What Security Suite to use?

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

My protection expires sometime in the next two months. What program (including anti-spyware) do you guys use?

I use McAfee for my Security Suite. I use Windows Defender for anti-spyware.

I've tried ZoneAlarm (CNet rated it well, so I tried it). It was even worse of a memory hog than McAfee. Norton's user reviews said it was a enormous memory hog as well, so I didn't even consider it.

My friend (he's on MPC, some of you guys might know him - neel360) told me on the phone today that I should try out Avast. Is he right?

Keep in mind I'm looking for an entire suite, unless using separate programs for antivirus and firewall is a better option. Antispyware is obviously another app from the suite.

[gvblake22]

I've heard Avast is ok. Personally, I use Zone Alarm (free), AntiVir (free), Spybot Search & Destroy (free), AdAware (free), and Mozilla Firefox with AdBlock extension (all free).

EDIT: BTW, this topic is better suited for the "Software" section

[Lead Head]

I use Avast, very nice piece of software

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Originally Posted by gvblake22

I've heard Avast is ok. Personally, I use Zone Alarm (free), AntiVir (free), Spybot Search & Destroy (free), AdAware (free), and Mozilla Firefox with AdBlock extension (all free).

EDIT: BTW, this topic is better suited for the "Software" section

Thanks Blake. I do notice you're using all free things, but I'm totally willing to pay for something (meaning my father will buy it as long as it relates to security).

[gvblake22]

I've heard Kaspersky works great. I haven't used it or even checked it out so I don't know too much about it (what all it includes). I think Tyreal uses it, I'll wait for him to share his thoughts on it.

[Tyreal]

Kaspersky? Its the best antivirus I have EVER USED. It's so simple, the interface is so straight forward and neatly laid out. I have AVG on the other machine and it has these panels which are so damn hard to navigate in. The Program is also very fast, both in scanning and navigating through menus. Unlike Norton, which sometimes took ages to open up from the taskbar. I get updates very frequently which is good. An information box is shown on the main menu where you can see when your last scan was, if your up to date, etc.

I have stopped using software firewalls. I find that they do not help me at all. Instead I've opted for a hardware firewall. When I did use software firewalls, I used Zonealarm, the same one Blake uses. I find it to be just about the best software firewall out there. I'm not sure about the whole memory hog deal... I didn't notice any negligible performance difference whether I had it on or off.

Spybot SD and sometimes Ad-aware for spyware infections.

[Capper]

Check out our Recommended Software page.
I've tried Kapersky, Norton, and Panda...ane was really underwhelmed.
A huge issue for me was trying to unistall them! Those big programs don't like to be removed, and will really screw up your system.
AVG works as well as any of those metioned, I've been using it for two years without a single issue, and thats getting hundreds of junk emails a day

[Jokerswild]

I use System Suite and I like the interface and ease of use. I hate Norton since I've had nothing but problems when I've tried it.

[simple_inhibition]

i dont use protection :lol: jk

i pretty much use what blake does. (- mozilla firefox thing, i use google tool bar for those pop-ups) those are pretty nice programs and what can i say? i like free :D

[Tyreal]

Originally Posted by Capper

Check out our Recommended Software page.
I've tried Kapersky, Norton, and Panda...ane was really underwhelmed.
A huge issue for me was trying to unistall them! Those big programs don't like to be removed, and will really screw up your system.
AVG works as well as any of those metioned, I've been using it for two years without a single issue, and thats getting hundreds of junk emails a day

Kaspersky gave you problems when uninstalling? Thats odd. I've had to switch AV a couple times and nothing has gone wrong.