New Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware Recommendations

As you may have seen us allude to on our Facebook page recently we are making some changes at Affordable Computers when it comes to our choice of Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware software. We've be using, installing, and recommending AVG Free for 8+ years, and SuperAntiSpyware for 5+ years. We don't take changing these recommendations lightly (and frankly it's a lot of work on our end), however some changes to these programs over the past couple years have forced us to re-think things. 

First we'd like to point out that if your system is currently running AVG and SAS that this is not a security threat to your computer, and that we are not switching away from these programs due them not being good at what they do. They are great programs for detection/removal of spyware/viruses. No matter what protection you use you are never 100% protected from malware - you still have to be smart when you surf the web.

The main reasons we are discontinuing use of AVG & SAS is to simplify your antivirus/antispyware experience. Both programs (particularly AVG) have become quite bloated and downright annoying at times. In fact AVG has started recommending types of programs (via annoying pop-ups) that we downright do not think users should install on their computers (Driver Updaters, Registry Optimizers, etc). These types of programs typically create more problems then they solve. In fact AVG's most recent pop-up ad (this is what pushed us over the edge on this decision) was for a Driver Updater program that isn't even made by them. Using your computer as ad space for profit is against everything we believe at Affordable Computers. We understand and agree that companies like AVG have every right to advertise their paid products - but it should be done within the app itself (like the banner at the bottom of the program), and not as pop-ups that confuse and annoy customers. 

As of Monday August 20th, 2012 all computers serviced and sold will now be loaded with Panda Cloud Antivirus, and Malwarebyes instead of AVG & SuperAntiSpyware. We are also switching from OpenOffice to LibreOffice (it's compatible with more file formats than OpenOffice - like Word Perfect and Microsoft Works, and is updated more frequently at this point). Our downloads page has now been updated to reflect these changes and a new Malware Removal Guide has been posted with detailed instructions on how to use these new apps.

Panda is very lightweight and simple, and since it's cloud-based (and constantly in communication with it's server) it never requires updating by the user! Malwarebytes is easier to use, and has a much better/easier update process than SAS.

If you are going to switch to Panda and Malwarebytes please be advised that you must remove AVG and SAS first, and restart the computer before installing either Panda or Malwarebytes. If you are not comfortable with making the switch yourself you are perfectly safe to stick with AVG and SAS, but be advised that the next time your computer is serviced those programs will be replaced with Panda and Malwarebytes.

If you have any questions feel free to stop by, give us a call, shoot us an email, or post a comment on our Facebook Page. We appreciate that you've chosen Affordable Computers for your computer needs!