Avast Vs Microsoft Security Essentials

[Dch48]

I used MSE on the Vista machine here a while back. We wound up switching to Avast because MSE had updating problems, sometimes the updates would fail. There also was only one update per day. The big killer though was when program updates were available. On two straight occasions, the upgrade would fail halfway through after partially deleting and completely disabling the older version. This left the machine with no AV protection and the only thing I could do was to manually complete the uninstallation of the old version by searching for files and folders and then thoroughly cleaning out the registry before manually downloading and installing the new version. This would have been an impossible task for the person who uses the machine on a daily basis so after it happened the second time, MSE was history. I had installed it for her because it was much simpler and easier to understand than Avast but she has now been using Avast for about 9 or 10 months with no adverse issues whatsoever.

[avast@@dvantage77.com]

I started working in the IT industry in 1974 and I'm still with that same company. I sold many antivirus programs over the years. I believe avast! is the best antivirus bar none!  I haven't had a virus spread through an avast! protected network in the 9 years I have been selling and supporting avast!  I have replaced Symantec, Norton, McAfee, AVG, Komodo, and MSE due to a virus spreading into every computer on customer's networks.

This is the number 1 I.T. nightmare.  I have never had this happen with avast!.  This should be the main criteria, in my opinion, when choosing an antivirus program. 

There is no perfection in our industry, and there never will be.  Every program has it's idiocracies.  The best A/V programs, on average, stop 95% of virus, and 70% of spyware. 

[Montmorency]

In fact, both Avast and MSE are very good applications.
They only have a different approach.
http://www.av-comparatives.org/
Check the link above... and check other forums/blogs/sites
Google around.

[DonZ63]

According to the latest VB100 zero day exploits test for WIN 7, it's MSE.

Which brings up the issue of platform dependence and anti-malware performance. For example, MSE scores poorly on XP.

[garrett]

Also, Avast is very light on resources, while MSE is not as light as someone says. Try to open a folder with a lot of executables files... the system freezes for some seconds.

[bob3160]

They're both good. I think it just depends on what you want to use each one for

Can't wait for the beta of avast! 7 since right now I'm stuck with MSE on the Windows 8 Developers Preview.  :'(

[avast@@dvantage77.com]

XP is 80% less secure than Windows 7.  I have resellers that have specifically asked "How can you secure XP, we can't, so we don't sell it!"

[Asyn]

I have resellers that have specifically asked "How can you secure XP, we can't, so we don't sell it!"

Well, sure you can secure XP.

[bob3160]

XP is 80% less secure than Windows 7.  I have resellers that have specifically asked "How can you secure XP, we can't, so we don't sell it!"

How does this relate to the Subject of this thread  

[CraigB]

XP is 80% less secure than Windows 7.  I have resellers that have specifically asked "How can you secure XP, we can't, so we don't sell it!"

How does this relate to the Subject of this thread  

Good question     

[true indian]

We alerdy have a review on it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AzWIYvl39Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z19BPNYlkd8

[CraigB]

We alerdy have a review on it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AzWIYvl39Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z19BPNYlkd8

More youtube rubbish 

[Jack 1000]

As others have stated, Never use two A/V programs, It's just asking for problems.

As for MSE, I have it on all my users systems. The reason: It's install and forget. You get no ads,no up-sell or pop-ups and you don't have to remember to re-register every year.(Which comes in handy when you have 12-15 users to take care of) It's VERY stable ( I have yet to see MSE crash) also I've seen Zero false-positives. And the main reason, I get fewer calls because if MSE finds something it deals with it.

MSE is ok.  In fact, for newbies who don't know a thing about computers, I would probably recommend MSE and something like My WOT.  It really is "Set it and Forget it."

BUT, I like and use Avast over MSE because of the following:

1.) Avast updates at least 2-3x a day.  MSE only once every 24 hours.
2.) Avast has more thorough virus and malware detection than MSE.
3.) Avast has better help.  You can come here and get answers.  Harder with MSE and MS.
4.) Avast has Boot Time Scan and stronger heuristic detection.
5.  BIG PLUS FOR AVAST:  Full Scans can be done in about 20-45 mins.  Try running a full scan on MSE.  It can take 6-8 HOURS (or worse!)  That is one of the biggest pitfalls of MSE.

In fact, if Avast had automated registration, I would take it over MSE for everybody.

Marc?  Do you personally use Avast?  I like your reasons and comments.

Jack

[Lisandro]

In fact, if Avast had automated registration, I would take it over MSE for everybody.

There are a lot of users who think this way. You're not alone.

[Jack 1000]

In fact, if Avast had automated registration, I would take it over MSE for everybody.

There are a lot of users who think this way. You're not alone.

A wish list for Avast 7?   

Jack