TOTALAV?

[palspal]

First of all let me thank all who have asked the questions that I have had and to those, particularly Cory, who have provided the appropriate advice. My IT understanding is very basic but I have been able to keep up as necessary (well, most of the time).

After reading the sound information offered, I have used many very useful and problem solving procedures, one of which was using ClamXav and Malwarebytes for checking for virus and malware infections.

However, in September I was informed that I must now pay for ClamXav and downloaded a trial version. I do not object to paying a reasonable price for useful software but I do balk at paying a yearly fee. I have been retired for many years and have no need for complicated software but, like everyone, feel safer having a clean machine.

Having made appropriate searches I have discovered this list:
https://www.top10bestantivirus.com/...MIhYW-6PHO3QIVh7_tCh0_ygxPEAAYASAAEgKVsfD_BwE

I cannot find any reference here (on MHF) to TOTALAV:
https://www.totalav.com/mac-free-download
and would be very grateful for any information and/or experience of this software.

Thank you.

 

[honestone]

I understand about being retired and having to pay for updates. Even though I can afford it, I'd rather not. As it is, I have to pay update fees for Tech Tool Pro and 1Password. I also recently paid for the newest version of ClamXav, after using it free for a number of years.

From your first link, TotalAV looks good (I just downloaded it, but have yet to install). The one "disturbing" things is that on this excellent, trusted site:

https://roaringapps.com/apps

I don't even see it appear when I put it in the Search box. Also, according to their site, it does not say anything about Mojave compatibility.

One other thing is this:

https://bestantivirusproviders.com/...39&Keyword=Top 10 antivirus&KWID=307481943109

Like the Forbes site you provided, it is #1. However, it normally costs $19.99, and here is a review:

https://bestantivirusproviders.com/review/totalav/

Not sure how long one can use the free version for.

Here is another "fairly recent" review:

https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/review/software/total-av-antivirus-pro-2018-review-3677708/

Again, that one says it costs $39.99 for 3 years.

So, not sure if I will now try it. Also, what I like about ClamXav is that if one is careful, running it every so often is good enough (versus having a virus protection program running all the time).

 

[palspal]

Thank you homestone for your reply. I have read many of your posts and found them very informative, particularly regarding ClamXav and Malwarebytes.

My main concern, like you, is that I could not find anything more about TotalAV other than it being at the top of those ‘Best’ lists and a few reviews but is it really free (i,e, to what does the word refer)? In addition, the lack of any mention on MHF is odd or an entry on roaring apps is also, as you state, ‘disturbing’.

For many years, with previous Macs, I used Avast but, yet again, keep wondering if the initial download (waiting in my download folder) is only for a trial period.
https://www.avast.com/en-gb/free-mac-security

One review:
https://www.techradar.com/uk/reviews/avast-free-antivirus
which implies that Avast will probably suit my basic needs.

 

[honestone]

You're most welcome. These exchanges help a lot!

Products like Avast, Norton, TotalAV, etc. need to "run in the background", so to speak, in order to be effective. On this site, some folks have had issues with their machines and/or other software with such products running in the background.

Myself, I try to be extra careful with my browsing activities (and of course extremely careful with EMails). Hence, that is why I prefer products like Malwarebytes and ClamXav, as I run them when I want to run them.