Suggestions for security software on Vista Inspirons

I've got a 1720 with Vista Premium OS which came with 30 day trial Norton security. I've been doing alot of web research trying to get a handle on what I should go ahead and buy once the trial ends and am still not sure what the best approach would be.

I was just about settled to go with Norton 360 which appeared to be a neat one stop suite that covers everything, but there are conflicting reports whether it's Vista compatible (looking on the Symantec site, it looks like it is). What's making me think that may not be a good route, though, is it apparently is a real resource hog and tends to bog down downloads, web browsing, etc or at least that what some are saying. I've also read that Vista comes with it's own virus protection and that coupled with freeware like Spybot or Ewido would suffice. Any feedback on if this is true or bunk? Also, as far as firewall is concerned, I've read that having a router (which I do) basically handles that and is more effective than a software based firewall. The last thing that concerns me about Norton is it has a 1 yr subscription that has to be renewed and have read bad stories of people constantly getting reminders to renew even when the time period hasn't elapsed- THAT would drive me nuts.

Honestly, I just want something that will provide all the security I need (virus, firewall, spyware, etc) that will run behind the scenes and not be in my face and / or noticeably bog down my system which runs fantastic now and I don't want to screw that up.

Appreciate any suggestions from you guys on what I should do. Seems the more research I do, the more conflicting, confusing info I get...

TIA!

 

Vista already provides anti-spyware protection with Windows Defender. It also has a built-in firewall that should be fine for most people.

Just get yourself a good anti-virus program and you'll be set.

 

i've been using "AVG Free" on my desktop.
edit: wait, sorry...dont know if that's vista compatible.
edit2: yep! here you go: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/

 

i would not rely solely on Windows Defender when it comes to spyware/adware detection and removal. as for a security software suite, this is a good site to use as a reference: http://internet-security-suite-review.toptenreviews.com/

for the record i use Kaspersky and have been for awhile now and never once had any virus problems or spyware loaded into my system. as for norton products, yes they are resource heavy.

 

I may have just the thing! You won't have heard of it because it's distributed through word of mouth, to save the company spending billions on advertisments and therefore make the product cheaper. (I.e. Network Marketing)

It's a nifty little program called MySecurePC that my dad installed and it found a trojan on his system within quarter of an hour! I'm definitely going to be getting it for my computer soon too.

It has everything you asked for, i.e. anti-virus, spyware security, email scanner and so on. And Vista drivers of course. I think it's £3 for one computer or £4 for up to 3 computers per month... but don't quote me on that. By the prices, you may have guessed that it's a UK product and we can't sell it overseas so unless you're in the UK, sorry for wasting your time!

PM me if you need to know anything more!

Cheers
Cameron

 

I am falling in love with spysweeper from webroot

 

Why not? It's not very intrusive, requires minimal setup, and seems to catch most of the same stuff as NIS, Spybot, etc.


The key to computer security is layering. Just get a firewall, anti-spyware, and anti-virus setup, and keep them updated. There is no "best" anything, each program has its strengths and weaknesses.

 

I use avast anti-virus on my Vista (and XP) machines. It's free and seems to do the job well. http://www.avast.com/

 

i have found Windows Defender to miss things that Spybot, Ad-aware will find.

 

Please, do not get Norton symantec...It is one of the worst security systems, notorious for all the background activity it uses and clogs up your comp. I love AVG right now and havent had a virus yet. Little slow-down as well.

 

Stay FAR AWAY from norton and even Mcafee garbage.

I have PC-cillin allinone stuff. its great, and was 40$ for 3 Vista pc's

 

If you are looking for a free anti-virus program, Active Virus Shield. Don't let the AOL name fool you, GREAT PRODUCT!

If you are looking for a paid security suite, Kaspersky Internet Security. It's a fantastic, wonderful program. Low on resources, high detection rate, awesome!

 

Active Virus Shield is Kaspersky, it's just rebadged for AOL distribution. It's a little too IN YOUR FACE for my liking, but it's not bad at all.

That said, Norton is the best security software. It is 100% impossible to get a virus with Norton, because it will eat up all of your system resources, making it impossible to run Outlook or Internet Explorer to download a virus in the first place.

 

now THAT's funny- point well taken!

Thanks to ALL who provided suggestions. Still not sure which way to go, but alot of the comments definitely confirmed my concerns about Norton which I had almost bought...

 

Yes, I'm aware

But, KAV is a paid product...and I'm not sure if the OP has budget restraints, but there isn't a huge difference between KAV and AVS...

 

NOD32 is good, it doesn't take up much memory like norton and mcafee do

 

AVG Free Edition has never done me wrong.