We get asked a lot what AV (anti-virus) programs we recommend. These days there are a number of good offerings out there, so this list below is not comprehensive, but represents the ones we are most familiar with and trust. By the way, these recommendations are intended for single computer use, not server-central business system use.
First a note on freeware, shareware, and paid-ware: If you are doing your own computer maintenance, we recommend using the freeware versions only for your home computer. For your business computer, we recommend you purchase the Pro version of any of the choices below. Try the free version to see if you like it, then spring for the Pro. The extra features included in the Pro version vary from product to product, but in all instances the Pro versions will provide you with the ability to schedule automatic scans during downtime, automatic updates, and customer support for all your questions.
When you install the software, do a custom installation. Let it put the program file wherever it wants, but opt out of toolbars being added to your browser and shortcuts added to your desktop (if you don't like the clutter).
Technogizmo Recommendations as of October 2009
| Microsoft Security Essentials (you can download for free if you have a legitimately licensed version of Windows) | www.microsoft.com/ Security_Essentials/.com |
| AVG | www.avg.com |
| Malwarebytes | www.malwarebytes.org |
| Spybot Search & Destroy | www.safer-networking.org |
NOTE on Spybot: this is a freeware-only product that depends on donations. We recommend this as a good backup AV program to have in your toolkit. If you end up using it, please consider making a small donation to the cause. | |
We love CCleaner!
Not strictly AV, but a great tools to have to keep your system clean and running faster. Use it once a week if you are on the internet a lot. It does a good job of cleaning up after Internet Explorer.
| CCleaner | www.ccleaner.com |
Suggested settings for CCleaner:
- If you use Internet Explorer for online banking or other secure sites that put cookies on your computer for security reasons, enter those websites into the CCleaner cookie exception list. You find this in Options > Cookies.
- If you do not like how CCleaner erases your recent document history in Word and Excel, go to Cleaner > Windows (tab), and uncheck Recent Documents and Run (in Start Menu).
- If you have a different browser than IE that you have configured to clean up after itself (like Mozilla Firefox), you can exempt it from CCleaner cleaning it. To do this go to Cleaner > Applications (tab) and uncheck everything under your browser's name.
- You can set CCleaner to run automatically every time your computer turns on - very handy! To turn on this feature, go to "Settings".
- DONATE - $10-20 is good - just donate something. This is perhaps the most practical, easiest utility in the digital world right now, so let's show them our love. If you use it, donate!
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