After doing some downloads I got to say that I'm less then impressed with Microsoft anti virus software for windows8. Personality I'll be looking for something that works better. I always like to build my own security rather then some suite like Norton. I feel like windows security essentials did a better job then what windows defender is doing! I judging this by how easy it is to get infected, by experience.It will be interesting to see what works with windows8.

Cheers,
Just your everyday Joe overhard

There are many AV apps that seem to work. I personally have not had any problems with WD, but others may have other experience. Tm uses AVG 2013 (beta) I believe. Cat uses Eset I believe.

It's probably a matter of trial and error. I use WD and Malwarebytes Pro running in real time along with my S/W and H/W firewalls.

Ted,
You can't be using MSE on windows8. Are you using windows defender? Finding software that works with windows8 is going be trail and error I guess. If you check with a software company that you or I have used for years you get a song and dance when you contact them (at least some of them). My guess is that their out in the cold otherwise they would say YES IT Will Work With Windows8.

I use Avast I dumped AVG years ago. I also see it frequently mentioned in BSOD analysis of Windows 7. I'm not overly impressed with the MS product either. I also like to build my own security.
Joe

Ted,
You cann't be using MSE on windows8. Are you using windows defender? Finding software that works with windows8 is going be trail and error I guess. If you check with a software company that you or I have used for years you get a song and dance when you contact them (at least some of them). My guess is that their out in the cold otherwise they would say YES IT Will Work With Windows8.

Yes, I noticed my error and corrected it, then read your post.

There have been problems reported with Avast and Win 8. It seems Avast was not updated to work properly with Win 8. Perhaps this has been fixed by now.

Well, the latest news out is that Microsoft Security Essentials is going to come as part of the Windows 8 operating system. Guess they are putting together a special edition for Windows 8 - I know when I tried to download and install it the install failed.

NO WAY in heck, would I or will I ever trust MS to protect My PC.
They can't even fix the security holes in I.E., and they've been working on that, like, forever.

Six months ago, AVG 2012 would not install on Win-8. But they fixed that, and today it's working great and is extremely stable.

AVG 2013 Beta....not so much. It's still in Beta, so like with so many Beta's, it has a few problems.
But I'll never condemn any company because one of their Betas has some problem. That's what Beta testing if all about, for those who don't have that figured out yet.

I have to rely on an AV program for myself and my hundreds of customers, that will get an update every day and then run a scan every day, because I can't trust my customers to do that stuff manually on a regular basis.
Since my own PC absolutely HAS to remain malware free, every minute of every day, I run an extensive "Package" of Anti-Malware software, over and above my "AVG 2012 Internet Security".

I know this will raise a few eyebrows, but on my main PC, running Windows XP-Pro-SP3, I run AVG 2012, Malware Bytes Pro, Trojan Hunter Pro, Super Anti-Spyware, Spybot Search & Destroy and Spyware Blaster.
AVG Pro and MalwareBytes Pro run concurrently, (side by side) without any problems.

My PC can even run all the scans at the same time without choking. It's amazing!

Go BIG or go Home!

TechnoMage :cool:

Well, the latest news out is that Microsoft Security Essentials is going to come as part of the Windows 8 operating system. Guess they are putting together a special edition for Windows 8 - I know when I tried to download and install it the install failed.

MSE is already installed by default since Win 8 DP was released. It has been renamed Windows Defender (WD), but is NOT the same as the old WD app. It is an updated version of the MSE engine. I have had good luck with it.

And you are right, the Win 7 version MSE can not be installed on Win 8 RP or Win 8 when it is released.

Good Luck? That doesn't work, in the professional computer business.
So if you're going to be in this business, you have to do better than that! Eh?

Ok, I'll change to excellent results with it. I did try AVG 2013 and had some problems that I outlined somewhere. I will try it again when it's out of beta.

I do love AVG and I've relied on it for many years now. But you DO have to go into the Advanced Setup and set the Scheduler for a daily update and scan, at a time when the computer will most likely be ON. Failure to do that simple task, can give you less than satisfactory results.
Likewise with Malware bytes and many other programs.

I've already posted that the 2013 BETA does have some bugs in it, so like any other Beta, I hope that no-one is trying to rely on it for their AV protection.
I'm pretty sure it will be just fine in the final and Formal Release.
It's been that way for many years through many versions.

Cheers Mates!
TechnoMage :cool:

I have Malwarebytes Pro scanning at 8 am every day. If for some reason the PC is not active, when I turn it on MalwareBytes Pro scans.

I tried the AVG IS Beta 2013 myself, believe I was the one who introduced it to the forum. Anyway, for 3 weeks, it ran good, then suddenly, it caused my CPU to peg (stuck on or near 100%). Tried working with it a couple of days, as well as asked for assistance on their Support forum, to this day I've not received an answer. This has been at least 2 months ago.

Currently running Avast (Free) on my desktop (MBAM Free as a backup), WD on my notebook (along with MBAM Pro). I also run a bi-weekly scan with the ESET Online Scanner, it works fine on Win 8 RP, 7, Vista, XP, 2000. ESET Smart Security is my main choice of security, but the HIPS driver, an important component of ESET, doesn't work on 8 RP yet. But it's planned to be by retail availability.

The 100% Free, no strings attached ESET Online Scanner is what led me to choosing the brand, almost 2 years ago. It scans & removes threats automatically.

Unless one is planning on buying Kaspersky AV or IS, don't waste your time with their Online Scanner. All the time consumed to run a scan, & at the end, they'll fix it, if a subscription is bought. But their TDSSKiller is a great rootkit tool, & is 100% Free of charge. Takes a minute to run, I run it weekly.

Anti-rootkit utility TDSSKiller (http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208283363)

I use everything at my disposal to keep my computers clean, & I'm always open to new options. One reason I keep 2 versions of XP Mode, as well as Vista SP2 & one install of 7 Home Premium installed. These are "testing" OS's. Anything goes.

Cat

I'm going to try Avast Free. Seems to recomeeded by many. I've always went with MBAM Free but when I upgrade I go with the pro version since all the moderators here use it. I agree with you that anything goes on a beta. As testers we should be trying out different security to see how it works.
One thing I've discovered is that how will any security software will be effective changes over time some keep up and some fall back and other newcomers come on with a very affective product.It's like an old adage where a father tells his son listen to my 20years of experience and the son says Dad its one year of experience repeated 20 times!

A naysayer.

Malware Bytes is not actually recognized as a mainline AV program. It seems to have a narrow band of malware that it does find and remove. But, I can run other programs after a MB scan and find and remove more stuff.
It does however make a good backup program and it appears to play well with others. It doesn't check my email, for instance. Nor does it check the web pages I go to.

Avast, I've tried several times over the past xx years but it always aggravates me to the point where I delete it.
It's too much "In your face" and after a year, it wants to be re-registered. That makes it totally unacceptable for my customers, who don't want some program messing with them. They would first be aggravated by the program and then with me, for installing it on their PC's.

I'm sitting here, watching the USA basketball team on the podium, getting their GOLD medals. Our National Anthem never sounded so good!

AVG does it's job, scanning every file that opens or moves in the PC, (live scanner) and the Link Scanner scans the web pages I go to, it scans my email, both incoming and outgoing and is easily set to schedule updates and scans. The pro Internet Security version, has additional apps, almost too numerous to mention. And best of all, it does its job without constantly bugging the user.
I like that!

TM :cool:

MBAM Pro (or Trial version) checks web pages for infection, the Free version doesn't. If one wants to evaluate the features of MBAM Pro, download the Free version here:

Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.62 - FileHippo.com (http://www.filehippo.com/download_malwarebytes_anti_malware/)

Make sure to select the Trial option (live protection), it's good for 14 days. All options except Flash scan are available to those with trial versions.

Check out the Security Thread, I'm posting an app now compatible with 8 RC, it's Free until at least October (ESET NOD32 & Smart Security 6 RC).

Cat

TechnoMage,
I've using Avast and I see what you mean about it being annoying. I'll keep it for a while but I doubt that I'll say with it. I like my security to be less in my face.As for AVG I get a bit nervous about trying it out since posters like Cat and others report problems using it. I must say you do make it sound very good.

I said I had problems with the 2013 beta version of AVG. I have not tried the released version. Until Win 8 Pro is released I doubt I will make a change, unless AVG 2013 is released out of beta.

Yeah, Avast can be a real pain, at times.
Cat has been testing the BETA Version of AVG 2013. Yes, it's not ready for prime time, which I too have reported, but the 2012 version is very stable. For most persons who are not in the business, the home computer users, the FREE version is just fine, but for someone like me who still runs his own Computer Business, the FULL Retail version is required.

When I build up a Utilities CD (or flash drive) to take with me, out to a customer's house, I have to know without any doubt that it's 100% Malware free. I can't afford to play guessing games with my computer security.

But, to each his (or her) own. (another person's Computer security is really not my affair, unless they are paying me for my Expertise)

TechnoMage :cool:

I said I had problems with the 2013 beta version of AVG. I have not tried the released version. Until Win 8 Pro is released I doubt I will make a change, unless AVG 2013 is released out of beta.

Just like Windows 8 Beta, it's unfortunate that untrained persons are attempting to evaluate a program as complicated as 'AVG 2013, Beta'. And just like Win-8 Beta, it has additional apps that are not complete. (yet)

I'm really looking forward to the complete version that will be released sometime in the fall. What I've seen of it so far is pretty good. I just hope that they incorporate the AVG Tune-Up into the full retail version. It's the only tune-up program that I've found that effectively optimizes the Internet Connection and it cleans and re-compresses the registry.

Oh well, I guess I'll have to wait, like everyone else.

TM :cool:

The 2012 version of AVG IS was even worse....it literally crippled my Windows 7 Pro x64 install. CPU usage went straight to 100% & there were multiple BSOD's....same old song & dance over & over again on many Windows 7 forums. AVG IS 2010, 2011, 2012 & Windows 7 was never a happy co-existence on the same partition. Many dump files were analyzed, & AVG (whether free or paid) was the culprit. Once removed & replaced with MSE, AVG related BSOD's & other bad symptoms vanished. This was the recommended action at the time, just get AVG off the computer, & replace with MSE until another solution is found.

The reason that I know (firsthand, that is), is that I received a copy of AVG IS 2012 (1 PC/1 Year) with a wireless router that I bought from Newegg. Stayed on my computer 3 days, then the whole retail package hit the trash can. The computer (or OS) was very lethargic, took longer than normal to find web pages, & caused several BSOD's. I had only a limited amount of ESET installs, & this was a TechNet supplied OS, figured I'd give AVG a shot, being that it was a bonus with a purchase.

AVG IS (or AVG Free) is fine for those with XP systems, but it's well documented that it doesn't run well with Windows 7 (many BSOD's), please don't take my word alone, research the issue & you'll see. Here's a good starting point.

https://www.google.com/search?q=does+avg+cause+BSOD%27s+on+windows+7&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-beta

There's probably going to be no improvement with Windows 8, as some of the same symptoms of AVG 2012 IS was showing with AVG 2013 IS Beta.

And one last thing: If anyone, whether Newegg or other etailer, your ISP, gives you a "IS suite", it's likely crap. I've been through 3 of these "bonuses" or giveaways, CA Internet Security 2010 (from Time Warner), AVG 2012 IS & Trend Micro IS 2012 (another Newegg bundled item), if these were worth their weight for anything, they wouldn't be given away to get rid of them, they'd be sold for a profit.

Funny thing, no one is giving away Kaspersky IS, G Data IS, ESET NOD32 or Smart Security as a bundle with anything!

And in keeping in line with the thread, no I'm not impressed with MS's security either. But at least it doesn't causes BSOD's, perhaps the best thing going for it, along with ease of install & compatibility. Detection rates are average at best. Don't take my word for this, either.

If WD or MSE is installed alone (with no other "live" backup such as MBAM Pro or Trial), start going to some free porn sites. Don't close any pages whatsoever, keep blindly opening the next one, then the next, then the next. If you make it to 20 open pages & the computer isn't severely infected to the point of no return, meaning it's locked, WD or MSE won't scan, online scanners are blocked from running, consider yourself very lucky. Because I beta test for MS (currently the next MSE), & this test consistently breaks MSE, no matter the version, down to it's knees.

Fortunately, I run this test using XP Mode, it's imaged prior to testing. But without intending to do so, I did the same with a Win 7 install, protected with the original version of MSE, had 20+ pages of free porn open, the OS totally locked itself down after I began reaching for scanners to bail me out. Very nasty infection, tried to clean it from XP dual booting alongside it, to no avail. It appeared as though it was clean, fired up fine. But then, a realistic looking MSE warning box appeared, stating that my security needed to be reactivated, by clicking "Enable Protection" in the box.

The whole nasty scene began all over, I booted with Mini Tool Partition Wizard, formatted & deleted the partition, then wiped it 7x (NSA standard) to insure a sterile partition, & reinstalled the OS. Then, all was fine.

At that point, I made my mind up that free wasn't good enough for me, & went with NOD32. No infections since, except the MSE beta testing on XP Mode.

Cat

BSOD's ???

That means something is just WRONG on your computer.
But then, you're a user, not a technician and you don't set up your computer(s) for maximum efficiency.
In fact, you may even be doing things that inhibit good performance.

On the other hand, after I've installed a new PC and tweaked it and tuned it for max. performance, I can install AVG 2012 and NEVER get any of the problems you're complaining of. I NEVER see BSOD's and neither do any of my hundreds of customers who also run AVG 2012. I can assure you (anyone) that if my customers were getting BSOD's, I'd hear about it, immediately (either by telephone or email).

Even AVG 2013, never gave me BSOD's, but it just would not get updates properly and some of its apps were not working yet. It's a BETA, and just not ready for everyday use. I don't have a problem with that. I'm quite sure that in the final version, it will work just fine.

Even when AVG, MBam, Spybot S&D, Trojan Hunter and SuperAntiSpyware are all running their scans, (at the same time) I get no BSOD's and I can sit here and work the forums or play games, with no lags or problems.

Success or failure of any OS, like Win-7 or Win-8 is all in the setup. Just like a car, if it's not tuned up properly, it will never run right.

Y'all have a great day now, Y'hear?
TechnoMage :cool:

Evidently, there are millions of users who has things wrong with their computers, Windows 7 & AVG doesn't blend well at all. Only by running the OS daily can one see the BSOD's, long after the technician has returned the computer to it's owner, who may or may not run the OS, other than for repair purposes.

Dump files have repeatedly proven this on Windows 7 forums worldwide, if there was an issue other than an app causing the BSOD, such as a bad driver, this would be shown in the file also.

I'd have to say by now, that I've done at least 500 installs since 2007, probably a 50/50 split between XP/Win 7, along with a few Linux setups, while that may be small compared to others, I don't return a computer to it's owner that is producing BSOD's. That is, unless there are serious hardware issues that needs to be addressed & the owner doesn't want them fixed due to expense. And I'm honest in my dealings, if I cannot fix their issue, I don't pretend to be able to, then take it elsewhere & hike the labor for the difference. This is dishonest dealings & service.

I've also repaired countless notebooks that some "technicians" wouldn't even consider doing, strange given the computing population is becoming more & more a portable one, with high success rates. And I'm honest in my work, I don't lie to a customer & tell them that they need a MB replacement, when all that is needed is a power jack, a simple repair (as well as low cost) for me in most instances, also a common repair for slow/non charging/or low power issues. Because today's OEM's have became too lazy (or should I say too cheap) to include docking stations anymore, my first 3 notebooks came with one, so does the ThinkPad T42 that still runs perfectly today. The docking station prevents this, as the power cord is inserted into that, rather than the notebook itself. As well as allows for many more devices to be attached/installed. Power, Ethernet, Monitor, optional keyboard/mouse, all can be attached by this simple device.

The daily constant plugging/unplugging of these computers eventually causes the DC power jack to become loose, sooner if the owner isn't particular about doing this, or if it's at a bad angle (designed for sooner replacement/higher maintenance costs), or runs hot (another issue) Which is what I feel about today's exclusion of docking stations, is the OEM's are banking on sooner replacement costs, as well as higher maintenance costs on higher priced models. And this isn't another "business vs consumer user" deal, the large majority of what I repair are consumer ones. Many of the ones that I repair does have a slot on the bottom for this device, & many of them has one. A few doesn't know what it's for, once I tell them, most wants one, many of which can be found (brand new) for less than $30.

I also repair overheating issues caused by lack of maintenance, many of which is in need of thermal grease replacement, after a good cleaning job. Your advice in regards to washing heat sinks was a good suggestion, it saves me time, as well as a better cleaned one. This lack of consumer maintenance is what I thrive on, I can charge half of a commercial or licensed "shop", & still make decent money, & the job is actually better done. I know, because I've had to re-clean notebooks that these "shops", for lack of better words, does. They basically remove the easy things, blow through them a couple of times, return them to the customer, for $100 to $150 in this area. I can do this same job for $60 to $85 (what it's really worth), & include thermal grease replacement, & still make a profit.

Same for OS installing/virus cleaning, I can do these things for less, & the job will be done right. I also stand behind everything that I do. OS installs are normally $50 to $75, depending on how many drivers needs to be installed, & whether the customer is a repeat or one-time one.

Virus cleaning, I charge very reasonable ($50) & guarantee it, unless these are repeat ones, removing or disabling the security that I setup for them, including auto scanning. When I was learning this, I was doing it for free for friends/family members, which is enjoyable work, very easy & kills long days when there was little to do. It began as a crusade to educate others about the importance of security. It ended up with me being taken advantage of, so I had to begin charging, & I'm still reasonable. Very stubborn removal costs more ($75 to $100), depending on how long it takes.

As far as the security that I install, if the customer wants Free, is either Avast or MSE. No others, no betas. I also install MBAM Free & activate the Trial, along with SuperAntiSpyware for ad cookie removal. If they want Paid security & want it guaranteed to be right, I install ESET NOD32 or Smart Security, GData, Avast Pro AV or IS, Kaspersky, F-Secure, or others at my discretion. Brands MUST be reviewed by AV-Comparatives, & receive one or more awards in their yearly testing.

I refuse to install brands such as AVG, Norton, Kingston, BitDefender, CA Internet Security, Trend Micro, McAfee, Comodo, or others at my discretion. This discretion is based upon large amounts of negative forum feedback, which includes loss of or reduced performance, BSOD's, Internet connection issues, such as slowed page loading & other reported issues that are consistent (not simply a single user issue). Brands that refuses to submit & comply with AV-Comparatives yearly testing (the Gold Standard of security evaluation, & free of commercial interests), I also refuse to install.

The computer shouldn't need any tuning for a particular security solution, or older/special drivers (other than those in the program) to work. It should install, just as any other app, & either it works right, just as any other app, or it doesn't. If it doesn't install & work (run) properly, it should be removed, ASAP & any money paid refunded. I don't get involved in this (money refunding of programs), unless I hand pick (order them myself). I have extra 3 PC/1 year subscriptions of NOD32 & ESET Smart Security 5 on hand, as well as NOD32 version 4 for those who prefers that one. Every time that they go for $19.99 to $24.99, I buy 2 to 3 copies, whether or not I need them, because I have no problems moving them.

Which is why I try to drive into all users heads, whether or not they are my customers, to employ a backup strategy & stick with it. Also, as a service to all of my customers, & this is ZERO extra charge, is install the copy of Todo 4.0 Workstation that I linked to several times & give them a Bootable CD. After all, it's free, I have a dozen ISO images of it, my only cost is the CD, sleeves of 100 costs me $12 to $14 on promo, no big deal. These sort of things, paid apps for free (as gifts) customers appreciates, & remembers.

With all of this in mind, I can honestly say that I'm more than a mere user. I'm probably more qualified than some of the so called "techs" at some of our local & one nationally known "shop" (BestBuy) in the area. All that I hear about most of them is bitching about the service (quality of work done), the length of time it takes (wait time), & high pricing ($100 labor for a HDD or RAM swap, is way too high, $50 tops for this). Every one that I do work for tells me that I excel in all three of these areas.

That's all that matters to me.

Cat