Best all around security software

I have used Norton products, but found that they often slow my system down considerably. Norton has also had alot of bugs requiring the program be uninstalled and reinstalled.

McAfee has also been a hit or miss program for me.

Is there a Norton better and more reliable that 360? What about McAfee?

With both I am concerned not only about viruses, trojans and the like, but about spyware from the internet sites as well...

What works best for you?

 

Probably, you're using Ancient Norton Internet Security which is very heavy resources(slowdown system).
However, Norton Internet Security 2009/2010 is very light resources. It won't slowdown your System generally.

Norton 360 is pointless and lousy. Don't bother.

McAfee is lousiest and heavy resources. Moreover, it can't even do better than FREE AVs. Don't bother.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 and Norton Internet Security 2010 is your choice.

Personally, I will suggest Norton. Now, I am on FREE AV now, the almighty Avira Antivir Personal 9. XD

 

Get a free combination of security suite

Antivirus: Avira or Avast
Anti-Malware on demand scanner: MBAM or SAS
Harmful Site Blocker: Spyware Blaster
Firewall: Comodo Firewall

Correct me if I am wrong

 

Ok you are wrong
AntiVirus :MSE
Spyware : Windows Defender
Firewall : Windows built in
Site Blocker: You. Don't go around surfing shady sites.

This will consume the least system resource and provide adequate performance.

 

Well I have confirmation on the Norton and mcafee thing. I had 360-it sucked. So did the Mcafee I had.

Is the free AV Avira as good as norton?

What is MBAM & SAS?

Thanks

 

Avira is superb

MBAM and SAS are malware/spyware removers just incase your AV doesnt help you clean it..

@weinter
Windows Defender doesnt seem to help? But it's good to turn it on

 

If you're willing to shell out cash, then certainly go for Norton Internet Security 2010.

I'm running it now and it's the best *paid* AV suite I've ever used. Very light, and effective.

However, being a college student, I'm always looking for ways to cut costs. Once my Norton subscription runs dry, I'm switching to Microsoft Security Essentials.

 

No complaints here...

 

Agreed.

I don't like the idea of having all those 3rd party apps installed. Way too much to keep track of.

Give me one simple solution. Something comprehensive like NIS 2010, or the above combination.

 

Agree as well. Avira or MSE are good choices for anti-virus, which everyone needs... but for everything else, user discretion is the BEST all around security.

 

The *best* solution would be to use various pieces of software working together (AV, firewall, spyware, malware). But that solution is not for everyone, and is probably overkill for most anyway (for the record, I use Outpost Pro firewall/spyware, Avast AV and Prevx for malware)

If I were to pick an all-in-one, I'd go for Norton Internet Security 2010 or Kaspersky Internet Security 2010. The new Norton is getting rave reviews in the key area that used to be a Norton achilles heel -- system resources. If Norton has really fixed that then it'll be a great piece of software because Norton has always been one of the more "secure" solutions. Same with KIS -- highly regarded and pretty fast.

 

If you don't mind spending money, simply buy Norton Internet Security/NIS 2010; you won't be disappointed.
It runs light, updates often, scans fast and light and offers great all-around protection (against viri, trojans, worms, all of it), it's very user friendly but can still be configured in detail if you'd like.

For free, I'd recommend Avira, Avast or MSE for antivirus, Outpost firewall and a program like SAS or MBAM for occassional scans (if you think your habits might require it).
Common sense and a user account go a long way also.

 

No.
100% no.

Terrible software that often causes problems with the network stack on the computer. And god forbid you try to remove it.

 

I agree that Zonealarm Security is not the best... I used to use it and gave up because of the problems and the fact that others suites had caught up and overtaken it. Granted, it does (did?) use the Kaspersky virus engine, but ZAS v8 was terribly unstable and gave me endless headaches. Version 9 is supposed to be a bit better but I will not be tempted to try it again until I've seen enough glowing reviews and that hasn't happened yet.

Even the firewall alone (ZAP) is not what it once was and I ditched it a couple years ago for Outpost Pro.

 

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 or Norton Internet Security 2010

 

NIS 2010 gets my vote as KIS 2010 slowed my system down.

 

+1, this + default os config == fast, non-intrusive but still save system.

oh, and about siteblockers. ie8, firefox, and afaik the others all have site blockers in them integrated.

 

This is wrong

This is correct.
Windows Defender is passe.
When MSE is installed Windows Defender is disabled.
MSE attempts combine 2 functionality (which all anti-malware originally should) into 1 software.

 

For free, I'd recommend Avira, Avast or MSE for antivirus, Outpost firewall and a program like SAS or MBAM for occassional scans (if you think your habits might require it).
Common sense and a user account go a long way also.[/QUOTE]

This is a good setup , last line is very good advice .
And Zone alarm was good , 12 years ago .

 

I used Avast, outpost, and malwarebytes. Now I have Norton free with my new unit. Yes Norton is light but I will still go free when the 90 days are up, still too intrusive.

 

It runs so seamlessly in the background I hardly notice it's there. And don't forget the interface, which is the best money can buy!

Just don't forget the old adage about being penny wise and dollar foolish.

Actually, the NORTON 360 is the most comprehensive version of th e software (though it offers features you may not want or need), so I'm not sure made the distinction there? Anyway, pick the one that most useful to your needs.

 

I used Avast for the last year, but recently changed to MSE and I like it much better as it uses a lot less resources.

 

Common Sense 2010 is clearly the best.

 

^ +1 for Common Sense 2010

 

You mean yours expire in 2011?
Mine is "Common Sense ∞"

Just Joking =)

 

Common Sense doesn't expire silly... however it's an ongoing process so it's constantly updated; it'd just be too annoying to do something like "Common Sense 01/18/2010 12:24am" and update it you know?

 

I was using Avast Professional, SpyBot, AdAware and a few others that I have totally forgotten about now.

I installed MSE the first day it was introduced and it has performed flawlessly.

Not only did it replace a half a dozen programs, it considerably sped up my 'maintenance' part of keeping the computer at it's peak. (I set it to run for Friday night and leave the computer on - done! ).

Norton will never get close to my systems ever again, as long as MSE is available - it doesn't matter if it is lean and mean now, it is achieving this by bypassing all recommended MS 'hooks' into the operating system. Apparently, Norton knows better than MS how to program for their own O/S.

Along with Common Sense 2010, MSE is the best available right now. Even if we don't take price/cost into account.

BTW, with MSE installed, Windows Defender is disabled by default.

So, one program (+ some brain cells=CS2010 ) to 'defend' against malware vs. multiple programs is the best solution; if you just want to use your machines as effectively as possible - instead of using all your time and the horsepower you paid for to keeping it 'secure'.

Cheers!