Author Topic: What's the best antivirus software for home use? (Read 6537 times)

Gomboman · « **on:** July 27, 2008, 01:59:55 am »

I just purchased a new Dell Laptop (Inspiron 1525). It came loaded with a 30 day trial version of Norton Internet Security 2008. I've always hated Norton products in the past. So far I haven't had any issues with the software and it seems to be working fine.

Anyway, I'm wondering if I should buy the full version for $69 or try something else. I would like to purchase one package that includes virus protection, antispyware, firewall protection etc. What software do you folks recommend for home use? Thanks in advance......

Hot Tub Forum · « **on:** July 27, 2008, 01:59:55 am »

96SC · « **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2008, 01:26:09 pm »

I had a co-worker that had Norton which included a firewall, she hated it. �I don't recall the specifics but the firewall was the problem.

Vinny · « **Reply #2 on:** July 27, 2008, 03:58:58 pm »

Gombo,

It's funny you are posting this as my current internet security software is coming out of support as of 9/2. I don't know if you have firewall protection and anti spyware but I am looking for the whole protection package. Right now I have the CA internet securrity suite ... I think CA is the parent company of Mcaffee.

I been looking around and it appears that Norton is liked by institutions but can give home computer owners a problem. The 2008 version is supposed to be less of a memory hog but it seems that regular people have problems. It comes with high marks from the likes of PC Magazine.

But with that said I have seen enough complaints about it that I'm going to avoid it. Right now I guess for me it's between Mcaffee and Bit Defender. Whatever I can get cheaper I will buy. If you're looking for just antivirus, I have read AVG freeware is OK, Mcaffee seemed to work well. I would like to suggest not to get just an antivirus program as a computer can be assalted by who knows what.

It'll be great if some of the more knowledgeable folks chime in as well.

wewannahottub · « **Reply #3 on:** July 27, 2008, 10:24:34 pm »

I don't know if I am lucky, computer-knowledge deficient, or what, I have McAfee and have had no issues. I have an automatic yearly renewal. Happy with it and the service.

wmccall · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2008, 07:57:41 am »

I'm not a fan of the full suites. Norton has probably improved theirs, but Internet security 2005 and 2006 was a huge pain in the arjuna if you did get a virus because the program embeds itself so deep, the only way to recover is to wipe it out and start over. I find most aftermarket firewalls are too intrusive and ask users questions they don't know. I'm made plenty of money off things not working only to find the firewall was blocking. There are plenty of free anti-spyware programs out there both active and passive. Most broadband ISP's provide something for free what about yours? Mine provides free access to Computer Associates' suite. I've also used Trendmicro, AVG with good luck. I'd buy just a antivirus program.

Some of these suite programs are getting caught up in offering more features assuming everyone has 4gb of memory. Its like buying a car with a pizza oven, really neat, but do you need it?

SerjicalStrike · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2008, 08:30:24 am »

Im using the newest free avg software, and I love it.

NE-Phil · « **Reply #6 on:** July 28, 2008, 08:53:43 am »

ESET's NOD32.
For years, it's had one of the best ratings with the VB100 testing site.
Install it and forget it.
Check it out at http://www.eset.com/.

Phil

96SC · « **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2008, 02:42:34 pm »

Quote

Im using the newest free avg software, and I love it.

SerjS.
That is what we have at home. �AVG, do you get constant pop ups to upgrade to their newest and not free version?

wmccall · « **Reply #8 on:** July 28, 2008, 04:49:22 pm »

Quote

ESET's NOD32.
For years, it's had one of the best ratings with the VB100 testing site.
Install it and forget it.
Check it out at http://www.eset.com/.

Phil

This was one of the first to be certified for Vista. I've only seen it a couple of times, but seems pretty good.

wmccall · « **Reply #9 on:** July 28, 2008, 04:50:58 pm »

Quote

SerjS.
That is what we have at home. �AVG, do you get constant pop ups to upgrade to their newest and not free version?

They started that with version 8.0.

Gomboman · « **Reply #10 on:** July 28, 2008, 10:39:34 pm »

Thanks for all the good advise. On my desktop I use AVG Antivirus and Webroot for spyware. At work we use McAfee and Webroot. I haven't kept up to date with all the latest new programs.

I guess I'll use AVG for antivirus when my subscription runs out. Do I need Webroot or another spyware program or is it overkill? Why doesn't Microsoft include everything you need within Vista? What are you currently running Bill?

Cdn HockeyPuck · « **Reply #11 on:** July 30, 2008, 07:42:56 am »

I was using AVG Free and Webroot until the latest verion of AVG came out. It seemed like overkill so now I just use AVG.

wmccall · « **Reply #12 on:** July 30, 2008, 07:57:29 pm »

Quote

What are you currently running Bill?

The CA associates version provided by Road Runner. I'll use Adaware on occasion for spyware scans and Hijack this once in awhile.

Vinny · « **Reply #13 on:** July 30, 2008, 08:23:24 pm »

I have the 2007 CA internet security and it seems that CA doesn't get high marks at the rating websites. Apparently it's virus detection and firewall are weak. I do know that it did find a virus in a file the other day as the file was being downloaded. Who knows, I thought they all do the same job at protecting the computer!

I've read on a couple of forums ... there ain't no best - sounds familiar!

I also read where the software is available as a trial and the best thing to do is try the software out - hmm, sounds familiar again! �

wmccall · « **Reply #14 on:** July 31, 2008, 07:50:47 am »

Quote

I have the 2007 CA internet security and it seems that CA doesn't get high marks at the rating websites. Apparently it's virus detection and firewall are weak.

I agree with the firewall being weak. Its a bit obstrusive for non-computer users as well. I'm not a fan of software firewalls in any instance.

Hot Tub Forum · « **Reply #14 on:** July 31, 2008, 07:50:47 am »

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