security software on your pc?

[Icey101]

So i just got my new laptop

Next we’re talking virus protection and whats bet

Presently at home, i’ve used Nortons before and still had virus’s get through, that was a couple of years ago and i haven’t heard anything that great about Norton. I’m presently using Kaspersky on a couple of PCs which is doing ok except for constant “databases out of date” warnings and constant downloading of updates, i’ve had a couple of data base black listed banners and ive had to wind back the latest update. All this for no reason or explanation from the program. So this is a pain in the butt also.

I’ve also seen the freeby security software on the net but am sceptical that this stuff really works.

Is all this security software just a big take?

 

[two fingers]

Titanium seems to work on mine. It blocks stuff on occasion and scans the whole computer regularly. I haven't had an issue yet in two years.

 

[scorpionldr]

I use a three tier system. It goes by general protection, problem detection (when you know your machine is in a funk), and registry optimization.

Avast Antivirus, Super anti-spyware, and c cleaner.

I rarely have a problem I can't solve.

 

[tsverrir]

I don't like Norton. It hogs your system resources. I've turned to Microsoft Security Essentials, it's free, integrated and does the job. Before I used Avast, it works just fine.

BUT! every security software can be bypassed, so your best defence is a responsible computer and internet usage, so stay off them porn sites

I am a computer scientist, so I do know a little about what I'm saying.

 

[tastybasslines]

I don't like Norton. It hogs your system resources. I've turned to Microsoft Security Essentials, it's free, integrated and does the job.

You beat me to it. I visit all kinds of pron sites and have never gotten a virus while using it. Free and works great.

 

[Scott in Dallas]

I've been using Norton 360 for several years. If it uses system resources, I've never noticed it. I can't tell the difference between when it's running and when it isn't, even when I was doing heavy gaming.

That said, any software should be tried before it's purchased. I've used different security software with different computers over the years, and there's not really any one solution for a specific box. Software that drags one system down may work perfectly on another. The current version of Norton works with all the boxes in my house, as well as my phone, so it's nice being able to use the utilities that go along with it.

 

[IGotGas]

I run an Internet Marketing firm, and we've used all sorts of AV programs.

Thus far, I'd have to endorse VIPRE by Sunbelt Software. Heavy medicine without hogging up resources and I'm positive my field staff visits the dirty leg edgy end of the interwebs while on the road and we've NEVER had a virus since we moved to this system. It's even very hard to hack!

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

No software is perfect and you want an anti-virus program that updates often (nature of the beast really).

I use AVG and Spybot S&D and have on occasion used Malwarebytes as an extra.

 

[Simo98]

I live online. I haven't used any security software in over 6 years. I haven't had a problem with viruses, or any security breaches on anything I use in over 6 years. Coincidence? Could be I guess.

I do generally leave the standard MS security stuff on so long as it's not getting in the way though. If you're not super computer-savvy, security software is a handy thing to have. If you know what you're doing, chances are it's gonna do more harm than good for the most part.


Myself I find that security software bears a striking resemblance to spy/bloat/malware. It disrupts your computer and causes performance issues, it interrupts you all the time and installs things without your knowledge or permission, or attempts to fool you into doing so, it's difficult to remove or alter in any way, and at every turn it attempts to get your personal details and credit card information and charge you for the privilege. No thanks.

 

[Jazz Ad]

For the average user, Microsoft Security Essentials (free download for 7, integrated in 8) has all you need. A decent firewall and an honest antivirus.

 

[DwaynieAD]

avast free. malware bytes. spybot search and destroy. done.

 

[MJ5150]

A layered approach is an excellent strategy for protecting your computer. As mentioned by others in this thread, Microsoft Security Essentials is a good choice.

-Mike

 

[Whousedtoplay]

It's strange that nobody mentioned Sandboxie
Invalid Link Removed
- the number one defense while using the Internet.

With Sandboxie ( if you don't go around Sandboxie's protection) even Microsoft Security Essentials is a good choice.

The best free AV would be
(1).BitDefender - http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html

(2).360 Internet Security: FREE Triple antivirus engine
- Invalid Link Removed

(3). Avira Free - Invalid Link Removed

I'm using various BitDefender AV's.

 

[sloasdaylight]

I don't use anything, never have. When I am forced to use an antivirus system, I use ESET Nod32.

But seriously, in the 7 years I've been online, gaming, social networking, watching porn, etc. I've never used an anti-virus on my personal computer.

 

[MatticusMania]

I had to download malwarebytes to remove some malware that my dad had gotten on my machine, but I dont generally run antivirus software

 

[SolarMan]

I don't use anything, never have. When I am forced to use an antivirus system, I use ESET Nod32.

But seriously, in the 7 years I've been online, gaming, social networking, watching porn, etc. I've never used an anti-virus on my personal computer.

Mac?

 

[sloasdaylight]

Mac?

Windows XP, Vista, and now 7.

I am a huge anti-mac guy, mostly because of their ridiculously inflated prices, and limited options, especially since they're exactly the same as a PC, from a hardware perspective.

 

[Solarmist]

I also like Avast - it's freeware, and updates everytime I turn on my computer.

I also use Malwarebyte's, Spybot, Advanced System Care6, and Smart Defrag2.

 

[Tarrbot]

I run an Internet Marketing firm, and we've used all sorts of AV programs.

Thus far, I'd have to endorse VIPRE by Sunbelt Software. Heavy medicine without hogging up resources and I'm positive my field staff visits the dirty leg edgy end of the interwebs while on the road and we've NEVER had a virus since we moved to this system. It's even very hard to hack!

I've been using Vipre on our corporate network for about 4 years or so. Back when it was Sunbelt Software. It's GFI Software now. Been that name for a couple of years or so.

I have problems with things at times, but I have more "saves" than any problems I've had. I like that, as an administrator, I get e-mails almost instantly from our Vipre server on potential issues as they are happening. Oftentimes, I go to users who are having problems and don't even realize it yet.

 

[Baer]

Another vote for Vipre. I just moved our corporate systems to it.