Calling all geeks (you too Skuzzy)

[F22RaptorDude]

dad installs mcafee on all the computers at my house

[Shuffler]

On Windows 7 use Microsoft Security Essentials.

[icepac]

I ran for many years without any virus software after my 1997 enterprise licensed copy of norton finally stopped performing a successful update in 2002.

I did run firewalls but only started back with anti-virus when microsoft security essentials showed up.

In computing since my altair in 1978, I have only gotten 2 malicious software issues that I couldn't weed out manually........and one was installed on my pc during a party with a floppy.

[Masherbrum]

ESET Smart Security 5

[cattb]

I use Microsoft Security Essentials (free) for virus scanning, and Malware Bytes for errrm, well, malware. Also have spybot search and destroy on my machine, but only run that once a week or so.

So far not had any major problems, its picked up a couple of attempts to infect my machine and stopped it dead. Were I you Dago, I'd install everything that you want on your machine, get an imaging program, and take a disk image.

That way, if you do get infected, you can get back up and running somewhat faster than installing the OS, Drivers, Software, Updates etc.

Wurz

+1 on the imaging software. I use ghost, but there are others. Acronis, paragon, and other free porgrams like clonezilla. I use Kaspersky, but I don't think any of the antivirus applications are going to be 100 percent.

Imaging not only saves time in case of infections, bad components which may cause corrupted hard drives, hard drive failure,  any other problems you could run into and is a excellent backup tool just for backing up data also..

[Widewing]

I use PC Tools Spyware Doctor with antivirus and Browser Guard.

Last month, corporate IT issued me a laptop to be used for field testing. Because I would be using the laptop off site, they gave me admin authority. It was running pretty slow, so I ran a full scan with the latest McAfee and it came up clean. Inasmuch as I don't have much faith in McAfee, that night I took the laptop home, I used my unused licenses to install the PC Tool software, and also installed their Registry Mechanic.

I ran full scans using both, and it turned up 26 threats, 25 minor, and a nasty little Trojan that McAfee missed altogether. Registry Mechanic found 204 registry errors to boot. After the machine was cleaned, it ran much faster...

I've used PC Tools security software for years, with flawless results. Browser Guard, and its stand alone twin, Threat Fire, provide real time protection, and will block known bad sites. It's a bargain, and you get three licenses allowing installation on three machines.

[AAJagerX]

Microsoft Security Essentials is free, gets the job done, and isn't a resource hog.  I've never had an issue while running it. 

[ebfd11]

ESET Smart Security 5

Mash that is what I am running now and I have to say it works great and the price is compariable with the big boys too.

LawnDart

[DustyR]

ESET Smart Security 5

Eset Smart Security 5 is the system that I install on any computers I work on or trouble shot. 

[Skuzzy]

So, for the first time since my original 386, I have ordered a computer.  Have been building my own since then.  But, with the prices today and the huge choice of parts, I decided to save time and I have ordered a new gamer.   Now I have to decide on the best way to protect it.  Would love to hear some suggestions for anti-virus/firewall protections.   Been running AVG and ZoneAlarm for a long time, wondering whats the top choice now.

So, if you have any suggestions on the latest programs, I would welcome some ideas.

I am not going to be any help here as I do not run any anti-xxx type of software or software firewalls on my personal computers.  For me they are a waste of resources.

I will say this.  Do not run the consumer versions of Norton or McAfee.  They are worse than the viruses they are supposed to protect your computer from.  Just say no.

I would stay away from AVG as well.  Seem they are not going to be happy until they are as bad as Norton and McAfee are.

[Heater]

ESET Smart Security 64 bit (both then Virus scanner and firewall)

[moot]

Ugh. The only time I had something really hammer me hard. (I mean re-install OS hard) Was when I ran ESET Nod32. I absolutely loathe that program.

Sorry Dicho, just my opinion.

 

Oh, btw I'm running AVG at the moment, but I also liked Avast when I used it.

single data point

[Patches1]

Didn't Norton buy out PC Tools, Widewing?

[ozrocker]

Avast




                                                                                                                                          Oz

[curry1]

ESET Smart Security 5

Yep I have used that for a little over a year and I have had no problems.  It found the virus I currently had becuase McAfee could not find it.  Never had a virus or problem since.