Tools and other software Antivirus + Firewall for HTPC (2 Viewers)

[hanoota]

software firewalls are weak... you just need a hardware-firewall (e.g. a firewall of a router)

 

[moesfeld]

But software-firewalls can prevent certain programms to "call outside".

BTW:
I´m using AVG PE and sygate personal firewall flawless for some years now (exept avg popups)

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

For me AVG free has gone pear shaped, every windows start it cannot connect to server, this has happened during the last 5-6 months (since 8 released), so have switched to Avast, yes you have to register, but the delight is if you right click on the icon you can shut it down, necessary whilst installing windows updates.

 

[rsbrux]

With AVG 8 free, I have no problems. It also provides shutdown from systray.
That said, I also have nothing against Avast: I use it on my desktop.

 

[Deco]

For me AVG free has gone pear shaped, every windows start it cannot connect to server...

Hi PD, had this problem for about a week myself, but seems to have righted itself. Perhaps just a problem with AVG servers? (virus perhaps )

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

AVG-Free for everyone i know who has it installed has now done this consistantly for quite a few months now, even on a new install

We get various problems from users with all antivirus\spyware programs, so its always good to share personal experiences

But then a true htpc does not need AV or AS software, but who am I to call the kettle black

 

[VdR]

I use AVG on all PCs in the network and have no problems with it at all.

VdR

 

[fromaron]

I also use AVG 8.0 free on all my PCs including HTPC one. I did have update fail problem at one stage with "Invalid CTF file" message reported. After googling around (I love the slang ) I found a solution which worked for me 100%. After implementing it I didn't have a single problem (yet) with AVG.
This is what I did:

Goto C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\avg8\update\download
Delete two .ctf files there. Get AVG to update manualy.

 

[SpudR]

Have a look at the ESET Nod32 Smart Security - firewall & AV in one
My company resell it - there is NO substitute IMHO (the package is great, low footprint, disable popups and exclude DIRs AND the support is fantastic )

If you want to know more AV comparisons
It's a bit techy on the reports but it'll give you the gods and demons of the AV world...

 

[ryan20021982]

NOD32 is the easiest and you can also set it to silent mode so it will only popup if it needs your permission for something, even the splash screen at boot wont show if you tell it not to. Its like its not even there.