Best Anti-Virus, Firewall, Etc?

[tom]

I'm about to buy a new computer and have to make decisions about what to buy
in terms of anti-virus, spyware, firewalls, etc. Thought it might not be a
bad idea to throw some questions out to this forum.

I should preface these questions by saying that I am not technologically
oriented and am looking for basic, solid protection.

1. Anti-Virus:
A. What anti-virus do you most recommend and why?

B. I do have anti-virus screened through my ISP, does that make a
difference?

You'll probably want an AV program of your own. Usually most ISP just screen
email. Not sure where you are or if it's still available but last week I
noticed that Kaspersky 7.0 AV was on sale at several Chicagoland stores for
$20 instead of it's usual $60.

 

[Natasha]

I'm about to buy a new computer and have to make decisions about what to buy
in terms of anti-virus, spyware, firewalls, etc. Thought it might not be a
bad idea to throw some questions out to this forum.

I should preface these questions by saying that I am not technologically
oriented and am looking for basic, solid protection.

1. Anti-Virus:
A. What anti-virus do you most recommend and why?

B. I do have anti-virus screened through my ISP, does that make a
difference?

2. Firewalls:

A. If I have a firewall at the router, do I need one installed in the
computer as well? If so, what do you recommend?

B. I'm using W98 right now, but the new system will (obviously) be either
XP or Vista (probably the former). I understand newer versions of Windows
have a built-in firewall - does this apply to both Vista and XP and do I
still need a 3rd firewall on top of that one and the one at the router?

3. Do you recommend a separate program for spyware and if so, which? (I
understand some of the anti-virus programs are now incorporating spyware)

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ernie B.]

I'm about to buy a new computer and have to make decisions about what to buy
in terms of anti-virus, spyware, firewalls, etc. Thought it might not be a
bad idea to throw some questions out to this forum.

I should preface these questions by saying that I am not technologically
oriented and am looking for basic, solid protection.

1. Anti-Virus:
A. What anti-virus do you most recommend and why?

It depends on how much money you want to spend. Kaspersky and NOD32 are
highly recommended but they are costly. Avast,

B. I do have anti-virus screened through my ISP, does that make a
difference?

ISP screeners usually scan incoming email only. There are other sources that
can infect your computer. Some ISPs offer a suite as part of your fee, you
might look into that.

2. Firewalls:

A. If I have a firewall at the router, do I need one installed in the
computer as well? If so, what do you recommend?

B. I'm using W98 right now, but the new system will (obviously) be either
XP or Vista (probably the former). I understand newer versions of Windows
have a built-in firewall - does this apply to both Vista and XP and do I
still need a 3rd firewall on top of that one and the one at the router?

The Windows firewall only blocks incoming stuph, it doesn't tell you anything
about what's trying to get out.

3. Do you recommend a separate program for spyware and if so, which? (I
understand some of the anti-virus programs are now incorporating spyware)

Yes. I use...

Spybot Search & Destroy, <http://www.spybot.info/en/index.html>
a-squared <http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/>
Superantispyware, <http://www.superantispyware.com/>
AVG anti-rootkit, <http://tinyurl.com/2lr2l3>

.... to detect most of the cooties that you will find. Spybot finds key
loggers etc., a-squared is optimized for Trojans, Superantispyware is a
general-purpose scanner and AVG anti-rootkit is supposed to detect rootkits.
Download, install, update and try them.

Thanks in advance!

Welcome.

 

[Natasha]

be

You'll probably want an AV program of your own. Usually most ISP just screen
email. Not sure where you are or if it's still available but last week I
noticed that Kaspersky 7.0 AV was on sale at several Chicagoland stores for
$20 instead of it's usual $60.

Thanks for your reply, Tom. I hear Kaspersky is not so user friendly for
the non-technological savvy person - would you agree with that? Does it
include any spyware components?

 

[tom]

Thanks for your reply, Tom. I hear Kaspersky is not so user friendly for
the non-technological savvy person - would you agree with that? Does it
include any spyware components?

I use KAV and don't feel it's anymore complicated than most other AV's I've
used in the past. It's got a couple more bells and whistles than others but
they can be turned off with out losing the basic AV protection it's known
for. It also includes spyware, adware and dialer protection. You can DL it
and try for 30 days for free before deciding if you like it.
http://usa.kaspersky.com/ I just looked at the Sunday paper and Circuit
City has it on sale for $9.99 after a $50 mail in rebate.

 

[DaveBl]

I'm about to buy a new computer and have to make decisions about what
to buy in terms of anti-virus, spyware, firewalls, etc. Thought it
might not be a bad idea to throw some questions out to this forum.

I should preface these questions by saying that I am not
technologically oriented and am looking for basic, solid protection.

1. Anti-Virus:
A. What anti-virus do you most recommend and why?

B. I do have anti-virus screened through my ISP, does that make a
difference?

2. Firewalls:

A. If I have a firewall at the router, do I need one installed in the
computer as well? If so, what do you recommend?

B. I'm using W98 right now, but the new system will (obviously) be
either XP or Vista (probably the former). I understand newer versions
of Windows have a built-in firewall - does this apply to both Vista
and XP and do I still need a 3rd firewall on top of that one and the
one at the router?

3. Do you recommend a separate program for spyware and if so, which?
(I understand some of the anti-virus programs are now incorporating
spyware)

Thanks in advance!

I too lik ethe Kaspersky AV product. The anti virus product also scans
for spyware, and their Intenet Security suite also includes a great
firewall. Kaspersky also has a top notch user forum to answer any
questions and can help with prepurchase concerns as well
http://forum.kaspersky.com/

Dave

 

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per Natasha:

1. Anti-Virus:
A. What anti-virus do you most recommend and why?

I went through a couple of paid programs (PC-Cillen and another I
can't recall).

Been using the freebie version of Avast for several years now -
with zero problems.... and the price is definitely right.

 

[Victek]

I should preface these questions by saying that I am not technologically

oriented and am looking for basic, solid protection.

1. Anti-Virus:
A. What anti-virus do you most recommend and why?

B. I do have anti-virus screened through my ISP, does that make a
difference?

2. Firewalls:

A. If I have a firewall at the router, do I need one installed in the
computer as well? If so, what do you recommend?

B. I'm using W98 right now, but the new system will (obviously) be either
XP or Vista (probably the former). I understand newer versions of Windows
have a built-in firewall - does this apply to both Vista and XP and do I
still need a 3rd firewall on top of that one and the one at the router?

3. Do you recommend a separate program for spyware and if so, which? (I
understand some of the anti-virus programs are now incorporating spyware)

My ISP offers a version of Norton Internet Security. I think NIS is a good
choice if you're not "technologically oriented" because it does a pretty
good job of managing the system without a lot of user input. Some people
hate the Norton product line, but they do work well most of the time and
provide pretty good security in my experience.

Both XP and Vista come with built-in firewalls and they will be ON by
default. The OS firewall will only be turned OFF if you install another
firewall to take it's place. In the control panel there is an icon called
Security Center. When you get the new system open the Security Center to
see the status of the FW, AV & AS software on the PC.

No matter how good the antivirus is I would definitely install a separate
antispyware program with a real-time shield (which means it's watching the
data-stream all the time to intercept bugs just like the antivirus).

Security "suites" usually include all three types of defense (FW, AV, & AS)
so if you go with a suite you only have to make one choice. Another
advantage with suites is the various functions are integrated and you can
see the status on one screen. Norton makes it easy by putting a big green
check on the screen if everything is fine or a big red X if something needs
attention - simple and effective.

Regardless of the software you choose it's important to keep it updated and
let it scan the system on a regular basis (weekly is good). A common
problem is people install decent security software and then let their
subscriptions lapse so the software stops updating - then the viruses start
taking over.

 

[Jeanette]

1. Anti-Virus:

Nod32 is great Anti-virus if you want a pay for one. I use a free
Avast which is also great. I noticed your running windows 98 and AVG
Free runs pretty well on windows 98

A. What anti-virus do you most recommend and why?

B. I do have anti-virus screened through my ISP, does that make a
difference?

Depends on the brand most ISP's use a package that contains numerous
things and I prefer to use each program I feel is best.

2. Firewalls:

A. If I have a firewall at the router, do I need one installed in the
computer as well? If so, what do you recommend?

Probably don't need a firewall but its nice to have and Commodo I
feel is the best and its free. Commodo does not work with Windows 98
however but there is an old version of sygate that does still
around that works.

B. I'm using W98 right now, but the new system will (obviously) be either
XP or Vista (probably the former). I understand newer versions of Windows
have a built-in firewall - does this apply to both Vista and XP and do I
still need a 3rd firewall on top of that one and the one at the router?

Probably do not need it but if you want to check any out going
programs and see what is trying to call out Commodo is my
recommendation.

3. Do you recommend a separate program for spyware and if so, which? (I
understand some of the anti-virus programs are now incorporating spyware)

Thanks in advance!

Most of the antispyware progams that are free only do on demand
scans. They are nice to have the best ones I feel are spybot search
and destroy, Spyware Blaster. AVG antispyware and SuperAntispyware
Free edition

Also if you upgrade to Vista you can use the Free Spyware doctor
which is in the google pack.

Also a good pay for one is Webroots spysweeper.
Spyware Terminator is free also.

 

[smithfam1]

I'm about to buy a new computer and have to make decisions about what to buy
in terms of anti-virus, spyware, firewalls, etc. Thought it might not be a
bad idea to throw some questions out to this forum.

I should preface these questions by saying that I am not technologically
oriented and am looking for basic, solid protection.

1. Anti-Virus:
A. What anti-virus do you most recommend and why?

B. I do have anti-virus screened through my ISP, does that make a
difference?

2. Firewalls:

A. If I have a firewall at the router, do I need one installed in the
computer as well? If so, what do you recommend?

B. I'm using W98 right now, but the new system will (obviously) be either
XP or Vista (probably the former). I understand newer versions of Windows
have a built-in firewall - does this apply to both Vista and XP and do I
still need a 3rd firewall on top of that one and the one at the router?

3. Do you recommend a separate program for spyware and if so, which? (I
understand some of the anti-virus programs are now incorporating spyware)

Thanks in advance!

THE BEST.....O COME ON
people are having computer problems because of Anti-Virus's, Anti-spy
ware, and Hackers The problem is Free Anti-Virus and free spy ware,
and firewall software does not WORK !!
if your going to stop Virus's,spy ware, and Hackers you need a team of
trained computer and security experts
to completely manage your online security for you.
it save you a bunch of TIME and MONEY by not charging you enormous
fees for expert service and support and you enjoy unlimited technical
support and a lot more. Hay just look at it. test it you will see.
www.myinvisusdirect.com/smith

 

[Doug Weller]

THE BEST.....O COME ON
people are having computer problems because of Anti-Virus's, Anti-spy
ware, and Hackers The problem is Free Anti-Virus and free spy ware,
and firewall software does not WORK !!
if your going to stop Virus's,spy ware, and Hackers you need a team of
trained computer and security experts
to completely manage your online security for you.
it save you a bunch of TIME and MONEY by not charging you enormous
fees for expert service and support and you enjoy unlimited technical
support and a lot more. Hay just look at it. test it you will see.www.myinvisusdirect.com/smith

Sure, click on a spamming conman's link and see what happens. Beware
of snake oil merchants like this, they are often selling stuff that
has trojans, etc. in it. And try to scare you by lying about other
products.
This guy at best will palm you off with out of date software. That's
at best. He may be trying to hijack your computer, who knows?

Google on smithfam1 and you'll find what people think of him. He is
posting to every group he can find,
Doug

 

[foghollow]

Sure, click on a spamming conman's link and see what happens. Beware
of snake oil merchants like this, they are often selling stuff that
has trojans, etc. in it. And try to scare you by lying about other
products.
This guy at best will palm you off with out of date software. That's
at best. He may be trying to hijack your computer, who knows?

Google on smithfam1 and you'll find what people think of him. He is
posting to every group he can find,
Doug

I'd be put off by the inabilty to spell, punctuate, capitalise appropriately, and conform to standard
syntax, myself.

 

[K2NNJ]

Trend Micro IS 2008 or McAfee VS Plus. Stay away from Norton.

 

[use_a_hammer]

Trend Micro IS 2008 or McAfee VS Plus. Stay away from Norton.

In the Jan issue of either PC Magazine or PC World, Norton 2008 was
rated #1 over Kaspersky, McAfee and Trend Micro.

 

[MoiMoi]

In the Jan issue of either PC Magazine or PC World, Norton 2008 was
rated #1 over Kaspersky, McAfee and Trend Micro.

Vendor-bought reviews from advertising dependent scum-sucking lackies.

MM