shit out of them like we see out of china now. things have not changed as much as some politicians would have you believe

BTW, I am surprised that you have been doing this since the 1960's.

LOL seeing as how you didn't put a birthdate in your profile I apparently made an erroneous assumption. I have been doing computer support of one type or another since the late 70s and picked up PC support roles in 1984 and been going whole hog ever since in one form or another

 

[WireEater]

Just like everything else, one product supports a particular role better than another but when it comes down to it, I've never used a AV product that I didn't consider complete shit one way or another. Even Enterprise AV clients suck big balls but you just have to deal with em. I've only admin'd McAfee and Norton on the enterprise side though.

 

[joeg215]

Yeap, MSE. It does the job and It never bothers me. Sometimes I forget its even there.

 

[thomas91169]

None.

Its not 1998 anymore. Stop looking at crazy pr0n sites and downloading shitty programs from unknown sources.

I download a crapload of torrents weekly (prolly 50-100gb/mo) and havent had a virus since 2009ish when I tried to install some crappy b-rated RTS game for shits and giggles. Reformatted and was back to where I was not 45min later.

 

[Bad03Vert]

MS Essentials if you want it for free.
ESET if you want to pay annually.

:thumbsup:

 

[WireEater]

None.

Its not 1998 anymore. Stop looking at crazy pr0n sites and downloading shitty programs from unknown sources.

I download a crapload of torrents weekly (prolly 50-100gb/mo) and havent had a virus since 2009ish when I tried to install some crappy b-rated RTS game for shits and giggles. Reformatted and was back to where I was not 45min later.

Dang, you're so straightedge bra. You tell those viruses whose boss.

 

[40mpgH8r]

I'm earning my degree towards IT and I work on computers every day for the past 6 years so I don't know EVERYTHING but I can just tell you what I've seen.

There is no BEST AV. The company I work for I've seen the same amount of computers infected with something whether it has FREE AV or a PAID Subscription AV. YOU SHOULD HAVE SOME KIND OF AV THOUGH. Basically if you get on the internet you're almost guaranteed to get a virus. Ha. I'm tired of the, "But I paid for Kaspersky" (Just using them as an example). These viruses are coming out hour on the hour. Update your chit.

1. Keep everything up to date. AV, Java, Flash, Reader and Windows Updates. DON'T RELY ON AUTO UPDATES. If I was an ***hole I would right a program to disable all your auto updates. I've seen a lot of computers come in a week later from installing an AV and it's been removed by a virus. Make sure your AV is still installed on your PC!
2. Macs don't get as many viruses BUT THEY STILL GET SOME.
3. Backup your stuff you can't live without in case your computer does wig out on you. Maybe once a week?
4. Porn sites, Limewire, Frostwire downloads be careful. There are a lot of free viruses here. Same with the websites kids download these games from, because kids are stupid and download anything. If your kid doesn't, then great! Haha.

The best virus protection is common sense. Don't go to websites that you aren't familiar with, and if you insist on going to those sites, use Firefox with the NoScript extension installed. Don't use Internet Explorer, ever, use Chrome or Firefox with Adblock. Don't make a habit using other people's flash drives, don't download "free screensavers", toolbars, "free backgrounds", etc. A good rule of thumb, if something is free on the internet, there's probably a catch. There's a good chance that catch is going to be some sort of Malware somewhere.

^^Absolutely agree

Bob the newest versions of Norton don't eat up that many resources. I'll try to find some graphs/reviews. I've had good experiences with NIS for my clients, but it has broken a firewall or two...but I think that has to do with the use sometimes. If you want something very light on resources, check out Webroot SecureAnywhere. Good product.

^^Yes, Webroot SA is perfect for computers if you're worried about resources. I install it on almost every XP machine I see. Haha.

Just stay away from McAfee. It came free with my Dell I bought last year but I've been infected twice and had to do a system restore to rid myself of the infection. Had McAfee on an earlier computer and it didn't mesh well with my set-up so I canned it. I have used Norton and I will say I never had infections, but it did make my computer very slow on start up.

^^I have McAfee and I haven't had any issues. My McAfee has caught some viruses and then I have also caught some viruses it missed but I wouldn't say "Stay away from it". I think it comes down to personal preference here because I say the same about Norton. Only because their software has kept me from accessing the internet way back in the day. I'm sure they've fixed it, though.

Agreed. Although, my parents are clear examples how it happens.

I typical call from my mom will go something like:
Mom - "I was working, and everything was fine, but I needed to read a PDF file. So I installed the Adobe reader and now it doesnt work."

Me - "Where did you get Adobe Reader from?"

Mom - "I dont know, it just popped up when I tried to open the pdf online."

Me - facepalm "I'll be there saturday. Don't turn your computer on until then"

I'll get there and it's always funny to see their IE browser with 15 tool bars.

^^Same issue with my mom. Haha. Just make sure you stay up to date with Java, Reader, Windows Updates and Flash. I'm tire of hearing people cry that something doesn't work. It's usually easily fixed with the most up to date version. Yes, 15 tool bars, BAD!.

 

[wallie40]

Hackintosh or Ubuntu and call it a day.

 

[wht93gted]

None.

Its not 1998 anymore. Stop looking at crazy pr0n sites and downloading shitty programs from unknown sources.

I download a crapload of torrents weekly (prolly 50-100gb/mo) and havent had a virus since 2009ish when I tried to install some crappy b-rated RTS game for shits and giggles. Reformatted and was back to where I was not 45min later.

I'm actually the same way. My router is enough to stop unsolicited attacks with all ports closed.

I keep my important things backed up.

I'm not convinced any anti-virus is able to correctly fix any machines. We don't even bother at work; machines are rebuilt no matter what. Can't risk it.

 

[Machdup1]

I don't see my analysis as flawed, since it is based on personal experience at a time when viruses (viri?) were running rampant. you will also note I said I suspected at the time. all the evidence pointed in the direction I mentioned. and you cannot put trust issues aside, especially when it comes to Russia and China. Perhaps I am jaded by my time at that three letter agency when the iron curtain was still firmly in place and we were seeing the kind of shit out of them like we see out of china now. things have not changed as much as some politicians would have you believe


LOL seeing as how you didn't put a birthdate in your profile I apparently made an erroneous assumption. I have been doing computer support of one type or another since the late 70s and picked up PC support roles in 1984 and been going whole hog ever since in one form or another

We have been providing enterprise support for about the same amount of time. I lived through the early years of battling every virus out there.

Sounds like you come by your paranoia honestly. A healthy level of paranoia is the first trait I look for when I hire IT security guys.

I think that we actually agree in principal, but I take it a step further. Since only a bit of the code for any of the other products is actually developed in the US, I think all of the products are in the same boat with regards to the trust factor. As such, I put them all in the same pool and just look for the ones that provide the most reliable track record over a period of years when I perform AV/AMW assessment and strategy surveys for my enterprise clients. The ones I have listed are a result of that work.