Free Anti-Virus Software For Windows 7 Vista and XP

There are plenty of paid antivirus software like Norton out there for Windows, but what if you want a free anti-virus. The good news is that there is plenty of free Anti Virus software that are out there.

Below I’ve listed the best of the free security software that is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP.

Microsoft Security Essentials

Many reviews say that Microsoft Security Essentials is the best free antivirus out there. MSE is very lightweight and effective, but it does have some issues when detecting false positives. If you want to use MSE you can download here.

Panda Cloud Antivirus

Panda Cloud Antivirus is security software in that works in the internet. The software is very lightweight, but it takes a very long tome to scan for infections. You can download here.

COMDO

COMDO has been really popular for a long time now. Like the other two options I mentioned it performs well and has OK detection. Click here to download COMDO. COMDO has different options for 32 Bit and 64 Bit PC’s so choose correctly.

AVG 9

Of all the software I’ve mentioned AVG is the most popular, but it does not mean its the best. Over the years AVG has went from performing excellently to just being plain awful. If you feel confident enough to try AVG you can download it here.

Avira

Avira is a very popular free Antivirus app. It has excellent detection and the scan speeds are the best you’ll find out of all the free apps.

The one big downside is the annoying nag screen asking to upgrade.  If your willing to put up with nag screens you can download it here.

Avast! 4.8

Avast is one of the favorite security apps of experts. Its lightweight, fast and it includes a DOS-based boot time scan, which is abnormal for free Antivirus software. You can download Avast here.

Looking at screenshots and deciding which antivirus has the good looks and which is ugly is easy. The hard part is choosing the one with the highest detection. Luckley PC world has orginised a chart with the detection rates. Here they are:

Panda: 99.4%

Avira: 98.9%

Avast: 98.2%

MSE: 97.8%

AVG: 95.8%

Comodo: 74.6%

What ever software you choose I recommend you download Both AVG's LinkScanner and Comodo Firewall as add-ons.

Remember to voice your opinion in the comments section.

Snow Leopard Malware Blocker Only Blocks two Trojans

Earlier this week Apple announced that Mac OSX Snow Leopard would come with a malware blocker, which prompted overwhelming excitement. Lets just say that the malware blocker was less than underwhelming. It only blocks two Trojans.

The two Trojans it protects your Mac from are OSX.RSPlug and OSX.Iservice. Even worse, it only scans for the Trojans in a few applications. Intego (an OSX security company) found that the malware blocker is half baked in several ways:

Apple's anti-malware function only scans files downloaded with a handful of applications (Safari, Mail, iChat, Firefox, Entourage, and a few other web browsers) — therefore the disturbingly modest signatures base would be undermined if the user were to download the malware from a BitTorrent application

Apple's anti-malware function currently only scans for two Trojan horses, as of the initial release of Snow Leopard — relying on such a modest set of signatures for malware variants of known OS X families, clearly indicates the premature release of the feature

Apple's anti-malware function receives occasional updates via Apple's Software Update — in respect to malware, even Mac OS X malware, every modified variant of a known malware family enjoys a decent life cycle until it gets detected through malware signatures. In its current form the reliance on occasional Apple Software Updates compared to regular/scheduled independent signatures update, clearly increases the life cycle of a known piece of malware.

I personally believe that the anti malware feature provides a false sense of security. Apple may make it better in the future, but that seems unlikely. Windows Defender was better than this.

iPhone Patch Will Hit iTunes Saturday, Says O2

According to UK carrier O2 Apple will release a patch on Saturday to fix an iPhone SMS security hole, that was revealed by Charlie Miller. O2 spokespersons said the update will be available for download on iTunes. Apple is yet to comment, and it is unclear if the update will be available worldwide.

Critical Security Hole Found in Windows XP and Server 2003

Microsoft is warning users of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 of a security hole in Internet Explorer that allows hackers to remotely install malicious software on computers.

The hole, which is caused by Internet Explorer and ActiveX, has been used for about a week to install viruses on users who click certain links in spam emails. Microsoft’s solution is available here is used to disable the video software. Microsoft is working hard to fix the problem.

New iPhone SMS Vulnerability Found

I am quite surprised that over the years there have not been many holes discovered on the iPhone. In fact the last exploit that was patched happened over two years ago and now, thanks to OS X security expert Charlie Miller -- we're seeing yet another come to light. At the SysScan conference in Syngapore, Miller talked about a vulnerability, which would allow hackers to "run software code on the phone that is sent by SMS over a mobile operator's network in order to monitor the location of the phone using GPS, turn on the phone's microphone to eavesdrop on conversations, or make the phone join a distributed denial of service attack or a botnet." Miller is planning to further discuss the vulnerability at the Black Hat conference. Apple is hoping to have the hole patched by the end of the month.

Is Windows Installing Updates Without Your Permission?

Several reports say that Windows XP and Windows Vista are installing updates, at system shutdown, when the user configured the computer to ask to install updates first.

This Windows Secrets article explains it all. The problem comes up when Windows is configured to use Automatic Updates either to (Vista terminology here) "Download updates but let me choose whether to install them" or "Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them".

Now every tech know-it-all you talk to will tell you that you should have automatic updates set to “Install updates automatically”. There have been times when Automatic Updates shut down internet access to Zone Alarm users, but that is rear and the risks outweigh the benefits. People in the aggregate are better off installing updates automatically.

Scott Spanbauer in Windows Secrets explains what might have happened. The June 9th update was a rather large update. which addressed 10 updates and 31 vulnerabilities. Microsoft Knowledge Base explains how some problems can occur when a traffic is heavy on the update server. 

Spanbauer puts forward one possible avenue for users who really want to avoid this problem:

If you consider it important to research patches before they're installed, one possible workaround involves selecting AU's option 2 or 3. Then, run Microsoft Update (a superset of Windows Update, both of which require IE) and specify every patch to be installed or not installed -- every time you plan to shut down or reboot. Running Microsoft's updater should eliminate any queued downloads that might install unexpectedly.

This doesn't seem quite right to me in a few ways. First, neither Windows nor Microsoft Update on Vista use IE, but they do on XP. Second, I have at least one system where running Microsoft Update does not eliminate queued downloads, and in fact Microsoft Update fails in that case; I have to let Automatic Updates proceed. Third, this sounds like a major pain.

Morro Beta Released Today

Just a quick reminder: Microsoft plans to allow the public to download a beta version of “Morro,” now known as Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) on June 23, starting around 9 a.m. PT.

Update (8 a.m. PT): The beta download is now live. Or maybe not. It was for a minute, there….

MSE is the free antivirus/anti-malware product that is replacing Microsoft’s paid Windows Live OneCare subscription service. It is aimed primarily at users who can’t or won’t pay for security software.

Here are the details about today’s beta kick-off:

Who is eligible: Anyone in the U.S., Israel or Brazil who wants to try MSE on XP SP2, Vista or Windows 7 (Beta or Release Candidate) can grab the beta. Last week, Microsoft officials told me there was no cap planned for the beta, but  shortly thereafter a spokesperson said the beta will be capped at 75,000. “This could change though depending on what the download scenario is,” he added.

Download site: Testers will be able to download MSE beta from Microsoft Connect by going to this page: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Versions: The MSE beta will be available in 32- and 64-bit flavors. It will be available in English and Brazilian Portuguese on June 23 and simplified Chinese some time later this year. Update: The beta is restricted by country. The beta site says: “This beta is available only to customers in the United States, Israel (English only), People’s Republic of China (Simplified Chinese only) and Brazil (Brazilian Portuguese only).”

How long will the beta be available: Microsoft plans to keep the beta open until the cap is reached or the final product is available, whichever comes first.

When is the final MSE release due: Official word is before the end of calendar 2009. I’ve seen several bloggers saying this fall.

If you’re among the testers who grab a copy of today’s beta of MSE, I’d be interested in hearing what you think. How does MSE compare to other free and paid third-party security offerings and Windows Live OneCare?

More Morro Screenshots Leaked

A Windows enthusiast blog on Tuesday posted what it says are leaked screenshots of Microsoft's upcoming free security software, code-named "Morro," which is due for public beta release soon. Today another set of screenshots were leaked.

In November, Microsoft announced that they would no longer be selling or supporting it’s failed anti-virus software, Windows Live OneCare.

Microsoft says that Morro will be available in the second half of 2009. OneCare will be continued to be sold until June 30 2009.

Morro will be compatible with Windows XP, Vista and the upcoming Windows 7.

When OneCare launched 3 years ago it managed to make a dent in the security industry due to lower than normal prices.

Morro Screenshots Leaked; Will it be Cloud Based?

A Windows enthusiast blog on Tuesday posted what it says are leaked screenshots of Microsoft's upcoming free security software, code-named "Morro," which is due for public beta release soon.

Neowin.net has three screenshots apparently obtained by a secret source. Morro is said to be tested internally by Microsoft

ZDnet is reporting that Morro will be cloud based.

"Instead of scanning every file or network packet as they arrive into the computer from the Web or an external device, it creates a virtual tunnel between your incoming Internet pipe at the back of your computer to a Morro data center, which scans every byte and packet for malware," writes ZDnets’s Zack Whittaker

In November, Microsoft announced that they would no longer be selling or supporting it’s failed anti-virus software, Windows Live OneCare.

Microsoft says that Morro will be available in the second half of 2009. OneCare will be continued to be sold until June 30 2009.

Morro will be compatible with Windows XP, Vista and the upcoming Windows 7.

When OneCare launched 3 years ago it managed to make a dent in the security industry due to lower than normal prices.

"With a number of free products already available, McAfee has experienced more than three years of global growth. On a level playing field, we are confident in our ability to compete with anyone who might enter the marketplace."McAfee said.

 

"Microsoft isn't going to change the business dynamic. Freeware is really about customer acquisition," Dave Cole, Symantec's senior director product management. "Norton offers trialware as a means to secure customers and even freeware vendors such as AVG, Avira, and Avast recommend upgrading to their payware solution for more complete protection. The reality is that shareware and freeware vendors have been in the market for 20-plus years. The freeware space is crowded and Microsoft is just joining the fray." Symantec said

 

 

And this from Justin Priestley, senior vice president of consumer sales at Kaspersky Lab Americas: "Right now, Kaspersky Lab offers free access to our antivirus detection technology through our Web site, allowing consumers to scan their systems or suspicious files...and for the foreseeable future, that will be the extent of our no-charge offerings."

Here are the leaked screenshots obtained by neowin from an anonymous tipster. Morro is currently in testing and is subject to UI changes.

Two New Attacks for OSX Surface

Security experts have discovered two new attacks targeting Mac users, a new version of a worm and a Trojan hidden inside a porn site (which I will not name or go to).

On Tuesday Paretologic warned about a porn site downloading malware that targets both Windows and OSX. Mac users get redirected to pagemac.php that downloads a QuickTime.dmg file.

"As we've demonstrated before, and as we'll no doubt explain again, the Mac malware threat is real,"writes Sophos security researcher Graham CluleyHackers are deliberately planting malicious code on Web sites, and using social engineering tricks to fool you into installing it onto your computer."

Microsoft Prepares to Launch Beta of Morro Antivirus for Windows

Microsoft is currently preparing to release a Beta of its free Moro security software which will replace Windows Live OneCare which was pulled off store shelves two years ago.

Morro is a stripped down version of Windows Live OneCare focused more on defending against malware such as viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans.

As a first line of defence Microsoft will rely on the firewall built into Windows 7, but to be protected by Morro customers will need to download the software due to concerns that anti-trust ruling would prevent Morro from being baked into the OS.

Morro is expected to debut at years end, although delaying the release until after Windows 7 has launched on October 22nd would seem a strange move indeed...

How to Hack and Change an Administrator Account Password in Windows XP/ Vista

Lets say you have forgotten your account password. If you’re a computer administrator there will be no way to change your password. In this case most people would tell you that you need to reset Windows. There is another way and here it is:

Hack an Administrator Account in Vista

1. Click Start

2. Type in CMD

3. Click CMD. This scary window will appear:

4. Type in “Net User” without the quotes.

5. Hit Enter

6. A list of user names will appear

7. Type in net user (the user you want to hack)

8. Hit enter

9. Type in a new password and your done!!

Hack an Administrator Account in Windows XP

1. Click Start'

2. Click Run

3. Type in CMD. This scary window will appear:

4. Type in “Net User” without the quotes.

5. Hit Enter

6. A list of user names will appear

7. Type in net user (the user you want to hack)

8. Hit enter

9. Type in a new password and your done

10. Hit Enter and your done

Customise Windows 7 Action Center

The Windows 7 Action Center is a new version of the Windows Vista Security Center. It monitors certain Windows components and alerts the user when a setting is set in such a way that it can harm you or your computer. The Action Center will also tell you things about the security of Windows.

These alerts might be helpful to the average person using Windows 7 but it may just be an annoyance to more experienced users who know what they are doing.

The good news is that these annoying notifications can be modified by accessing the Action Center control panel from the Start Menu.

Experienced users can disable all Action Center notifications so that they will not show up in the taskbar anymore. Another option to completely disable Action Center in Windows 7 is to access the System Icons module in the Control Panel to change the Action Center entry from on to off.

How to Switch Off User Account Control in Windows Vista

The User Account Control is most likely the most hated feature in Windows Vista. Many people just which that you could just turn off the darn thing. You’re in luck, because there is a way and I’m going to tell you.

Warning: Turning off the User Account Control can put you’re PC at risk

1. The first thing that you have to do is close all programs and save all documents (your going to need to restart your pc).

2.Click Start

3.Search for “User Accounts”

4.Click on ‘Turn User Account Control on or off’. You’ll receive a UAC prompt, and if you’re not logged in as an administrator, you may be asked for an administrator password. (If you don't have an administrator password you cannot turn off UAC)

5. De-Select “Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer”.

6. You’ll be asked to restart your PC and will be given a warning.

The Truth About Windows Security

For a few years now, people have been discussing which Operating System is the most secure. Microsoft says that Windows is most secure, Apple says OSX is more secure.

I did some digging around the internet to find out which is most secure. I found a interview with a hacker that a news organization did:

Question: Why do you do what you do

Answer: The Money

Question: What Operating System do you create viruses for the most

Answer: Of course Windows

Question: Why do you create viruses for Windows more than OSX

Answer: It is obvious. 90% of computers run Windows, therefore I can make much more money by creating viruses for Windows. Its common sense

Question: Have you also created viruses for OSX

Answer: Yes, but I have not released it into the wild

Question: What Operating System is easiest to create viruses for

Answer: I have no doubt that it’s OSX. OSX is very easy to hack. Windows and Linux is extremely hard to hack but Windows is harder.

Question: If it is easy to hack OSX why not create viruses for OSX

Answer: Because it brings in less income than Windows

Question: How is OSX so easy to hack

Answer: 1. The security is just awful, and for some reason Apple thinks it is so great.

2. People who use OSX are not that smart. They think that because they use OSX they can do anything on the net, which is not true. Mac users are to trusting.

Question: Do you think an OSX “super virus” is in the near future

Answer: Yes

It’s official, it seems like Windows is more secure. I'm not too surprised that this hacker said that OSX is easier to hack than Windows because, for years now several test’s have proved it.

Louis

May 12

Note: Any opinion expressed are not those of The Unofficial Windows Blog

Vista/7 More Secure than OSX and Linux

Security is always a highlycontended subject, and last week Microsoft claimed that Windows Vista and Windows  7 is the world’s most secure OS, beating both Linux and Mac OS X.

Here’s what Microsoft’s chief operating officer Kevin Turner had said

 

Vista today, post-Service Pack 2, which is now in the marketplace, is the safest, most reliable OS we’ve ever built. It’s also the most secure OS on the planet, including Linux and open source and Apple Leopard. It’s the safest and most secure OS on the planet today. Everything that we’ve learned in Vista will be leveraged in Windows 7, but certainly when we broke a lot of the compatibility issues to lock down user account controls, to lock down the ability to manipulate states and all the things, that was a very painful process for us to grow through, but we had to do it. And the reason that Windows 7 will be successful is because of the pain we took on Vista. Because from a compatibility standpoint, if it works on Vista, it will work on Windows 7. If it doesn’t work on Vista, it won’t work on Windows 7.

 

The My OS is better then yours is pointless and benefits nobody.

As a Windows user I can’t help but believe that Windows is more secure than any other OS but the facts actually prove that Windows is really more secure than any other OS. Intact almost all tests agree with Kevin Turner and I. The only reason Windows has so many viruses is because most people use Windows, therefore virus makers can make much more money off infected PC’s. If you don’t agree here is a analogy I made:

If you had the choice to rob a house with only $1 in it with all the doors unlocked, or the choice of a house with a $1,000,000 in it with tight security which would you choose. The average guy with common sense would pick the second one. Windows would be the house with $1,000,000 and OSX & Linux would be the first choice.

Tripp Zao

April 23 2009

Norton Internet Security 2009 Review

Most users have a love hate relationship with their security software; that may just change with Norton Internet Security 2009. Norton Internet Security 2009 is Symantec’s latest & greatest  update to the software with many new great features while having minimal performance impact.

Install:

The installation of Norton Internet Security was only 2 minutes long from start to finish. The installation is very simple only asking me to type in my e-mail address and product key. The first installation attempt failed because it failed to connect to the internet. After the installation I failed to notice any performance impact, something I was not expecting.

Pulse Updates:

On the Norton Internet Security 2009 box Symantec claimed that every 5-15 minutes or less Norton Internet Security 2009 would be updated. Symantec was not lying. Actually most times it is updated about every 3 minutes on average. In fact it is updated so much that the update timer counts to the very second. Gone is the annoying Live Update notifications asking you if you want to install the latest updates form Symantec.

Interface:

Unlike other security software Norton Internet Security 2009 has a very simple interface with no more than two windows needed to be open at once to perform a simple task. Changing settings and disabling services is very easy now because many of the options to change the settings are in the main menu.

Norton Insight:

Norton Insight helps to increase scan speed by identifying trusted files that do need to be scanned. You need not to worry because it determines to trust it from thousands of other scans from the Norton Community from around the world. Norton Insight greatley increased scan speed.

Detection:

Norton Internet Security managed to detect ALL of the viruses on the computer and blocked ALL of the malicious web sites that we went to. When it comes to removal Norton Internet Security removed all of the infections requiring a restart for some. 

Conclusion:

Norton Internet Security 2009 is the best security product I have used yet. It is fast, has no system impact and does a great job at defending your pc. It gets 4.5 out of 5 stars

Louis--- April 16