Antivirus software - yet another advice seeker [solved]

[chakraps]

Many thanks to the AT security resource thread maintainers and contributors. The guides in there are excellent and enlightening. I've been stepping through mechBgon's guide in setting up a new build. I'm currently using Win XP Pro coz that's what I have. I might add vista 64 on dual boot later.

Now to the question. I've reached the point of installing Antivirus software. Amongst the free, I'm considering Avira, Panda cloud and MSE. Haven't used any of them before. Previous AV used was an older version of Norton. Looking for currently recommended free AV solution of choice for home usage.


What has been done so far (Apart from the above question, if you have a comment or suggestion on any point on this list, please do post):

1. Limited user account - :thumbsup:
2. Router setup - :thumbsup:
3. Windows Firewall w/ no exceptions - :thumbsup:
4. Windows updated & patched - :thumbsup:
5. Full Data Execution Prevention - :thumbsup:
6. Antivirus Software - ??? EDIT::Avira AntiVir :thumbsup:
7. Secunia - is it a useful addition? EDIT:: :thumbsup:
8. Sandboxie - again, will add if really useful.
9. Disable Auto Play - planning to do it through TweakUI after installing AV. EDIT:: :thumbsup:
10. Backup software - Looking for free software that does complete disk image backup and retrieval.
11. Upgraded to IE8 - :thumbsup:
12. Also plan to install Google Chrome. Any specific security tips for it?
13. Software Restriction Policy - might try this later. EDIT:: :thumbsup:

 

[Chiefcrowe]

# Antivirus Software- I'd recommend Avira or MSE.
# Secunia - definitely! now a lot of people like to exploit 3rd party programs so i think it's essential in helping you keep those up to date.
# Sandboxie - This is good too, can't hurt to have it handy.
# Backup software - Try Macrium Reflect free edition. Works great for me so i ended up buying it.

 

[lowrider69]

I'll throw in a vote for Avast 5.

 

[edro]

I bounce between Avast and Avira.

Avira is better, but has worse nag screens.

 

[lowrider69]

Avira has better detection rates yet higher false positives and as you mentioned...nag screens.

 

[Lemon law]

To chakraps,

In terms of an AV, Avast 5 or Avira 10 are excellent. I don't have any experience with the MSE one but I hear its good also. If you do most of our surfing using a limited account with a full software restriction policy, you are almost bullet proof. But sooner or later you have to go to administrative account and for that time, you are more vulnerable.

But I note two glaring problems with your security set up. (1) No hips and host files.
(2) No process control programs as a last line of defense against malware installing.
You can get both with older versions of the comodo3 firewall, I still use 3.0.25.378
which predates all the AV crap comodo tried to add later. IMHO, the windows XP SP2 one way firewall has only one virtue, its better than no firewall at all, but its distinctly inferior to almost any other freeware third party two way firewall.

At least the Vista and windows 7 windows firewall is two way.

 

[BW86]

avira antivir has been working great for me for a few years now

 

[thescreensavers]

^+1

 

[jadinolf]

I have avast! 5 on 5 computers and it works for me.

However, you should download some trial programs and discover which one you find to be the best for you.

 

[chakraps]

Thank you guys. I went with Avira 10.

Secunia PSI is complaining about IE8 and Chrome5 fully patched. IE8 seems to have an un-fixed loophole. Chrome updated from version 4 to 5 but PSI still complains about existence of v4 in the system.

SRP, DEP and Autoplay off, is giving a better sense of security. SRP promptly disallowed Chrome installation from limited account. Got it through Google pack instead.

What's left is sandboxie and a 3rd party firewall. Might add them later. Currently protected by Windows firewall.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

I've had issues with Secunia and Chrome also. When I upgrade it still thinks I have an older version so for now i've been just uninstalling and then reinstalling.