What's the best antivirus software for home use?

Gomboman

Gomboman

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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......
 
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.

 
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.
 
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.
 
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?
 
Im using the newest free avg software, and I love it.
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SerjS.
That is what we have at home.  AVG, do you get constant pop ups to upgrade to their newest and not free version? >:(
 
SerjS.
That is what we have at home.  AVG, do you get constant pop ups to upgrade to their newest and not free version? >:(
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They started that with version 8.0.
 
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?
 
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.
 
What are you currently running Bill?
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The CA associates version provided by Road Runner.  I'll use Adaware on occasion for spyware scans and Hijack this once in awhile.
 
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! ;D

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!  ;D ;D

 
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.
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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.
 
PC Tools Spyware Doctor.  :)

I have used it for 3 years now after my computer crashed from malware that Norton didnt even recognize.
 
I have the 2007 CA internet security and it seems that CA doesn't get high marks at the rating websites...
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Vinny,
Another problem with CA AV (sometimes known as eTrust) is it gives a lot of false positives. We are required to use eTrust where I work and I get to track down all these false positives. At least once a week, eTrust alerts us to a "threat" and it turns out there's no problem. And CA support does not like to admit to false positives so they leave you hanging for a few days. Very frustrating.
That's why I've been using ESET's NOD32 at home. No false positives, no hassles.

Phil
 
I bought the CA because with rebates it was free (if it was free then did I actually buy it?  ;D) and protected up to 3 PCs. I was starting a home network, wanted the protection and I thought they were all the same. I assumed that CA being what I believed the parent company of McAffee that is was the same thing in a low key box. With the suite I have noticed that my computer runs slower (low end Dell Dimension 2400) vs just an AV and I decided to add 1 gig of memory to it to see if it speeds things up - waiting for it as we speak.

Actually in the year I have had it, it never gave me a virus alert except twice recently. I do get malware or spyware and between it's spyware finder and spybot - they remove it. Originally I was surprised to see that I had spyware thinking that a firewall is supposed to block it but as long as it gets removed - I don't care. I have gone to firewall testing sites and had them "test" my firewall and they claim I was secure.

I've read that ESET NOD 32 is good but I am CHEAP so I'm looking for a bargin!  ;D

Since I found out about the free trial versions I am going to test a few out ... bitdefender, zone alarm and klarskys (sp?). I was going to get norton but too many negatives pop up about it. Not being in the computer field and having a family that panics when the computer burps (I had an emergency repair of XP the other night because something got corrupted on the laptop) I want something easy to use.

I was going to go the free route but it seems that the freeware is a little weak in what it does and I don't want/need popups.
 
I Originally I was surprised to see that I had spyware thinking that a firewall is supposed to block it
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Firewalls don't usually stop spyware/adware.  Most of the time these programs get installed by actions the user does, usually unknowingly.  Some cute little program that has one apparent function can have hidden agendas.
 
Well, at this point I went with my own advice. I had until Sept 2 to decide but CA put a "renew now" screen up and it seemed that it's firewall wouldn't let IE do anything so off it goes and I went to cdnet and looked at the editor's and user's ratings ...

... And downloaded the free versions of Zone Alarm for firewall, Avira for antispyware and Adaware for spyware. If they all work as well as people say they do $0.00 is better then getting them freee from a rebate.
 

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