I had some bizarre problem hit my PC yesterday and while I seem to have my problem fixed, I need to run a quality virus scan.  The PC in question is ONLY used for my stock trading platforms and the forums I researched contend it is not a virus, but I still would like to verify.

The issue seems to have been corrupted files on the drive, and when the windows process 'superfetch' went for those files windows defender would go haywire and lock up the pc.

So disabling those two seemed to have resolved the issue but as you can see its a very peculiar issue.

I learned the ins and outs of virus protection back in the good old days where ad programs and pop ups were a dime a dozen.  That's why I run two machines now, my "clean" one for stocks and another for games, surfing etc.  I remember spybot search and destroy was all I needed back then, and I'm looking for something similar.  No nonsense, doesn't try to take over my computer with firewalls and email scans and signing up for 30 day trials etc.

any ideas?

I use Eset smart security and i like it.

For a scan you can use

nod32

Avast

Kaspersky

Rule 101 of running a PC - TURN OFF DEFENDER!

No idea why M$ even made this piece of *!$ - stops almost all programs from running properly!

Anyways i usually advise a mixture of AVG Free is fine as long as you know what you are doing ie i wouldnt advise my dad to use AVG as he clicks on everything and doesnt have a clue.  I have and advised many people to use Kaspersky although it can be a little over protective sometimes, and i also still use Spybot S&D.

Originally posted by Grunty
You'd do better to run hard drive tests before you do virus checks.  Corrupted files can mean a failing hard drive.

Oh indeed.  I ran a check that took all night and there was some files that I use everyday that were indeed curupt. Those along with 'superfetch' and Defender seem to be the problem.  The virus scan has showed nothing.  Just wanted to make sure some neighbor wasn't trying some goofy business over my network.  Regardless, I'll be ordering a new PC in the mail by early week.  This computer has been a charm for almost 4 years but when your playing forex or running a tight calendar spread on $20 equity options you need a faithful machine lol.  Not going to fuck around and get a new rig. 

Originally posted by simonwest80

Rule 101 of running a PC - TURN OFF DEFENDER!

No idea why M$ even made this piece of *!$ - stops almost all programs from running properly!

Anyways i usually advise a mixture of AVG Free is fine as long as you know what you are doing ie i wouldnt advise my dad to use AVG as he clicks on everything and doesnt have a clue.  I have and advised many people to use Kaspersky although it can be a little over protective sometimes, and i also still use Spybot S&D.

the first rule of running a pc is to understand it, and then try to show off :)

defender works fine, if you got it under controle. nothing stopped here.

@topic: free usually aint quite as good as payed AV's. anyway, AVG is doing quite the good work, tho i prefer my g.data version, even tho i had to pay like 10 euro for a year or sth.

Avast free edition.

4 years and zero problems.

Originally posted by Yanshee

Avast free edition.

4 years and zero problems.

I'd have to recommend Avast as well. I've been running it on all my machines for 3 years and I've had the same lack of problems. Does the job and does it well.

Probably the best antivirus you can pay for is Eset Nod32 (internet security if ur want a firewall also)

If your want a extremely low reasource antivirus (helps with gaming) go with panda cloud antivirus (there is a  free edition).

Quite possibly the most powerful free antivirus would be Avast..

I use nod32 personally...and I've had 0 problems for over 6 years...although my comuputer habits are pretty good, so...

It's important for people to know, that A/V software only stops a small percentage of the garbage out there.  I have multiple client offices running things like Nod32 Corporate and other so-called top of the line A/V software, and they still manage to get infected regularly (unless they are using a hardware solution on the edge).  A lot of the holes exploited by today's malware bypasses A/V software with no problem, and this includes nasty stuff like bootkits / rootkits.

Yes, run A/V, but it's not a substitute for knowing what websites to avoid, and what emails to not click on.

Personally, if my clients don't want to pay for commercial A/V program for some reason, I put them on Microsoft Security Essentials mostly because it doesn't nag them and updates integrate with Windows Update. Seems to work as good as anything else I've used, and I use them all.  I use it on my own machines too, but then I've gone years in the past without any A/V and never been infected because I know what to avoid.

One thing I hate is A/V software with built in firewall BS and other extended services.  Find yourself a good A/V only program.  Nod32 is great, but some people find it daunting with the myriad of settings and overwhelming interface.  I prefer it to the other commercial / paid solutions though.