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.

[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/

[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]

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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Train]

I found it to be as bad as the 1999 version.

Actually I run CA on the desktops and Avira on the laptops.
But then again, as each of us like our av, what can I say.

[jdc2000]

I'll have to try it out on one of my systems. I'll post some test results once I do. I was actually thinking about getting a 5-user version.

[jerryctx]

After all, some protection is better than no protection.

Agreed. I didn't mean to imply you shouldn't use the available tools. Just don't assume they will always protect you. And keep current backups so you can recover from an attack.

I have no problem with any of the recommendations others have made. I wont suggest another as I believe the "best" changes with each update. Make sure yours are updated regularly, especially the anti-virus which should be updated daily or more often.

[Welshjim]

Nacster--Don't forget the security zone settings within IE
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...net-Explorer-8
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...f-f0341b13fcde
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r224...ettings-in-IE8
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/...ity/setup.mspx

And another good program to use is SpyWareBlaster
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html