[frankt]

After wrestling with my old computer and Win98 I bought a new computer.
It came loaded with McAfee virus protection. I still have an active subscription with Norton for virus protection and Firewall.

I am looking for opinions. Should I just use the Mcafee? Norton did seem to really bog down my old computer but other than that I had no problems with it.

I have DSL do I need to get a better Firewall than what XP provides.

What about a spam blocker? I had one with my norton System Works but am without one now. Is there a good free or pay one that I should use?

Thanks!

[Davegrave]

I'm no computer expert. Not even close. But I didn't like MacAfee.
I'm pretty sure I got a bad virus/viruses on my last computer while protected by MacAfee.
My new Dell, came with Norton and I love it. No problems, I like everything about it better. Much more user friendly. At least to me.

I'm sure someone will come along with more solid info than this.

[DeadMansLife]

I'm doing quite well with AVG and it is FREE.

A-Vast is another quility FREE option.

Norton is a resource hog.

[pyblood]

I believe that your first line of defense against viruses is you. Your second line of defense is your anti-virus program. I used to be a big Norton fan, but I think that their programs have gotten too big and bloated. I have switched to AVG. My system boots faster and it seems to use less resources that Norton. There’s a free version available at free.grisoft.com. I have heard a lot of good things about Avast Anti-virus. They also have a free version.

I would recommend buying a router that has a built in firewall. They can be gotten pretty cheap. If you are looking for a free software firewall, I would look at ZoneAlarm.

[m2hmghb]

I can say that both McAfee and Norton's are horrible. I filed a BBB complaint against McAfee because of thier crap. Be warned both charge you for phone calls to their tech support and their online support leaves a lot to be desired. I will be switching to one of the free antivirus and firewalls that have been posted, havent gotten around to removing Norton's yet.

Forgot to add that if you're copy is screwed up enough they'll give you a code so you dont get charged, but I still dont like their crud.

[Angel Of Death]

I personally use Trend Micro's PC-cillion 2005 and LOVE it! I paid for it, installed it and never worried again. It updates itself mutltiple times per day with new deffinitions and has given me zero problems. Also not a resorce hog!

WHOO HOOO!

[fisherm]

Well, comps what I get paid for, so....

Norton is a resource hog.
I like it, but only on new, fast machines.
If you get Norton 2005 - DO NOT move the Norton folder out of the "All Programs" folder or it will give an error message every time you start up. It still works, but the error message is annoying.
I normally put everything in folders to keep things more organised, so I would have moved Norton to a "System" folder. Doing that caused the error message; its a documented "Feature"

I haven't used McAfee recently, so I won't comment.

AVG is pretty good, but it is supposed to better at removing infections than stopping them :(
Not my idea of fun.

Whichever one you use, make sure to:
1) Have it auto update every day; and make sure your computer is on when its set to check for updates.

2) Install the Microsoft AntiSpyware.
Its free and its good.

Viruses are different from spyware, and most antivirus won't grab the spyware.
Both are a royal pain in the arse though, so...
You've been warned.


On the note "I believe that your first line of defense against viruses is you." - I used to be in that camp, and I consider myself quite knowledgeable. The truth is nowadays, unless you're not connected to the Internet or ANY network, you only put retail software on your computer , and you don't accept any files from anyone - get both an antivirus and and anti-spam.

Last thing - get FireFox Browser and stop using Internet Explorer.
It takes a little getting used to, but it is well worth it.

[fastvfr]

Norton or McAfee?

C. None of the above.

Try Avast for one of the highest-rated AV solutions available.

Best of all, it is free!

[mitchshrader]

Nod32 AV, kerio old version 2.15 (free) firewall.. Avast might just be a fine choice. Nod32's better if you can live with it, and don't mind paying. test it first. see if you like it.

[hypoluxo]

Originally posted by fastvfr
C. None of the above.

Try Avast for one of the highest-rated AV solutions available.

Best of all, it is free!

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