Battle Suggestion for Free AV

[grrr]

Hello All,
i'm looking for suggestion on a Free AV
I have gone through recent threads here on the same topic, but as my needs are different, I thought of creating a thread for myself.

I'm not a novice user. I don't click each and every link that comes my way

My Config
Windows7 64bit
4GB RAM or less considering that I'll be using a virtual OS. total RAM is 8GB
Core i5 5300U/2.3Ghz CPU

My needs
Ability to control settings example exclusions, action on detection
Ability to manually update
Must work well with MBAM real-time

Requirements
Must have Behavior-Based Detection, heuristics, web protection
May have few nags but not to the level of irritation
Should work offline without internet - not cloud dependent
Should not auto-upload any file without asking me
May have ransomware protection, but not mandatory
Should not have any of these - Anti-Theft, Cleaning utility, File Encryption, parental Control, Webcam Protection, Vulnerability Scan, Anti-Phishing & Anti-Fraud, Password Manager, Online Banking Protection, Wi-Fi Security Advisor, VPN

I have been using Avast Free on an old system, but stopped updating the program as there have been issues reported on their forum after each update. For now I just keep updating the definitions.

I don't have any experience with other Free AVs

Thanks,
Grr

 

[Mahesh Sudula]

AVG FREE + Net craft(extension) <optional> is a solid combo right there
Bitdefender free is a SOLID Suite..which satisfies all your thirst
Except the above suites every Free av has certain limitations in their use

 

[amico81]

there is nothing to add with bitdefender free or avg free you will have the best non-paid solution with behavior blocker.

 

[Evjl's Rain]

your current setup is fine. Just keep Avast and add a few more programs to harden your system
Avast is properly the best AV which suits your requirements

Should not auto-upload any file without asking me

avast automatically uploads samples. But you can stop it by disabling Cybercapture
by default, avast will upload files which are quarantined, when updates the signatures. You can prevent this by emptying the virus chest/quanrantine for it updates

so far, I found version 18.2 (latest) the most stable so far

my recommendations:
1/ Use avast default settings, disable cybercapture (because you probably don't want it) - enable hardened mode aggressive
2/ download novirusthanks syshardener portable -> run the 64bit version -> apply changes
3/ download this registry and apply it -> it will block execution of windows script host and java, which avast is not good at. If you want to unblock,download and run the second file
Dropbox - block java&wsh.reg

Dropbox - unblock wsh java.reg

4/ you can block avast's nags by blocking the outbound connection of "avastui.exe" using your firewall
5/ you can remove all avast's craps by just installing just File shield, web shield and behavior shield

 

[Windows Defender Shill]

I would use Windows Defender if you are using Malwarebytes premium and install Comodo firewall if you are serious about free heuristics

 

[AlanOstaszewski]

I would use Windows Defender too!

 

[LahiruRajinda]

You can use my setup Kaspersky Free + Comodo FW
Disable HIPS and use Auto Sandbox in Comodo.
No conflicts so far. Need to bypass the installer though.

 

[Electr0n]

If you're having issues with avast then you can use bitdefender free or Kaspersky free or the good old MSE, both are good and easy to use. For some additional protection you can use voodooshield on auto pilot mode. Keeping the system and programs up to date along with the AV will keep you pretty safe.

 

[amico81]

Kaspersky free

Attention...the TS wanna have a behavior blocker....so kaspersky free need an additional protection layer

 

[roger_m]

If you want to be prompted for what action to take when an infection is found, rather than auto quarantining, Panda Free is one of the few antiviruses which can do this.

 

[Ink]

i'm looking for suggestion on a Free AV
My Config
Windows7 64bit

I would use Windows Defender if you are using Malwarebytes premium and install Comodo firewall if you are serious about free heuristics

I would use Windows Defender too!

@Windows Defender Shill @askalan
Windows Defender on Windows 7 (or older) is not an Antivirus software - it's a basic Antispyware and not effective against today's threats.

Although you are better off with a third-party AV, you may be able to use Microsoft Security Essentials. Not sure if it's still maintain and supported on Windows 7.

 

[ForgottenSeer 58943]

FortiClient w/VoodooShield.. It should suite all of your needs, and you can configure the heck out of it in the CONF file.

 

[illumination]

Not sure if it's still maintain and supported on Windows 7.

It is, just set someone up with it yesterday on windows 7.

 

[Mahesh Sudula]

FortiClient w/VoodooShield.. It should suite all of your needs, and you can configure the heck out of it in the CONF file.

Forticlient doesn't have BB( Fails to remove some detected malware )..voodooshield is Dependent online..a cloud based scanner + Lock (in my opinion..works on whitelist (May not taste that good)..#Crystal Security is probably a bit matured and powerful than it...so neither of above solves him purpose as he requires BB+ Offline protection + Heuristics...
Zone Alarm Free may be an alternative(If your OK with once db update)*NO Heuristics* #

 

[holst]

Like you I use Windows 7, untill now with MSE. It is easily the lightest and most uncomplicated AV for Windows 7 esp when you have 4 gig of ram. The additional security can be found with ublock origin and/ or policy control extension and the like, or adding the free Sandboxie for dangerous surfing. I have high praises for the free K9 webfilter. It is very light and yet very effective in blocking all sorts of nasty websites. Combine that with Macrium Reflect free or another imaging program and you are good to go.

 

[bribon77]

Kaspersky free and Comodo firewall Cs)