Need some help/advice on getting a complete security setup

Okay, first of all this is not another nooby "how is Norton thread". I have been researching this for quite awhile now and just need a few final opinions on my setup before I start buying the programs. But anyway, my new laptop will be coming soon and I need to finalize what software to install for all the security features like anti-virus, firewall and the rest. I am will be using Vista 32 bit, but I might upgrade to 64 bit after awhile. Here is my current software list:

• Anti-Virus: Torn between NOD32 and Kaspersky (I like the interface of NOD better, but I have been reading that Kaspersky has been out performing NOD?)
• Firewall: Torn between Outpost Firewall Pro and Comodo Firewall Pro (according to Matousec Firewall Analysis Outpost Firewall is the best (Vista compatible) firewall on the market with a 100% block rate)
• Anti-Spyware: Torn between Spyware Doctor and Spy Sweeper
• Active Protection: Threatfire (free edition because the paid one has a anti-virus built-in; formerly Cyberhawk)
• Browser: Firefox, of course, but also with the extensions listed here: Five must-have security/privacy extensions for Firefox Any other ones I should get for privacy/security?

I am really serious about getting a secure setup with my new computer, my old (and current) ones have been reformatted so many times its not even funny. This is mostly do to the fact that I let so many people borrow it/use it. But I am really tired of having so many security problems, so is there anything I missed?

And I don't mind paying for security software, as I'm sure you noticed most of the programs listed are paid software. My main focus is just on getting the best protection, and if that costs me another $50 a year a program so be it. In my experience paid programs are generally much better, and more reliable.

I also looked at some Security Suites, but found like the saying goes... "a jack of all trades is a master of none".

If you have any recommendations or suggestions on the anti-spyware software in particular it would be greatly appreciated, because this is the choice I feel the least informed about. Suggestions and comments on the other choices are welcomed as well.

 

Both NOD32 and Kaspersky are good choices, personally i would go for Kaspersky.

As for spyware i would either use Ad-Aware or Spybot - Search and Destroy; or even both.

 

Recoil,

Thanks for the reply.

I have been researching it more this afternoon, and also looked into the programs you suggested, and I have narrowed down a few things:

• Anti-Virus: Kaspersky (I was torn between NOD32 and Kaspersky, but then I read this thread: http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=194508; apparently NOD32 v3 is having a lot of problems with firewalls)
• Firewall: Outpost Firewall Pro (Also considered Comodo, but decided on Outpost Firewall to get the better protection and I couldn't pass up there Christmas special of 3 licenses for the price of 1)
• Anti-Spyware: Leaning towards Spy Sweeper, but also considering Ad-Aware and Spyware Doctor
• Active Protection: Threatfire (until I switch over to 64 bit, unless they update for Vista 64)
• Browser: Firefox with the extensions listed before. Still open to any other suggested extensions?

Now that I have the firewall and anti-virus decided on, all I need to do now is finalize the anti-spyware, and Firefox entensions... Suggestions anyone?

Thanks!

 

You can order Kaspersky Internet Security suite v7.0 from Amazon.com right now for free after a $65 rebate. It has AV, spyware, and firewall protection.

 

I documented my Vista security setup on my website.

I ran Spyware Doctor (V2) for awhile, but disliked V3.
I tried Comodo, but it really hosed my PC, so it got uninstalled via DOS commands in a safe mode prompt.
I haven't seen the advantage of Threatfire yet.
Firefox is installed and used, of course

 

A multilayered security approach you are proposing is excellent.

NOD and Kaspersky are both excellent I have KAV 7 on my laptop and NOD on my desktop -- a horse a piece as detection rates and block rates are "moving targets."

Software Firewall I haven't used anything but Vista's built in one (I know what I am doing, but if I had to choose I would go with Comodo Meliah and his gang are doing a great job).

Otherwise if you look great especially if you are behind a properly configured firewall on your router or on a linux box like smoothwall or monowall.

Phil

 

I'm running the new Eset smart security and I'm happy with it so far. It still has some minor bugs but nothing serious. Very small footprint: 20 MB total for GUI and Service and almost no CPU time.

 

I purchased Kaspersky last year this time because of the excellent reviews and installed it on one computer as a test..... It SLOWED my computer to a CRAWL, so I uninstalled it and reinstalled Norton (for time being, and I had though Norton was a hog.)

I used Spybot and Ad-Aware for years, until we got hit by a real nasty that neither noticed a couple years ago. I think they are now close to useless. I have been using Spyware Doctor ever since and have been satisfied, but think it is a bit of a resource hog. (I am wondering about Spy Sweeper.)

We have 2 x64 machines with NOD. I intend to install NOD on all our machines in the next month or so as subscriptions expire. (My personal question is, what will I use as a firewall.)

 

Personally, I have had the very best luck with CounterSpy. Not sure why it does not show up more. It is an EXCELLENT program that has saved me and my client's butt many a time. By Sunbelt Software.