Anti Virus Programs

[LePaul]

Symantec seemed to cut performance in half. 

Went with Trend Micro Internet Protection Pro and it not only scan well, it optimizes and cleans up good too.  I have it on my gaming PC and Vista laptop.

[Bino]

I'm behind a router on a cable modem, so I don't use a software firewall.  For A-V I've moved over the years from Norton to Avast and now to NOD32. Since my poor ol' machine runs a mere single-core Prescott P4, I always shut down everything I can, including anti-virus, before taking to the virtual skies.  Anyway, I'm very happy with NOD32 so far.

[Denholm]

I started out with Norton CE, then migrated to AVG Free, then used AVG Pro for a while, and then tasted the 30-day trial of NOD32.

I won't be returning any time soon.

[Masherbrum]

I started out with Norton CE, then migrated to AVG Free, then used AVG Pro for a while, and then tasted the 30-day trial of NOD32.

I won't be returning any time soon.

I signed up for 2 years of the Smart Security, this past Saturday.    I too started with Norton Systems works, went to DSL and started with ZA Pro.

This is the best decision I've made in years.   

[71313]

Webroot

[1azbaer]

I really like the Computer Associates Internet Security Suite.  I use to work for one of those Geek companies and would use CA to clean up machines, that McAfee and Norton allowed to get infested.

[TEXN]

If I'm not mistaken, the CA suite is a port of Zone Alarm Internet Security Suite. My IP provides a free version but Ive always used the ZAISS and I can get a 3 computer version for about $20.

[SKJohn]

I'm behind a router on a cable modem, so I don't use a software firewall.  For A-V I've moved over the years from Norton to Avast and now to NOD32. Since my poor ol' machine runs a mere single-core Prescott P4, I always shut down everything I can, including anti-virus, before taking to the virtual skies.  Anyway, I'm very happy with NOD32 so far.

I also have a cable modem (Cox), that goes into a D-Link router.  Does this kind of set up protect you from viruses, etc?  I'm not real sure on this stuff, but I think I've heard that it helps.  If so, do you still need AV software?

[Enker]

We had NOD32 for a long while, but "we" found the Achilles Heel: It doesn't find stuff from non-reputable porn sites(I didn't find it, a parent was going to those...*blarf*). Other than that, NOD worked fairly well, though our versions might be different from what they reviewed. Currently, we use McAfee, and that seems to do us well.

[TilDeath]

I also have a cable modem (Cox), that goes into a D-Link router.  Does this kind of set up protect you from viruses, etc?  I'm not real sure on this stuff, but I think I've heard that it helps.  If so, do you still need AV software?

Yes you need an anti-virus.  That only is a semi secure firewall (anti hacker not anti-virus).

[SKJohn]

Yes you need an anti-virus.  That only is a semi secure firewall (anti hacker not anti-virus).

I checked out the ESET website for the free trials.  What is the difference between the Anti-Virus 4 and the Smart Security 4 programs?  Which one do you think I should try out?  Which one (or both?) do you use, and why?
Thanks,
John

[Masherbrum]

Smart Security has NOD32, their Firewall and Malware in one.   That's what I have.

[Ghosth]

No AV program installed on this or my wifes computer for over a year. I just use threatfire on both machines.

Takes very few system resources, just watch's for rootkits, registry changes, etc.

In the past I've had virus's disable my AV before it could detect it. That doesn't happen with Threatfire.
If it wants to change anything, threatfire is going to stop the process, ask me if this was something I wanted to do.
And if I say no, it will quarenteen the offending file, and kill the process.

But don't take my word for it. Check it out yourself.

Also its not constantly having to update virus definitions, etc. Install it and forget it.

[TilDeath]

In the past I've had virus's disable my AV before it could detect it.

The first thing a good virus should do is Disable the AV program.  By an independant study (have to find that site) Eset has been "Turned Off" less then any other AV program out there.  If my memory is correct the most by-passed is Trend Micro followed by a few others then AVG a few others then McAfee, Norton with Eset at the top of being the least hacked.  The Smart Suite has a small foot print, updates the virus patterns a few times a day, which is good  (Unlike others doing so weekly) virus comes out today pattern is available that day in most cases rather then maybe being exposed until an update.  I give ESET a 

[llama]

Eset just came out with their 4.0 products this weekend. So far, so good.

Generally, I recommend either Kaspersky, Norton, or Eset's AV products.

Eset NOD32 is the lightest-weight product out there, and it very good for a gaming rig.

Norton AV is also good, but not quite as lightweight. It has a good interface for beginners.

Norton Internet Security is a good product for those wanting the "everything plus the kitchen sink" in their security product. I think Norton 360 is just too much stuff for most users.

If you insist on free products, then Aviria Antivirus gets my approval.

-Llama