Recommend a Security Suite

[razor_303]

I am currently using Norton Internet Security 2007, for both my recently
purchased laptop and my older desktop computer. I have seen the reviews for
the 2008 version and I'm not very confident in getting it.

I wanted to get some recommendations on security software that I can buy
that includes the whole package, like a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware
etc.

I know to stay away from Computer Associates and PC-cillin as I've tried
those and pretty much wasted my money with both, so I've had Norton for a
while now. and Mcaffe ive heard it sucks so im not going there either

Can I have the whole name and not abberviations so I can look up the
software?

getting tired of norton, uses up too much memory...

Thanks

 

[Dennis Pack]

razor_303:
I've been using Nod32 for a few years without any infestations. It
doesn't come with a firewall or spyware program but in Vista built-in
firewall works quite well, Defender is a fair spyware program. You may add
SpyBot or A-Squared (both free) for spyware. The programs listed are Vista
x86, Vista x64, XP and XP x64 compatible. Have a great day.

 

[Vigilante]

I found Avast was the better of the systems available for anti spyware &
anti virus.
Very low use of resources.
Any anti spyware and anti virus will slow a reboot but the system performs
as well as it normally does without any AV programs installed with the Avast
system installed. I tried Nortons, Trend, AVG, Macafee, PC Tools.... They
all tanked my PC and processes so badly it isn't funny.
Try it out.
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

I am currently using Norton Internet Security 2007, for both my recently
purchased laptop and my older desktop computer. I have seen the reviews for
the 2008 version and I'm not very confident in getting it.

I wanted to get some recommendations on security software that I can buy
that includes the whole package, like a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware
etc.

I know to stay away from Computer Associates and PC-cillin as I've tried
those and pretty much wasted my money with both, so I've had Norton for a
while now. and Mcaffe ive heard it sucks so im not going there either

Can I have the whole name and not abberviations so I can look up the
software?

getting tired of norton, uses up too much memory...

Thanks

 

[razor_303]

what about kaspersky's latest internet security software, i think its 7 im
not sure, is it any good?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I am currently using Norton Internet Security 2007, for both my recently
purchased laptop and my older desktop computer. I have seen the reviews
for the 2008 version and I'm not very confident in getting it.

I wanted to get some recommendations on security software that I can buy
that includes the whole package, like a firewall, anti-virus,
anti-spyware etc.

I know to stay away from Computer Associates and PC-cillin as I've tried
those and pretty much wasted my money with both, so I've had Norton for
a while now. and Mcaffe ive heard it sucks so im not going there either

Can I have the whole name and not abberviations so I can look up the
software?

getting tired of norton, uses up too much memory...

Thanks

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 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 2002 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 ) and the free
version of Sygate's Personal Firewall
(http://smb.sygate.com/free/default.php ). Both have proven 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.

Of course, since then, Symantec has purchased Sygate and ended the
distribution of the free firewall. Fortunately, there's still
ZoneAlarm, Tiny, Kerio, et al.

A recent comparison:

Retrospective / ProActive Test
http://www.av-comparatives.org/



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



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

 

[Victek]

I am currently using Norton Internet Security 2007, for both my recently

purchased laptop and my older desktop computer. I have seen the reviews for
the 2008 version and I'm not very confident in getting it.

I wanted to get some recommendations on security software that I can buy
that includes the whole package, like a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware
etc.

I know to stay away from Computer Associates and PC-cillin as I've tried
those and pretty much wasted my money with both, so I've had Norton for a
while now. and Mcaffe ive heard it sucks so im not going there either

Can I have the whole name and not abberviations so I can look up the
software?

I currently use a collection of free security applications. I like the AOL
AVS (rebranded Kaspersky AV 6), so if I wanted a security suite I would
definitely consider Kaspersky IS7. Have a look at the web site forum to see
what people are saying about it. You can also download a 30 trial of the
suite and test drive it:

www.kaspersky.com

I've had good experiences with ZoneAlarm over the years, but unfortunately
the Vista version of the free firewall really slowed down web browsing on my
system. For that reason I wouldn't consider their suite.

 

[Spirit]

Use the Vista Firewall Start - type WF.msc into Search if you
need the advanced features. If you need or want more Firewall
then get a hardware solution such as a router to use with the
Windows Firewall. Another software solution is a waste of money.

Use Avast as your anti-virus and turn off any of the 7 "Providers"
you don't use or need regularly such as Outlook, P2P, and Instant
Messaging. I use only 3 of the 7 and its easy enough to turn on
one of the others as needed. (Install all 7 and then turn off the ones
you will not use regularly.)

Use Windows Defender and supplement with SpyBot and Lavasoft's
AdAware. Use the latter two as occasional scanners.

Unless you have a very unusual setup those will provide all the security
you really need and you haven't spent an extra penny.

 

[Kayman]

I am currently using Norton Internet Security 2007, for both my recently
purchased laptop and my older desktop computer. I have seen the reviews for
the 2008 version and I'm not very confident in getting it.

getting tired of norton, uses up too much memory...

Good decision.
Now do this (important!):
Norton's own uninstall tool
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039
As suggested on the site, you may wish to print out the directions before
proceeding.

If this doesn't work use this:
Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Remove unwanted programs and traces easily
http://www.revouninstaller.com/

and/or

RegSeeker
http://www.hoverdesk.net/freeware.htm
then use NTREGOPT to compact the registry then do a reboot immediately.
http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt

I wanted to get some recommendations on security software that I can buy
that includes the whole package, like a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware
etc.

You are not going to find anything better than the Vista FW and Vista in
itself due to the advanced features the FW and Vista are using.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/cableguy/cg0905.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/network/WFP.mspx

Jesper's Blog
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2007/07/19/at-least-this-snake-oil-is-free.aspx
http://blogs.technet.com/jesper_johansson/archive/2006/05/01/426921.aspx

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/technetmag/issues/2007/06/VistaFirewall/default.aspx
"Outbound protection is security theater-it's a gimmick..."
"...the Windows firewall will provide the protection you need..."

Vista Firewall Control
http://sphinx-soft.com/Vista/

Stimulating thought from Gary S. Terhune MS MVP Shell/User
http://grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Forget about paid versions, free AV/A-S ware are just as efficient and
reliable!"

Question:
"Do you think that the free AV can be really as efficient that the other
ones?"

Answer:
"Absolutely. In fact, when it comes to real efficiency, the ability to scan
accurately for viruses without getting in the way of the rest of the
computer's functions, some of the free ones are more efficient than some of
the most expensive. For instance, Norton and McAfee, and even Trend Micro in
some packages, are among the most *inefficient* applications out
there,whereas Avast!, AVG, and other free offerings are among the most
efficient. After that, it's a question of the definitions used, and whether
or not they're free has absolutely no bearing on those stats.
Understand, many of the best offerings are offered to home users for free by
huge companies that make their money serving business and industry
clients,and their logic is that the more home machines they can get
protected,preventing them from becoming zombies that distribute malware, the
better off business and industry are."

Real-time AV applications (choose one (1) only).

Do not utilize more than one (1) real-time anti-virus scanning engine!
Disable the e-mail scanning function during installation (Custom
Installation on some AV apps.) as it provides no additional protection. In
fact, most of experts (incl. Norton) believe that scanning incoming and
outgoing mail causes e-mail file corruption.

In the case of Avast, choose Custom Installation and under Resident
Protection, uncheck: Internet Mail and Outlook/Exchange.

Avira AntiVir® PersonalEdition Classic - Free
http://www.free-av.com/antivirus/allinonen.html

Free antivirus - avast! 4 Home Edition
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
http://free.grisoft.com/

On-demand AV application (add it to your arsenal and use it as a "second
opinion" av scanner).
BitDefender10 Free Edition
http://www.bitdefender.com/PRODUCT-14-en--BitDefender-8-Free-Edition.html

A-S applications (grab'em all).

The effectiveness of an individual AV A-S scanners can be wide-ranging and
oftentimes a collection of scanners is best. There isn't one software that
cleans and immunizes you against everything. That's why you need multiple
products to do the job i.e. overlap their coverage - one may catch what
another may miss.

SuperAntispyware - Free
http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispywarefreevspro.html

Ad-Aware - Free
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_free.php
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html

Spybot Search & Destroy - Free
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

Windows Defender _ Free
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Note: Windows OneCare as an anti virus software just isn't good at all. It
has the lowest catch rates.

Some more useful applications:
Spyware Blaster - Free
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Rootkit Revealer - Free
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Utilities/RootkitRevealer.mspx

Crap Cleaner - Free
http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/
If Windows Defender is utilized go to Applications, under Utilities uncheck
"Windows Defender"

CW Shredder - Free
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Internet/Popup-Ad-Spyware-Blockers/CWShredder.shtml

For your consideration:
Ensure that you OS is current/updated/patched.
http://www.update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

Ensure that *all* software on your pc is current/updated.

Practice Safe-Hex
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html

Read this also:
So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971

Now stay safe

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I am currently using Norton Internet Security 2007, for both my recently
purchased laptop and my older desktop computer. I have seen the reviews for
the 2008 version and I'm not very confident in getting it.

I wanted to get some recommendations on security software that I can buy
that includes the whole package, like a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware
etc.

I am very much against using such suites, whether security suites, or
any other kind. I believe that it's best to look for the best
product(s) in each category. It is *not* true that because company A
makes the best anti-virus program, you should therefore also use its
firewall, anti-spyware program, etc.

 

[razor_303]

I am very much against using such suites, whether security suites, or
any other kind. I believe that it's best to look for the best
product(s) in each category. It is *not* true that because company A
makes the best anti-virus program, you should therefore also use its
firewall, anti-spyware program, etc.

Ok good points made, so what are some good firewalls, anti-virus programs,
and anti-spyware programs that i could buy that are the best at what they
do, and i dont trust those free versions, i those kinds of people that
believe that nothing is free, everything has a price. im willing to pay
since it is for protecting my data and my school investment.

thanks

 

[Spirit]

Point is there aren't any better than the free ones, at least not significantly.
See my previous message.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Point is there aren't any better than the free ones, at least not significantly.
See my previous message.

I agree. I use the Vista firewall, the free Avast Anti-virus, and for
anti-spyware, Windows Defender, Spybot Search and Destroy, and Spyware
Blaster.

 

[Charlie42]

getting tired of norton, uses up too much memory...

If memory and CPU usage is a concern, you should take a look at Eset's NOD32
anti-virus/anti-malware. It's well known for going easy on a computer's
resources.

You should also use a proper firewall, both Comodo Pro and Agnitum Outpost
are known to work well with NOD32.

Until Eset release their full security suite in v3 (currently in beta), I'd
go for one of the combinations above.

Links:
www.eset.com
www.personalfirewall.comodo.com
www.agnitum.com

Charlie42

 

[PTravel]

I lilke AVG, which also has a better firewall than Windows Defender.

 

[Paul Adare]

I lilke AVG, which also has a better firewall than Windows Defender.

Windows Defender is not a firewall.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I lilke AVG, which also has a better firewall than Windows Defender.

Sure. Windows Defender has no firewall at all.

 

[Victek]

If memory and CPU usage is a concern, you should take a look at Eset's

NOD32 anti-virus/anti-malware. It's well known for going easy on a
computer's resources.

You should also use a proper firewall, both Comodo Pro and Agnitum Outpost
are known to work well with NOD32.

Until Eset release their full security suite in v3 (currently in beta),
I'd go for one of the combinations above.

Keep in mind that Comodo's firewall for Vista is still in beta as well and
pretty rough around the edges at the moment.

 

[PTravel]

Windows Defender is not a firewall.

You're correct. I meant Windows Firewall. AVG will also replace all the
functions provided by Defender.

 

[Charlie42]

Keep in mind that Comodo's firewall for Vista is still in beta as well and
pretty rough around the edges at the moment.

Sorry about that, Victek is right. Comodo PF 3 should be used only for
testing at the moment. Outpost for Vista is also beta.

However, NOD32 in it's current version 2.7 works with Vista. It's the
upcoming Eset Smart Security suite who is still in beta.

Charlie42

 

[VistaGeek]

I use the Zonealarm suite 7.1 and it has worked without a hitch for a few
months now! No impact on system. Good value for two licences

VG