Avast anti virus

[The Swagman]

What happened today was that a notice popped up from Norton's Anti virus that said 'For a limited time only I could download completely free the 2009 update. Now as I don't mind getting something for free, I did just that.
Next thing I go into a blue screen and then the black screen saying I had to go into safe mode.
As I am using a Logitech G-15 gaming board that has a USB plug, I couldn't use the up and down arrows.
I called my son in law and he bought around an old round plug board.
I thought "I've had this I'm going to give Avast a try".
I downloaded the 60 trial copy and launched it. And what do you know...a virus. My rig had been playing up a long time at start up and acting strangely.

Two things I have to say here.
1] Avast takes some getting used to. It's presentation leaves a lot to be desired. One doesn't know if it is working or not and if it is guarding my computer. I guess it is.

2] If someone doesn't have a son in law with an old keyboard, how do you get Windows XP into safe mode?

[bigH2O]

Avast rocks. Arguably the best AV package out there, free or not. Low footprint, yet very agressive. I use it on all my windows boxes now. Used to use AVG before it turned slugware, and thought it was the cat's ass, but Avast is light years better.

Swagman, new keyboards are only a couple of bucks... and they don't take up much storage space. Try ebay You won't ever have to depend on the son in law again.

[The Swagman]

Hi Big, how are you?

Well that wasn't really the point I was making. What I was getting at was that provision should be made in USB keyboards for this eventuality. In this day and age to have to keep an old keyboard handy for this reason is absolutely ridiculous.

I enclose a screen shot of the top programs and Avast isn't even listed. Care to comment on that Big?

The other thing about Avast is that I can't seem to select just pertinent files that would be obvious to a viral entry without going through hours and hours of checking my games as well. Games today are up to 8 gig in size.

[Greg]

2009softwarereviews is likely just a spam sales website for referrals. I wouldn't put too much into their reviews.

[Big Dan]

Noppid's 100% correct. Lots of these "review" sites are just spam. www.cnet.com is an example of a trusted review source.

FWIW, All my keyboards are USB, I use a little USB to PS/2 (the round plug) converter for all of them this way I immediate access to my keyboard without needing windows to load drivers for it. On the newest computers, I don't think it's really an issue as USB keyboards work out of the box?

[The Swagman]

Originally Posted by Deejay Dan

Noppid's 100% correct. Lots of these "review" sites are just spam. www.cnet.com is an example of a trusted review source.

FWIW, All my keyboards are USB, I use a little USB to PS/2 (the round plug) converter for all of them this way I immediate access to my keyboard without needing windows to load drivers for it. On the newest computers, I don't think it's really an issue as USB keyboards work out of the box?

Yes I have one of those little green adaptors and forgot about it.
Thanks DeeJay that was a good answer.
I guess you and Noppid are right about the write ups too. Adds up.

[Greg]

Hey, that's a cool example DeeJay, thanks. In fact, I use cnet for reviews of most everything electronic too. If I need a free app, it's about the only place I trust too.

[petersampsons]

Avast is the best anti virus for your PC or laptop in the present. It gives you a many features for the virus detection. Avast also features speedy scanning. Being able to do a fast and thorough scan of your PC or laptop.

[bigH2O]

Well to this day, what, going on four years later since this thread started I still use Avast. I still say it's the bomb. I also now run it on my Android smart phone (Droid X). I just can't find a reason not to run it. It's got a small footprint, it's free, and most importantly it works fantastically. I've never picked up a virus in all the years I've been using it.

Edit: On a side note I picked up a wireless keyboard and mouse that cleaned up my desktop dramatically. These were made by Logitech, but there are several other manufactures that are doing the wireless stuff now, so don't think I'm pushing Logitech on anybody or advertising for them... but this set up rocks.

The 40" tv in my computer room, which also works as the second monitor due to the HDMI inputs, means I can lounge in the Barcalounger with the wireless stuff in my lap and still access the internet. In fact, I'm reclining in the Barcalounger right now

[EdwardBormann]

I am not using a single antivirus,the selection of antivirus depend on my work if I am working internet related work then I am prefering Internet based popular antivirus and for rest based on the review.