Anti-virus software renewal

[ntexasdude]

Another tired old thread about AV/firewall software.

It's time for me to purchase or download a new AV/firewall security suite. I've been using Norton AV/firewall 2004. It's okay and just okay. The firewall is complicated to set up and we get these cryptic warnings/messages that no one can understand. I guess it works but it's not user friendly. The email virus scanner seems to be okay.

I would like some opinions on who uses what and why. Currently I can upgrade to Norton seciruty suite for $40 but I know there's free stuff out there like ZA. I don't mind paying but something free would be better. Years ago the free ZA was better than anything you could buy. But now I'm so far out of the loop and software does change and I'm not so sure about what's best anymore.

Opinions please!!! :)

[Nick]

ZA, no question about it. I upgraded to ZA Pro, but ZA free version served me well for years.

Very satisfied user - read what I said here: : http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=45721

[Redster]

I concur,, ZA Pro has worked so well for me that for the last 3 years I have been a paying subscriber. I also like the new anti spyware feature they have added. 2 thumbs up from me.

[Mark Holtz]

I use the free version of ZoneAlarm on my laptop. As for Anti-Virus, there is http://free.grisoft.com .

[Bogy]

For anti-virus I have been using Grisoft for about six years now. One of the first things I did when I got new computers was get rid of the bundled virus software. It was a big pain, and I was glad to get back to AVG. I've been using the XP firewall and don't have any complaints.

[zmark]

For antivirus: AVG from Grisoft
For firewall: Kerio personal firewall

Both free, both excellent. There's really no point paying for Norton or ZA Pro.

[Geronimo]

I like ZA and it is integrated with my hardware firewall (a Linksys router) THe combo works great. I use AVG for anti virus. It actually got rid of malware that MCAfee would not and the malware made it nearly impossible to uninstall the MCAfee which prevented me from upgrafing McAfee or installing Norton. But AVG somehow uninstalled the MCAfere on its own.

[DonLandis]

AVG Grisoft and hardware Firewall in the Linksys stuff plus windows XP SP2 firewall. I don't have any problems and onl;y ever got one virus 5 years ago on a computer that was not yet protected. I made the mistake of taking a shortcut and downloaded some e-mail on that computer.

Today when I buy a new computer, the first thing I do is similar to Bogy. I install AVG freeware first after startup and get connected. Then I begin my other software installations. Most software I use requires on line registration so I am sure to be protected before installing those.

Why pay for something that comes free? If you NEED fancy features in the paid versions go for it but I just need the protection working in the background and don't bother me with the details. AVG updates every day and that's good enough for me.

[Bogy]

Like Don, the only time I got hit by a virus was when I had just set up a computer at church for the internet. I was using a dial up connection and started to download AVG. At whatever speed I was getting I decided it would make more sense to download the program that night at home and bring it back the next day on a cd. But I checked my e-mail while I was online. That is when my troubles started.

The next day I started over with a complete reformat and reinstallation of everything. I installed AVG before I went online again.

[DonLandis]

Your method is safer than mine, Bogy. You have it downloaded from another computer that is protected. Since most viruii get sent via e-mail, I feel safe, today, making download of the AVG product within seconds of first connection to the internet.

There is another product I also use but find it is only a sporadic check and that is Spy Sweeper. It is a buy once and then lifetime upgrades. It keeps the adware in check. I run it on all internet access computers which is 11 of the 13 machines and I do not run it on my IPAQ.