I am often asked what programs I use to keep windows clean and virus free. Truth be told, I don’t worry about virus scanning or any other programs of the sort. Instead, I use a Mac. Just as the commercials say, I do not have to worry about any sort of malware or viruses on my Mac.
But, as you also know, I do have many Windows based clients and computers that I manage on a daily basis. As such, I know a lot about which programs to use, and which to stay away from. Computing has come a long way over the years, you can no longer really trust a retail sales associate, as many times they are just trying to sell you a particular program for a reason, or just don’t care. Not to mention the fact that, nowadays, it is all free.
For home users, not a single program that I recommend for Anti-Virus or Anti-Malware will cost you a cent. The days of paying $25-$100 for an antivirus or antimalware are long gone, never to be seen again. If you paid anything for an Anti-virus for home use, it should be because you either are familiar with the company, or have extenuating circumstances, such as a heavy gamer or power user, where you need the extra protection.
So, I am sure you are all tired of waiting. What are the programs already!
For Anti-Virus:
AVG Free Edition
Microsoft Security Essentials
For Anti-Malware:
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Microsoft Security Essentials
As I am sure you noticed, I have listed Microsoft Security Essentials under both categories. You may then ask, why not install just Microsoft Security Essentials? The answer is simple. Microsoft Security Essentials is primarily an Anti-Virus solution. Microsoft Security Essentials was recently released, in September of 2009, as such have not exhaustively tested it yet, but have only heard many recommendations from several professionals in my field.
I have used both AVG and Malwarebytes on dozens of computers. They perform wonderfully, especially when you consider that they are free. I have not had Malwarebytes Anti-Malware fail to detect and remove a single program that I have had trouble with in the field and AVG has removed almost every virus that I have encountered.
You should have both an Anti-Virus (only one, never two!) and an Anti-Malware (or occasionally two) installed. So, what is the most effective combination and why only install a single antivirus? Antivirus programs tend to do a lot of background scanning. They scan each and every file opened or accessed. As such, this can eat up a lot of processor time. Above and beyond that, sometimes, files can get passed back and fourth, forever going into a loop of scanning if you have two installed.
On the flip side, Anti-Malware solutions traditionally do not do any background scanning. There are some exceptions to this rule though, such as Microsoft Security Essentials, which does both Virus and Malware detections.
The combination I still use is AVG and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. If you would rather use Microsoft Security Essentials do not install AVG, but make sure to still install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Either of these two combinations should ensure that you have a reliable, virus, and malware free computer. So long as you take care in keeping them up to date and run periodic scans.
