Totalav Anti Virus Software - Warning

[DaveM]

At times I feel it is necessary to warn people of suspect programs especially when your security is at risk. I had a look at this software as I have never seen it before so I installed it. On the install it did a normal scan and the list of harmful threats on your PC. It had a resolve option and when you select this it takes you straight over to the purchase website page.

Now as we know with most reputable security software it allows you 30 days to test and see if it works for you. So as I was not going to just up and purchase this software I did a scan of the computer using the top listed security software around and it found nothing, so what had been identified as threats were just false and a way to get people to purchase their product.

On doing a bit more research on this one I found this and it outlines what I suspected from the start Do Not Buy TotalAV - it is a Fake Antivirus Software

 

[Greyfell]

Sounds like its sole purpose is to collect your credit card information.

 

[DaveM]

Sounds like its sole purpose is to collect your credit card information.

I think you right here.

 

[Rocky]

Thanks for the info

 

[hemibee]

I've seen a few of those recently but that ones new to me. I have a ride partner that I see a couple or four times a year that is with the University of Texas IT Department and I try to follow his suggestions on PC Security. So far he hasn't steered me wrong with his suggestions. It surprised me when he suggested a free service saying it was the best on the market for basic security. I tried it and it fixed for free what the "name" brand software couldn't repair.

So yeah, if they wanted money first, something doesn't pass the smell test if you ask me.

 

[DaveM]

suggested a free service saying it was the best on the market for basic security. I tried it and it fixed for free what the "name" brand software couldn't repair.

What did he suggest you use then.

 

[hemibee]

Avast, that's what all the IT folks run on there's. The University has a contract with one of the "big" providers that they are required to us on system computers. When it fails to protect, the IT group loads Avast to correct the issue and then they have to go back to the contract software. I run Avast on all of our computers and my phone. I haven't had any issues since swapping.

 

[Greyfell]

We probably should mention that if you just go to Avast's website, you will find the paid version quite easily but you won't readily see the free version. You can dig around their website trying to find it, but a web search for 'Avast free version' is the easiest way to find it. The paid and free versions are equally effective and the same version number, but the paid version comes with long term technical support. I have never needed the technical support.

 

[hemibee]

Every time I search for Avast, the first link that comes up is for their free version.

 

[DaveM]

Avast, that's what all the IT folks run on there's. The University has a contract with one of the "big" providers that they are required to us on system computers. When it fails to protect, the IT group loads Avast to correct the issue and then they have to go back to the contract software. I run Avast on all of our computers and my phone. I haven't had any issues since swapping.

This is good software and I install it on any customers PC that opts for free security software.

Here is the link for the free version Avast | Download Free Antivirus for PC, Mac & Android