I would like to fully, completely, radically uninstall McAfee 8 Security Center from my Vista Home Premium machine in such a way that there are no more traces of it on my system's hard disk nor in the registry.
You asked about recommendations for an AV a few weeks back, and received pretty much the same advice as ky331 gave you. As I look back, it seems you were concerned about extra features, in particular email scanning (which I do not recommend nor use).
But you will be hard-pressed to find any AV program that does not include this option ( and I stress the word
option)- the industry seems to feel that consumers want and expect it, even though in my opinion it is a marketing gimmick.
However AVG Free, avast Home edition, and AntiVir can all be configured during installation to NOT install this option, if you choose the "custom install". (I can't speak to AOL's product, which I haven't tried, but I suspect it is the same). If you take this route, I can assure you that you will have a basic AV only.
The other "extra features" you seem to be concerned about do not cause any problems (and I've used all 3) and are options that can be disabled from within the program if you so wish. I really don't think you will find any AV that is simpler than the ones that have been recommended.
I agree with ky331- you have
nothing to lose by trying one of the free AVs recommended. Unlike many AVs, all uninstall cleanly and easily if you don't like them.
I also agree that Window's firewall is more than adequate, and none of the 3 AVs I used interfered in any way with Window's FW. And that was with
all extra options enabled.
As far as avast and AVG goes, using all the 'extras' in no way slowed down my broadband connection, or my PC. Furthermore, you can disable
all those extra functions and run only the resident AV, which is what you seem to want. Updates to avast can be set to manual or automatic, just like Window's updates.
I really don't think you can get simpler than that.
I personally have never used it, meaning I cannot attest to its effectiveness nor to its safety.
If you choose to try it, keep in mind it's a COMPLETE removal tool for
ALL McAfee products you have installed.... I don't believe you can "pick and choose", to remove only some, and keep the rest.
In terms of FREE anti-virus programs, people in these forums are recommending Grisoft/AVG, Avast!, Avira/AntiVir, or Active Virus Shield. [The last one is based on Kaspersky, an excellent product --- but some people consider AVS "tainted", because it's been freely distributed by AOL].
All are considered good. It's more a matter of user choice as to which is "best"...
As of his posting on 3/1/07, forum member Joe53 [whose opinion I strongly respect] recommends Avira's AntiVir, Avast! 4 Home Edition, and
Grisoft's AVG Free- in this order.
P.S. Do NOT install more than one of these Anti-virus products.
All are FREE; some may require you to go through a "registration" procedure.
I have looked into many of the anti virus programs that you are recommending. I am looking for an anti virus ONLY program. The ones that you recommend seem to include other features and software. Like TREND PC Cillin Internet Security 2007. All that I use is the anti virus portion. Any suggestions for an anti virus ONLY recommendation.
Windows XP Dimension 8250 1Gb RAM Seagate Eaternal 250GB Drive
joe53
5 Journeyman
•
5772 Posts
•
17269 Points
236
0
Posted March 29th, 2007 00:00
But you will be hard-pressed to find any AV program that does not include this option ( and I stress the word option)- the industry seems to feel that consumers want and expect it, even though in my opinion it is a marketing gimmick.