Good anti-virus and firewall programs- please recommend

Blackadder wrote:
> I require very good anti-virus and firewall programs. They can be
> seperate and not bundled. Currently I'm using McAfee Security Centre
> 6 but its got a dozen small programs running in the background and
> seems like bloatware to me. And every now and then I suspect it spins
> up my hd and does a scan. (Yes, I unchecked the file index option).
>
> I am quite hands on and prefer to update my programs manually- so I
> don't need an auto scheduler.
>
> I used to have ZoneAlarm Pro, and AVG. Then I switched over to AVAST.
> Currently I'm using McAfee Security Centre 6.
>
> But I suspect that McAfee is doing random scans on my harddrive.
> McAfee also has a lot of stuff loaded into the RAM- included
> scheduled activities which I can't seem to disable.
>
> Any recommendations?


The problem with a question like this is almost every program has its
partisans, and you end up with a lot of conflicting recommendations,

That said, I'll tell you my preferences. I think McAfee is a poor choice;
only Norton is worse. I'm happy with the combination of Avast and the free
version of Zone Alarm.

Also note that besides anti-virus and firewall programs, you need several
anti-spyware programs. I recommend Spyware Blaster, Spybot Search & Destroy,
and Adaware.

All of these are free.

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup

Norton Internet Security, far and away the best protection system on the
Market. You get what you pay for.

I also use Microsoft Defender.

DSH

"Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake.RemoveThis@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
news:uXZNeVO1GHA.3656@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> The problem with a question like this is almost every program has its
> partisans, and you end up with a lot of conflicting recommendations,
>
> That said, I'll tell you my preferences. I think McAfee is a poor choice;
> only Norton is worse. I'm happy with the combination of Avast and the free
> version of Zone Alarm.
>
> Also note that besides anti-virus and firewall programs, you need several
> anti-spyware programs. I recommend Spyware Blaster, Spybot Search &
> Destroy, and Adaware.
>
> All of these are free.

Thank you Ken,

Yes, I am aware that many pple will offer conflicting opinions.

I just wanted to gauge what other users were using.

I was using Zone Alarm Pro and AVG for a long time - and that seemed to
suffice. However, the recent version of ZA Pro kept on cutting off my
internet access.

Then I switched to AVAST and Kerios Firewall. But I had all sorts of
problems with that config.

At the moment I've got a new machine and am using McAfee suite but its
fairly large. Although I have 2gig of RAM and shouldn't be complaining - it
does bother me somewhat. However, its got very good reviews...

And yes, I also use ADAWARE and Spybot search and destroy- I like them. I
also use Trend Micro's online scanner. It does a very good job.

Blackadder wrote:

> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake DeleteThis @this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
> news:uXZNeVO1GHA.3656@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> The problem with a question like this is almost every program has its
>> partisans, and you end up with a lot of conflicting recommendations,
>>
>> That said, I'll tell you my preferences. I think McAfee is a poor
>> choice; only Norton is worse. I'm happy with the combination of
>> Avast and the free version of Zone Alarm.
>>
>> Also note that besides anti-virus and firewall programs, you need
>> several anti-spyware programs. I recommend Spyware Blaster, Spybot
>> Search & Destroy, and Adaware.
>>
>> All of these are free.
>
> Thank you Ken,


You're welcome. Glad to help.

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup



> Yes, I am aware that many pple will offer conflicting opinions.
>
> I just wanted to gauge what other users were using.
>
> I was using Zone Alarm Pro and AVG for a long time - and that seemed
> to suffice. However, the recent version of ZA Pro kept on cutting off
> my internet access.
>
> Then I switched to AVAST and Kerios Firewall. But I had all sorts of
> problems with that config.
>
> At the moment I've got a new machine and am using McAfee suite but its
> fairly large. Although I have 2gig of RAM and shouldn't be
> complaining - it does bother me somewhat. However, its got very good
> reviews...
> And yes, I also use ADAWARE and Spybot search and destroy- I like
> them. I also use Trend Micro's online scanner. It does a very good
> job.

I don't remember if it was PC Magazine, or PC World, but one of them recommended
the free Comodo firewall.

All I know is --

with my experience both McAfee AND Symantac currently produce bloatware (and
on another sidebar so does Kodak)

I loaded the current version of Symantac and wound up spending 3 days on the
phone with tech support. I was given conflicting information from the
several techs I spoke with. It toasted my system. The programs utilized to
"clear" also were not working properly since I doubt heavily it was tested
with numerous concurrent versions having previously been loaded and not
removed properly. It's limping along but I sincerely think its time to cut
the Norton cord. There is a definate conflict when running NVIDIA in that
when attempting to open the control screen it has issues with a "transparent"
display. It does the 'ol puke & hurl and you are forced to restart in order
to have it working properly (and off your screen)

These complaints are beside the fact that both Norton and McAfee have never
really captured everything. I have always needed additional pieces to
completely rid the system of adware etc.

So of course in the case of an upgrade -- you need to remove ALL pieces,
upgrade and then add back the required add-ons to do the complete job that
the bloated piece of software making your system groan is not doing
completely.

But -- that's just my .02 cents



"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> Blackadder wrote:
> > I require very good anti-virus and firewall programs. They can be
> > seperate and not bundled. Currently I'm using McAfee Security Centre
> > 6 but its got a dozen small programs running in the background and
> > seems like bloatware to me. And every now and then I suspect it spins
> > up my hd and does a scan. (Yes, I unchecked the file index option).
> >
> > I am quite hands on and prefer to update my programs manually- so I
> > don't need an auto scheduler.
> >
> > I used to have ZoneAlarm Pro, and AVG. Then I switched over to AVAST.
> > Currently I'm using McAfee Security Centre 6.
> >
> > But I suspect that McAfee is doing random scans on my harddrive.
> > McAfee also has a lot of stuff loaded into the RAM- included
> > scheduled activities which I can't seem to disable.
> >
> > Any recommendations?
>
>
> The problem with a question like this is almost every program has its
> partisans, and you end up with a lot of conflicting recommendations,
>
> That said, I'll tell you my preferences. I think McAfee is a poor choice;
> only Norton is worse. I'm happy with the combination of Avast and the free
> version of Zone Alarm.
>
> Also note that besides anti-virus and firewall programs, you need several
> anti-spyware programs. I recommend Spyware Blaster, Spybot Search & Destroy,
> and Adaware.
>
> All of these are free.
>
> --
> Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
> Please reply to the newsgroup
>
>
>

BTW -- I agree with Adaware SE & Spybot but also found spyware blaster to
fall into the piglet realm.



"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> Blackadder wrote:
> > I require very good anti-virus and firewall programs. They can be
> > seperate and not bundled. Currently I'm using McAfee Security Centre
> > 6 but its got a dozen small programs running in the background and
> > seems like bloatware to me. And every now and then I suspect it spins
> > up my hd and does a scan. (Yes, I unchecked the file index option).
> >
> > I am quite hands on and prefer to update my programs manually- so I
> > don't need an auto scheduler.
> >
> > I used to have ZoneAlarm Pro, and AVG. Then I switched over to AVAST.
> > Currently I'm using McAfee Security Centre 6.
> >
> > But I suspect that McAfee is doing random scans on my harddrive.
> > McAfee also has a lot of stuff loaded into the RAM- included
> > scheduled activities which I can't seem to disable.
> >
> > Any recommendations?
>
>
> The problem with a question like this is almost every program has its
> partisans, and you end up with a lot of conflicting recommendations,
>
> That said, I'll tell you my preferences. I think McAfee is a poor choice;
> only Norton is worse. I'm happy with the combination of Avast and the free
> version of Zone Alarm.
>
> Also note that besides anti-virus and firewall programs, you need several
> anti-spyware programs. I recommend Spyware Blaster, Spybot Search & Destroy,
> and Adaware.
>
> All of these are free.
>
> --
> Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
> Please reply to the newsgroup
>
>
>

<"Debbie" <Debbie RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:820F0F9A-FBD2-472C-9CDC-2F978DE4AA34@microsoft.com...>

<baldersnip>

Nope...

No Sale...

I've always had excellent results with Norton Internet Security -- and its
predecessors.

I use Microsoft Defender as well.

Some basic intelligence is required to install, operate and update them --
skills you seem to lack.

'Nuff Said.

DSH

Spencer, I also have had the same experience with Norton since the late 70's and
have never been burnt yet anyways.

"D. Spencer Hines" <poguemidden RemoveThis @hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:%23ROfUXr1GHA.1336@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> <"Debbie" <Debbie RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:820F0F9A-FBD2-472C-9CDC-2F978DE4AA34@microsoft.com...>
>
> <baldersnip>
>
> Nope...
>
> No Sale...
>
> I've always had excellent results with Norton Internet Security -- and its
> predecessors.
>
> I use Microsoft Defender as well.
>
> Some basic intelligence is required to install, operate and update them --
> skills you seem to lack.
>
> 'Nuff Said.
>
> DSH
>

Bingo!

Norton Internet Security...

It's a First-Rate product.

All one need do is follow the instructions for installation and operation,
customize it as appropriate, and then upgrade regularly.

DSH

"Dolphin" <dolphin555.remove.RemoveThis@cox.net.invalid> wrote in message
news:B4HNg.4478$TA5.43@fed1read09...

> Spencer, I also have had the same experience with Norton since the late
> 70's and have never been burnt yet anyways.
>
> "D. Spencer Hines" <poguemidden.RemoveThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:%23ROfUXr1GHA.1336@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>> <"Debbie" <Debbie.RemoveThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:820F0F9A-FBD2-472C-9CDC-2F978DE4AA34@microsoft.com...>
>>
>> <baldersnip>
>>
>> Nope...
>>
>> No Sale...
>>
>> I've always had excellent results with Norton Internet Security -- and
>> its predecessors.
>>
>> I use Microsoft Defender as well.
>>
>> Some basic intelligence is required to install, operate and update
>> them -- skills you seem to lack.
>>
>> 'Nuff Said.
>>
>> DSH

D. Spencer Hines wrote:

> <"Debbie" <Debbie.RemoveThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:820F0F9A-FBD2-472C-9CDC-2F978DE4AA34@microsoft.com...>
>
> <baldersnip>
>
> Nope...
>
> No Sale...
>
> I've always had excellent results with Norton Internet Security -- and its
> predecessors.
>
> I use Microsoft Defender as well.
>
> Some basic intelligence is required to install, operate and update them --
> skills you seem to lack.
>
> 'Nuff Said.
>
> DSH

I've been using Norton Internet Security for several years and have yet
to have a problem with it. It plays well with things like SpyBot,
Adaware, and SpyCop.

I started with Norton back in the days of DOS...
--
Tom - Vista, CA

Wow

You're a real help

Sorry - I wasn't aware that you knew everything (even if devoid of social
skills)

Your intelligence shines through when making assumptions regarding my
individual system setup and my ability (or inability) to deal with the latest
and greatest Norton Internet Suite.

Sweet it is not --

If Norton satisfies your security needs -- then why augment it with Defender?

Because....

As the years have progressed, Norton as well as other products have become
less effective while demanding more resources. Common thinking is that disk
and memory are cheap.

QA of software has become increasingly more difficult since it is impossible
to replicate all the possible permutations of systems. Rarely does a system
exist in-house that has gone through multiple upgrades in combination with
all the other applications (and their possible release conflicts)

Norton's "clear" program clearly did not work -- so that was a definate
point in case of poor programming AND QA. When the intent of a program is to
clear ALL the existing package related software from the system, both aborted
install tidbits along with prior installation items and it skips over not
just registry items but all shared .dll's and several entire obvious folders
-- I'd say it was a piece of trash. If the intent of a program is to correct
a corrupted install AND it expects all items to be there or it aborts -- DUH
-- It's not my intelligence that is in question. What the heck would you
attempt running it for if it were it not for the fact that NOT all pieces
were there?

For me -- Norton's new release is a horror -- the prior release was bloated
yet effective enough and not a problem especially when complemented with
Adaware and Defender. Prior to that Spybot was also required since it
picked up items that the others did not.

You can't see anything if your head is in the sand (or elsewhere) Sorry I'm
not the type of geek where my case is constantly off my system. I've been
busy as a PM on midrange to larger systems with Tier 1 Apps for the past 20
years and left the tinkering to the underlings.

"D. Spencer Hines" wrote:

> <"Debbie" <Debbie RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:820F0F9A-FBD2-472C-9CDC-2F978DE4AA34@microsoft.com...>
>
> <baldersnip>
>
> Nope...
>
> No Sale...
>
> I've always had excellent results with Norton Internet Security -- and its
> predecessors.
>
> I use Microsoft Defender as well.
>
> Some basic intelligence is required to install, operate and update them --
> skills you seem to lack.
>
> 'Nuff Said.
>
> DSH
>
>
>

BTW

Norton is considered more a "personal" use item -- I have yet to be in a
large install base where it is utilized. Reason being -- its a pig that
causes many conflicts.

"D. Spencer Hines" wrote:

> <"Debbie" <Debbie RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:820F0F9A-FBD2-472C-9CDC-2F978DE4AA34@microsoft.com...>
>
> <baldersnip>
>
> Nope...
>
> No Sale...
>
> I've always had excellent results with Norton Internet Security -- and its
> predecessors.
>
> I use Microsoft Defender as well.
>
> Some basic intelligence is required to install, operate and update them --
> skills you seem to lack.
>
> 'Nuff Said.
>
> DSH
>
>
>