Which Anti-virus/Firewall do you use?
Sunday, November 5, 2006 by sophiesboy | Discussion: Windows XP
I was curious to find out which anti-virus/firewall programs people liked and used.
Over time I have tried a couple of different programs, and never been extremeley happy with them for various reasons.
I used Symantec/Norton for a while, and it had a tendency to crash my machine every time an update came out, requiring reverification with the company, unloading/reloading the program, etc.
At the moment I am using the McAfee Security Center Suite, and while it works reasonably well, it manages to chew up about 137MB of RAM according to the Processes window in the Task Manager. For a system that has a typical resting usage of about 350 to 400MB that seems like an awful lot to me.
A friend of mine recommended switching to the Grisoft AVG antivirus/firewall, which he said uses far less memory and catches quite a bit more than McAfee. I downloaded a free version and ran it once. It managed to detect three Trojans which McAfee had missed over months of use.
So the question is, for those of us who are just competent enough to unwittingly destroy our machines, but not so competent that we can delve into the minutiae of these programs, what would your recommendation be?
Ideally this would be a single source of programs designed to work together (the biggest selling point for the McAfee suite in my case), not a multi-sourced collection that may or may not work together depending on my ability to dig in and tweak drivers/settings/codes.
I await the collective wisdom with anticipation.
Over time I have tried a couple of different programs, and never been extremeley happy with them for various reasons.
I used Symantec/Norton for a while, and it had a tendency to crash my machine every time an update came out, requiring reverification with the company, unloading/reloading the program, etc.
At the moment I am using the McAfee Security Center Suite, and while it works reasonably well, it manages to chew up about 137MB of RAM according to the Processes window in the Task Manager. For a system that has a typical resting usage of about 350 to 400MB that seems like an awful lot to me.
A friend of mine recommended switching to the Grisoft AVG antivirus/firewall, which he said uses far less memory and catches quite a bit more than McAfee. I downloaded a free version and ran it once. It managed to detect three Trojans which McAfee had missed over months of use.
So the question is, for those of us who are just competent enough to unwittingly destroy our machines, but not so competent that we can delve into the minutiae of these programs, what would your recommendation be?
Ideally this would be a single source of programs designed to work together (the biggest selling point for the McAfee suite in my case), not a multi-sourced collection that may or may not work together depending on my ability to dig in and tweak drivers/settings/codes.
I await the collective wisdom with anticipation.
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Excalpius
Reply #122 Saturday, February 9, 2008 6:18 PM
Reply #122 Saturday, February 9, 2008 6:18 PM
NOD32...it already has best in class antivirus, antitrojan, antirootkit, and antispyware.
Along with windows defender built into any OS from XP on. That is all you need.
Only invest in a software firewall if you are connecting bareback to a cable/dsl modem and not through any type of router, which all serve as a hardware firewall via NAT.
But honestly, just buy a hardware router/firewall. Period. You don't need anything more than a hardware firewall and BULLETPROOF, worth paying for, Antivirus like NOD32 or anything with the KAV engine.
And if you want to go cheap, go with a free AV solution. And when that freeware AV software fails (they always do), do what the professionals do, download the trial version of NOD32 (or KAV), clean up your machine, and then pay for the software.
All the rest of the antispyware applications were made irrelevant when the giant branded software was purchased by MS and integrated into XP and Vista as Windows Defender, and when NOD32 added antispy/malware into their detection engine.
Anything by Norton/Symantec (except for Ghost) is the worst thing you can ever do to your computer, followed closely by Zonealarm. Ahem.
Along with windows defender built into any OS from XP on. That is all you need.
Only invest in a software firewall if you are connecting bareback to a cable/dsl modem and not through any type of router, which all serve as a hardware firewall via NAT.
But honestly, just buy a hardware router/firewall. Period. You don't need anything more than a hardware firewall and BULLETPROOF, worth paying for, Antivirus like NOD32 or anything with the KAV engine.
And if you want to go cheap, go with a free AV solution. And when that freeware AV software fails (they always do), do what the professionals do, download the trial version of NOD32 (or KAV), clean up your machine, and then pay for the software.
All the rest of the antispyware applications were made irrelevant when the giant branded software was purchased by MS and integrated into XP and Vista as Windows Defender, and when NOD32 added antispy/malware into their detection engine.
Anything by Norton/Symantec (except for Ghost) is the worst thing you can ever do to your computer, followed closely by Zonealarm. Ahem.
fontinalis
Reply #123 Saturday, February 9, 2008 6:35 PM
Reply #123 Saturday, February 9, 2008 6:35 PM
ZoneAlarm Security Suite v7.0.462.000. Works like a charm, customizable, and catches everything Symantec does. No need for WinXP security center when using this. It's sweet!
Philly0381
Reply #124 Saturday, February 9, 2008 6:51 PM
Reply #124 Saturday, February 9, 2008 6:51 PM
I think I may have posted here before but what the heck, if it was good then it's still good.
Everyone will have their own personal opinions as to which anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall to run. I really feel the key is find programs that you feel comfortable with, do some research, most have free versions, try them out.
Trying them out is real important. Everyone has different software on their computers, so what works for one person may not work for another. If you are using Stardock programs/software you don't want your security software interferring with them running. It does happen.
When it comes down to it you do need to run anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewalls do seem to be an option that depends how you access the internet. There are some people that feel if you are behind a router and modem you really don't need it. I have DSL with a modem and also run a firewall. It's my comfort zone.
Well that's my 2 cents worth.
Everyone will have their own personal opinions as to which anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall to run. I really feel the key is find programs that you feel comfortable with, do some research, most have free versions, try them out.
Trying them out is real important. Everyone has different software on their computers, so what works for one person may not work for another. If you are using Stardock programs/software you don't want your security software interferring with them running. It does happen.
When it comes down to it you do need to run anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewalls do seem to be an option that depends how you access the internet. There are some people that feel if you are behind a router and modem you really don't need it. I have DSL with a modem and also run a firewall. It's my comfort zone.
Well that's my 2 cents worth.
DrJBHL
Reply #125 Saturday, February 9, 2008 8:01 PM
Reply #125 Saturday, February 9, 2008 8:01 PM
I use AVG and Comodo (firewall). Great soft(free)ware.
Damilee
Reply #126 Saturday, February 9, 2008 8:25 PM
Reply #126 Saturday, February 9, 2008 8:25 PM
I guess I'll throw my two cents in...
AVG and Spybot, looks like I'm in good company!!
Google offered up some free stuff as well that I have running in the background...spyware doctor and a free version of Norton Antivirus...I think I'm safe now!!!!
AVG and Spybot, looks like I'm in good company!!
Google offered up some free stuff as well that I have running in the background...spyware doctor and a free version of Norton Antivirus...I think I'm safe now!!!!
Anthony R
Reply #127 Saturday, February 9, 2008 9:29 PM
Reply #127 Saturday, February 9, 2008 9:29 PM
Eset NOD32 is my favorite AV... if you want a free one that is good, then I would recommend AVG. I wouldnt install Norton on my worst enemies rig. The second worst AV is Trend Micro's - PC-Cillian Internet Security. It causes erratic CPU and memory usage. When I launched the task manager to find out why, I was introduced to a nasty little process called PcScnSrv.exe. I was literally shocked at how much processor and memory this thing was using. Upon the launch of virtually anything, PcScnSrv.exe would go totally off the charts... its pure garbage.
As for a Firewall, believe it or not, Vista firewall is secure. I used to use Comodo firewall, but I don't seem to need it on Vista. I pass the test at the ultra paranoid GRC every time I try it. Kaspersky claims that 'Vista firewall isn't enough' but what are they supposed to say, best firewall ever? They are trying to sell security products after all.
As for a Firewall, believe it or not, Vista firewall is secure. I used to use Comodo firewall, but I don't seem to need it on Vista. I pass the test at the ultra paranoid GRC every time I try it. Kaspersky claims that 'Vista firewall isn't enough' but what are they supposed to say, best firewall ever?
They are trying to sell security products after all.
kona0197
Reply #128 Sunday, February 10, 2008 2:55 AM
Reply #128 Sunday, February 10, 2008 2:55 AM
DarkSpooky - you know that you should only run one anti-virus app at a time right? No need to be so paranoid.
Fuzzy Logic
Reply #129 Sunday, February 10, 2008 3:48 AM
Reply #129 Sunday, February 10, 2008 3:48 AM
Yes, if you use more than one AV they will conflict and slow your system to a crawl.
angus1949
Reply #130 Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:35 AM
Reply #130 Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:35 AM
I've been working on my system security for years before I found what works well for me. I use a router with firewall, then use Online Armor + AV and firewall, it's the best firewall around (IMHO). NOD32 Anti-virus. The AV included with OA does not conflict with NOD32. I also use CounterSpy and SuperAntiSpyware. These are all paid programs. Comodo free firewall and Avast free AV are also exceptional programs. Layered protection is the only way to go, again (IMHO). I have found suites to be sorely lacking in one portion of their program or other. Below I've included an address to Matousec. A testing site for firewalls. It's very informative. Read the home page and then look under the projects tab for the firewall testing results.
http://www.matousec.com/
Good luck on your search.
http://www.matousec.com/
Good luck on your search.
johnthecompnerd
Reply #131 Tuesday, March 4, 2008 6:59 PM
Reply #131 Tuesday, March 4, 2008 6:59 PM
AVG, Windows Defender, Windows Firewall, and spybot aah, free stuff! actually an internet test showed that it was ridiculously secure. looks like windows firewall is actually pretty good.
Hawkeye666
Reply #132 Tuesday, March 4, 2008 7:39 PM
Reply #132 Tuesday, March 4, 2008 7:39 PM
McAfee Total Protection here. All four PCs on our home network managed from my computer.
Daiwa
Reply #133 Thursday, March 6, 2008 4:34 PM
Reply #133 Thursday, March 6, 2008 4:34 PM
Was a long-term ZoneAlarm user until the version 6 fiasco; stuck with version 5 until only recently when tried out Comodo's firewall (free) on my personal pc's. Very easy to use & once you run through your repertoire of apps one time it is completely unintrusive - I like it a lot. Been using AVG free on my personal pc's for a long time, use the purchased version on our work server.
Whether justified or not, I feel well-protected with the combo of AVG/Comodo.
Whether justified or not, I feel well-protected with the combo of AVG/Comodo.
Snowman
Reply #134 Thursday, March 6, 2008 4:50 PM
Reply #134 Thursday, March 6, 2008 4:50 PM
For the last 4 years I have relied on Avast Home Edition and Windows XP/Vista Firewall to keep my system happy and clean.
All have done the job to perfection.
All have done the job to perfection.
BerBijiDua
Reply #135 Tuesday, April 1, 2008 4:34 AM
Reply #135 Tuesday, April 1, 2008 4:34 AM
Only the freebies and the best, Comodo+AntiVir+Spybot
narbytrout
Reply #136 Tuesday, April 1, 2008 5:44 AM
Reply #136 Tuesday, April 1, 2008 5:44 AM
Eset Smart Security Suite
includes Antivirus
Antispyware
firewall
antispam
all in real-time.
Over the last 15 years, I have found that with security programs, you get what you pay for.
includes Antivirus
Antispyware
firewall
antispam
all in real-time.
Over the last 15 years, I have found that with security programs, you get what you pay for.
NightTrainthedark
Reply #137 Tuesday, April 1, 2008 5:49 AM
Reply #137 Tuesday, April 1, 2008 5:49 AM
Haven't used AV software in years. Never had a virus because I don't do or go places I shouldn't. Not bragging, just saying...AV software is a scam.
MindTooth
Reply #138 Tuesday, April 1, 2008 7:28 PM
Reply #138 Tuesday, April 1, 2008 7:28 PM
I use ESET Smart Security. A complete package.
Birger
Birger
gmc2
Reply #139 Wednesday, May 7, 2008 8:18 AM
Reply #139 Wednesday, May 7, 2008 8:18 AM
I remember a guy getting busted for breaking car windshields, guess what business he was in.
avg free
windows firewall
spybot
both zone alarm and avg do not provide support for their free versions. with avg it hasn't been a problem. zone alarm was another matter, which is why I don't use it anymore.
avg free
windows firewall
spybot
both zone alarm and avg do not provide support for their free versions. with avg it hasn't been a problem. zone alarm was another matter, which is why I don't use it anymore.
Tgoffsr1
Reply #140 Saturday, May 24, 2008 11:48 PM
Reply #140 Saturday, May 24, 2008 11:48 PM
I use AVG AntiVirus Free Edition, AVG AntiSpyware Pay version, Spybot S&D, Windows Firewall and Firewall at my ISP through my router.
Never had a problem and I Install the same ones on custom pc's that I build for my gaming friends. At a minimum I install AVG AntiVirus Free Edition. I had Norton and called them and told them what I thought of their product.
Never had a problem and I Install the same ones on custom pc's that I build for my gaming friends. At a minimum I install AVG AntiVirus Free Edition. I had Norton and called them and told them what I thought of their product.
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Reply #121 Saturday, February 9, 2008 6:06 PM
The only firewall you'll ever need:-
Don't ya just love it