Windows x64 Lacks Major Anti-Virus Coverage


 

It’s good that AMD brought 64-bit computing to the PC masses. It’s even better that Microsoft has developed an OS that supports the full functionality of x64. But really all of this is for naught if none of the Anti-Virus vendors wish to develop software to support the platform.

In a statement released to Ziff Davis Internet News, Symantec said it would be “monitoring the adoption of x64 very closely” but confirmed that virus protection on x64 was not yet available.

Seems to be a Catch-22 to me. Nobody wants to use a Windows OS where they can’t get anti-virus support and the anti-virus vendors don’t want to create 64-bit versions of their applications if no one is using the 64-bit Windows. Of course this could easily be the breakthrough Microsoft needs to enter the Anti-Virus software realm and could prove to be a huge mistake for Symantec and McAfee.


 

23 Responses to Windows x64 Lacks Major Anti-Virus Coverage

  1. christopher says:

    I don’t know why everybody is making a big deal about this. I suspect that most 64bit adopters are the types that run anti-virus software (gamers and engineers).

  2. ScottyWH says:

    It’s just a matter of time.

  3. Norgus says:

    I havnt read much of the article, but don’t any of the 32bit antivirus programs run under xp64, just as regular 32 bit applications should?

  4. Scrivs says:

    From the article:

    Customers testing the newly released Windows XP Professional x64 Edition have been getting startling error messages that anti-virus protection from at least two vendors—Symantec and McAfee—is not yet available.

    According to early adopters looking to exploit the power of the latest 64-bit operating system, the Norton Internet Security 2005 error message is rather blunt: “Symantec currently does not sell any consumer products that are certified to be compatible with 64-bit processors and operating systems.”

  5. norgus says:

    Yes I read that much. Can you still run say grisoft AVG and be fairly virus safe?

    I couldnt care less if norton doesnt like it.

  6. John says:

    part of the issue is probably the fact that AVs run partaly in 16 bit mode, and Windows x64 does not support a 16 bit compatibility mode… so the app. needs to be rewritten, that may take a while.

  7. avast! 4 antivirus is completetly compatible with x64 Windows (both workstation & server). avast! 4 Home Edition is free for home non-commercial use. Be so kind and see:
    http://www.avast.com/eng/x64.html

  8. John says:

    AVG will not work with x64, it will not install

  9. Mark says:

    I have this far tried to install many av softwares on xp 64 bit: results are below:

    Norton 2005 : error message “was not designed for this platform”
    Panda AV 2005 platinum: starts the installed and poofs – no error messages or nothing
    Avast : installed and ran ok but seemed rather annoying and innefective
    nod32 : installed but lacked realtime virus support

    still to test :
    trend, fsecure, others (suggestions?) I am currently running the xp 64 bit for testinbg – when I am done I will wipe and relaod so damage to the os isnt a big deal for me

  10. Matt says:

    fsecure and sophos don’t seem to work either. I am going to give avast a try. It’s better than nothing. Personally, I imagine that the AV vendors are just waiting until crackers can come up with some good viruses and ruin our x64 experience. Then Norton et al. will come to the rescue.

  11. Jonathan says:

    eZ Trust antivirus is good, but again no realtime support.

    Still searching for a realtime antivirus.

  12. dave says:

    Im running 64 bit windows with symantec antivirus and firewall – and three months without a glitch

  13. chase home finance says:

    chase home finance Keyword doesn’t matter

  14. JW says:

    Dave, how are you running Symantec if it’s not compatible?

  15. Code_rookie says:

    I wonder if the overpaid knotheads at Symantec and McAfee ever stopped to think that anyone with half a brain isn’t going to adopt 64 until there is virus protection for it. I loaded it on my AMD64 3400 and I had never seen windows xp boot so fast but there is no way I was going to operate on the Net unprotected.

  16. azsh says:

    I using eZ Trust Anti Virus at my x64 and always i got message error and restarted automatically. Should make a compatible anti virus huh.

  17. AV_Hog says:

    Mark how did you run Panda AV 2005 without errors? I tried to run Titanium 2006, and it popped up saying it couldn’t run it, unless it was written in such a manor so it wouldn’t recognize 64 bit editions.

    Symantec: Errors (not compatible)
    Titanium 2006: Errors (same)
    Haven’t tried Avast or AVG, but that requires purchasing one or the other.

    Apparently the Symantec Corporate 10.0 will support 64 bit, but I am getting tired of the residential BS that symantec tries to feed me.

  18. leeph says:

    I used AVG on x32 until I changed to Win x64 – as I couldn’t be arsed to pay for an AV, I simply chose never to use IE (use Firefox!) and I’ve never contracted any malicious program… but then I am an IT professional and tend to just have a sixth sense about these things.

    Screw AV, just get wise.

  19. Andy says:

    I am using NOD32 for now but do have a subscription to McAfee on my other PC’s.
    I think with enough pressure as in emails etc. McAfee and Norton will come around.

  20. Suburbia says:

    leeph, “IT pro” or not, no 6th sense is going to let you know about a well-designed trojan or worse, rootkit.

    Everyone should have a form of av defense

  21. PoChop says:

    I am running Avast on my x64 with zero problems. I realize it currently may not have the best detection engine, but if you combine it with Spyware like Webroot and use the MS firewall feature, you should be more than fine.

  22. PoChop says:

    And guys… Check out this site.. There’s stuff out there..

    http://www.start64.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=89&Itemid=1

  23. Johnie says:

    Hi people! Great job!
    [url=][/url]

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