Need some advice

[Joshua.1999]

So its time for me to renew my antivirus software, and im wondering what I should get.

I currently have Norton (lol) & was thinking of getting ESET smart security, what do you think?

What has a good detection ratio, low resource usage but has some cool features aswell, because I have heard that ESET lacks features and is bland.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Joshua.1999]

Hmm i've heard of 360 never really looked at it though.

 

[Joshua.1999]

Well im wanting to pay, so I might still go with ESET

 

[hjlbx]

What has a good detection ratio, low resource usage but has some cool features aswell, because I have heard that ESET lacks features and is bland.

Thanks in advance!

Hello Joshua.1999,

I can offer a suggestion based upon my actual experience using these products on my low-end W8.1 system: Emsisoft Internet Security (EIS) or Emsisoft Anti-Malware (EAM).

EIS has a firewall whereas EAM does not.

With both EIS and EAM there is little resource impact (system slow-down) if used as Emsisoft recommends:

1. Upon installation perform a full system scan.

2. Thereafter, simply make sure File Guard is active.

NOTE: You will notice a resource hit when performing scans, but this is no different than any other deep scan engine.

If you so choose, you can schedule scans during system idle.

Neither EIS nor EAM are big on the "toy" factor...they are simple, to-the-point, and do a rather fine job.

Keep in mind the most important factor is system responsiveness while working at the desktop ... in this regard
both EAM and EIS perform very well on my system.

What you are really paying for is support...and this is where Emsisoft shines, as their forum-only support is first-rate.

Emsisoft offers 30-day trials for both.

 

[Tony Cole]

I would go for Kaspersky Internet security 2015, it is by far the best security suite available, offering features that NO other company can or does. It is now fast and with MR2 has greater protection!

 

[Sasa]

What is wrong with Norton?

 

[Moose]

Dr. Web Security Space vs ransomware set to paranoid mode.

 

[Joshua.1999]

Hmm, I have seen Emsisoft around and I have seen it has a good detection ratio, would you rate it over ESET smart security?

In regards to Tony i have seen that Kaspersky is a massive resource hog.

In regards to Sasa, I feel that Norton is more bloatware than an antivirus and has let other people down when it comes to ad-ware.

I forgot to mention in the OP im also looking for an antivirus that has a mac version also (however it's not needed, just preferred)

 

[Tony Cole]

It depends on what system specs you have I currently have 32GB, but my friend has 8GB and runs the new Kaspersky with no problems.

 

[Joshua.1999]

Hmm, Do you know what the usage is like on a mac?

 

[hjlbx]

Hmm, I have seen Emsisoft around and I have seen it has a good detection ratio, would you rate it over ESET smart security?

I forgot to mention in the OP im also looking for an antivirus that has a mac version also (however it's not needed, just preferred)

Hello Joshua.1999,

If you go by the various AV test lab results, then EAM/EIS detection rates are top-tier.

Detection wise, they do great for me: I beta test for Emsi and generally malware pack scans return detection rates above 95 %...that's my experience, but you have to take it with a grain of salt as there are factors that must be considered - such as the average age of objects in the malware pack, type of files, etc, etc.

All I can tell you is, from what I see, it's solid, respectable.

ESET is good as well and has many die-hard advocates here at MT.

Really, even though it might be somewhat of a hassle, I would evaluate those that pique your interest...see what you like/do not like...and then make a choice.

At the top of AV products it all comes down to how an AV performs on your specific system and your personal preferences.

NOTE: Emsi - Windows Only!

 

[kiric96]

Hmm, I have seen Emsisoft around and I have seen it has a good detection ratio, would you rate it over ESET smart security?

In regards to Tony i have seen that Kaspersky is a massive resource hog.

In regards to Sasa, I feel that Norton is more bloatware than an antivirus and has let other people down when it comes to ad-ware.

I forgot to mention in the OP im also looking for an antivirus that has a mac version also (however it's not needed, just preferred)

well remember that not everything from an AV is detection rates, you have to see other features, ESET in most of the cases doesnt have a good BB which means that if a threat is not catched by signatures you would have an infection, however emsi the right balance between signatures and BB, so in case signatures doesnt detect something be sure that 90% of the unknown threats are going to be detected by BB

 

[Exterminator]

Both EIS & ESET run very well on both Windows 7 & Windows 8.1. ESET Cybersecurity for MAC has no noticeable effect on the system. Both of these run very well on older machines also.

Kis 2015 is an awesome Security Suite with superior detection however the trade off is it can really impact your system especially if you have an older machine.It will also add to your boot time.

I would suggest trying both ESET & EIS and see which one you like better. I use all 3 but at the moment I prefer EIS but I still use ESS & KIS on a couple installations

 

[Joshua.1999]

Yes, I agree that I should test some, i'll probably do that later.

Emsisoft looks very impressive, I think im going to be doing some more research into Emsisoft, I have also seen that ESET just lets zero-days through.

Interesting, I currently use ESET on my mac and have noticed no slow down. I'll definitely have to do some more research on Emsisoft and possibly even buy it. If anyone has any more suggestions they are very welcome.

 

[Exterminator]

Yes, I agree that I should test some, i'll probably do that later.

Emsisoft looks very impressive, I think im going to be doing some more research into Emsisoft, I have also seen that ESET just lets zero-days through.

Nothing is 100% but using these 3 programs I have been infection free for 20 years.Nothing can replace common sense!!! Although a sandbox and VM dont hurt either

 

[Joshua.1999]

I see, however I thought that using 2 antivirus programs at once wasn't adviced?

 

[hjlbx]

Yes, I agree that I should test some, i'll probably do that later.

Emsisoft looks very impressive, I think im going to be doing some more research into Emsisoft, I have also seen that ESET just lets zero-days through.

Where zero-days are concerned it is important to note:

Emsisoft's Behavior Blocker is solid, but it is not infallible - as stated by Emsi staff. They're straight shooters...which is why they have my respect.

Same applies to ESET's BB - it's not infallible.

With a bit of effort, you can find a new malware and Emsisoft (generally the BB) will catch it, but ESET will not...and find another and ESET will catch it and Emsisoft will not.

Think of AV this way...it is nothing more than a tool to reduce the overall possibility of being infected.

If you surf long enough...and far enough...you are going to get bit. That applies to AV generally.

I know the natural inclination is to seek out the product(s) that will transform a system into an impenetrable/inviolable fortress...but this goal is not achievable. You'll drive yourself nuts with that pursuit!

Both ESET and Emsi products offer solid, respectable protection...they are both top-tier contenders - and that is the best you can expect with the current state of security software technology.

 

[Exterminator]

I see, however I thought that using 2 antivirus programs at once wasn't adviced?

I only use one AV program but those are the ones I have used over the years.I use them on different systems.I have one laptop and 2 desktops dual booted with windows 7SP1 & Windows 8.1.I use EIS on Windows 8.1 Kis2015 on my ASUS ROG with windows 7 drive with EIS 0n the Windows 8.1 drive.The other desktop dual boots are ESS & KIS.The other Laptop with just Windows 8.1 is EIS

 

[Joshua.1999]

I agree, I'm not necessarily looking to turn my PC into fort knox, but just to have software that has a decent detection ratio, low usage and possibly some extra features on the side

 

[Joshua.1999]

Ah i see, I will have to install Emsisoft on a VM and take a look at it with some malware etc. Thanks for all your help