antivirus protection

[Silver_Pharaoh]

Avira freeware will protect you better than most pay-for alternatives.

You should go with it *if you can set it up correctly. As posted in post#4 above, allow the configuration wizard to keep the default Express Setup options. [Do not Select All.]... and most importantly:

To disable Notifier nag screen: Windows 2000/XP Control Panel > [in Windows 7/8, click on (view by Category) System and Security first] > Administrative Tools [fourth from bottom] > Local Security Policy > Right click on Software Restriction Policies > Create New Policies SO THAT ADDITIONAL RULES SHOWS UP UNDERNEATH > Right click on Additional Rules > New Path Rule... > Browse... to the path of avnotify.exe default is
C:\Program Files (x86)\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avnotify.exe
or
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avnotify.exe

> Set the security level to Disallowed > OK

Also block these two files from accessing the internet, using Comodo Firewall or similar software:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\apnstub.exe
C:\Program Files (x86)\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\ipmgui.exe

Excellent! I updated Kaspersky the day it expired So the defintions are still good. I'll wait a few weeks then switch to avaria

 

[mimart7]

I wouldn't wait that long. Do it soon.

 

[Silver_Pharaoh]

I wouldn't wait that long. Do it soon.

Really?

So just a few days then switch?

 

[mimart7]

Your Av is only as good as its last update. Just make sure whatever you install, just don't leave the settings at default.

 

[Silver_Pharaoh]

Alright, I'll give avaria a whirl soon.

 

[c627627]

It's called Avira .

 

[Silver_Pharaoh]

 

[RangerBarlow]

Microsoft's Security Essentials, FREE, Small and good! plus it doesn't slow down your start up time like most.

 

[noxqzs]

c627627,

When you set a firewall rule for those two .exes, does Avira still update definitions fine?

 

[c627627]

Yes, the blocked files are to block Ask toolbar check and to block a popup nag.


They are not related to definitions:

Apnstub.exe: https://forum.avira.com/wbb/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=132916

AntiVir software checks whether the ASK-Toolbar is already installed on your computer. If the Toolbar is already present, AntiVir will not bother you with a slide-up alert asking you to install it. The apnstub.exe utility will do this check three times (the next three times that you reboot your computer). An additional check is done whenever the AntiVir setup dialog is displayed, in order to once again confirm the presence or absence of the Toolbar. If the ASK-Toolbar is already present, AntiVir will not offer you the setup option for installing the Avira-Toolbar.


ipmgui.exe is a popup nag.