Internet Security Software

Me

[ducttape45]

This topic has probably been hashed and rehashed several times here on Free Republic, but I'm looking for the latest recommendations on Internet Security Software.

I use AVG now but it is getting so bloated that it's slowing down my system. It used to be very light weight back in the day but not so much anymore.

If you all could suggest recommendations perhaps many here could benefit from your helpful insight. Thanks.

[pa_dweller]

I use -

https://www.eset.com/us/home/internet-security/download/

Not really a recommendation, just mentioning it because no one else did.

By subscription.

[ducttape45]

I’ve heard of that program. How well does it work?

[ducttape45]

Hahaha, I like your style! Thanks for the advice!

[Openurmind]

After almost 3 years with Mint, I felt I should probably just make sure I got no critters. Installed Clam/GUI TK and updated it with the fresh for new signatures. Zero... Zip in this Mint system. Probably didn’t need it, but I do forward stuff I download off the net to Windows users and I can be polite and scan those before I send them. :)

But it is lightweight and fast. They have versions for BSD, Solaris, Windows both 32 bit and 64 bit, and MAC also.

[Songcraft]

When I first noticed this thread, I wanted to put a "bump for later" in it, so I could return to it later to find all the good security software suggestions in it.   However, I've also been flirting in recent months with switching from Microsoft Windows to Mac, and when I saw your post, I thought I'd ask a favor of you.   If you don't mind sharing, can you point to a good starting point web site (or sets of web sites) for someone totally unfamiliar with Macs to begin learning about making that switch from Windows?

Also, please excuse my ignorance on this subject, but, in your post, were you suggesting that that MacOS operating system has a sufficient security package built right into the OS, and doesn't require additional software?

Thank you for any information you can share about that, and for your kind forbearance!        :-)

[Openurmind]

If you go to the site they have Windows 32 bit and 64 bit versions, and for MAC. :)

[Maudeen]

I am tired of AVAST nickle and diming me with offers. They should offer everything in one packaged deal. The cleanup software I did not renew. . .I had to run it umpteen times. . .if said it was clean but it definitely wasn’t and then I would run ccleaner after that. Then I read where ccleaner and Avast are connected some how? I’m looking for a new anti virus as well. I have malwarebytes on this computer. . I tried it when it first came out and am a lifetime member. Thanks for the post. By the way, what is the best VPN?

[Mozilla]

I have used Avast in the past but testing out Avira on my new machine. Basically free rivals though Avast has a pay option with more functions. I also have used Norton in the past but it was pay and was outdated.

[ducttape45]

I used Zonealarm firewall many years ago. I wonder if I should use that again with Avira??

[Mozilla]

P.S. I also added other programs including CCleaner, Malwarebytes, Spybot Search and Destroy, Advanced System Care, Iobit uninstaller and software updater and Defraggler, defragging program.

[ducttape45]

Opps, check that. Avira comes with a firewall. It also installed Opera. I’ve used that in the past but haven’t in recent memory.

[Mozilla]

I have not messed with firewalls, I think windows 10 comes with its own, But if not found Comdo Firewall and Zone Alarm but I don’t need anything draconian to where other programs won’t run due to extreme security.

[CW_Conservative]

If you’re interested in comparing the different AV products, search TPSC for videos of how AV’s perform against malware,etc. in real time. They test everything.

[BipolarBob]

I’ve got Zorin, loved it for a long time, but one of the updates made it wonky so I’m thinking of switching to Mint.

[RBStealth]

M.S. Windows Defender is touted as being as good as the rest and its free.(built into Windows 10)

However, I have all my Windows 10 updates either turned off or delayed...this would affect Windows Defender also...so I dont use it.

Bitdefender is light on the system and is highly rated.
I use Bitdefender Free.

[RBStealth]

I also find Windows Defender a bit on the annoying side to configure folders and files to be protected from a scan.
As in , certain folders and files not to be scanned.!

[RBStealth]

I turn off all Win 10 updates, by declaring my internet connection a ‘metered connection’ in addition to delaying them through configuration.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Song craft,
yes, I didn’t mean to imply that the Mac operating system by itself is secure enough not to get viruses, unless you give them permission to install themselves. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to do that.

i’ve used a Mac for about 12 years now - maybe as many as 15 years ago. Before that I had had an endless procession of Dell windows computers in my office. I couldn’t even begin to tell you how many separate computers we bought and maintained.

but to be frank, I got awfully tired of being the person to maintain the computers to deal with viruses and malware and errors that made me re-install the windows system, and of course reinstall and less numbers of drivers from scratch.

To make a long story short I decided my next computer - my personal computer - would be a Mac laptop.

at the time there wasn’t a website other than a search engine in general, to learn about the Mac system. I just went and bought a Mac, and then started using it. There were a few industry specific computer programs I needed at work and so I just set up a WindowsPC are Tatian on my Mac. Hated to do it, but I had to use that software. Turns out my Windows software ran faster on my Mac than it did on my window on my Windows platform.

I will also tell you that when the day came that I sold my business one of the first things I did was delete the entire windows partition from my Mac.

During my time on the Mac and I’m on my second one now. my current Mac laptop is going on eight years old and runs perfectly even with the new operating system. I’ve never had a virus or any kind of malware nor have I had to reinstall any drivers. Every time I install the operating system it just works, and it’s free.

Now, you will need to decide what the right thing is for you. I don’t really know of any website that would help you make the transition, but I bet there are some these days. I will ping swordmaker to ask if he knows of such a site.

and if you decide to go that route and I can help you in anyway by answering questions or sharing what I know just give me a private email and I’m glad to help.

And of course you can always go down to the local Apple store and put your hands on a laptop or a desktop and see what you think and have your questions answered by someone who knows what they’re doing.

Best to you

[Openurmind]

You won’t be sorry... Get the 18.3 “Cinnamon” though, and update to the kernel to 4.15 as it will ask you after install. It will also want to bring everything up to current after install. The hardware drivers in this version tend to be all working while the newer versions are having some hardware issues with slightly older machines.

This version has been flawless for almost three years now. They have the same in 32 bit if you have a real old machine, If it is newer then this same version can be updated to the latest kernel through the update manager, just refresh the manager after all else is installed and updated and it should give you the option of the newer kernel for much newer machines in case you actually do need it for a fairly recent machine. Run it and try everything first, and if it all works there is no real need for the very latest kernel.

The James Madison University mirror is a known clean download because it is not compressed. This is for 64 bit... :)

https://linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=246

[Openurmind]

Just a side note, I have not needed to update mine at all in those three years. I shut them off because there is no real need to update a linux system if everything is working as it should. Just the kernel if absolutely needed for some reason, newer hardware or CPU etc only if you have issues with it. If it works fine don’t fix it. :)