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Bitdefender Internet Security 2016 FREE 6 Months License
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The paid products have become resource-hungry feature-bloated problem-prone and at-times-downright-frustrating software (I paid for a renewal licence since I've never given them anything for all the years of free protection.)
However, there is always the free edition for unobtrusive simple-yet-strong anti-virus protection without the bloat.
http://www.bitdefender.com.au/solutions/free.htmlGood info here - I prefer the free version.
Free version doesn't work with Dashlane. Probably some other programs too.
Works fine for me.
I paid for my license and no regrets.
Thanks my last one of these expires tomorrow!
Don't forget to let people know that Bit Defender does not install if you have Asus Ai Suite installed. It somehow clashes with it….. Had troubles with it previously with also a free 6 month promotion….
Must depend on the version of BitDefender and/or AI Suite. It installed on my machine (about a year ago) which runs AI Suite.
Any good free Antivirus recommendations for a long run?
Thanks:)
Microsoft Security Essential. Not the best, but decent and free.
No! Use to be decent. Now absolute junk that let me down badly enough to cost me a lot of time recovering from a virus. DO NOT install MSE. Windows superceded it with Windows Defender and only recommends installing MSE on Windows 7. It's not exactly a priority for them to keep it up to date anymore.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/help/14210/security-esse…I use Avira.
If you want to compare go to:
http://www.av-test.org
and
http://www.av-comparatives.orgOh sure, its Microsoft's fault you got a bad virus, perhaps you should stop downloading so much midget porn!
On a serious note, I've been using Windows Defender for over a decade and have never had a virus, seemingly I also don't click on a bunch of rubbish on the internet and install dodgy software.
@tranqme: the detection rate and prevention of new attacks by MSE is abysmal. You don't have to click on rubbish or install dodgy software, all it takes is a malicious ad and an outdated flash player and you could get compromised. Best bet is to make plug ins click to play and use an adblocker.
@tranqme: You do realise that malware is only valuable to criminals provided it doesn't let you know it's there right?
You won't notice anything different.
the detection rate and prevention of new attacks by MSE is abysmal.
Source of this claim?
Also, tell me why I haven't had a virus or piece of malware in that time then, either Windows Defender is doing it's job, or I'm simply careful about what I click on, either way you're talking crap.
I do monthly checks with various malware scanners and nothing ever comes up, so please, put that tinfoil hat back on and have a seat.
I don't understand. If you think that only downloading "midget porn" and "click[ing] on a bunch of rubbish on the internet and install[ing] dodgy software." are going to get you a virus why do you bother with antivirus at all?
Is Dpreview a porn site?
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3693032What about The New York Times, the BBC, MSN, and AOL
http://arstechnica.com/security/2016/03/big-name-sites-hit-b…Instead of victim blaming, spreading outdated information and generally living to the same rules that served you in 2005, how about you educate yourself just a little bit before giving advice.
I'm sorry, but where did I state that was the only ways of obtaining a virus and what outdated information are you referring to?
You should probably read the last line of your comment to yourself if you think you're more knowledgeable than me on this subject.
Source of this claim?
http://www.av-comparatives.org/dynamic-tests/
~94.4% effective.Additionally: Yes, if you have a brain you don't need any virus production (technically you should disable MSE/Windows Defender and get a performance boost! ;) )
@tranqme: Seems your "crap" detector is inwardly focused. There is plenty of reputable test data which backs his/her claim regarding detection rates. That you've not had the misfortune of having your system infected says sfa about MS's basic defence capabilities. Fact is that if you're very careful browsing, visit only well-protected websites, don't download anything, don't click on anything, and you are the sole user of your computer then you probably don't even need a basic anti-virus. If however you want peace of mind then investing in a good AV for next to no cost makes a whole lot of good sense.
How sure are you about those facts?
I consider myself a power-user in all aspects technology, and I certainly don't need piece of mind, neither do the majority of computer users, all it takes is a little common sense.
@tranqme: I'm sure you do consider yourself a "power user" but your ignorance of AV basics suggests that's an extremely optimistic view. People are free to take whatever action or non-action they like wrt system protection but as syousef observed it's far better you don't infect others with your obvious lack of knowledge on the topic.
Again, just because some random on the internet says I'm ignorant about a certain subject (much like the various websites saying WD/MSE is bad mmmkay), it doesn't make it so.
You're right, people will make there own decision, I'm simply offering an alternative opinion (be it not as popular) other than the usual "don't use Microsoft's built-in antivirus, it's shit" dribble I constantly read on this site.
@tranqme: I agree. What makes it a distinct possibility are the comments, dribble if you like, which you presumably typed of your own free will. Your "I've never had a virus" comment is irrelevant. The vast majority of people are protected by website security and whole range of filters - which you as a "power user" probably know about so I won't elaborate - yet malware still manages to find it's way onto systems. Go figure. Even browsers introduce vulnerabilities which can and are exploited.
Ask yourself why most businesses and organisations have corporate AV systems. Better still upgrade your status to "super power user" and read some of the reams of information regarding malware and the reasons why protection beyond MS basics is a good idea for most users. No AV guarantees online safety or protection of your home device but for a few dollars annually some offer significantly better protection than Microsoft probably ever will.
@tranqme: "Real life experience". Roflmao. Your comments don't reflect any reality I've seen, but of course there are always exceptions. I think you're telling porkies. Like you I don't know what every organisation uses but I'd be gobsmacked if ANY government department or organisation was so blase about it's systems and data that they would rely on Windows Defender "as their primary AV". Just between you and me which Dept of Education specifically?
Well what do ya know, turns out you don't know everything, what a rude shock that must be!
@tranqme: No shock to me I can assure you, nor is your obvious lack of "real life" experience. C'mon don't be shy, which Dept of Education was it again? While you're there, what OS do police use - any police jurisdiction, pick one you've had experience with.
@tranqme: So someone else wrote: "That's probably because they [police] don't even use Windows as their primary operating system" ?
Just had a quick look online and this is what the Vic D of E says:
Microsoft Antivirus softwareThe Department has entered into five-year licensing agreements (2013-2017) with Microsoft and its Microsoft-authorised Large Account Reseller. This includes access to Microsoft’s Antivirus software know as System Center Endpoint Protection.
As a real life power user I'm sure you know the difference between Defender and SCEP. Totally different products. AVTest has run tests on both if you're interested in both of their performances.
So someone else wrote: "That's probably because they [police] don't even use Windows as their primary operating system" ?
No, I wrote that, does that mean I have experience with the technology that the Police use?
Actually, SCEP is only used on servers running Windows Server 2012 and lower, and workstations running Windows 8 and lower. In newer operating systems, Windows Defender is used with an extra function enabled to make it centrally managed.
SCEP is basically the same as Windows Defender, although it has additional features that assist in the management and monitoring of clients.
@tranqme: It's abundantly clear that you have no idea what AV or OSs are in use pretty much anywhere. SCEP and Defender are similar in the same way that all butterflies are similar. Beyond that they are different products.
Again, that may be clear to you, but you are nobody to me, therefore what youre saying is worth as much as the black and white text I'm reading it in.
On top of that, you're just saying I'm wrong, and not really providing any evidence to back that up.
Lol the thing is they do use Windows as their primary operating system. Jumping to conclusions when you have no idea. BTW I work for the QPS. If windows defender/mse was sufficient then the police wouldn't invest in av software.
Well, since you work for a subdivision of the Australian Police force, would you be inclined to fill us in on what antivirus software they use?
I can tell you now it's not Windows Defender or Microsoft Security Essential. I'm not going to compromise QPS system's by telling you what specific antivirus but I know they have a partnership with a antivirus company that is not Microsoft. If you really want to know do some digging on Google. I'm personally not a fan of the Antivirus software the QPS is running but it has better detection rates than MSE.
@Possumbly: SCEP and Defender are different products but SCEP and MSE are the same product but SCEP is extended to allow central management with custom XML definitions. As stated above though these features are included in the professional versions of Windows 10's Defender application.
As for the comments about the department of education in Victoria they used to use Symantec Endpoint Protection but there were a lot of issues with it when moving from Windows 7 to Windows8/8.1 so they decided to drop the contract and then just use the Microsoft one since it's included in their Microsoft licensing anyway and wouldn't cost them anything extra to use. Just because they are using it doesn't mean it's the best thing around though.
My university used an enterprise grade endpoint protection product (I forget exactly which vendor it was since it was about 5yrs ago) and it didn't detect a virus that infected an entire computer lab and replaced all the folders on your USB with a .exe using a folder icon. I uploaded that .exe to virustotal and it was detected by 90% of the other consumer available products whereas the endpoint protection came up blank.
@Agret: yes SCEP is popular with some educational institutions apparently, almost certainly based on cost. Whether they have actually ever done a risk assessment (and followed it up) is another question entirely. The significant difference between SCEP and MSE are the extra tools which allow additional layers of security to be applied. Still the same underperforming av detection engine but if you can limit what goes in and out then you are obviously reducing potential threats. How that is implemented is entirely in the laps of the managers in those organisations. Fortunately, imo, organisations I am familiar with have all had a FAR more stringent and professional approach to their systems and data.
Risk profile is always a major consideration. Businesses are far more likely to be targets because of the personal and financial data some of them hold online. For individuals who keep all their important files offline MSE/DSefender may be fine (depending on their browsing and downloading habits), although anyone who has had to rebuild a PC after infection will opt to have the best protection available - especially as it costs so little.
NOTHING will of course stop a good hacker from getting into your computer if he/she wants to but the likelihood of that for most of us is very small.
Like I have said, MSE is decent but not the best. It has lower virus detection rate and higher false positive rate than other paid AV scanners. It has been working well for me in past 6 years. Just need to be sensible which sites you are venturing into. Recently I bought 3-user 2-year Kaspersky for $19 and running it on my new build now.
There are plenty of FREE scanners that do much better than MSE. MSE is only now recommended for Windows 7. Windows Defender is the default antivirus in later versions of Windows. Microsoft are not going to place any priority on keeping an abandoned antivirus program current. MSE isn't just a little bit worse, it's a lot worse.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/help/14210/security-esse…
Using MSE isn't like using a condom with a whole in it. It's like using one with the whole top cutting off.
@syousef:
Hole…it is spelled hole…Using MSE isn't like using a condom with a whole in it. It's like using one with the whole top cutting off.
Too lazy to actually click on the links I did provide. Sure. Here let me hold your hand. After this you can take a look at the reports yourself on av-test and av-comparatives before spouting garbage. You are better off going with almost ANY other antivirus.
By Dec 2012 it was missing 1/4 of all 0-days.
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-7/…But then by Dec 2014, it had gone to half of all 0 days AND almost 1/5 of all discovered in the prior 4 weeks
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-7/…At that stage Bitdefender was missing just 3% of zero days and none of those disovered int he prior 4 weeks.
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-7/…
Kaspersky was missing 1% of zero days and none of those disovered int he prior 4 weeks.
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-7/…So maybe it's gotten better this year? Well yes…for a little while. In Jan it was only missing 8.2% of zero days. But by Feb it was 13.6% again. At least it's catching most of those found in the prior 4 weeks now.
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-7/…How does Bitdefender do? Didn't miss anything!
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-7/…Kaspersky missed at least one sample in feb because it missed 1%
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-7/…Panda was the same
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-7/…Avira? Under 1%
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-7/…AVG slightly worse. Under 2%
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-7/…Avast. Under 2%
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-7/…On av-comparatives they are now tracking Windows Defender, not the outdated MSE which is only for Win 7 and below.
Right, but none of those links explain why a user such as myself has not been infected with a virus while using Windows Defender.
Call it luck, call it whatever you want, but at the end of the day it all comes down to the person operating the system.
@tranqme: I'm not sure and I don't want to make assumptions about you or your PC, but let me just offer that a lot of malware is designed so that it's unnoticible by the user. You could be infected with something and not even know it. That is how a virus best succeeds. Even with a real virus like HIV. You don't know you have it, because you don't see any symptoms, and you unwittingly spread it to others. If you knew you were infected, you would actively try to remove the infection or prevent spread it to others. A virus that destroyed your system before it has a chance to move on and infect the next system is a failed virus. Success like with living things is measured on its ability to duplicate itself.
Can you be 100% certain you've not been infected with anything? Because I've found my system infected with stuff when I scan for malware without ever noticing any of its effects.
Yes, as stated in a previous reply, I've always done frequent scans with various malware detectors which I know work well and perform as intended.
Also, I've been using computers long enough to know whether something is not right, I deal with infected devices on a daily basis and know what to look out for.
I am not going to teach you statistics to get my point across. You wanted proof. I gave it to you. You choose to ignore the proof. That's on you. Sure you don't go visiting crap sites or opening unsolicited email links and attachments. But also you happened not to be visiting a site serving infected ads. For all I know about you, all you do with your computer is boot it up to play solitaire.
You don't need to try to teach me anything, I don't need some random person on the internet telling me which anti-virus is better for me.
If that's the case why did you ask me for proof? Just to waste my time?
Clearly you don't need anyone giving you any kind of evidence. Plenty of evidence out there that MSE is one of the WORST antivirus programs out there right now. It wasn't always that way, but things change, and not always for the better. It's your data and potentially your money. You can uninstall the antivirus and buy a cocker spaniel to defend it if that's how you want to go, but don't advise others to do the same and expect not to be called on it.
Seems like you're the one that is uneducated, MSE can only be used on Windows XP/7, I was talking about Windows Defender.
Again, I appreciate your conern for my data/money, but I'm more than capable of protecting those without needing expensive, resource-hungry third-party anti-virus applications.
I'm not telling anyone to do anything, I'm just that person that offers an opinion that is usually different from others, because not everyone has to follow the herd.
Holy crap dude, seriously?
YOU are the one that brought up MSE. When I showed you MSE is a joke you shifted to Windows Defender and are now calling me ignorant!?!??! WTF? You can't even get the name of the antivirus you're recomending others use and right and I'm ignorant? You even wanted me to provide evidence, which I did., You've got to be taking the piss or trolling!
Take a look for yourself at the same site to see how bad Windows Defender is. (I know I'm not wasting my time looking anything up for you anymore). It is the successor of MSE. MSE is only worse because at this point its almost abandonware. Win 7 is out of mainstream support since 2015, which is why MSE is getting very little put into it anymore. MS wants you to run Win 10.
I don't think so, read through the comments again.
So you're saying that just because some site says something is bad for me, I should delete all the positive experiences I have of it from my memory and just blindly follow?
I genuinely feel sorry for you if that's how you live your life, but I do not, I would rather have first-hand experience and create my own opinions.
@syousef: the fact that he didn't have a clue about the very well known limitations of MSE/Defender tells you all you need to know.
So you're saying that just because some site says something is bad for me, I should delete all the positive experiences I have of it from my memory and just blindly follow?
No disrespect intended but you sound to me like a self-proclaimed professional.
When it comes to whether a movie or game is good or not, your opinion is as valid as any other's.
But these sites are based on actual research that's backed by rigorous testing and data collected over years, by people paid to do this testing. If it's backed by a large "herds" of people, I find this data to be more reliable than your "positive experiences". The things you're commenting on are empirically testable by scientific processes. All you have to offer as refutation is anecdotal evidence which may not be corroborated by some other person selected at random.
I've had nothing but bad experiences with MSE, bad enough that I'm not going anywhere near Defender.
Thanks for the correction. I know the difference but I wrote this in a rush. I'm sure you can appreciate mistakes get made when you don't have time to proof read. My point stands.
I swear this guy is a troll. In denial that his antivirus is no longer performing as well as he'd hope lol.
You are assuming I don't have a clue of don't know certain things.
I think you've got the wrong idea, I'm aware my opinion is as good as others, but clearly mine is unwanted as it's not following a trend.
Provide all the research you want, none of it takes away my positive experiences, and as such, my opinion is still valid despite whether you like it or not.
Regarding your 'bad experiences' with MSE, it sounds to me like you received a virus or malware (most likely user-related) and are upset Microsoft wasn't there to protect your ignorance.
Regarding your 'bad experiences' with MSE, it sounds to me like you received a virus or malware (most likely user-related) and are upset Microsoft wasn't there to protect your ignorance
Isn't this the whole point of anti-virus software?
I'm glad that you have had no issues on MSE, and of course you are quite welcome to put that experience forward and recommend it accordingly.
However I am with syousef, I too have had bad experiences with MSE or Defender. Other people I know have too, even though they barely use their computer. It's fairly common knowledge that MSE / Windows Defender only offers the most basic level of protection. This makes sense, because it comes with Windows, if a hacker wants to make a virus, the first thing they will do is design it to bypass the entry-level protection that comes with Windows.
However its doomed to get a bad wrap because heaps of people have MSE or Defender as a result of it coming with their O/S, and they don't think about antivirus software until they seem to get a virus (due to whatever self-inflicted reasons) - so immediately they assume MSE / Defender is no good and go buy or download a new one. There's no guarantee the other one would have performed any better in that scenario, but it results in poor user ratings.
However in your defense, I guess a key message to come out of your argument (in this huge debate!) is if you are sensible and careful, you are much less likely to get a virus regardless of whether your anti-virus software detects 92% or 98% on tests (or whatever the numbers are). Having said that, generally I'd like to think I am fairly careful and educated about possible sources of infections, but it has happened to me a couple of times over the years anyway…. so I'd take MSE over no anti-virus any day, but I'd still rather have the best (free or cheap) anti-virus out there to protect my occasional 'ignorance'… and it seems most people believe that's not MSE / Defender
I've always been a fan of Eset Nod 32. Decent pricing and I've never had an issue with bloat. It's always been lightweight and awesome in my experiences.
Best AV there is IMO..
Malwarebytes Free is a decent malware scanner.
I have been using Avast for a quite a few years now and it has been working great for me.
Comodo Internet Security
https://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/security-softw…used this on many systems for a free AV it does a great job
Does this licence stack with existing freebie licence?
They usually don't. Typically requires unistall and reinstalls and you have to redo all your firewall settings. Or maybe that's just if you have one of their other variants - internet security or total security etc.
Should give you six months, not six plus whatever you have left.
EDIT - I went over the Kaspersky earlier this year when my BD time ended.
Paid for the Kaspersky license - and ditched it after two days. Made the PC unusable - particularly network connectivity.
Came straight back to this. Never had an issue.
I switched from BD to Kaspersky because the free licenses with BD got a lot more difficult to install.
Never looked back. I didn't have the issues you had with it. It's very light and unobtrusive.
Yeah - a shame it was problematic as i did prefer the firewall functionality.
Thanks you very much.. awesome.
Utter garbage
I also switched from BD (6 months free trial) to Kaspersky (paid version) and Kaspersky is a lot better. You just need to know how to adjust the settings to suit your PC.
thanks
Ive used BD multi device for about 3 years and its been rock solid on PCs, Macs and Android Phones… its not intrusive or resource hungry imo.
All third party av software sold for free or discounts for a reason. They offer no benefit over ms defender. Those play down ms defender are simply smart a$$. Like some people here I have been using ms av for many years, not just myself but also all computers of family members who are by no means tech smart, never had a virus issue. More than that, defender integrated with Windows so well that it does not impact the PC performance which is a nightmare of other av software.
The reason for free and discounted AVs has sfa to do with relative performance and everything to do with chasing market share. Plenty of tests show the better AVs offer far better system protection than basic MS av. Far better detection rates, far better cleanup, far more user selectable settings. Defender is adequate in some circumstances and for a particular class of user but for non-tech savvy people it's higher risk. Why? Because they are more likely to click on shonky email links, not understand the dangers associated with downloading or installing particular programs, and are probably less likely to keep their systems/software up-to-date. Compared to the better AV apps available Defender is never up to date on the latest virus definitions.
Yes some specialist AV programs can interfere with certain programs, yes some can "impact performance" (any application can, many do), but that's the reason why the research done by independent test sites is so important.
I've run Mcafee, Malwarebytes (always have the free version as backup), Kas, BD, now back to Kas on mid spec desktops and laptops for years with only BD giving me small grief due to a peripheral issue not caused by BD itself. Mcafee, after being a leader, has been "junk" for many years, hence the reason I dumped it.
YMMV but Kas runs brilliantly on 5 laptops of various vintage running 3 varieties of Windows. It's my current choice and I'm happy to give them a few dollars annually to research threats and tweak their software.
Without the research, knowledge and expertise of AV companies (some of which comes from users unfortunate to get infected), and MS for that matter, the online world would would be total chaos.
How to add my Mac in the device list under "Internet security 2016" in the Bitdefender central? Every time I click on add device it prompts to install Bitdefender which I have already added. Please let me know.
same problem doesnt work with mac. only the free trial not the 6 months
Expired. Link now results in a 404.
Nope, still available for me.
i think this has expired.
does it work for anyone else?Yes, I'll mark it as expired. Thanks!
May be great at catching viruses but such a pain in the butt to work with. Forced reboots every few days. An engine that wouldn't honour options set in the interface. And firewall rules that blocked legitimate traffic. So glad to be rid of it after the last free licenses expired.