[TTGSteve]

Do you think AVG Internet Security 2012 is bloated? If so, please let me know what settings you would suggest to turn on/off. Currently, I have malwarebytes and AVG internet security 2012 starting up with windows. So, let me know what you guys would suggest. I know antivirus software is obviously going to take up some resources, but I don't want it to hog my resources due to unneeded features, etc...

[LiveBrianD]

I suggest getting rid of AVG and using Microsoft Security Essentials or Avast Free instead. (NOT both - that tends to cause problems)

[LincolnSpector]

TTGSteve, on 25 August 2012 - 03:30 PM, said:

Currently, I have malwarebytes and AVG internet security 2012 starting up with windows.

That's bloat right there.

You should have only one always-on, running-in-the-background AV program. Then load and run Malwarebytes to do an extra scan every week or two--to get a second opinion.

Lincoln

[johhny]

I suggest you not to go with AVG, choose Microsoft Security Essentials and Kaspersky Interney Security instead.

[Car54]

LincolnSpector, on 26 August 2012 - 08:38 AM, said:

TTGSteve, on 25 August 2012 - 03:30 PM, said:

Currently, I have malwarebytes and AVG internet security 2012 starting up with windows.

That's bloat right there.

You should have only one always-on, running-in-the-background AV program. Then load and run Malwarebytes to do an extra scan every week or two--to get a second opinion.

Lincoln

lol, yes there all getting to pretty much be bloatware.

I vote Avira free 86MB (minus installing their Webguard/Ask Toolbar),
with Bitdefender Trafficlight, very small file size (full install version includes web browsing scanning engine) which is the same technology incorperated into their AV+ and Suites, and recieved incrediable marks as far as antiphishing from AV-Comparatives, or use Norton's DNS for web protection (router set up, =s nothing on your PC),
then COMODO Firewall, just the Firewall/disabling Defense+ is 60MB, =s approx 146MB total ...which may not be too bad as far as the protection it avails. The only thing is getting everything to play together nicely these days when creating your own suite, as they now include so many extra technologies and background running processes in each software.

Then running Malwarebytes as Lincoln suggested above.

[TTGSteve]

Thanks, everyone!

So, who thinks I should stick with AVG or should I go with MS Security Essentials, Avast, Kaspersky, etc...?

This post has been edited by TTGSteve: 28 August 2012 - 01:34 PM

[Car54]

Hi Steve, lol that's a loaded question, as it can come down to a personal preference thing. To make life easier, I would "ignore" my build it yourself post, as that is the more "ideal" solution, but can run into conflicts, and you may have to chase around to 2-3 different web sites for support.

So in that sense, let your decision be based on independent tests that have been run, people here and their experiences, and also your surfing habits, in that if you only come here and post on the forum, you could use MSE and Windows 7 2 way Firewall and chances are be ok (with doing Lincoln's suggested Malwarebyte maintenance scan)

Take a look at these 2 web sites, to also help guide you:
On this one you can toggle the arrow to get the list to show priority order (at the top of the categories) http://www.av-test.o...er/mayjun-2012/

This one shows you the protection as a whole suite, AV/Firewall/Antiphishing etc. http://www.av-compar...ot_2012a_en.pdf
This one can be adjusted by dates across the top: http://chart.av-comp....org/chart2.php They are a great resource.

You can also visit forums to see if there is any nagging, or a plethera of issues with an AV you may be interested in....lol, have I siad enough, or too much and confused you Hope not, hope it helps

This post has been edited by Car54: 28 August 2012 - 02:07 PM

[TTGSteve]

Car, you are a beast with your replies and I honestly love it. It's nice to know that you would go out of you way to help someone by giving them lengthy, detailed responses. As of right now, I've disabled Malwarebytes and will only use the scanner once per week. I still have AVG up and running, but I do believe I'm going to replace that unless you guys think I should keep it.

I'm also going to look into your own personal little suite you have going on. Is that your personal setup?

[Car54]

Thanks for the kind words and green check mark kudos Steve, I appreciate it

You can be fine with AVG for now if you want. I kind of tend to think that AVG, Avast and Avira are pretty close. About 1-3 years ago, it would have been Avira all the way, IMHO, but many liked more of the features that the other two included. AVG did beef up their protection in the 2012 free version making it better than it used to be, but it still suffers a bit from false positives, and missed samples.

I liked the Avira, as at the time it had better AV detection stats, and I could use a firewall that I knew would give better protection than that which came with the other 2 solutions above. I quit using that set up Avira/Comodo(firewall only) and Norton Safe Web lite, then tried and liked Norton DNS (router version does not slow down downloads) after I got tired of getting Avira's pop up adds that they were supposed to be phasing out of in the free version, and uninstalled it in Jan. (see image below)

The Big 3, IMHO, that can also be big in file size, that are the top tier in total whole dynamic protection, would be Kaspersky, Bitdefender and F-Secure, with ESET trailing a bit behind. I know G-Data has some really good numbers AV wise, but as far as total whole dynamic protection of AV/Firewall/Antiphishing etc. the previous 4 listed are impressive. File sizes anywhere from ~160mb for Kaspersky IS 2013, and about ~257mb for Bitdefender IS 2013.

I also take Antiphishing seriously, and put it up there with AV protection, this link is a nice eye opener of Antiphishing results: http://www.av-compar...h_201207_en.pdf

My thought is, if you like AVG, then keep it, run MBAM (is better at removal, than heuristics) once in awhile, then go to an online scanner for a second opinion, ESET online scanner is really nice, it will take care of found malware and quarantine them in a folder /Program Files (x86) that can be retrieved if needed. Just be sure to disable your AVG real time scanner during a second opinion scan. Bitdefenders Quick Scan is also nice, just not as deep of a scan as ESET scans.

Thanks again for reading another one of my long winded posts