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[HARLEY]

This month it is time for me to once again renew the "Norton Internet Security" system on my computer--At this time I also have "Webroot Spy Sweeper"----My question is am I paying for computer overkill? Do I need both systems? It is not really just about the money,rather am I just throwing money out the window for nothing---Is there a system available out there that would serve me better?

Thanks,
harley

[Kelso]

Hey Harley,

I have to do the same thing shortly as well. I have a number of freeware programs installed on my PC to take care of malware, spyware, etc. but also paid for Norton Antivirus. I am going to go ahead and renew for the peace of mind and the fact that Norton has done a good job protecting my machine this last year. I've had no problems at all. Is your machine firewalled using something like Microsoft firewall or Zone Labs?

Kelso

[Chuck23]

I absolutely never have any problems with spyware or viruses and I use my computer for fun and business.  I run a Zone Alarm firewall - www.zonelabs.com and Avast antivirus.  Both are free and together are just as good as Norton.  I also run spysweaper in the background. (Also Free).  There absolutely are very good free solutions out there.  I am not afraid of surfing the web haphazardly knowing that my computer is very well protected.  All 3 of these products, with reviews can be found on www.downloads.com.  Hope that helps!

[scruffy]

another good program is called AVG antivirus and they also have spyware programs which are both free,I've been using both of them for about one and a half years and have no problems with either.If you use a router like d-link or Linc-sys then they have a good built in firewall plus you also have other programs that have built in firewalls like from microsoft,shaw,telus all these providers give all the programs above to registered users for free.

[HARLEY]

Thanks for the information--

harley

[eddy]

Hey Harley
If it's been working for you and no probs, I'd leave it and pay.
I have used Norton and Macaffey in the past and had nothing but problems. Wores, to get rid of them I had to reconfigure my computer entirely.
AVG and other freewares are OK but they too have probs.
So, if it works, don't fix it.
My 2 cents worth.

[ColinB]

AVG for me plus Kerio Sunbelt firewall.

It also pays to run your system et all through an online Anti-virus checker. Trend do Housecall linked here  http://www.trendmicro.com/hc_intro/default.asp This eliminates any nasties stopping the av software on your computer from finding them [allegedly]

Norton is ready to go on my laptop but no way will I install it.  I had so much trouble with it before it's a case of once bitten.......

If you get a good router you will also have a Hardware Firewall which I am told is the dog's dangley bits!!!

Colin

[scouterjames]

another good program is called AVG antivirus and they also have spyware programs which are both free,I've been using both of them for about one and a half years and have no problems with either.If you use a router like d-link or Linc-sys then they have a good built in firewall plus you also have other programs that have built in firewalls like from microsoft,shaw,telus all these providers give all the programs above to registered users for free.

AVG is ending it's free ride in January I've been told...

[testo84]

the problem isnt with the virus but with the malwares and freewares ( and windows security holes ( which I doubt if your computer is running on local ip which is behind a router ) )

so basically all you need to take care of your machine is NOT to go to website with lots of those russian banners ( free porn websites mostly ) and prolly install a lavasoft ad-aware professional SE or personal one and scan regularly

1 more point : I do not see how virus would get into your computer especailly in this era ( maybe 1990s when DOS was popular )

and also I do not recommend you installing an ANTI Virus but more like patching your windows through windows update regularly ( the critical ones ) because that would slow down your computer for nothing

why don't you install anti virus ? for example some weird russian guy made this virus called : ilovefishing or blabla and then this security thing appears in a computer security discussion and it would take another week for norton antivirus to get that virus software updated while your system ALREADY CRASHED if you get my point........


I personally do not use any setups and my system have been steady for 2 years without being reinstall and those craps ( windows xp professional SP 2 )

if you compare windows xp professional and windows xp home

please pick windows xp professional even its more expensive but will get your system faster and not installing those unnecessary programs that you will never use anyway...

[testo84]

AVG isn't that great, its to basic as for detecting Viruses, its only good as a temporary substitute till you get something up and running that better.


Virus's these days can get so nasty it can bugger your entire computer up , and in the long run costing you a pile of money getting your computer re formatted and everything put back on it

those arent virus to be honest its more like internet worm

i am not tryng to be smart just giving the true meaning since i am in computer area

[Terry Bodman]

Already been mentioned here but I strongly recommend AVAST. Recommended to me by a local dealer. I was suspicious because it's free. What a surprise ! It works. No problems at all. Have been using it for over a year now. 

[troutbreath]

Most virus's disable Norton and McCaffee pronto so they unfortunately are not a good buy. I use a free anti-virus program that works Ok and never gets disabled. And of course don't open suspicious e-mail and surf porn sites or download movies from P to P file sharing and  watch out for free programs they usually come with Pug like attributes like putting you on mailing lists. Even old web domains get bought up and used by less than honest people.

[ColinB]

another good program is called AVG antivirus and they also have spyware programs which are both free,I've been using both of them for about one and a half years and have no problems with either.If you use a router like d-link or Linc-sys then they have a good built in firewall plus you also have other programs that have built in firewalls like from microsoft,shaw,telus all these providers give all the programs above to registered users for free.

AVG is ending it's free ride in January I've been told...

Not quite true!!

They are ending support for the current build.
The latest version is available for download still for free and still supported.

Colin

[ColinB]

AVG isn't that great, its to basic as for detecting Viruses, its only good as a temporary substitute till you get something up and running that better.

It works well for me and jumps on anything that comes into my computer!  Did a silly download [not usually my thing] and AVG spotted the nastie straight away.
I've used it in preference to Norton for around 4 years.  It was recommended to me by a Yank on anglersnet.co.uk and security is his job!

Colin