Which is the best Virus checker/Firewall?

Hi all,
I am currently using PC cillin 2003 with enabled firewall and all updates!

I Have been instructed by one of my mates to change it either to zone alarm or kerio?
Which is the best? I have used Zone Alarm before and it really got up my nose with all the messages and messing about?
Perhaps i didnt have it setup right?

I am a noob as far as pc lark goes and was just looking for some info on the subject:confused:

Thanks in advance
Dave:D

amd 1800+
512 ddr 2100
80gb 7200 rpm hd
abit kx733 mb
raedon 9700 maya pro2
sounndblaster audigy plat
creative inspire digital 5700
xp pro
Adsl (BT)

Zone Alarm is a good product as it can block both incoming and outgoing malicious data.

You can easily set the program so that it will not notify you of all of the attempts that are made to access your system. Click into the program and go into Alerts & Logs. Once in there make sure that the Alert box is checked as off.

I can not tell you about kerio as I have not used it but I have heard good things about it.


Doc

Sygate Personal Firewall is another one you might want to consider. Both Sygate and ZoneAlarm both are rated good.

Yeah get Kerio. I use it. It's not as user friendly as ZA, but it doesn't take over your machine either. You can easily decide what's allowed and what's not allowed. There's a list of programs allowed on the Net that can be easily modified.

Please note that most anti-virus programs do not include firewall functionality and vice versa.

Personally, I would not use a "combined" program. It would be more complicated than two independent programs and complication equals bugs. There also are circumstances where I would want one running without the other.

I tried some AVs and Firewalls and I now use for some six months
Kerio and AVG.
They never give me a problem,that is what I want more than good detection rates and protection.
I know that both programs are not the best but they are so light
on my system that I encourage everyone to use them.
Not all computers are the same but I believe that they are really
good tools and FREE !

If you already have AV and a firewall then it shouldnt be nessacery for you to install any further software but if you wish to experiment you could install a second firewall to see how it runs on your system it will cause no harm.

As to your title "Which is the best Firewall"
The best firewall is a dedicated hardware firewall system which has no third party software installed to interfere with its job but this is overkill for a basic home system.

The best antivirus software is down to choice and experience some are more able to catch certain virus attacks some at others but most do an excellent job and are better than having no antivirus software at all.
No antivirus software will catch all new attacks BUT they are all as good as usless if you fail to keep them upto date at least weekly.

In the end do`nt become too paranoid it is a home system not the NSA and their budget is a bit bigger than yours.:D :D