The best free security software

As far as resource usage is concerned, NIS2009 does very well.
On XP it uses about 8/9 MB on idle so that wouldn't be an issue with 1 GB ram.
It's one of the best security suites available atm.
jtan189's suggested programs would be a very good replacement if your friend doesn't like NIS2009 for whatever reason.

 

Two things:

1. I installed Avira to a XP SP3 (32-bit) desktop yesterday. Everything works, except the updater. It will prompt me to update which I try, and it has even gotten past the ad splash once but never finishes installation.

2. I also installed Threatfire to same pc, but I ran into a major problem. Upon install/reboot, Threatfire disabled all internet browsers (IE, FF, Mozilla). If I kill Threatfire, IE becomes functional. I need to reboot without Threatfire to use FF/Mozilla. I had to uninstall that program.

EDIT: Avira finally updated successfully. Threatfire still a no go.

 

If Avira doesn't have anti spyware, which is the best antispyware?

Does Avast free have anti spyware? That is what I am using now. Any new comments on Avast free?

If I do use Avira and use a separate anit spyware program (active/running), will having those two and a firewall running slow down my system?

Which anti spyware (active) is best right now?

 

Avast free version has antispyware integrated aswell as GMER antirootkit technology. It's a complete package and very decent imho.

Every program with real-time protection will use some resources, whether it will actually slow down your system depends on your configuration and choice of program.
For instance, i have used ThreatFire for months (without any major issues), it caused some slowdown but hardly noticable (although this differs from user to user; it's very subjective of course).
The only free antispyware program that offers real-time protection that I can recommend is ThreatFire.
If you don't mind spending some cash (about $20), I can recommend SUPERAntispyware or Malwarebytes'Antimalware.
With SUPERAntispyware you pay only once for a lifetime of updates, it's not a yearly fee.
Do you use Windows integrated firewall?
Both the free Comodo firewall and OnlineArmor offer a HIPS which can provide strong protection.
Make sure you know how to use a HIPS though, it takes a bit of learning and getting used to.
Cheers.

 

^^^^^

Baserk,

As for a firewall, I use Sunbelt Kerio free version . I don't think I have seen it mentioned once in this thread. Good? Bad?

I am considering switching to Avira and using your suggestion of spyware protection with ThreatFire. My only concern is 1) Will I be able to disable the Avira popups (it seems to be hit and miss) and 2) Having three protection programs running. I have an old Pentium 4 desktop with 1 GB of RAM and having two protection programs running seems to slow my computer (although not that noticeable). You mentioned "depending on configuration" whether it will slow down my system. I might be in that category.

I am actually also considering getting the ESET Smart Security (NOD32 with firewall), but that is so expensivee. $90.00 for two years! Maybe I will get that when I eventually get my new laptop. Not sure I need it. I don't use the computer for anything important like business. Any thoughts about getting that?

 

why would it be hit and miss that you would be able to disable the avira popups? This link gives a pretty surefire way to get rid of them.

 

Kevinla, Kerio FW isn't bad but there are better free alternatives.
If you don't want to try a FW+HIPS combination, you might want to try the free PCTools firewall, it should work well with PCTools ThreatFire .
Those 2 combined with Avira AV should offer a decent combination without too much hassle.
About Avira's popup, follow the link provided by jtan.
I saw your other question/thread about suites; try them first before making a purchase.
I can recommend Kaspersky KIS2009 and Norton NIS2009.
Cheers.

 

I'm quite confused on this how many AV/FW/ etc there are. Do i need to install an AV, a FW, AND anti-spyware? When i say need, i don't necessarily meant a NEED, but i mean do you guys suggest i download all of them .

Reading the past few current pages, it seems that everyone's pretty stuck on Avira and it doesnt seem to have an anti-spyware with it?

Any suggestions on a combination using Avira? and just wondering why you guys chose avira over avast or AVG.

thanks! =)

 

^ZeroGravity, with XP or Vista you already have a firewall and an antispyware program; WindowsDefender, so what you 'need' is only an antivirus program.
Avira is very popular because it offers very good detection and it's light on resources (uses not much RAM).
Avast isn't a bad choice either though.
It has integrated antispyware protection (it doesn't conflict with WindowsDefender), very good antirootkit protection and it offers many configuration options.
Cheers.

 

NOD32 ROCKS..I have updates uptill 2050..thats greattttttt!!!

 

Can I ask how you achieved this update schedule?
Did you pay in advance for the next 40 years or have you found another "solution"?

 

Online Armor 3 Free got an 89% on Matousec.

http://www.matousec.com/projects/firewall-challenge/results.php

Looks like they made the test harder.

 

Pretty sure he's used a crack or serial of some sort. The reason I don't like to mess with that stuff when it comes to AV/security software is because such programs rely on software/definition updates. It's pretty easy for the people behind the software to blacklist invalid serials or update it so that cracked versions no longer work. So it's like a constant (and annoying) battle. Too much work in my opinion, especially when free software can do the trick nowadays.

 

That score is still for the old version 2.1.0.131. As explained on that page later on, that older version has not been tested with Matousec's most recent testing methods so the 89% score would probably not be reached with the tougher new tests.
Only the OnlineArmor's paid version V.3 has endured the newest tests sofar and it scored the highest with an 'excellent 93%' rating.
I hope the free V.3 version will be tested soon.

Exactly my idea.
No use in mucking about with cracked versions when free AV programs can do the job.

 

I've used COMODO (firewall) + avast! (anti-virus) from the time I built this system (11 months + counting) and there's not one single problem or complaint I have to report

((Eset's online scanner is also a trusted part of my arsenal ))

 

Whoops. Didn't catch that.

 

Please recomend me the Best
2009 Internet security

or something like Norton 360
which has everything

some say Kaspersky 2009 is good

got the New alienware m17
& would like a good protection for it

so Plz help guys

 

I'd recommend either Kaspersky KIS 2009 or Norton's much, much improved NIS 2009.
Download the trial versions of both suites to test yourself which one you like most.
Cheers.

 

Yea, you will be fine with either one of these. Local electronics stores usually have one, or both, of these on sale, so keep your eyes open for a good deal.

 

Thxs guys

 

Can anybody explain to me the true benefits of running a software firewall? I have used both Zone Alarm and Comodo in the past, and I got pretty annoyed with constantly having to approve / disapprove programs from accessing the net. Is it worth the hassle for the extra protection? And also, what is it actually protecting me from? I understand the importance of a virus scanner, but I am a bit confused when it comes to a firewall.

I run a highly tweaked Windows XP, so I really want to avoid programs that will slow down my computer drastically. But if a firewall is that important, I may have to start using one again.

 

A firewall shields your computer from hackers and bad software who look for unprotected systems with open ports. When you use a firewall, only the necessary ports are left open, and the others are closed. Windows Firewall in Vista and XP monitors incoming traffic only. If your using a third party firewall like Comodo, Norton, etc. or the Windows Vista firewall with advanced security turned on, the firewall also detects when software on your machine tries to communicate to the outside world through outgoing ports. This can let you know if malicious software attempts to "phone home" either to invite more software in, or send out personal information.

The downside with all of this detecting, as you already know, is that sometimes the constant popups can get irksome. Did you install Comodo with Defense+ enabled? That could be why you experienced so many popups, It's supposed to check a database of known good programs to keep those popups down, but the constant Defense+ notifications got irritating, so I ended up going back to Windows Firewall w/out advanced security. I wouldn't recommend it though, as it does pretty poorly in testing, so I'm looking for a better one...


I'd try using Comodo with Defense+ off.

Ricky

This article has some good information: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/learnmore/atkin_firewall.mspx

 

Thanks for the reply . I'll be giving Comodo a try without the Defense+ and I'll report back.

 

I agree, Defense+ on Comoodo is pretty darn annoying at times. Especially when installing stuff. I'll keep using it for now though. I know my computer is pretty well protected right now because of it.

 

I have never gotten any popups.

I am running Kerio personal firewall (free). Is there something wrong with my firewall? Do I need to change my settings to increase my protection?

 

Probably not, many firewalls have whitelists of known good programs to keep popups to a minimum, so you may not see any at all. Other's like Norton take a different approach and analyze the actions of unknown programs and block them silently if they prove to be bad.

 

I run Comodo with Defense+ turned off and the only times I get popups are when programs try to access the internet for the first time. I can then choose to allow/block always/just this time. After a few days of use you probably will have allowed/blocked all the various programs you use that attempt to connect to the internet.

 

I am looking to get a Internet Seurity
& was reading wht u said
would like to know which is a good Internet security software
Please

Kaspersky 2009 or Norton 2009 or Norton 360

thxs

 

The Defense+ HIPS from Comodo is what makes it such a strong firewall e.g. the firewall and Defense+ combined.
It's hard to use Defense+ if you don't know how to make rules, understand it's options when it comes to installing a new program etc.
I would urge folks to read the extensive help files in the Comodo firewall and/or the Comodo forum FAQ and/or HELP pages on Defense+.

It's very irritating if you get the idea that Defense+ is dictating you what to do instead of the other way around but when you know how to fully use it, Comodo firewall & Defense+ is one of the strongest available FW/HIPS.

For those looking for a bit simpler version of a FW/HIPS combo, I can recommend OnlineArmor which I use myself, a lovely program!
Cheers.

 

Just reporting back on my (limited) experience with comodo. I don't remember the last version I tried, but the current version is a bit different and very light on resources. It only uses 2 services and about 14mb of memory. I'm still fiddling with some of the settings, but so far so good (Left 4 Dead crashed a few times because of popups, but I since set all my steam games as trusted applications, and it's working perfect)

 

After using Norton for 5yrs on my two previous HP's (a ze4230 notebook & a1130n desktop), I decided to go the freeware route and have been using Comodo's Firewall and the free version of Avast on my current rig since I built it 11 months ago. Have experienced zero problems from either program. Additionally, I use ESET's free online A/V scanner from time to time which adds an extra layer of protection IMO.

 

I want to decide between these two to run with Avira free edition.

> Which will use the least resources? This is important because I have an older Pentium 4 (1.6 mhz).

> Will one protect my computer significantly more than the other?

I am currently running Online Armor with Avast. I am using Avast because it has anti-spyware included and would prefer not to have three programs running due to the older processor on my system. I am going to give it a try with Avira and one of these anti spyware programs.

 

Pretty much two different programs there. SAS is an on-demand scanner (unless you buy it) and ThreatFire is an active protection software, so the latter should be using more resources. AFAIK, you may use both at the same time.

 

How about Threatfire vs. Windows defender?

> Which will use the least resources? This is important because I have an older Pentium 4 (1.6 mhz).

> Will one protect my computer significantly more than the other?

 

Running Online Armor, there is no need to run ThreatFire.
While it offers real-time protection, it's main use; behavioural blocking, is already done by OA's HIPS.
For testing purposes, I've run them both (on Vista) but it's really overkill.
OA's HIPS will warn you about necessary input and just a second later ThreatFire will ask you also for the same confirmation (more or less).
My Vista setup with OA and Avira free edition is sufficient real-time protection imo.
(I also use the AdblockPlus and NoScript addons for Firefox).
With OA and either Avira or Avast, you pretty much can't go wrong.
SuperAntiSpyware free edition works only on-demand, so that's what I would use for a weekly scan.
Also, you might want to take a look at Malwarebytes'Antimalware, it's in the same league as SAS, the free version is also on-demand only so for just a regular weekly scan it will suit your needs.
Cheers.

 

does threatfire have x64 version yet?

 

Almost, they are still taking their time with an X64 version.
But, according to a PCTools forum mod;
" ...x64 is basically ready, however since it is based on the next release, we don't have permission to let it out just yet.
Bad timing I guess, however with all the changes taking place we have to prioritize etc..
Sorry for the delays, we will get there this year though." linky
I'm not sure whether he means software architecture changes or changes due to being bought by Symantec.
Cheers.

 

hmm... i'm running norton gaming edition rite now.. i have to say an amazing improvement from the previous versions..
i also run comodo firewall. The thing abt norton is that is doesn't have explorer shell integration..
i was hoping to run threatfire along wid it too. i think i'll jus turn D+ on.

 

Is that a complete version of Norton? What I mean is, does it include anti-virus/spyware software and realtime scanning?

 

Ya it does have anti-virus/anti-spyware and realtime-scanning. There's an option called 'Gaming Mode' by which you basically turn off automatic updates and background tasks while playing games. You know, its so light that i sometimes worry whether its working or not! Dosen't feel like i'm running an AV in the background. Link

 

The Norton Gaming Edition comes with behavioral real-time scanning, so Threatfire isn't necessary and may actually cause problems.

You could probably turn on Defense+ without any issues arising (other than it may tick you off ), but your Norton software provides you with good security anyways. I think it's unnecessary.

 

Hehe.. ya D+ used to really irritate me wen i first started using it. Now i've kinda learnt how to work out the kinks and make it run smooth. But like you said, i dont think i'd need it either.

 

Is it fine if all I have is Avira AntiVir, SAS, and MalwareBytes Anti-Malware along with spywareblaster and ccleaner? I'm just worried that since SAS and MalwareBytes are both on-demand scanners I should get rid of one and get something else. Is this lineup fine or would you guys recommend me changing/adding something?

Thanks!

 

Antivirus: Good.

Anti-spyware: It's a bit overkill for anti-spyware, but since you'll be running all of them as on-demand scans, at least they won't interfere with one another.

Are you using any kind of firewall? What about real-time anti-spyware scanning? Or does spywareblast have real-time scanning? I'm not very familiar with it.

 

I don't think Spyware Blaster is a real-time scanner. I believe it works by setting up rules which is why it doesn't need to run in the background. I also don't think there's any really good anti-spyware active protection programs. Still, you can protect yourself with a good firewall. Once the spyware tries to do anything, your firewall will flag it.

b-ball23: Your set-up looks good to me though you do need a firewall. I would also add a back-up on-demand anti-virus scanner (Avast), but it's not necessary. Also, CCleaner doesn't really count as protection software.

 

I used to use CPF, but I have problems with allowing my ports with it, even though I already set the ports in the allow list, and CPF slows down my system (especially during the boot). So I'm firewall-less (not counting Vista's built-in firewall), but now I'll try OA Free to see if I have more luck with it.

 

I'm also wondering what people think is the best real time scanner for malware.. I don't use one but I know someone who thinks they need one. Would you go with Malwarebytes paid or SuperAntiSpyware paid?

 

1 and 2. Comodo Firewall Pro with Defense+ does that (and more).
3. Avira and Comodo Firewall Pro will work just fine. You might not be able to use Defense+ though because it may interfere with TeaTimer.

FWIW, there are better anti-spyware programs out there. I still use Spybot S&D for its immunization feature (which is nice), but other than that it has fallen over the years to other (better) programs.

Either one of those is a good choice. I'm not sure if you can classify one of them as "better" than the other.

 

If I'm online through my university's network connection, should I use a firewall like CPF or OA? In my home network I use a router, so if possible I just want to stick with Windows Firewall because Comodo Firewall slows down my system, and using OA really slows down my notebook booting plus making my notebook's Fn shortcut keys not working (amongst a few other problems), sometimes it stop my internet connection as well, even though I've already mark the network as trusted.

 

On my computer, having CFP w/out D+ on doesn't affect my computer performance (at least that I can tell). I would recommend using it when you're connected through your University's network and at home. You should still use a software firewall on your computer even if your router has one.

Sticking with Windows Firewall isn't bad, but it's not the best