What antivirus software should I use?

We are registered with you and I am the treasurer of our organisation. I represent Port Walcott Volunteer Marine Rescue. We are looking at getting some antiviris software for our computer. I am not clued up on what is appropriate for our system. Basically, we only use the internet for emails, and this is only a few times per month. As I have not used your service before, could you guide me through the process. At this stage, the best method for communication is by email. Hoping all goes well. Regards Anthony Oates

Reply by Jordan Furness from Zynet on Monday, 13 May, 2013 - 11:35

Hi Anthony, We are an IT Service Provider and all of our clients use Sophos. We use a monthly subscription which allows clients to add/remove each month in case of new or leaving staff. If you would like more information or would even like a quotation, please email me the number of users you need antivirus for and I can have the quote to you by the end of the day. Regards, Carmel Lewin carmell@zynet.com.au

Reply by from Premier Technonologies on Monday, 13 May, 2013 - 11:36

Hi Anthony, I work in a completely different industry. On a personal note , a basic AVG(http://www.avgfree.com.au/) should be fine.I use that on my computer and it works well. Kind regards, Karan R. karan.rohira@premier.com.au

Reply by from Anderson Morgan on Monday, 13 May, 2013 - 11:41

Hi Anthony, I would recommend using http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/security-essentials-download instead of AVG After that I would recommend Sophos, but I do know that the Symantec Endpoint pricing through "Connecting Up" was very competitive versus Sophos. Happy to provide further help if required. David Pretorius National Sales Manager

Reply by Carlson Ho from itconnexion on Monday, 13 May, 2013 - 11:44

Hi Anthony, I agree with Karan. AVG is probably all you need assuming you are running a small network. It is fairly easy to download and install. Regards, Carlson Ho carlson@itconnexion.com

Reply by energise on Monday, 13 May, 2013 - 11:57

Hi Anthony, We are also an IT services group, we have successfully used AVG (www.avg.com.au)for smaller networks and we also use Kaspersky. We have found both products to be strong in virus defence and easy to use with little overhead placed on your computers. Kind Regards Rob Nosko Energise ICT rob@energisegroup.com

Reply by from Waldon Computing on Monday, 13 May, 2013 - 13:16

HI Anthony, All suggestions above are great - another vote for Microsoft Essentials which is free, easy to install and is seamless with updates etc. Just make sure if you have another Antivirus/Internet security software - make sure you uninstall it first and reboot your computer before installing any new (different) antivirus! Thanks - and keep up the great work that you guys do up there in Wickham! Regards Paul Thomson - Waldon Computing www.waldon.com.au

Reply by Colin Thompson from TechBrain on Monday, 13 May, 2013 - 13:47

Hi There Anthony, Symantec Endpoint Protection Small Business Edition (http://mig1.cisa.asn.au/donations/symantec-enterprise/symantec-endpoint-protection-small-business-edition) OR Symantec PROTECTION SUITE Small Business Edition (http://mig1.cisa.asn.au/donations/symantec-enterprise/symantec-protection-suite-small-business-edition) would probably be a good fit. Each edition has different features so look at http://eval.symantec.com/mktginfo/downloads/Matrix_Evol_Products_Suite_Comparison.pdf for a comparison of the two. If you have a Mac you need to use PROTECTION SUITE Small Business Edition. For the extra $1 cost I would suggest PROTECTION SUITE anyway. The small business edition is designed for simple setup. Annual renewals are fairly cost effective at around $30 per machine per year. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions. Regards Colin Thompson Blue Networks & Technology http://www.bluenetworks.com.au community @bluenetworks.com.au

Reply by Jeremy Beard from Geidi IT on Saturday, 18 May, 2013 - 13:13

Hi Anthony, We are also an IT Service Provider. My answer would depend on what sort of infrastructure you are running. If it's just client PC's then I'd reccomend Microsoft's Security Essentials, it's low impact and quite capable, and you can't beat the price. If you have server infrastructure on your network then you may want to consider a more robust solution such as Trend Micro Worry Free Business or ESET. In all cases I'd recommend having a "2nd opinion Scanner" on hand to run in the event that you suspect you have an infected machine. Malwarebytes and Hitman Pro are good options here. The bottom line is that no antivirus is 100% effective, particularly if your users have local admin rights on their PC's. User education and awareness is your best protection here. Regards, David Dennell david@geidi.com