My Symantec Norton AV has expired. It was giving me fits with out-going email scans which required me to re-send emails over & over. So, what is the best AV out there with low resource overhead? $30 target price range.

AVG, They have a pay version, but also a free one which I run on all my computers.  Been hit with 2 virus in last 2 years. AVG found them as soon as they got on my system and took care of them.
free.grisoft.com/doc/1

why pay for what you can get for free.

AVG from GriSoft

AVG Free

abstinence, don't plug computer into Internet.

I use Trend Micro on my personal computers and my server at work. Keeps me out of trouble...

I use Avast, and love it!  I use AGV as a backup.

NoAdware v3.0 picked up tons , when the free ones picked up squat

I use Norton internet security.  It is supposedly a large program but my computer handles it just fine.  I also run Spysweeper and Adaware SE and they help on the ads and spyware.

I bought zonealarm for $25 from download.com. Works great. No problems

I got one of the bargain discs at Walmart a couple of years ago and used it.  When I switched to Norton you wouldn't believe all the stuff it found that the cheapo missed.  

I'm not proud that I pay for Antivirus software when there is free products out there but I have had McAfee security center for three years now.  I go all over the web and have yet to become infected with anything thanks to this product.

Quoted: I use Norton internet security.  It is supposedly a large program but my computer handles it just fine.  I also run Spysweeper and Adaware SE and they help on the ads and spyware.

Norton is teh Suck.

Had so many problems with their corporate enterprise software... not to mention what a bitch it is to uninstall...

AVG seems to be the way to go...

I use McAfee & HATE IT. I have at least 9 months left on the subscription but will probably find something else to use.

Command/Authentium/f-prot

I chose to install this on my network computers because it does not have all that system killing eye candy crap that most of them have these days.  All you really need to block viruses is a memory resident scanner. All the other stuff is just a sales pitch. If your memory scanner is updated and is doing its job correctly nothing will be able to infect your computer

It has a basic interface and takes up little system recources. If it does slow down one of your applications simply tell it to ignore the software working directorys.

The only downfall is you need a secondary spyware program. I tried authentiums and found it lacking. Microsofts Beta spyware seems to be working pretty good. And its free.

I use Nod32 on my TabletPC and I love it.  It does not use system resources like Norton.  It updates constantly and offers many layers of protection.  All of this for a reasonable annual fee.

SBG

AVG


or F -prot at DOS level.

Anti-Vir....Here  Its free for the personal edition but you have to manually update it.  


Beats Norton's and Mcafee hands down. All my computers use it, Very easy to use and more aggressive that ANY program of its type IMHO.



ETA: that it was free .

Norton Memory Footprint:  Approx 40 megabytes of bloatware.

McAfee Memory Footprint:  Approx 33 megabytes of bloatware.

AVG memory footprint:   Approximately 7 or 8 megabytes.

Either Trend Micro or Kaspersky.  Symantec is the worst with McAfee a close second.  Symantec has an ~29 hour response time when creating or upgrading virus sigs based on new virus releases.  Kaspersky is ~6-9 hours.

Quoted: Quoted: I use Norton internet security.  It is supposedly a large program but my computer handles it just fine.  I also run Spysweeper and Adaware SE and they help on the ads and spyware. Norton is teh Suck. Had so many problems with their corporate enterprise software... not to mention what a bitch it is to uninstall... AVG seems to be the way to go...

I have never had a problem with it and I like the fact that if you do have a problem you can actually contact a human being at Symantec easily.

Quoted: My Symantec Norton AV has expired. It was giving me fits with out-going email scans which required me to re-send emails over & over. So, what is the best AV out there with low resource overhead? $30 target price range.

I had that happen before I got my new computer.  The issue was that my old Gateway was a slow piece of shit and just couldn't handle the program.  I got an up to date computer and all issues were resolved.  I needed a good computer anyway.  

another +1 for commandondemand, and nod32

others are pandasoftware, and avast


please read this page on spyware removal programs also
spyware rogue

Quoted: Quoted: I use Norton internet security.  It is supposedly a large program but my computer handles it just fine.  I also run Spysweeper and Adaware SE and they help on the ads and spyware. Norton is teh Suck. Had so many problems with their corporate enterprise software... not to mention what a bitch it is to uninstall... AVG seems to be the way to go...

I am a Network Specialist with over 12 years in the IT field. Our company recommends Symantec AV products, and I have deployed it dozens of times in networks with 100's of users.

I have staked my reputation on the product, and I sleep well at nights. PERIOD.

If someone has had problems with the out-going email scans in the consumer product, that problem can be fixed. It is not a common occurance, and does not point to an unreliable AV product.

I do work on the side, and am often asked to clean up an infected system.
The home computers that have had an AV installed that a scourching infection cruised through like nothing was there, have usually been using the Mcafee product.

I will not criticise Avast or AVG. they work just fine. One thing to remember though, Symantec has 1000's of "honeypot" systems positioned around the world just waiting to attract a new threat so it can be quickly analysed and countered.

The smaller freeware Avast or AVG products do not have the same resources. No blanket criticism, but they lack the $$ and big iron to do it.

CS223, if you were my bestest buddy, and I were setting up your home system, I'd install the newest  Symantec Norton AV. I wouldn't leave a friend with inferior protection.

Cheers!

Quoted: I am a Network Specialist with over 12 years in the IT field. Our company recommends Symantec AV products, and I have deployed it dozens of times in networks with 100's of users. I have staked my reputation on the product, and I sleep well at nights. PERIOD. If someone has had problems with the out-going email scans in the consumer product, that problem can be fixed. It is not a common occurance, and does not point to an unreliable AV product. I do work on the side, and am often asked to clean up an infected system. The home computers that have had an AV installed that a scourching infection cruised through like nothing was there, have usually been using the Mcafee product. I will not criticise Avast or AVG. they work just fine. One thing to remember though, Symantec has 1000's of "honeypot" systems positioned around the world just waiting to attract a new threat so it can be quickly analysed and countered. The smaller freeware Avast or AVG products do not have the same resources. No blanket criticism, but they lack the $$ and big iron to do it. CS223, if you were my bestest buddy, and I were setting up your home system, I'd install the newest  Symantec Norton AV. I wouldn't leave a friend with inferior protection. Cheers!

That's fine and all, but Symantec is still teh suck.

I paid several thousand for their software.  When I had several problems I contacted their tech support department for help.  I was denied help on 4 seperate occassions because they couldn't verify who I was.

Didn't matter I had the account number with CDW, my Licensing number, my boss on the phone, they flat out refused to help me.

While their software is good, if I have to deal with a company who will not fix problems with my software, fuck them.

I had a year and half left on my update contract, but deleted every program that was in there (and was a real bitch to do) and switched to Computer Associates.  Their software is terrible, but at least their tech support would talk to me and try to help me.

I don't like being treated like a criminal when I ask for help, and for that Norton can go fuck themselves.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I use Norton internet security.  It is supposedly a large program but my computer handles it just fine.  I also run Spysweeper and Adaware SE and they help on the ads and spyware. Norton is teh Suck. Had so many problems with their corporate enterprise software... not to mention what a bitch it is to uninstall... AVG seems to be the way to go... I am a Network Specialist with over 12 years in the IT field. Our company recommends Symantec AV products, and I have deployed it dozens of times in networks with 100's of users. I have staked my reputation on the product, and I sleep well at nights. PERIOD. If someone has had problems with the out-going email scans in the consumer product, that problem can be fixed. It is not a common occurance, and does not point to an unreliable AV product. I do work on the side, and am often asked to clean up an infected system. The home computers that have had an AV installed that a scourching infection cruised through like nothing was there, have usually been using the Mcafee product. I will not criticise Avast or AVG. they work just fine. One thing to remember though, Symantec has 1000's of "honeypot" systems positioned around the world just waiting to attract a new threat so it can be quickly analysed and countered. The smaller freeware Avast or AVG products do not have the same resources. No blanket criticism, but they lack the $$ and big iron to do it. CS223, if you were my bestest buddy, and I were setting up your home system, I'd install the newest  Symantec Norton AV. I wouldn't leave a friend with inferior protection. Cheers!

corporate offices have stricter surfing habits than the typical home user.  You won't see as many problems on corporate computer's.  Home users are a real mess.   I deal with those every day.

example:  this computer had latest definitions of NAV at the time

it scanned for 3 days I believe.

Quoted: Norton Memory Footprint:  Approx 40 megabytes of bloatware. McAfee Memory Footprint:  Approx 33 megabytes of bloatware. AVG memory footprint:   Approximately 7 or 8 megabytes.

AVG is good for freeware

Just checked Command antivirus

1879 k memory usage on resident memory scanner.
5335 k if you actually open the program to change a setting or manually scan something.

Quoted: That's fine and all, but Symantec is still the suck. I paid several thousand for their software.  When I had several problems I contacted their tech support department for help.  I was denied help on 4 separate occassions because they couldn't verify who I was. Didn't matter I had the account number with CDW, my Licensing number, my boss on the phone, they flat out refused to help me. While their software is good, if I have to deal with a company who will not fix problems with my software, fuck them. I had a year and half left on my update contract, but deleted every program that was in there (and was a real bitch to do) and switched to Computer Associates.  Their software is terrible, but at least their tech support would talk to me and try to help me. I don't like being treated like a criminal when I ask for help, and for that Norton can go fuck themselves.

I am not going to flame/criticize you personally  purplecheese.

But something isn’t kosher here. Something is missing from the story.

Why?

As I stated above, I am a Network Specialist. I support a number of financial institutions. We recommend the Symantec Corporate Anti Virus for all our clients. Several of the financial institutions have contracted through third-parties to have their network security analyzed after while I was responsible for administering their network. I have never been embarrassed by the results of the security audits.

If you were my client purplecheese, I would have resolved your problem. I can usually do this after a visit to their knowledge base. If I could not have resolved your problem, I would take your Symantec license certificate. It should have a Symantec Part Code for the Gold Maintenance. The Gold Maint 1YR part number is 10363463. Underneath is the Serial number for activation: Bxxxxxxxxxx.

I would register and receive a contact ID. I would call the Gold Support number and request assistance. The Symantec techs on the Gold Support all speak English as a first language. {I think they are all American} There might be a wait due to the severity of virus exploits worldwide. But I’ve never had to wait over ½ hour.

The techs are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. I have never failed to get the proper resolution after a support call.

Let’s call your situation an anomaly, because it is not the norm for the Symantec product or it’s support people. Also you are having a problem with Computer Associates.

Quoted: switched to Computer Associates. Their software is terrible, but at least their tech support would talk to me and try to help me. I don't like being treated like a criminal when I ask for help, and for that Norton can go fuck themselves.

Now you are having problems with another big-name, heavy reputation product. Hmmmmmmm
What’s going on with that network of yours?
I think that. . . . . saying your experience with network AV products is enough to condemn Symantec products entirely is, . . . disingenuous.

+1 to free avg, but if you choose to run firefox you only need that.  If you run internet exploder get AVG and ad-aware.  Takes care of the crap that Internet Exploder puts on.  

Another recommendation for AVG.  I've been using it for about a year, and it has easily slammed every virus that even thought about looking at my PC.  And the price can't be beat.  

Norton is the worst resource hog.  I would never use it even if it were free.

Quoted: corporate offices have stricter surfing habits than the typical home user.  You won't see as many problems on corporate computer's.  Home users are a real mess.   I deal with those every day.

Some of the worst infections I see are on the major partners of law or accounting firms where the men are p0rn hounds. The company allows their AV support agreement to lapse, and the partners believe they are above the employee Internet Use Agreement, and BLAM! Their p0rn habits get them scorched.

Quoted: example:  this computer had latest definitions of NAV at the time it scanned for 3 days I believe. web.qx.net/cruze5/toomany.jpg

Again CS223 is being told a story where certain components are missing.

Symantec cannot be criticized via anecdotal evidence where there is a claim that it took THREE DAYS to clean the system. No professional would spend three days trying to fix a problem.

Either you are going to bill them {let’s lowball this} $65 per hour x 24 hours = $1560, or you are leaving billiable time on the table. When billiable time = replacement cost, the customer is going to get {rightfully}

I can tell within the 1st hour if the system is going to respond to my software toolbox of remedies, with a rough estimate of the total time I may spend.
Then it’s fish or cut bait time. Either you can clean the system, or sometimes it’s more sensible to extract the data, reload the O/S, or clone from an identical system (!) and restore the data.

But don’t make a recommendation to CS223 after recounting a three day system cleaning session, because {Bless Your Heart & I know you mean well} you took the wrong path there.

CS223, if you were my bestest buddy, and I were cleaning up your home system, I'd have the system fixed within the day. I wouldn't loose a friend’s data, or sell him a product with inferior protection

If you have Comcast download McAfee Anti Virus and Firewall FREE.

The McAfee Firewall has Found 5 Different Hacker attacks this week it traced(Sandiago,Boston,Houston,Florida, New York) and reported to Hackerwatch.org

Norton that expired months ago and refused updating DAT files wanted big bucks just to renew...

Also their firewall sucks..

Zone Alarm crashed my computer if I used it with Norton or McAfee Anti Virus.

If you have Comcast I recommend you download The free stuff..

Quoted: Quoted: I use Norton internet security.  It is supposedly a large program but my computer handles it just fine.  I also run Spysweeper and Adaware SE and they help on the ads and spyware. Norton is teh Suck. Had so many problems with their corporate enterprise software... not to mention what a bitch it is to uninstall... AVG seems to be the way to go...

I had problems with the average Joe version! Did not like software for my audigy 2 ZS.

Well as I stated, free isn't a qualification. I'm on dialup so I feel pretty confident that a hacker would be bored trying hack my slow ass system. No network. Basically just want good anti-virus software with a low system overhead. Thanks for all the help folks!

Quoted: I use Norton internet security.  It is supposedly a large program but my computer handles it just fine.  I also run Spysweeper and Adaware SE and they help on the ads and spyware.

+1000

Norton stopped over 150 virus attacks on my computers last year. I won't get on the internet without it.

I certainly am not an expert, but, McAfee seems to have done a good job for me. I do not recall the price. Charles.  

Quoted: Quoted: I use Norton internet security.  It is supposedly a large program but my computer handles it just fine.  I also run Spysweeper and Adaware SE and they help on the ads and spyware. +1000 Norton stopped over 150 virus attacks on my computers last year. I won't get on the internet without it.

And I'd like to add that afman91201 has a point. You are not adequately protected with just one product. The best protection comes with using more than one product.

You should not run two anti-virus programs Concurrently. Bad ju-ju.
But running an anti-spyware in addition is a great practice.

While we all love to hate Microsoft, they do make some decent decisions occasionally . And when they  announced the acquisition of an anti-spyware company, it was a good choice. Microsoft purchased Giant Company Software’s, Giant AntiSpyware, and it is now available as a free download as the Microsoft Anti-spyware Beta. Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)

Microsoft AntiSpyware provides a three-pronged attack on spyware. First, the product can perform spyware scanning and cleaning, as you'd expect. Second, AntiSpyware uses logic that is based partially on feedback from community-based approach called Spynet, which helps ensure that AntiSpyware customers know about spyware threats before anyone else. Spynet has a large database of the "genetic fingerprints" of files to determine whether those files are valid. And third, Microsoft Anti-spyware runs constantly in your system, providing real-time protection from spyware, preventing it from getting a foothold in your system.

Quoted: I am not going to flame/criticize you personally  purplecheese. But something isn’t kosher here. Something is missing from the story. Why? As I stated above, I am a Network Specialist. I support a number of financial institutions. We recommend the Symantec Corporate Anti Virus for all our clients. Several of the financial institutions have contracted through third-parties to have their network security analyzed after while I was responsible for administering their network. I have never been embarrassed by the results of the security audits. If you were my client purplecheese, I would have resolved your problem. I can usually do this after a visit to their knowledge base. If I could not have resolved your problem, I would take your Symantec license certificate. It should have a Symantec Part Code for the Gold Maintenance. The Gold Maint 1YR part number is 10363463. Underneath is the Serial number for activation: Bxxxxxxxxxx. I would register and receive a contact ID. I would call the Gold Support number and request assistance. The Symantec techs on the Gold Support all speak English as a first language. {I think they are all American} There might be a wait due to the severity of virus exploits worldwide. But I’ve never had to wait over ½ hour. The techs are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. I have never failed to get the proper resolution after a support call. Let’s call your situation an anomaly, because it is not the norm for the Symantec product or it’s support people. Also you are having a problem with Computer Associates. Quoted: switched to Computer Associates. Their software is terrible, but at least their tech support would talk to me and try to help me. I don't like being treated like a criminal when I ask for help, and for that Norton can go fuck themselves. Now you are having problems with another big-name, heavy reputation product. Hmmmmmmm What’s going on with that network of yours? I think that. . . . . saying your experience with network AV products is enough to condemn Symantec products entirely is, . . . disingenuous.

You can say what you want, I honestly don't care.

I was having problems with CA downloading the updates.  Resolved it with their tech support.  I found the software was a bit harder to setup initially than Norton, but when it worked, it worked fine.

If I am an anomaly, fine so be it.  I still don't trust Symantec as far as I can throw them.  I asked for help and was turned down.  I will point this out:  their software worked great, was easy to setup, and had no major issues with it.  The problem was getting help for the issues I did have with it.

I was denied help because I couldn't be verified.  Not ever have I had a problem of not being who I am with any other company, Microsoft, CDW, AMS, ASUS, DELL... The ONLY problem I have ever had with tech support has been from Symantec.  Call me disingenous, whatever.  I know what happened to me, and for the amount of money I paid to be denied tech support was pretty tacky on their part, and disinengenous on thier call.  

I honestly dont' give a rats ass if they care they lost me as a customer.  I am relating my experience with Norton so that no one has to go through that crap again.