Security Software Question?

[Nacster]

Hello to everyone on Virtual Dr Forums..I have a quick question that I'm hoping someone could help me with..I apologize if this topic has been covered many times before..I'm a newbie with computers, and I've been doing quite the bit of research and reading, but still getting nowhere..There's just way to many programs..Which makes things to complicated for someone like me ..I'm not sure which program, or programs to choose.

I currently own an HP Pavilion Desktop Media Center m7480n running Windows XP, with Service Pack 3, and Internet Explorer 6..My Norton Internet Security has just expired, and I'm looking for a good all around easy to use program..That will do everything for me in regards to security protection for my computer..For example: spyware, malware, firewall, etc. etc...Also, because I'm a newbie with computers..I would really like something that won't be to complicated to work with..I have Malwarebytes, and SuperAntiSpyware on my computer, but I would like something that will be continuously running in the background giving me constant protection against any type of threats..Oh, and did I mentioned the word FREE program would be great ..Not that I have anything against paying for a new version of Norton Internet Security, but like I said through my research..Everyone seems to say that some of the free programs work just as good, if not better than most of the paid versions on the market today.

I apologize to everyone for the long message..Any advice and help would be greatly appreciated..Thanking everyone in advance for their time and patience..Have a great day everyone.

[jdc2000]

For an all-in-one package, Norton Internet Security 2010 has received good reviews. Begining with Norton 2009, the software was completely changed to eliminate the bloated footprint of previous versions.

[jerryctx]

I would like something that will be continuously running in the background giving me constant protection against any type of threats

So would I. Unfortunately, it doesn't exist and never will. The bad guys introduce new threats daily, if not hourly. It takes time for the malware to be recognized, reported to the good guys, protection developed and distributed to users. In the meantime, millions of computers can be infected.

There is no substitute for paranoia.

[Nacster]

So would I. Unfortunately, it doesn't exist and never will. The bad guys introduce new threats daily, if not hourly. It takes time for the malware to be recognized, reported to the good guys, protection developed and distributed to users. In the meantime, millions of computers can be infected.

There is no substitute for paranoia.

Hi there jerryctx thanks for the advice..I totally understand what u r saying..After submitting my post..I realized afterwards, that I should have mentioned the fact that I'm aware that nothing is going to be 100% effective..However, it doesn't hurt to have the best possible protection..After all, some protection is better than no protection.

[HAN]

The best and only suite that I would use or recommend is Norton Internet Security 2010. That said, I agree with Jerry. Nothing is 100%. It is war out there.

Free products can be very effective too but they require a bit more user interaction than something like Norton. If you want simple, then Norton's your best bet.

BTW... Internet Explorer 6 is a very vulnerable browser. If you must use IE, upgrade to IE 8. At least you'll stand a fighting chance against malware. If you are willing to consider options, look into Opera or Firefox. They are much safer. (You do not remove IE. You can have all 3 browsers on your PC @ the same time.)

http://www.opera.com/
http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/

[Nacster]

The best and only suite that I would use or recommend is Norton Internet Security 2010. That said, I agree with Jerry. Nothing is 100%. It is war out there.

Free products can be very effective too but they require a bit more user interaction than something like Norton. If you want simple, then Norton's your best bet.

BTW... Internet Explorer 6 is a very vulnerable browser. If you must use IE, upgrade to IE 8. At least you'll stand a fighting chance against malware. If you are willing to consider options, look into Opera or Firefox. They are much safer. (You do not remove IE. You can have all 3 browsers on your PC @ the same time.)

http://www.opera.com/
http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/

Thanks HAN for the heads up on the IE 6, I was actually in the process of upgrading to IE 8 for the exact same reasons that u mentioned..My only fear is that being a newbie with computers, and being accustomed to using IE 6 all these years..Will I have a difficult time using, and grasping the new interface of the IE 8.

[HAN]

Thanks HAN for the heads up on the IE 6, I was actually in the process of upgrading to IE 8 for the exact same reasons that u mentioned..My only fear is that being a newbie with computers, and being accustomed to using IE 6 all these years..Will I have a difficult time using, and grasping the new interface of the IE 8.

While IE 8 is different looking, IMO, it's not difficult to use at all. Here are a couple links from MS that go over some of the changes...
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/int...es/faster.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/int...r/default.aspx

If you decide to switch to IE 8, I guess my thinking is that there are many of us here that already use it and can help you through any questions you might have. I think we can allay most of your concerns before you jump in...

[jerryctx]

Spyware Dr's prescription is better than any of the suites and will cost far less. But if it is more than you wish to handle install Norton's suite.

Whatever you choose:

• Keep it updated
• Keeo current backups
• Practice safe surf

[Nacster]

Spyware Dr's prescription is better than any of the suites and will cost far less. But if it is more than you wish to handle install Norton's suite.

Whatever you choose:

• Keep it updated
• Keeo current backups
• Practice safe surf

Hey there jerryctx..I appreciate your feedback..Yah, I really appreciate all the help from everyone..Especially, all that information that SpywareDR provided for me..It's just, I'm nowhere near as knowledgeable as U geniuses r with computers..I'm afraid that territory is a little to advance for me.

The funny thing is..I have Norton Internet Security version 2006, and to be honest with u..It worked fine for me..However, it's expired..The thing that bugs me..Is I have no problem paying to update the program, but here's my logic..It's about $52.99 for one year renewal, yet on the other hand I could get Norton Internet Security 2010 right now for $39.99, becuase it's on sale..I guess it's a no brainer..However, why Norton does business in this fashion..Just doesn't seem fair, or make any sense to me, for that matter..Sorry don't mean to be rambling on here..My apologies jerryctx.

[Nacster]

While IE 8 is different looking, IMO, it's not difficult to use at all. Here are a couple links from MS that go over some of the changes...
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/int...es/faster.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/int...r/default.aspx

If you decide to switch to IE 8, I guess my thinking is that there are many of us here that already use it and can help you through any questions you might have. I think we can allay most of your concerns before you jump in...

Hi HAN..Thanks once again for your time, and patience..With regards to answering my question about IE..It's greatly appreciated..I had just one last question about updating my IE 6 to IE 8..Sorry for the bother once again ..In regards to the update..I have available Microsoft IE 7, and IE 8..Do I have to install IE 7 first, before I can install IE 8..Or can I just click on, and update with IE 8, right off the bat

[Broni]

Free options:

- Avira free antivirus: http://www.free-av.com/en/download/1...antivirus.html
- Avast! free antivirus: http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

- free Comodo Internet Security (firewall + AV): http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
NOTE. During installation, Comodo will also allow you to install AV only, or firewall only, if you prefer to combine one Comodo product with some other product.

If you decide to install Avast, or Avira, make sure, Windows firewall is turned on, or use Comodo firewall..
If you decide to install Comodo Internet Security, or just Comodo firewall, make sure, Windows firewall is turned off.

IMPORTANT! Make sure, you use only ONE antivirus, and ONE firewall.

I use one, or another on all my Windows installations.

[Nacster]

I also would like to thank jdc2000, HAN, and of course my dear friend Broni..Who I haven't forgotten about..I still appreciate all the help, that U and Fink gave me when I had that very nasty TROJAN VIRUS attack my computer ..So, it seems to me that most votes r for the Norton 2010..Just out of curiousity..What's everyone's opinion on Microsoft Security Essentials, and Microsoft Windows Defender.

[jdc2000]

The Microsoft tools don't seemt to be worth much, unfortunately.

[Train]

I found 2010 to be a complete PAIN , so my laptop is running avira.

[jdc2000]

Train,

In what areas was 2010 a pain? I have used NIS 2009 and found it to be less intrusive than most other products, including Avast and Avira.