I just recently wrote an article discussing our PC security software recommendation for both home and small business users, and I thought it might be of some use to users here.
Here is a snippet of my blog:
In today’s business and home environments, your computer is always connected to the internet - and for many, on almost 24 hours a day. In other words, your computer - and the data housed within - is always at stake. To reduce your risk of incident, it is important that you implement software that helps protect you - such as a security suite.
That is why every year, we investigate all available security suite options and choose one we believe to be superior. This year, we recommend our readers and Support clients to use Norton Internet Security 2009.
OK, so here’s a problem that Norton ain’t fixing for me. For some reason, ANYTIME I do a Google or Yahoo or whatever search, all the top hits are pc security links or something related. Obviously I’ve got some kind of adware installed on my laptop, but neither Norton nor my spyware is getting rid of it.
Hmm, I am not sure what is the problem with your computer until I have some more information.
Is your system up-to-date? microsoft updates, norton updates, etc.
Are these pc security links in the advertisement area, or the natural listings area?
From our tests and research, norton 09 should take care of everything. Yet, you may want to try this free software called Spybot: http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.html
@tatuaje: AVG is great if you are on a budget, as they have a free version. However, the software is extremely slow, and lacking in premium features found in something like Norton’s offering.
I love AVG since it does a lot of what Norton does, without the memory-hoggage.
Avast did OK as well.
Spybot and ccleaner are good at dealing with existing problems.
For email, I have also found spam-bayes to be decent, once you’ve “trained it”.
I have to say, I am unclear why eric here seems to be plugging the Norton so hard - I had it for several years and really hated how much memory it used. It might be better now, but I’m not spending good $$$ to find out.
Pretty happy with the free stuff out there.
Google has a free internet “doctor” or something that’s pretty non- obtrusive.
and overall, Firefox is definitely the superior browser to use if you want to avoid most of the “nasties” out there.
Bobo - are you on vista? what you are describing sounds like a vista issue more than anything.
I love AVG since it does a lot of what Norton does, without the memory-hoggage.
Norton’s package runs on 6 to 11 MB of system memory (and on 2 processes!). AVG’s comparable package runs just below 70 MB. So I am unsure of what “memory-hoggage” issue you are referring to (it is best in its class).
Spybot and ccleaner are good at dealing with existing problems.
For email, I have also found spam-bayes to be decent, once you’ve “trained it”.
For someone who is so keen on memory issues, you are running MANY programs that could be handled by one (thus releasing wasted resources for other processes). But, if you want to stay free - this is really the only route .
I have to say, I am unclear why eric here seems to be plugging the Norton so hard - I had it for several years and really hated how much memory it used. It might be better now, but I’m not spending good $$$ to find out.
I am just defending our findings, not the product (well, I guess I am due the nature of the argument). We do such research to make recommendations for our clients. As such, we release some of this through our blog.
Being that this is a end-user level type software, I thought it would be useful to post on a community oriented forum.
Feel free to cling to your software, I am just reporting raw numbers. And it is not like I do not like any particular software, I have used every single title mentioned by others within this thread at some point.
It is true that previous versions of Norton were bloated and slow. However, they have really tuned things up and streamlined the program in the 2009 version. Symantec has redeemed themselves, in my opinion.
Still, if you are going to spend money on AV software, I recommend Sophos.
Where I work, we built a CD which runs Sophos, Clamwin, Norton, McAee, A Squared, Spybot S&D;, and CCleaner from a handy little menu system. We keep this updated monthly, and from what I’ve seen, the Sophos app always finds things the others don’t (as far as viruses/trojans go).
In my experience though, no one tool is ever foolproof. What I do at home is run one AV app on my PC, then occasionally use standalone apps (McAfee Stinger, e.g.) to add a little more oomph.
I’m running XP, using Google Chrome as my browser and Ad-Aware as my primary malware detection tool. I’ve had very few problems, and almost none since switching over to Chrome.
I usae CNetP, using Google Chrome as my browser and Ad-Aware as my primary malware detection tool. I’ve had very few problems, and almost none since switching over to Chrome.
I tried Chrome but it’s way too limited for my purposes. I returned to Firefox. Speaking of surfing, if you use Firefox it has an add on called WOT that judges every sight in a color coded manner and will not allow you to enter any that are unsafe without making a conscious decision.
As for my PC, I use Windows Live OneCare and have, to date been very pleased with it. It’s currently over priced but can be had on Amazon at a much reduced rate. My techy brother tells me there is a plan to offer it free sometime in the spring. Meanwhile, you want a free tool that will do a decent job cleaning things up, old files etc., check out CCleaner http://www.download.com/CCleaner/3000-2144_4-10315544.html
I favor cnet as a safe source for downloads. It also reviews and rates software. http://www.cnet.com/
