Anti-Virus+software

Several Anti-Virus & Anti-Malware software packages have been in use at C3HUU over the years. Among them:
 * Norton Antivirus with Windows Firewall or Zone Alarm firewall (when licensed accompanies new PC, replaced when license expires)
 * AVG Free Edition with Windows Firewall or Zone Alarem firewall
 * CA Internet Suite (tried in 2007, VERY intrusive and not user friendly, dropped in 2009)
 * Avast! Free Edition with Windows Firewall or Kerio Firewall

In 2010, the licenses for the Free Editions have changed, and each appears to no longer support non-profits using the Free Editions unless the use is at the person's Home AND supporting non-profit use. However, each of the above have discounts for non-profit institutions. The three being pursued, as they are very cost effective AND for the C3HUU PCs running one, upgrading is simple. Migration isn't as simple, but the lone new package, AntiVir, reportedly has a very good easy install process.


 * AVG: good removal, now includes anti-malware (though not rootkit removal, kits are free from elsewhere). Good all around in reviews, does include a central manager in business suite for keeping tabs of all workstation scans. $160 list for 5 users/yr (6 PCs with only 5 distinct users). Goes up to $175 for 10 users (30% discount license level granted to C3H). Includes Linux rescue CD in cost,
 * Avast!: now includes rootkit removal and anti-malware scanning. Excellent detection rating, however also high false positives. If there is a central management and reporting of the status, this may be the best bet! $173 list for 6 PCs/yr. Asked for discount rate for non-profit, which is only applied to "Standard Suite". Rescue CD is extra cost.
 * AntiVir: better rated than both of above programs. Also bundled with Rescue CD software, and have requested discount. Licensed per PC,
 * Norton AV: though Norton has been the gold standard in PC anti-virus protection for years, this year the cost has taken a significant jump. Best discounted price found is $40/PC/yr, or $240/yr total. To get a managed version for the C3HUU office environment would cost at least $350/year.

We are reviewing AntiVir on the PC in the former Intern minister office used for ITS work and as a spare if needed. Once we see how much of a fuss it is to install and run AntiVir to compare with AVG and Avast! we'll make a recommendation to our Congregational Administrator. Whichever product we choose, all PCs should be on the same product so that we have one license to order and one set of configuration and management tools. Cost will be between $165 and $200 this year, possibly as much as $350 for a several year license. This is an essential expense for the ITS group.

Some reviews:
 * Top Ten reviews, includes AVG and AntiVir
 * About.com review includes both AVG and Avast!
 * Comparatives detailed test report, includes AntiVir, Avast!, and AVG