Anti virus software......

I use NOD32

 

Norton sucks. Ditch it... I just worked on a computer with Norton on it, and it had several viruses and rootkits. I tried using AVG and Kaspersky, and neither found them. Malwarebytes and SuperAntispyware found them, but couldn't remove them. The free antivirus that works the best, IMO, is Avast. It found the rootkits and removed them from the computer I was working on. Avast has a boot time scan that is awesome. I use Trend Micro on my home computer and have it installed on my network at work. If you're going to buy something, their customer service is top notch, and I highly recommend it.

I also highly recommend using Firefox with the Adblock plus extension. It will pretty much eliminate any chance of getting spyware.

 

Crap Cleaner's a great tool, but it won't prevent you from getting viruses.

 

I had Norton and hated it. My new laptop has Kaspersky and seems to work well.

 

I have used Norton Internet Security for years and was just about to give up on it last year because it seemed like with every new version it became a bigger and bigger resource hog but I guess they got the message from all the users complaining and revamped it, it now runs faster, cleaner, and more stable.

I have only paid for it once since every year I always mange to find it on sale with a rebate and previous user rebate so it only costs me a stamp and envelope

 

Do you guys use an internet security program or anti-virus w/a firewall?

Since no one here likes Norton due to what it doesn't do, guess I'm looking for a new anti virus / internet security program.

One more question - is just an anti virus enough or do I need the "whole package"?

Thanks
IR

 

I have Road Runner as my IP and they have free antivirus software from CA (Computer Associates) It works really good! ! !!!

 

Apple

 

Mcafee on two and norton on one, i like mcafee better, easier to deal with very good does not bring up as many allow issues as norton

 

I'm running ESET with NOD32 it works well for me, updates daily and marks any websites as harmful

 

TREND MICRO baby. it works great.

 

x2!

 

I love free stuff and when it comes protection, pc-wise , here is a list of software I use.

Antivirus: I run AVGFree right now. I've used Avast and Avira but had issues, so went back to AVG. The wife runs Avast without issue's!

Spyware: I run Hitmanpro (old version 2.7.6.0) but they've changed to a pay service (after 30 days) so I can't recommend the new version 4.x.x.x...however the old version still works. It updates, configures and removes spyware with just one click. It runs free version's of Ad-Aware, Spyware Blaster, Spybot, Ewido and Prevx. It opens a report after completion. You must de-select some trial software (Webroot, PC Tools and Counterspy) before running unless you suspect an infection. I've used this method (full selection of software's) to cleanup other people's pc's. Run this in "safemode" the first time to get the most out of it! After the initial cleanup, just un-select the trial-ware and un-install them. It also runs Nod32, McAfee or Trend Micro but you must have these installed first. Warning: as these are very aggressive cleaner's, they may remove/disable some features in your software or browser! But you can always re-install afterwards.

Firewall: Comodo or Online Armor, I run Online. Both are very good but can be a bit geeky to configure. Older Kerio 2.1.5 is a dead simple firewall that works better than the Windows built in version. All are free though you'll have to search for Kerio 2.1.5 (their last free version). I can't say if Kerio works with Vista but the other two work just fine!

Backup/Image: Acronis TrueImage. Simple to use, but NOT free! However you can download free version's of Acronis from Maxtor and Seagate. I use the paid version and it can schedule automatic backups...I have it set to do weekly and monthly backups...which can be a life saver when an infection or bad install occurs. I've not played with the free version's from Maxtor or Seagate so I don't know what feature's are available but both will do full image backup's and restore's!

 

my free ones are Spybot search and destroy and Malwarebytes anti Malware

 

I run Avast on all my systems..

 

Sunbelt Software's Vipre for run time and real time protection. Malwarebyte's Rogue Remover and SAS for on-demand scans. ComboFix for safe mode scans. SpyBot R&D (with tea timer turned off) for "immunization" (all it does is put entries in your HOSTS file to redirect a known list of bad URLs to the loop-back IP but it keeps the porn-surfers somewhat protected).

With all those tools I have had exactly one machine that HAD to be formatted and reinstalled out of the hundreds of mahines I have fixed at home. Super nasty rootkit trojan downloader that sat for who knows how long and pulled down every piece of malware it could find. No fixing that one.

 

Get Norton 360 2.0! it takes fractions of your resources compared to the rest. I run it on all of our work machines. I work at Symantec

Honestly though, its great. I would run it at home but I have Macs at home.

 

Avg ftw

 

They must have changed a lot for V2.0, because the earlier stuff was garbage. I've always been a Symantec fan (their corporate stuff is first rate) but 360 seriously disappointed me. Now I get to go back...Kudos Symantec!