[ClaudioF]

I am using a trail version of Avira Anti virus and am considering using the full version which costs $26. Anyone out there using this recommend the program

and if not - what problems do you have.

Claudio F

[rgreen4]

Claudio - Welcome to the PC World Community.

The reason you are offered a trial version is to try it and see how you like it. I personally use Avast! for anti-virus and SuperAntiSpyware for anti-spyware, both of which have free versions for non-commercial use.

[coastie65]

Hi Claudio, We have one member that I am aware of that is using it and seems to like it as it is lightweight and, according to him, does a good job. Like rgreen, I am using Avast! AV and I like it. I use SUPERantispyware as an adjunct to my active antispyware app. It is a good app as well for the other stuff. There is some good FREE stuff out there which in the oinion of a lot of members, myself included, is much better than the big name stuff such as Norton and McAfee. coastie65

[Flashorn]

Hey Claudio!!



I guess coastie was talking about me. I have been using Avira Free in Vista and XP, for some time now. Coupled with

a paid version of SUPERAnitSpyware Professional . But, this is a ONE time fee. No more yearly fees.

For Firewall I use the PC Tools Firewall Plus Free .I have been Malware free ever since

I have been using this confuguration.



I use this configuration mainly for it's protection capability but, a rewarding side effect is a Very small footprint on your

resources. My XP machine has only 1 Gig of ram and doesn't feel the effect of these security apps.

To give you an example of the resurces this all takes , take a look at what Task Manager reveals.

These numbers were generated using the "Show All Processes" tab.

Avira Free : The first two entries are for Avira :

!http://forums.pcworld.com/legacyimages/
1!



There is another entry which is : This is the scheduler :


!http://forums.pcworld.com/legacyimages/
1!



Now , for the Antispyware : SUPERAntiSpyware :

!http://forums.pcworld.com/legacyimages/
1!



And finally the Firewall : PC Tolls Firewall Free :

!http://forums.pcworld.com/legacyimages/
1!



Now, if you were to add these numbers up the total in resources would be

22.124K = roughly 22 megs of ram for your protection. If you take a look at

Firefox's numbers, you can most definitely see that this configuration doesn't

hog Any resources.



So , it's up to you but, I have put the numbers in front of you so you can get an idea

on what to expect. A suite is never recommended. No matter who makes it. I wouldn't

buy a suite from Avira or any other. With this configuration , you know you have the best

of in each class or layer of protection.



Hope this will help in your decision .



FLASHORN. !http://forums.pcworld.com/legacyimages/
1!

[coastie65]

Hey Flash, :D Actually, I was thinking of lilx as he is running it as well. I didn't know you were running it, so consider yourself included in my post. :D coastie

[Flashorn]

Hey coastie !!



Well, I guess that lilx is a very smart young man EH!



FLASHORN. !http://forums.pcworld.com/legacyimages/
1!

[coastie65]

:^0 Maybe. I haven't tried it, so have no opinion, except that people like yourself and lilx seem to like it. I have Avast! and am happy with it, so haven't tried that. coastie

[SpiritWind]

Hi :



As far as I know, only "Flashorn" of the "regular" members here, uses Avira . I & most of

the other "regular" members here, use Avast, probably because of my initially

recommending it . A good way to see potential problems of a program is to read through

at least some of the "threads" on the program's Support Forum, and the forum for Avira's

"Premium" version, is located at forum.avira.com/wbb/index.php?page=Board&boardID=131.

Should use the Answers to Questions posed on a Forum to evaluate the quality of the

Support IF something goes "wrong" . One of the "advantages" of Avast is that the quality

of the Support on their Support Forums is 2nd to none .

[lilxkid24]

im actually running nod32, but i recommend avira over avast since avira has a higher detection rate and its not really a resource hog

[coastie65]

:D OOPS!!!!

[ClaudioF]

Thanks to all for valuable input and willingness to share your knowledge.

Much appreciated. It has helped me a lot

Claudio

[ClaudioF]

Thanks to the valuable reviews and suggestions.

Claudio

[ClaudioF]

Hi Flashorn,

Thanks for the very comprehensive and ' scientific' analysis of the program. Will digest and make up my mind in due course

Claudio

[Flashorn]

Hey Claudio !!



Your Welcomed !



What ever you use , be sure to download what you will need to install

then , Uninstall what you would like to replace by either Add / Delete

program in Windows OR if the program has an Uninstall Tool. (always verify if they provide tool).

Once the program is properly uninstalled , Disconnect from Internet and Disable NOT Exit

but, Disable remaining security programs. This will enhance the installation

by not interfering. Now , install following the instructions provided by program

provider. Once installed and running THEN , RE-Enable the other security programs,

Re-Connect to Internet and Up-Date Manually all of your security programs.



If you have any other questions , we have very knowledgeable members to help.



FLASHORN. !http://forums.pcworld.com/legacyimages/
1!

[piyushsingh]

i also use avira on one of my systems and it works great.