After reading through the Window 10 update shennangins in the "N Gauge Discussion " board (why is it in there and not here???), the question of AV software has raised it's ugly head.
Now I'm a bit of a ludite, and am still happily using Windows 7 Home Premium. I have a paid for Bitdefender AV installed and have done for the last four years, with no problems at all. However, this year I had the new 2018 edition installed and have had a few problems, worst of which is it won't allow me to use the "Is spam", "Add spammer" and "Spammers" buttoms any more in "outlook".
Now in the other thread, "Windows Defender" has had a few glowing reports, and was wondering if it is available for Window 7 users. If so, can I download it from somewhere?
If you answer, just remember my computer has thrombosis, well, it has a clot on the keyboad. TIA.
I'm not 100% sure, but Windows Defender is part of Windows 10 OS, so I suspect there is no stand alone version.
Win 7 pro here plus I've been using AVG free for over 10 years with no problems. I use Firefox browser and Thunderbird for email.
@TrevL (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5583) according to Wikipedia, Defender was shipped with Win 7, but not as all inclusive as the latest version.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Defender
Its been there since at least vista, otherwise known as microsoft security essentials
Defender was called Microsoft Security Essentials with W7, it became Defender from W8 onward.
I'd use that over any paid for or other third party software every time.
As a BT Customer I get McAfee Virus prog for free. I also use Malwarebytes and the two seem to work seamlessly together.
Never ever had a virus detected by McAfee but a number of dodgy websites and PUP's detected by Malwarebytes.
:beers:
Windows Defender / Security Essentials is NOT an anti-virus programme, it mainly protects the system files and folders so I would certainly install a third party Anti-virus solution.
I've used the free version of Avast on my computers at home and work plus I put it on my 2 teenager's computers and my Mum's laptop all without problems. The other free solutions such as AVG all do roughly the same as Avast so it's a matter of personal choice which you go for.
I can bet by posting this I run the risk of being verbally beaten up but here goes !
Since the XP days I got totally peed off how anti virus software slowed down my pc especially Mcafee and Norton ! All I just use is windows defender and CCleaner have done so for years and not encountered any problems at all. But having said that I do carry out the occasional scan just to be on the safe side.
The one thing I would advise is to create a mirror image of your hard drive,especially on a fresh or new install that way if you were unfortunate to be infected and was forced to wipe your main drive at least you can rebuild it to when you made the back up.
But it has to be said there is much speculation that there are anti virus programs that create their own virus's to scare people using the 'free' versions so that they purchase the full version to remove the infections that these people put there in the first place!
The way I see the internet it sort of replicates the world we live in, meaning if you put yourself in dodgy places you can expect to get beaten up!
Last of all there is only one site I know of that has the best geeks for advice and fixes and that's bleepingcomputor.com
Hope that helps.
I have the free BT version of McAfee and it makes no noticeable difference to my computers performance whether its running or not.
:beers:
Windows 7 HP for me along with cheapest purchaseable Avast.
I don't even get offered little blue pills any more
Quote from: Lindi on May 31, 2018, 08:39:14 PM
Quote from: Trev on May 31, 2018, 08:19:59 PM
Windows Defender / Security Essentials is NOT an anti-virus programme
Yes it is. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/safety/pc-security/windows-defender.aspx (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/safety/pc-security/windows-defender.aspx)
I stand corrected Lindi. It didn't use to be but having just researched it following your post, I agree with you and to be fair, it does seem to have won over many who in the past have described it as "just about enough"
Quote from: Newportnobby on May 31, 2018, 09:29:09 PM
Windows 7 HP for me along with cheapest purchaseable Avast.
I don't even get offered little blue pills any more
:D :D
Quote from: Newportnobby on May 31, 2018, 09:29:09 PM
I don't even get offered little blue pills any more
Get some Aspirin, some blue food colouring and practice your dry brushing techniques. ;)
Going back to the original topic, would the computer experts on the forum recommend that Windows Defender is enough protection these days? I currently use Malwarebytes Pro along with CCleaner - are they needed? I ask now as my yearly subscription to MB is due in a couple of days. Thanks in advance for your opinions.
Depends if Malwarebytes offers you features other than just antivirus scans.
as for CCleaner what features do you use in it?
registry cleaners are not recommended by this independant professional https://decentsecurity.com/registry-cleaners/
if you use it to clean up old files consider https://decentsecurity.com/#/holiday-tasks/ (3. Windows files clean with cleanmgr.exe)
This website is utterly comprehensive. so don't feel worried if you get overwhelmed.
The company I work for , has over a hundred thousand employees round the world, we use more than one computer per employee, I personally control four,and occationally use about another 10 computers. They all use windows, the oldest is now win7 the majority win10. They are all on the in-house network which is internet connected two of the computers I use are regularly on the internet, including this one.
They all are protected by... MS Defender /security essentials.
We do have a vigorous update routine, though those that are running test equipment on long time programmes are set to allow us to update at the end of a run not in the middle of something that might take 24hours.
We've not a had a problem with viruses, I now use MS Defender at home...
Note in Win 10, if you add another anti virus program it almost always Automatically shuts down Defender.
All I can say is to repeat what I said on the other thread.
I personally have been responsibility for over thirty installations/seats (more machines due to swaps) of MSE/Defender going back 6 or 7 years or so. Fortunately this is now down to four domestic machines!
None of those machines has exhibited any problems, and none has become infected in that time.
I believe Defender is now the most widely deployed AV solution in the enterprise market globally, which has to say something...
Quote from: austinbob on May 31, 2018, 09:14:17 PM
I have the free BT version of McAfee and it makes no noticeable difference to my computers performance whether its running or not.
:beers:
Well now... After all the posts about people using Windows Defender I thought I'd uninstall BT protect version of McAfee (I can always reinstall it) and see how it works.
Seems to setup and run fine but, against my previous statement quoted above, I found my system to be a lot snappier in starting programs. I've reported on the forum before about slow opening of Office files. Now problem is solved and other programs start faster too.
I don't think I ever had McAfee report any viruses and Malwarebytes Premium is good at reporting dodgy websites and PUP's so the combination of Defender and Malwarebytes is looking good so far.
:beers: :)
Quote from: themadhippy on May 31, 2018, 08:12:30 PM
Its been there since at least vista, otherwise known as microsoft security essentials
Indeed. It was a lot more basic in the earlier incarnations, though.
For the work computers I use Kaspersky, which is pretty good. If you want a free one, the free version of AVG seems perfectly OK.
Quote from: austinbob on June 01, 2018, 02:24:48 PM
Quote from: austinbob on May 31, 2018, 09:14:17 PM
I have the free BT version of McAfee and it makes no noticeable difference to my computers performance whether its running or not.
:beers:
Well now... After all the posts about people using Windows Defender I thought I'd uninstall BT protect version of McAfee (I can always reinstall it) and see how it works.
Seems to setup and run fine but, against my previous statement quoted above, I found my system to be a lot snappier in starting programs. I've reported on the forum before about slow opening of Office files. Now problem is solved and other programs start faster too.
I don't think I ever had McAfee report any viruses and Malwarebytes Premium is good at reporting dodgy websites and PUP's so the combination of Defender and Malwarebytes is looking good so far.
:beers: :)
If you now download and install the free version of CCleaner and carry out a scan and wipe out cookies and registry files you could actually gain a bit more!
Also Adwcleaner from bleeping computors is an excellent adware removal tool.
(hope that helps!)_
Yes, if you want a free one then use Windows Defender... as has been discussed.
Quote from: njee20 on June 01, 2018, 08:37:40 PM
Yes, if you want a free one then use Windows Defender... as has been discussed.
Each to their own (and the built-in software is now much improved), but I still wouldn't rely solely on Microsoft for security. The problems with AVG and the 1803 update for Windows will no doubt be fixed before long, irritating as it will be in the short term. With Microsoft's six-monthly release cycle, problems like this are unfortunately inevitable.
I've put the 1803 update on quite a few computers. Few issues. It's mostly fine with Kaspersky, although on standalone computers it does annoyingly reset back to the default scan times, and on domain ones you get Windows Firewall errors - the latter are easily solved by pushing out a reinstall of Kaspersky though, which only takes a few seconds through the management console on the server. I've had one graphics card problem (an AMD card), where at the second reboot during the update the computer would just hang with nothing on the screen. Pulled out the card and reverted to the onboard graphics and it was fine. In this case I haven't bothered to look into it further as that computer is no longer used for anything which requires dedicated graphics anyway.
Quote from: Mr Sprue on June 01, 2018, 08:29:20 PM
Quote from: austinbob on June 01, 2018, 02:24:48 PM
Quote from: austinbob on May 31, 2018, 09:14:17 PM
I have the free BT version of McAfee and it makes no noticeable difference to my computers performance whether its running or not.
:beers:
Well now... After all the posts about people using Windows Defender I thought I'd uninstall BT protect version of McAfee (I can always reinstall it) and see how it works.
Seems to setup and run fine but, against my previous statement quoted above, I found my system to be a lot snappier in starting programs. I've reported on the forum before about slow opening of Office files. Now problem is solved and other programs start faster too.
I don't think I ever had McAfee report any viruses and Malwarebytes Premium is good at reporting dodgy websites and PUP's so the combination of Defender and Malwarebytes is looking good so far.
:beers: :)
If you now download and install the free version of CCleaner and carry out a scan and wipe out cookies and registry files you could actually gain a bit more!
Also Adwcleaner from bleeping computors is an excellent adware removal tool. (hope that helps!)_
Done that and that, no problems found.
Quote from: Lindi on June 01, 2018, 08:38:17 PM
Quote from: austinbob on June 01, 2018, 02:24:48 PM
Well now... After all the posts about people using Windows Defender I thought I'd uninstall BT protect version of McAfee (I can always reinstall it) and see how it works.
Out of interest... Did you have Windows Defender active at the same time as McAfee or did it only get switched on after removing McAfee?
Defender switched on after McAfee removed. But had to ask it to switch on.
Quote from: Mr Sprue on June 01, 2018, 08:29:20 PM
If you now download and install the free version of CCleaner and carry out a scan and wipe out cookies and registry files you could actually gain a bit more!
Also Adwcleaner from bleeping computors is an excellent adware removal tool. (hope that helps!)_
Also worth looking at what is starting up on boot - can be seen in task manager / start-up tab. There may be some things you can disable or remove - but do this with care unless you are sure of what they are.
Quote from: davidinyork on June 01, 2018, 09:05:35 PM
Quote from: njee20 on June 01, 2018, 08:37:40 PM
Yes, if you want a free one then use Windows Defender... as has been discussed.
Each to their own (and the built-in software is now much improved), but I still wouldn't rely solely on Microsoft for security. The problems with AVG and the 1803 update for Windows will no doubt be fixed before long, irritating as it will be in the short term. With Microsoft's six-monthly release cycle, problems like this are unfortunately inevitable.
I've put the 1803 update on quite a few computers. Few issues. It's mostly fine with Kaspersky, although on standalone computers it does annoyingly reset back to the default scan times, and on domain ones you get Windows Firewall errors - the latter are easily solved by pushing out a reinstall of Kaspersky though, which only takes a few seconds through the management console on the server. I've had one graphics card problem (an AMD card), where at the second reboot during the update the computer would just hang with nothing on the screen. Pulled out the card and reverted to the onboard graphics and it was fine. In this case I haven't bothered to look into it further as that computer is no longer used for anything which requires dedicated graphics anyway.
Just to be clear then... you're actively suggesting a program that will potentially stop working every 6 months, and you have first hand experience of it causing conflict with hardware which caused you to remove said hardware? Despite the fact there's a very well regarded free solution that will not do these things? Ooook.
Quote from: njee20 on June 01, 2018, 09:17:02 PM
Just to be clear then... you're actively suggesting a program that will potentially stop working every 6 months, and you have first hand experience of it causing conflict with hardware which caused you to remove said hardware? Despite the fact there's a very well regarded free solution that will not do these things? Ooook.
Kaspersky didn't stop working - needed a few tweaks, but still worked.
AVG - unlikely to happen again as Microsoft will be careful it doesn't after the negative press this time; it hasn't happened with any of the previous six-monthly updates.
The graphics card issue had absolutely nothing to do with any AV software - it was down to the 1803 Windows update. I imagine it's a driver issue and probably fairly easily fixable, but I've no reason to bother trying at the moment.
As I said, I wouldn't rely solely on Microsoft for security. You will find this is normal in most business IT fields - the majority will have third party AV software.
A separate point someone raised earlier (on my phone) was to use ccleaner to clear your registry. Please don't do this as it'll actually cause more issues than it solves on the newer windows. As for av, windows own is very reliable in windows 10. 3rd party av has been known to damage and disable windows security features like UAC however those things have probably been resolved now.
Quote from: Lindi on June 01, 2018, 10:46:21 PM
Why is it? It happened for the Creators update as well Avast/AVG had issues and had to release a fix in the Avast/AVG software. It was nothing to do with Microsoft, it is not there problem if other suppliers code causes the PC's to stop working if they stop the operating system from completing an update because they locked folders. Other anti virus suppliers didn't cause a failure to update the operating system just Avast/AVG.
What evidence to you have for not relying on the Microsoft anti virus program.
From personal experience I had a virus when I used AVG but have had none since I switched to Security Essentials/Defender many years ago (XP if I remember correctly).
If you have time read this article https://www.howtogeek.com/225385/what (https://www.howtogeek.com/225385/what)'s-the-best-antivirus-for-windows-10-is-windows-defender-good-enough/
There have been issues with other AV software. I recall having to hold off on deploying the first release of Windows 10 because Kaspersky wasn't compatible until they released a new version. Of all software, AV protection is mostly likely to pose difficulties due to the way it integrates into the operating system. It's irritating when it happens, but not surprising. If I wasn't confident that it would work (or at least only give minor issues), then I'd remove the AV before the upgrade, then put it back on again. With these six-monthly updates, I normally set up some virtual machines to test them before trying it on any live systems.
Each six-monthly update of Windows 10 is effectively an in-place upgrade installation. Prior to Windows 10 the general view in the IT world was not to do in-place upgrades as they often gave trouble - wipe and load was the standard practice. With W10 this has changed, but it's intevitable that not every upgrade is going to complete without any problems.
As for 'evidence' - well, many years of managing Windows networks, talking to other people who manage Windows networks, contractors, consultants, etc. The general consensus is that the Microsoft offerings have improved considerably, but third-party AV is still advisable, and is still the norm in most business settings. I've seen plenty of articles like that, and arguing the other way as well.
Quote from: mickster04 on June 01, 2018, 11:27:19 PM
A separate point someone raised earlier (on my phone) was to use ccleaner to clear your registry. Please don't do this as it'll actually cause more issues than it solves on the newer windows. As for av, windows own is very reliable in windows 10. 3rd party av has been known to damage and disable windows security features like UAC however those things have probably been resolved now.
Not encountered any isuses with ccleaner, and used it a lot over the years.
Not heard of any AV / UAC conflicts for a long time now - think that was only back in the early days of UAC (it first appeared in Vista, and was designed to be too intrusive so it asked whether you were sure about nearly everything - in later version of Windows it was much improved).
I understand businesses get the phone support etc buy purchasing an av product which you don't get with Microsoft as that's free. You don't get the level of support some businesses need or want. So it might be as good if not as customisable as separate av products, but businesses have different requirements to individuals...
If I delete software especially if it was an anti virus after doing so I would next run a scan using CCleaner to remove any registries, then check for any program folders connected to the software on the master drive e.g C: and delete them.
But when any software is uninstalled/deleted from your pc it still leaves behind a registry folder, personally I don't like this and I delete those folders also, here is how I edit my registry.
Before editing "Registry Editor" You must create a back up and keep it somewhere safe in case you need it!
To open registry from windows : Windows search type> regedit < > Enter < a windows notification will appear asking you if you want to make changes to this computer select > Yes <
To create a backup select > Export < (Restore use > Import <)
In the registry editor select and expand > HKEY_CURRENT_USER <
Next scroll down and expand > Software < from there search for any registry folders that are named to the software you are removing and delete them.
I've always checked my registry, its satisfying when you discover and delete something like "interstatnogui exe" which has fooled many AV's!
Quote from: mickster04 on June 01, 2018, 11:27:19 PM
A separate point someone raised earlier (on my phone) was to use ccleaner to clear your registry. Please don't do this as it'll actually cause more issues than it solves on the newer windows. As for av, windows own is very reliable in windows 10. 3rd party av has been known to damage and disable windows security features like UAC however those things have probably been resolved now.
I can honestly say that I have never encountered any issues in the years I have been using it!
It's off topic now I know but registry cleaners do not help even Microsoft say so. If you are trained professional you may want to modify the registry but otherwise leave well alone https://decentsecurity.com/registry-cleaners/
Hear hear. I definitely wouldn't advocate manually editing the registry unless you really really know what you're doing. Totally unnecessary.
Still not seen any justification not to use Windows Defender for your average Home user. I think there's an assumption that because a market exists there must be advantages for your average user. I disagree. Businesses are different.
Quote from: dannyboy on May 31, 2018, 10:20:44 PM
Going back to the original topic, would the computer experts on the forum recommend that Windows Defender is enough protection these days? I currently use Malwarebytes Pro along with CCleaner - are they needed? I ask now as my yearly subscription to MB is due in a couple of days. Thanks in advance for your opinions.
I think I'm sorry I asked now, but thank you for all the replies and opinions.
Very interesting folks, so what's the consensus on my Windows 7 Home Premium computer please?
Quote from: themadhippy on June 03, 2018, 12:51:38 AM
best anti virus on a windoze pc? At the command prompt type
@@@@@@@@@@@ much more fun - removed by Moderator
Install linux
I'm sure that will prove really helpful :dunce: (and you can't format the C drive if you've booted off it anyway). 'Linux' is not a single entity (it depends which distribution you are using), and is really not very suitable for the home user (other than IT enthusiasts who like to tinker) - as soon as there is any sort of problem, you are going to need a level of understanding which those who aren't versed in it simply won't have.
To try to give a sensible answer to the question, I'd again say the free version of AVG, if you don't want to pay for something. I'd be even more reluctant to rely on the Microsoft offering here than I would on Windows 10, as it's older and more basic.
Quoteis really not very suitable for the home user (other than IT enthusiasts who like to tinker)
what a load of nonsense,infact for your average home user who wants to surf the net,write the odd letter and play music id i say linux is a much better (and cheaper) option.
Quoteas soon as there is any sort of problem, you are going to need a level of understanding which those who aren't versed in it simply won't have.
and isnt this the same for any O/S ?
Quote from: themadhippy on June 03, 2018, 05:53:30 PM
Quoteis really not very suitable for the home user (other than IT enthusiasts who like to tinker)
what a load of nonsense,infact for your average home user who wants to surf the net,write the odd letter and play music id i say linux is a much better (and cheaper) option.
Quoteas soon as there is any sort of problem, you are going to need a level of understanding which those who aren't versed in it simply won't have.
and isnt this the same for any O/S ?
Worked in IT support have you? As someone who has (and does), I can assure you that it's you who is talking 'nonsense'. Most home users wouldn't have the first idea how to install an operating system, and even if someone else did that they would then have no idea how to deal with awkward printer drivers and so on. WIth Windows, it normally all just works now the majority of the time.
It's also not cheaper unless you are going to build your own computer or get it built by the bloke down the road. Anything from a major manufacturer will normally come with Windows, and in the few cases where they do offer Linux the devices are no cheaper - Windows licenses cost them very little per unit given the vast quantities which they are buying.
And no, it's not the same for any OS - Windows normally doesn't needa good level of understanding as most software and other consumer devices are designed to work with it straight out of the box.
Plus most people will be familiar with Windows from workplaces, so they will have at least a basic understanding of how to use it.
I installed the free version of Avast on my computer a few weeks ago.
I am now getting messages from Avast telling me my "free trial" is about to expire and that I should install the paid version.
I am also being sollicited by McAfee asking me to buy their antivirus.
Which is best value - Avast or MaAfee ?
Thanks in advance.
Best regards,
Joe
I think Avast will still work as a free version, but only the basic features will be enabled (that was the case last time I used it, anyway). I can't rememer whether it's a separate installation or all the same one.
If I was paying for something I would go with Kaspersky rather than either of the ones you mention.
Quote from: joe cassidy on March 22, 2021, 03:42:16 PM
I installed the free version of Avast on my computer a few weeks ago.
I am now getting messages from Avast telling me my "free trial" is about to expire and that I should install the paid version.
I am also being sollicited by McAfee asking me to buy their antivirus.
Which is best value - Avast or MaAfee ?
Thanks in advance.
Best regards,
Joe
Personally I'd go with Norton.
It shouldn't be about 'best value', it should be about 'most secure'.
In my experience, neither. BitDefender every time for me.
Quote from: TrevL on March 22, 2021, 03:47:01 PM
In my experience, neither. BitDefender every time for me.
Need to be careful of that one if using any work VPN systems - can be difficult to get it not to block them.
As regards Norton, it used to be nororious for hogging resources. Not sure whether it's any better these days.
Before we get into the age old 'my xxx is better than your xxx', I would suggest any of the top companies; Norton, BitDefender, McAfee, Kaspersky, and pay for it. If it's free, it ain't gonna be that great.
Quote from: davidinyork on March 22, 2021, 03:49:42 PM
Quote from: TrevL on March 22, 2021, 03:47:01 PM
In my experience, neither. BitDefender every time for me.
Need to be careful of that one if using any work VPN systems - can be difficult to get it not to block them.
As regards Norton, it used to be nororious for hogging resources. Not sure whether it's any better these days.
I have Norton running on a desk top and laptop, both full packages, doesn't effect resources at all. Been using it for 15 yes on a auto-renewing licence, so never out of date, always updating.
Thanks a lot everyone for your speedy replies/advice.
Best regards,
Joe
when I told Virgin to 'go away' I got rid of their antivirus, F-secure, though I'd be more inclined to call it something else.
since they tried to sort things out, I can no longer open photos, my fault for letting some idiot take control of my computer by remote access.
then I went to AVG, recommended by a relative who had their free service, but I ended up paying for them, and receiving notification after notification of this, that, and the other that needed me to pay for yet more of their services.......
those who know me will be able to guess my response !
never, never had any problems with Plusnet security, may well look to go back there when time to renew, AND THEY SPEAK ENGLISH, though they do tend to start every conversation with "ey up lad, how's tha doing ...." :D
Just use Windows Defender. :-\
I'm pretty iggerent about such matters, so I won't go into A is better than B, except to say I have been informed that Kaspersky originates from Russia, and one should be wary on that account. Others may have better information on this than me, so I would be happy to be corrected.
Cheers,
Chris
Quote from: Papyrus on March 22, 2021, 05:30:27 PM
I'm pretty iggerent about such matters, so I won't go into A is better than B, except to say I have been informed that Kaspersky originates from Russia, and one should be wary on that account. Others may have better information on this than me, so I would be happy to be corrected.
Cheers,
Chris
I remember this accusation from a few years back, this article deals with it: https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/should-you-buy-kaspersky-security-products (https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/should-you-buy-kaspersky-security-products)
It has to be said that if the Russian, Chinese, American, or even British government actually want your data, they will get it.
I pay for Avast and though it's good it keeps sending me pop ups telling me of things that should worry me. Of course, when you click on 'Fix' it inevitably asks for even more money ::)
the same thing as AVG does :'(
I've been a Webroot subscriber for several years now and found it trouble-free.
Quote from: njee20 on March 22, 2021, 04:39:06 PM
Just use Windows Defender. :-\
Yes. Defender is pretty good these days. I also run the paid version of Malwarebytes which you only pay for once for life.
:beers:
I use Norton Internet Security. Have done for many years. Their VPN is good and the Password Manager is handy. I also run Malwarebytes which I paid for once. Both these products cover my laptop as well as my desktop.
I used to use Mcafee for many years and then it started to do as mentioned and want money for this that and the other. I now pay for Kaspersky (Total Security version now) and have done for at least 12-15 years it has not been an issue and does exactly what I want it to with all the bells and whistles. It has a great password manager and led to me securing all my online accounts more effectively than with a couple of passwords that I could remember.
Integrates with multiple devices (up to 5 I think) so also on my phone and laptop.
This is one of those posts that might benefit from a poll though just as a point of interest to see who uses what, who pays for protection and who relies on 'free' applications or the inbuilt operating system ones?
I run Bitdefender, according to their web site this is the last year they will be supporting Win 7 and they only support androd 5 and above, so my tablet is no longer protected. As I shall be keepng Win 7 as I have 3 computers running it I will be looking for a new anti virus program.
Geoff
I have a windows 10 Pro system and also a Windows 7 Pro system. The only anti-virus I will use is something called ESET NOD32 which has a free version as well as the paid version I use. I also run CCleaner Pro, which I swear by, and they work very very well together.
I have been using that combination for more years than I can recall and have never had a virus on either of my systems. There are also different levels of NOD32, I use their Internet Security version that scans for malware, provides online banking and payment protection through a secure browser.
Just another option to consider.