Edna wrote:
> WXP Pro SP3, Desktop 3.6 GHz 2.00 GB Wireless to Laptop DSL; Office 2007;
> Quicken & QuickBooks:; Lavasoft Ad-Aware Plus 2008; Spyware Dr expiring
> don't like so I won't renew; Spyware Blaster; Spybot S&D; EasyClean; old JV
> 16 Pwr Tools.
>
> My 2008 Norton Internet Security has now expired so it's either renewing or
> choose another Anti-Virus Protection program. I haven't incurred any
> problems with Norton but I've read it's a resource hog and too, in some
> opinions, it's not as good as other Antivirus programs on the Market.
>
> I've checked out Reviews on:
>
> 1. PC Security Shield Deluxe 2009 Antivirus & Anti-Spyware. @ $22.49 w
> Coupon
> Powered by Kapersky Antivirus 6.0 recommmended in About.Windows.
>
> 2. ESET NOD32 Smart Security with Personal Firewall & Antispam @ $59.99
> I'm not sure from their Site if this includes AntiVirus - it must.
>
> 3. Zone Alarm Internet Security Suite $39.95US/$48.81 Cdn Includes Firewall
> Antivirus and Spyware.
> ZA Suite is provided free of charge from my ISP. Problem is I have horrific
> memories of installing their V7.0 within days of it being issued in Jan07.
> Something about the Kapersky software they were using appeared to have caused
> my problems. I ended up having to do a format after spending hrs on the ph
> with my ISP T/S. If I'm advised it is superior, I'll give it another try.
> The problem must be resolved by now as they're on V8 I believe.
>
> Darn I'm unable to recall now the names of other Anti-Virus programs I read
> of.
> I must have checked AVG and McAfee but didn't make Notes as I've done with
> the above.
> If I missed out a good one, pls suggest it. I'm not looking for free
> although I've entered a cpl prices I had noted for the benefit of Readers,
> but rather "Efficient".
>
> Should I make sure a Firewall is included. I thought it might be best
> buying a full Suite of whichever one chosen. Maybe not. I'm presuming I can
> keep Lavasoft Ad-Aware, Spybot and SpywareBlaster installed should I end up
> buying a Full Suite.
>
> I thought by reading Reviews i could make an intelligent decision but ...
> All of the Reviews I read on these and others too, have many favourable and
> many unfavourable experiences described. Hence I'm seeking what I believe to
> be expert advice from the NG Advisors.
>
> Pls advise because it appears, the more reading I do, the more confused I've
> become. Thx so much for any suggestions.
You'll get nearly as many differing opinions as you will responses.
I'll start by saying that I don't think any security "suite" is a
good choice. It'd be better to use smaller, less-resource-draining
stand-alone products.
I had used, and recommended, Norton Antivirus and then Norton
Internet Security, for many years, on Win98, WinNT, Win2K, and WinXP,
all without any significant problems. I had used McAfee prior to that.
But it's been several years since I've been tempted to try McAfee
products. Their quality seemed to take a steep nose-dive after they were
acquired by Network Associates.
However, when my subscription to Symantec's updates for Norton
Internet Security came up for renewal (at a cost substantially higher
than the preceding year's subscription), I decided to try less expensive
solutions. I downloaded and installed the free version of GriSoft's AVG
(
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php ). It proved to be easily
installed, easy to use, and quite effective. Additionally, I was
pleasantly surprised to see a small but very noticeable improvement in
my PC's performance, once I'd replaced the Symantec product. Another
free (for personal use) anti-virus product is AVAST! 4 Home Edition
(
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html), which is what I've used
without problems on both WinXP Pro and Vista Business.
For a recent comparison of anti-virus products:
Retrospective / ProActive Test
http://www.av-comparatives.org/
WinXP's built-in firewall is adequate at stopping incoming attacks, and
hiding your ports from probes. What WinXP's firewall does not do, is
protect you from any Trojans or spyware that you (or someone else using
your computer) might download and install inadvertently. It doesn't
monitor out-going traffic at all, other than to check for IP-spoofing,
much less block (or at even ask you about) the bad or the questionable
out-going signals. It assumes that any application you have on your
hard drive is there because you want it there, and therefore has your
"permission" to access the Internet. Further, because the Windows
Firewall is a "stateful" firewall, it will also assume that any incoming
traffic that's a direct response to a Trojan's or spyware's out-going
signal is also authorized.
ZoneAlarm, Kerio, or Comodo are all much better than WinXP's
built-in firewall, and are much more easily configured, and there are
free versions of each readily available. Even the commercially
available Symantec's Norton Personal Firewall is superior by far,
although it does take a heavier toll of system performance then do
ZoneAlarm or Comodo.
Having said that, it's important to remember that firewalls and
anti-virus applications, which should always be used and should always
be running, while important components of "safe hex," cannot, and should
not be expected to, protect the computer user from him/herself.
Ultimately, it is incumbent upon each and every computer user to learn
how to secure his/her own computer.
--
Bruce Chambers
Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin
Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell
The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot