Which Internet Security Suite to get included with new computer?

[Aaron]

I am ordering a new computer (Vista Home Premium 64 bit) that offers an
Internet Security Suite from Norton, McAfee, or Trend Micro in the
purchase price.

I am seeking recommendations on which of the three to get.

I am open to advice ranging from one of them being superior, to they all
are inferior, to which one sucks the least, or even the one easiest to
remove without hosing the system before installing a different suite.

I also have available Kaspersky 7.0 (which I know will update when
installed) with one more available computer on its license. It is
running fine on two Vista Home Premium 32 bit systems.

 

[Aaron]

I am ordering a new computer (Vista Home Premium 64 bit) that offers an

Internet Security Suite from Norton, McAfee, or Trend Micro in the
purchase price.

I am seeking recommendations on which of the three to get.

I am open to advice ranging from one of them being superior, to they all
are inferior, to which one sucks the least, or even the one easiest to
remove without hosing the system before installing a different suite.

I also have available Kaspersky 7.0 (which I know will update when
installed) with one more available computer on its license. It is
running fine on two Vista Home Premium 32 bit systems.

I should have mentioned, I have no problem with recommendations for
individual programs to make a 'suite'.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I am ordering a new computer (Vista Home Premium 64 bit) that offers an
Internet Security Suite from Norton, McAfee, or Trend Micro in the
purchase price.

I am seeking recommendations on which of the three to get.

I am open to advice ranging from one of them being superior, to they all
are inferior, to which one sucks the least, or even the one easiest to
remove without hosing the system before installing a different suite.

I also have available Kaspersky 7.0 (which I know will update when
installed) with one more available computer on its license. It is
running fine on two Vista Home Premium 32 bit systems.

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/

Stick with the Kaspersky, which is superior to any of the suites being
offered, and which you already own.

Vista's built-in Windows Firewall is adequate for most users, but
not particularly easy to configure. Vista's built-in firewall, although
superior to that of WinXP, is of a rudimentary nature, intended to meet
the simpler needs of most home consumers (or business/enterprise clients
already ensconced behind more advanced perimeter defenses).

One 3rd-party add-on (Sphinx's Vista Firewall Control
http://sphinx-soft.com/Vista/) might make the Vista Firewall a bit more
useful to you, but nothing but a completely independent product will be
able to provide the detailed control you want.

There are two interfaces for Vistas built-in firewall:

1) A simplified one accessed through the Control Panel that is the only
one most people see.

2) And the more advanced "Windows Firewall with Advanced Security
(WF.msc)," accessed via the Start Menu's Administrative Tools folder,
for the experienced user who wants better control.

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://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

 

[FromTheRafters]

Trend-Micro. Because I know they used to be good, I like their
write-ups, and I hear so few complaints about them.

 

[Charlie Tame]

I am ordering a new computer (Vista Home Premium 64 bit) that offers an
Internet Security Suite from Norton, McAfee, or Trend Micro in the
purchase price.

I am seeking recommendations on which of the three to get.

I am open to advice ranging from one of them being superior, to they all
are inferior, to which one sucks the least, or even the one easiest to
remove without hosing the system before installing a different suite.

I also have available Kaspersky 7.0 (which I know will update when
installed) with one more available computer on its license. It is
running fine on two Vista Home Premium 32 bit systems.

Kaspersky, go with what you know works for you. Norton / Symantec and
MacAfee are a waste of space. And you know what, the fact that you were
sensible enough to ask means you already have the best protection you
can get - which is common sense.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I am ordering a new computer (Vista Home Premium 64 bit) that offers an
Internet Security Suite from Norton, McAfee, or Trend Micro in the
purchase price.

I am seeking recommendations on which of the three to get.

I am open to advice ranging from one of them being superior, to they all
are inferior, to which one sucks the least, or even the one easiest to
remove without hosing the system before installing a different suite.

I also have available Kaspersky 7.0 (which I know will update when
installed) with one more available computer on its license. It is
running fine on two Vista Home Premium 32 bit systems.

Three points:

1. I think using *any* security suite is a very poor practice. It's
far better to choose each individual piece of software based on its
qualities as compared to the competing products. The company that
makes the best anti-virus program doesn't necessarily also make the
best anti-spyware program, so I recommend staying away from suites
that force you into making such an assumption

In fact, I think the same thing about almost any kind of suite of
software, including an Office suite. I, for example, use WordPerfect
in preference to Microsoft Word, but Excel in preference to Quattro
Pro.

2. Norton and McAfee are the two *worst* vendors of security software,
in my view. I would stay far away from all their products.

3. Trend Micro is much better than either of the other two, but I
would still recommend that you use the following:

a. The built-in Windows Vista firewall

b. NOD32 anti-virus

c. AT least *two* anti spyware programs. The best is Malwarebytes, but
also add as many as you want from this list:

SuperAntiSpyware
Adaware
Spybot Search and Destroy.

 

[Mads Petersen]

2. Norton and McAfee are the two *worst* vendors of security software,
in my view. I would stay far away from all their products.

3. Trend Micro is much better than either of the other two, but I
would still recommend that you use the following:

a. The built-in Windows Vista firewall

b. NOD32 anti-virus

c. AT least *two* anti spyware programs. The best is Malwarebytes, but
also add as many as you want from this list:

SuperAntiSpyware
Adaware
Spybot Search and Destroy.

Why not start by recomminding the user to run as a non admin (LUA)?
Shall we stop trying to put all our trust in fear driven products and start
using our common sense?

 

[Richard G. Harper]

None of the below. Stick with an antivirus program you trust, add an
anti-spyware/adware package, and turn on and use the Windows firewall. I
don't like, use or recommend suites because of the system impact they carry.

 

[Mick Murphy]

A Security Suite ends up being a bloated, resource-hungry hog, that tries to
be everything to everybody, and fails in all departments.

I even disable Defender, as is not prime time Anti spyware.

I recommend the combination below:

http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

Avast Anti-Virus is XP and Vista compatible (32bit and 64bit Versions),
FREE, auto-updating, and a low resources user of your computer.
And, only have 1(one) Anti-Virus installed / running on your computer at any
one time.
Conflicts may occur if you have more than 1(one).

http://www.spybot.info/en/index.html

Spybot Search & Destroy 1.6.2 is a very good, FREE Anti-Spyware Program.
Download, install, update, and immunize your System with it.
Then SCAN with it.
Update it, and scan your System once a fortnight.

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

SpywareBlaster 4.2 is a non-intrusive, FREE Anti-Spyware Program (no
scanning by you!).
SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of many so-called spyware, adware
and malware programs by disabling the CLSIDs of popular spyware ActiveX
controls, and also prevents the installation of any of them via a webpage
Update it once a fortnight.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Malwarebytes is as the name says, a Malware Remover!
For the Free version scroll down their page to either download from
Download.com, or Major Geeks.com

Download, install, update and scan once a fortnight..

 

[Milo]

Are we advocating sales here? Nice marketing plug.......

 

[Milo]

Are you sure of EastCoast Lab? or was it West Coast Lab....

and what particular product you've done test on personally? and when
identifying flaws of product be particular with specifics. People read such
for reference maybe it would help the community better decide more if you
give link and details.

because I did check out the report and see that not all Trend Micro product
is as what you say referencing the actual testing company reports so maybe
you may need to be specific

http://us.trendmicro.com/us/products/enterprise/interscan-web-security-suite/cascadia-review/

 

[Aaron]

I am ordering a new computer (Vista Home Premium 64 bit) that offers an
Internet Security Suite from Norton, McAfee, or Trend Micro in the
purchase price.

I am seeking recommendations on which of the three to get.

I am open to advice ranging from one of them being superior, to they all
are inferior, to which one sucks the least, or even the one easiest to
remove without hosing the system before installing a different suite.

I also have available Kaspersky 7.0 (which I know will update when
installed) with one more available computer on its license. It is
running fine on two Vista Home Premium 32 bit systems.

Well, after a few months of running Trend Micro I return here hanging my
head in shame (well, sort of).

Twice I have had it stall during the Installation phase of the update
process. It downloads the new definitions, then sits merrily running the
'installing updates' without end.

Twice now I have gone through email consultations, and got it to install
updates by using their recommended downloads and registry tweaks. At the
beginning of my second incident I did let them know that if I have any
other troubles I would kiss TM bye bye and use a product from a
different manufacturer.

The only silver lining, if one can call it that, is that they were very
responsive to my complaints, and even had me download HijackThis and
submit its report for analysis. But the black cloud of loss of
protection outweighs the good. If your car keeps breaking down it does
not matter if the best mechanic it the world can put it right, when it
should not have gone wrong in the first place.

BTW, at the beginning of the year Norton 2009 was highly rated by, I
believe, PCWorld (among other mags) but has been supplanted by G-Data in
their May reviews. Maximum PC likes Norton 2009, too.

 

[FromTheRafters]

I hear Norton has made improvements upon the oft mentioned compliant of
"bogging down" of the system. I suggest giving it a try, but can't
recommend it from a users point of view as I haven't used Norton since
NAV5.0.

....and I don't like suites.

If you didn't have your mind set on having a suite, you could tailor
your security related programs to your specific needs. What kind of use
or abuse do you put or subject your computer to? Adequate security can
be had for free in some cases, and in other cases a suite is exactly
what is needed (one point of contact for all aspects) - and as you hit
on below *support* is (or should be) the true value of your expense. If
support is nonexistant it can make the program totally useless.

Kaspersky is high on my list also, but I've never used it.

Well, after a few months of running Trend Micro I return here hanging
my head in shame (well, sort of).

Twice I have had it stall during the Installation phase of the update
process. It downloads the new definitions, then sits merrily running
the 'installing updates' without end.

Did you use the protected administrator account *and* run as
administrator when you ran the installation executable? I'm not sure it
is necessary, but I do it now just because I suspect Vista of "silent
failure" in some aspects when installing programs.

Twice now I have gone through email consultations, and got it to
install updates by using their recommended downloads and registry
tweaks. At the beginning of my second incident I did let them know
that if I have any other troubles I would kiss TM bye bye and use a
product from a different manufacturer.

Support isn't everything - the program has to work too. \

The only silver lining, if one can call it that, is that they were
very responsive to my complaints, and even had me download HijackThis
and submit its report for analysis. But the black cloud of loss of
protection outweighs the good. If your car keeps breaking down it does
not matter if the best mechanic it the world can put it right, when it
should not have gone wrong in the first place.

....then again, many people buy cars based on how well they crash.

BTW, at the beginning of the year Norton 2009 was highly rated by, I
believe, PCWorld (among other mags) but has been supplanted by G-Data
in their May reviews. Maximum PC likes Norton 2009, too.

My opinion?
Those choices?

1 Kaspersky
2 Norton
3 McAfee
4 Trend Micro

Myself - I am using AntiVir on XP Pro laptop (came with Norton) and
Avast! on Vista Home Premium laptop (came with McAfee). I haven't had to
test their free version support channels yet.

 

[FromTheRafters]

I hear Norton has made improvements upon the oft mentioned complaint of
"bogging down" of the system. I suggest giving it a try, but can't
recommend it from a users point of view as I haven't used Norton since
NAV5.0.

....and I don't like suites.

If you didn't have your mind set on having a suite, you could tailor
your security related programs to your specific needs. What kind of use
or abuse do you put or subject your computer to? Adequate security can
be had for free in some cases, and in other cases a suite is exactly
what is needed (one point of contact for all aspects) - and as you hit
on below *support* is (or should be) the true value of your expense. If
support is nonexistant it can make the program totally useless.

Kaspersky is high on my list also, but I've never used it.

Well, after a few months of running Trend Micro I return here hanging
my head in shame (well, sort of).

Twice I have had it stall during the Installation phase of the update
process. It downloads the new definitions, then sits merrily running
the 'installing updates' without end.

Did you use the protected administrator account *and* run as
administrator when you ran the installation executable? I'm not sure it
is necessary, but I do it now just because I suspect Vista of "silent
failure" in some aspects when installing programs.

Twice now I have gone through email consultations, and got it to
install updates by using their recommended downloads and registry
tweaks. At the beginning of my second incident I did let them know
that if I have any other troubles I would kiss TM bye bye and use a
product from a different manufacturer.

Support isn't everything - the program has to work too. \

The only silver lining, if one can call it that, is that they were
very responsive to my complaints, and even had me download HijackThis
and submit its report for analysis. But the black cloud of loss of
protection outweighs the good. If your car keeps breaking down it does
not matter if the best mechanic it the world can put it right, when it
should not have gone wrong in the first place.

....then again, many people buy cars based on how well they crash.

BTW, at the beginning of the year Norton 2009 was highly rated by, I
believe, PCWorld (among other mags) but has been supplanted by G-Data
in their May reviews. Maximum PC likes Norton 2009, too.

My opinion?
Those choices?

1 Kaspersky
2 Norton
3 McAfee
4 Trend Micro

Myself - I am using AntiVir on XP Pro laptop (came with Norton) and
Avast! on Vista Home Premium laptop (came with McAfee). I haven't had to
test their free version support channels yet.