Best Internet Security Suite

[grober]

Yep its that time of year again----Renewal time for the internet security package. I fancy a change this year on the basis of the moving target principle. Trouble is that there are so many packages out there. Norton Internet security 2008 is about to hit the streets ( question is their student edition just another name for single computer user?) theres McAfee Internet Security Suite 2007 -Upgradeable to 2008 when it comes out, Zone alarms ISS and the new kid on the block Kasperski's Internet Security 7. They all have their fans and detractors in the many reviews I have read. Symantecs Norton is praised for its turnkey approach -does everything pretty well , but hidden in the background---Kaspersky needs some user intervention at least in stting up---McAfee seems to be good on networks-----Zone Alarm used to have a very good firewall but seems to want to be all things to all men now. I am still undecided after all my research. I should add I dont need network or wifi cover and cost isn't an issue. I would welcome any comments from the forum's computer "gurus" -- particularly end user experience and if theres any new package I don't know about to hit the streets shortly.

 

[Parrotman]

Used to use AVG which ran fine until they started their upgrades after which everything started to go pear shaped. Changed to McAfee Virusscan Enterprise 8.5.0i and found it works ok. I'm networked and use the router firewall.

John

 

[Dryce]

I would welcome any comments from the forum's computer "gurus" -- particularly end user experience and if theres any new package I don't know about to hit the streets shortly.

We moved away from Norton because it seemed to be becoming more garnish and less capability - espcially on the spyware front. We've also had various odd problems with Norton getting broken so that it won't reinstall without fiddling about a lot.

After a quick look around we tried Bitdefender (try Scan for an OEM edition - costs pennies). It's still got its own garnish (popups and messages) but has worked fine. I'd say overall it's been less hassle on our setup than Norton.

 

[gbjeppm]

I run AVG free edition on all the home PC's running XP (i have not gone vista yet) and have never had an issue with viruses, and its free!!!!!

 

[Benzowner]

I have found most packages do most things adequately. To get the best, if it were possible, you would need to extract the best bits from each one, so a single package imo becomes somewhat of a compramise. I personally use AVG Free for antivirus, Zone alarm for firewall, and also run other programs like registry mechanic, spybot search & destroy etc. I have tham all set up to run their various checks around 2:00am on different days of the week. But, that is my home PC and may not work on a networked system.

 

[GrahamC230K]

Geof has nailed it.

Free zonealrm, free AVG, hardwware firewall/router and use of Adaware and Spybot search and destroy occassionally.

Really dislike Norton. It's been so simplified for home users I have no idea how to operate it.

 

[DieselE]

I used to use Zone Alarm Pro as my firewall until version 7 screwed up my computer (they may have released a fix by now). I switched over to Kaspersky Internet Suite 6 (having been a fan of their Anti Virus for some years). The only downside with it is everytime Windows Update runs you have to acknowledge that each component has changed next time you run Windows Explorer or Microsoft Office. That apart, it seems great to me.

 

[Dieselman]

I used to use Zone Alarm Pro as my firewall until version 7 screwed up my computer .

I suspect that was because you joined 'Defense Net'. It really slows your PC down.
Re install as a clean install and select to not join defense net and it runs well.

 

[jaymanek]

well my mcaffee was warning me to renew so have just removed it and added AVG... so far so good!

 

[grober]

Thanks to everyone who has replied so far. Lots of people seem to like the anonymity the hardware firewall a router provides . Not sure if thats a viable/economic option if you have only one computer, but may be worth exploring? My search continues

 

[Parrotman]

Should you decide to use a router the next question will be which one? I've tried D-Link, Linksy and Netgear.The best one so far for me is Netgear which I think cost about £40 and as you said, a router might provide greater security even if one only has one pc.

I used to be wireless but found it too temperamental and reverted back to wired, running it to the 3 rooms that each have a pc.

 

[R2e]

PC Pro did a test on these recently, Kaspersky came out top

 

[Muppetz]

My personal recommendation is :

Firewall via router
Hitman Pro suite for anti-spyware etc (free)
ESET NOD32 for Antivirus.

 

[C43AMG]

I run AVG free edition on all the home PC's running XP (i have not gone vista yet) and have never had an issue with viruses, and its free!!!!!

Me to

 

[verytalldave]

This is what I use...........one package does the lot.......

http://www.webroot.com/consumer/products/spysweeperwithantivirus/

Never had any problems or infections - and believe me some of the websites my son visits gives it a good test.........

 

[gbjeppm]

Should you decide to use a router the next question will be which one? I've tried D-Link, Linksy and Netgear.

I have to agree on this, the Netgear that I currently have is the best so far. I have had 2 linksys all in one routers, and they both lasted just over a year. They tend to get worked hard in my house with 4 pcs, and wireless, and are on all the time.

The current netgear is nearly 3 years old and going well.

I run Zonealarm as well as the firewall in the router, and have never had an issue. The 54mbps all in one routers are currently about £40 on amazon, which I think is pretty good value for money.

 

[television]

Having had Norton for a few years I upgraded earlier this year to their new version. To install this, the old version has to be removed so you are totally unprotected while you down load it, it was in 2 parts, in tiny letters at the bottom it said you must install part 2 before part 1, while all this was going on i was hacked ond the HD went down and I lost everything. My son gave me a Mc fee and that is wonderful.

The thing that I liked about the Kerpersky was that you could scan every part of any program on its own via the explore

 

[GrahamC230K]

Having had Norton for a few years I upgraded earlier this year to their new version. To install this, the old version has to be removed so you are totally unprotected while you down load it, it was in 2 parts, in tiny letters at the bottom it said you must install part 2 before part 1, while all this was going on i was hacked ond the HD went down and I lost everything. My son gave me a Mc fee and that is wonderful.

The thing that I liked about the Kerpersky was that you could scan every part of any program on its own via the explore

Behind a hardware firewall?

I guess not.

 

[television]

Behind a hardware firewall?

I guess not.

I dont know Graham, these things dont get on with me that well

 

[timskemp]

note: I'm an AVG dealer....

Personally I'd use AVG, not bother with the firewall module unless completely paranoid, just get the antivirus and maybe anti-spam if you need it and use windows defender. I have many business clients using the full paid for AVG and it's reliable and resource-light.

My usual install for businesses is AVG antivirus network edition + AVG for exchange as appropriate, spamassasin for anti-spam. Exchange or mailenable mail server.