Need Advice on Anti Virus and Firewall Apps

[savedbygrace]

I've used Semantec, Grisoft's AVG, and Panda AV apps. None of those have been satisfactory. They all tend to use too much system resources, or cause other problems.

Currently, I'm using Panda AV, but it is causing start up problems and it seems to have a mind of its own WRT running scans.

On the firewall front, I've used Zone Alarm Pro, but it slows my WinXP computer down. I've forgotten the names of the succession of other firewall apps I've used. Currently, the Panda AV app I'm using also provides a firewall.

I'm not defenseless even without a firewall app, because I have a hardware router.

So, bottom line: What anti virus and firewall apps would you recommend?

[savedbygrace]

I've heard good things about BitDefender and NOD32.

Opinions? Other recommendations?

[bcsco]

I began using Blink Personal a few months ago. So far, very happy. It's anti-virus, firewall and intrusion protection all wrapped into one application. And it doesn't seem to hog system resources.

I can be downloaded free for a single PC. I have two PC's networked so I bought a 3 PC license for $39.00 (I believe was the $).

Blink® Personal Edition

[RSmithOpt]

Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 has a much smaller system resource footprint than Norton Internet Security 2008, which I currently use. KIS 2009 is kinda lame with parental controls and spam filtering, but its firewall and anti-virus is top notch. Seem as though both of the fore mentioned 2009 release products have developed ‘trusted file integration’ apps to reduce scan times, etc. I’ve installed KIS 2009 on 2 neighbors networks and they haven’t had a problem yet for 2 months now.

[WildcatClan]

Both of those are good and if I remember correctly BitDefender was easier on system resources. Kapersky is also very good but a bear on sr’s. I got tired of the yearly subscription scam and I just use the CA I got free with Roadrunner and the CA firewall. I have used CA and Firefox for 4 years and have never had a virus.

[MAD-AS-HELL]

unfortunately, antivirus and antispam software are always a step behind. Once you get infected, you ultimate are screwed. If you have the resources, ditch the PC and buy a Mac. While Macs aren’t 100% safe either, they enjoy being much less of a threat than swiss cheese PCs.

[RSmithOpt]

FYI: Kaspersky 2009 was the first such product released to identify and notify the user of the problems associated security issues with all but the newest versions of Java (Sun Microsystems), macromedia and shockwave flashplayers (Adobe).

You need to go to Sun and Adobe's web sites to read up on these particular issues. IE7 is the most vulnerable at this time as Microshaft has mot made a good fix for either of them yet.

I use Firefox.

Be warned you need some skill with the PC and OS to first completely remove the older versions of the software (browser plug-ins geared for video) before installing the newest versions. Oct 15 2008 and Dec 23, 2008 is when this hit the fan. I've been fixing this issue for friends......give it an hour or 2 to get it done and then verify your work.

[tutstar]

read later

[raybbr]

tech help ping.

I am interested too.

Thanks guys for all your info.

[driftdiver]

Bitdefender crashed my system. I use avast and have had no problems.

“I’m not defenseless even without a firewall app, because I have a hardware router. “

THIS IS NOT TRUE. Firewalls will not stop email viruses or web based viruses. Nor will they stop attacks which use open ports.

[MyTwoCopperCoins]

AVG used to be good, now it’s bloated.

Avast is hands-down, the best. And free.

[RSmithOpt]

I've been using Firefox since ver 1.5 and I preach it to my friends. Any DOS crap / Windoze systems running XP/VISTA has to have at least 2 Gb of RAM as not to crawl. Currently I am in the process of a new build and then demote an old Dell on the network for a front end firewall / AV to run in ubuntu before the wireless router. Linux will pretty much be blind to a hacker and the method I will use to deploy it. Everything behind that, except to the most skilled hacker (US goobermint in particular), will be pretty much invisible. Still that doesn't 100% remove the risks associated with downloaded trojans, malware, viruses.

.Corporate made the decision to go MS years ago...I was forced then to learn Windoze, so I use it at home to interface with work....I like it when I get the opportunity to play with MAC's and their apps.

[savedbygrace]

I understand that, and I probably should have worded that statement differently. I would not want to run without a software firewall, but the hardware firewall does provide some protection, thus I’m not ‘defenseless’.

What sort of system do you have? WinXP? Dell? Home made? How old?

I built this WinXP SP2 box some years ago, so it’s getting long in the tooth. An old Asus 2.4GHz mobo in an Antec 1080 full tower, a tank of a case.

[RSmithOpt]

Most folks out there (60-70%) never change their router's default IP address and password, not to mention deploying WPA2 and MAC filtering.

That's one of the biggest security problems for most users addicted to the Internet.

[ETL]

McAfee is by far the best and most user friendly computer protection I’ve ever used. They have a package on sale now for $29.00 (for one year). It’s 25% off reg price.

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[SC DOC]

I have tried many and currently use Avast antivirus and Comodo firewall which are both free.

[SC DOC]

I have tried many and currently use Avast antivirus and Comodo firewall which are both free.

[mkjessup]

I’ve had good success with an older version of the Kerio personal firewall, it’s version 2.1.4 - if you can’t find it online, Freepmail me and I can send you the setup program.

On antivirus? I kind of like the Avira free version, if you don’t mind the periodic nag screen ‘urging’ you to buy the full featured version with bells, whistles, and an automatic ass-scratcher.

[joseph20]

Windows XP comes with a built-in firewall (as of service pack 2). Just use that.

For anti-malware, use Windows Defender. This comes built-in with Vista but you can get it for free with XP.

For anti-virus, I like ClamWin because it is Open-Source software. It runs very light in the background since it does not do any real-time scanning.

Between the above 3 things, and keeping your Windows installation patched and up-to-date, you should be fine.

[listenhillary]

Another vote for Avast!

[arthurus]

I have been using AVG Free for years with no problems of any sort and, NO INFECTIONS. I had McAfee before that and paid them annually and got virii twice in two yaers that McAfee couldn’t handle and didn’t even notice. AVG doesn’t slow up my box the way McAfee did, either. I do need a good firewall, now though. Most of them seem to come laden with anti virus and other stuff I neither need nor want.