Battle Which AV Should Default Settings Be Changed?

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hjlbx

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Hello,

One problem I see again and again is that AV software is tested with default settings. This skews results and does not give indication of software's full capabilities.

This all can be debated to death.

Just out of curiosity, since many knowledgeable and experienced users here, which AV should have default settings changed to maximum settings?

I know this is complex topic...so just looking for general comments.

Thanks,

hjlbx
 

Ink

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Jan 8, 2011
22,361
Default settings are meant to be optimised for all types of users, from the inexperienced to advanced users. It helps maintain a balance of security and performance.

A great example are Heuristics, in an AV program.
- If set to High / Maximum. The Antivirus will be more likely to flag harmless files, aka False Positives.
- If set to Low / Minimum. The Antivirus is less likely to flag harmless files, but may miss malicious files.
Some antivirus software, have their Heuristics set to Low or Medium.

Security software that doesn't allow installation customisation are usually balanced for all types of users, ie. Norton Security, Bitdefender Antivirus. And are Install-and-Forget type, but this is not to say they don't have configurable options.

Security software that do allow installation customisation are balanced for most, but not all types of users, ie. Avast Antivirus, Comodo Internet Security. They allow users to choose what should / not be installed, and tuned to their needs.

Some security software should not be installed for lesser experienced computers users, such as McAfee Antivirus Plus. An advanced user may be able to use McAfee on default, or find suitable options for better security. However, a lesser experienced user may have difficultly in keeping their PC clean on default, and find configuring advanced options a faff.

* based on my opinion, may not be necessary correct based on your views.
 
H

hjlbx

Thread author
Huracan,

COMODO...novice user installs, immediately changes settings to maximum possible and is unawares what is about to happen to them!!!

Heh, heh, heh...

I suppose it not so nice to chuckle...but I learned very hard way...that's how I know what happens.

Thanks,

hjlbx
 
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