Tell me, how would you define a bloated anti-virus software?

Did you talk to symantec about it, or do you just assume it corrupts DLLs because you use a pirated version of it where the crack actually cause the issues (which is VERY common). I've used NIS 2009 since it was released, and haven't had a single network issue...

Symantec Endpoint, I'm biased since I get it for free. Thanks to home-use license

My only con is uninstalling it is insane, best to just format. I only do this when I can get an updated copy from work.

Good point, and if it doesn't work I could always return it.

No, I basically just assumed. Truthfully, the fact that I have dll problems and Norton may not be related at all, this is the internet after all; I don't have to be a reliable source of intel. Also some evidence that backs up your claim, I replaced the apparently corrupted dll with one I found of the internet which was suppose to solve the problem, but nothing changed and I also followed steps posted by microsoft's customer support.

Here is how you get the best Anti Virus software.

1) Go to: http://www.ubuntu.com/

2) Reformat your HDD and install Ubuntu 8.10 (or you other favorite Linux distros).

Of course there is always the non software solution to your virus woes

1) Disconnect AC power plug from wall socket.

What this thread assumes is that "the best AV software" is the one that really only detect 90+% of the KNOWN malware. So lets see thats 10% of the malware that is known but can't be detected by heuristics, or is in the 0-day attack window. Don't forget there is another % of all malware in the wild which isn't even known until your favorite security software researchers have time to analyze the submitted code. The last statistic is a little hard to approximate at any one time, but considering the acceleration of new variats on a year by year basis, this not know and not detect figure IS significant.

If you'd like to experiment with your "favorite" AV software, try finding a fresh copy of the Mebroot malware. At the time of this writting the only software capable of detecting this rootkitted virus is GEMER. Once found removal is an advanced process, which will require manual removal techniques.

AV software is inheriently flawed in its assumption that all software can be analyzed and classified in a good/bad bin structure.AV software will always rely on continual updates to try to stay slightly less behind the defense arams race.

I'm a software engineer, computer security expert, and malware removal expert, and my PC is AV and Windows free.

Oh yeah, sounds awesome.  Instead of having Windows and a great AV program like Norton 360..  Let's go the dumb route and install an "open-source" OS which is much more vulnerable to attack.  There's nothing you can say to make linux more secure.  It just isn't.  Hackers will eventually turn on your linux OSes as well. 

Impressive..  So you write software?..  Wow..  And a PC Security Expert.  Let's give you a run down..  I'm certified on a specialist and enterprise level with Windows Vista.  I think I'd trust my word more that Vista is quite a bit more secure than any linux distro you can install.  That's a fact.  Being a fanboy of Linux is one thing..  The user didn't ask us about an OS change..  He/She asked what av software to use.  Stay on topic.    And more importantly..  Enjoy your crap OS.  You could at least run Red Hat (or even Fedora) and not seem a total joke...

Sorry in advance mods.  Had to be done by someone, and mideswell be me.

I don't think it's as much anger as us replying to stupidity.  I see where you're coming from JBHL and trust I have nothing but respect for you in your opinions.  You're a good guy.  It pretty much sums up to people like those are highly irritating..  We're all trying to help and they are offering advice not even asked for.  And not even really advice..  More or less just smart @*~ comments..  Just drives some people nuts..  Mainly me and mickeko lol..

My comment wasn't directed at anyone, fellas. Just an old guy making his dumbass remark......I envy all of you your wonderful knowledge and passion. I remember myself (from long ago) in them and thank you all for that, and your kindness, Cynthdivide. 

i still like Vipre

Vipre sounds good, but where are the tests on how it performs what it's meant to do?

Most viruses spread because of careless users. Once those careless users start to migrate to Linux, you can be darn sure viruses will also pop up along with them. Antivirus doesn't primarily stop viruses from infesting the OS, it prevents users from infesting their own computers.

i use Norton 360, it works in the background and does what it needs to do, it runs its own scans, updates itself, and deletes what it needs to delete and popups occassionally to tell me so. It costs, which im not crazy about,

but to be honest there is more than just viruses,

more than just spyware,

more than just rootkits,

or bots,

or browser re-directs,

or false ads that look like your anti-virus software telling you that you are infected and need to download an update to protect yourself,

more than directx calls,

or malware embedded in picture files,

or macro's that run in documents,

or trojans,

or keyloggers,

or ads that pop up asking you to update your profile, with account and credit card information,

more than im messages from people you dont know,

with messages or attachments that aren't what we think they are,

more than worms that wreck havoc,

or hackers hacking away at our firewall, or lack thereof,

or foreign governments spreading kill-ware,

or criminals that build sites selling "whatever" to get your name and address and ssn, so as to impersonate you and get a loan, or a home, or a spending spree in your name with the bill delivered to your door two months later.

There is a "LOT" of mean and crazy stuff out there,

And alot of freeware doesnt even "see" the rootkits or the keyloggers, or the file that sits in some folder down on the hard drive that copies itself over and over again.

The commercial stuff may not catch it all, but the freeware catches even less.

Buy or not the program you want, but we all get what we choose, for better or worse. But thinking that all i will get is spyware or viruses is pretty blind to all the other stuff that is out there.

One woman last year had a bot that ran her computer as a zombie, didnt even know it was there, it kept downloading porno when she connected to the net. She had so many hits that of course things slowed down, alot, but she didnt know why. She still didnt know anything until the FBI showed up on her doorstep and confiscated the machine.

Not too cool.

Anyway, I pay for the commercial Norton, it does a decent job, and im ignorant of what it doesnt. But with anything else i wouldnt even be protected from what i do know. But get what you think is best, and hope that it is enough.

Just my take on things,

-Teal