Anti-Virus programs

[Renato]

Hey guys, Long time no talk.

Kinda stuck here at the moment. I'm looking for a good Anti-Virus software, but I don't know what to choose. I see all these mixed-reviews from people. Its confuses the crap out of me, so I was asking if you guys have any recommendations?

Thanks.

[Hikaru]

• Do NOT use Norton AV
• Whatever the reason might be, NEVER use Norton firewall!
• there are several nice free AV programs, such as Avast! or AVG. I myself am currently using AVG free AV, and it found a virus that Norton had not.
• Don't settle for a AV only, have a firewall too. Zone Alarm offer a free version, the same way AVG or Avast! do. I have also heard of Kairo firewall. The difference between the full version and the free is small, and you will mainly care for the built in malwere remover that comes in the full version.
  NOTE: Windows XP built in firewall offers some protection, but it's mostly a false sense of security. Though it is better than nothing, I suggest using another firewall.
• This is not a must, but a malwere cleaner won't be harmfull. Windows Defender is free and looks effective, though I don't know how effective it really is. I myself am using eTrust's Pest Partol.
• Interner Explorer, the built in web browser made by Microsoft is not safe I suggest using Firefox or Mozilla, or if you do not like it you can use Opera, or Netscape (a Mozilla based browser)
  - Internet Explorer
  - Firefox
  - Opera
  - netscape.
  I have also heard of several Internet Explorer based broswer, such as Avant, but how good can a IE based browser be?
  - Avant browser.
(Yes I know there must be a handfull of broswers out there, but I gave these as the most common)

[Captn' Red]

I totaly agree with Uriku, Id rather use Microsofts antivirus than Norton -.-;;
I use F-secure, its alot better than norton, but stay aways from its firewall.

And I use Opera as my browser, since I found that one to be best out of the rest.
Superior speed and tabbing functions.

Firefox is good too, but is a damn slow starter.. And its OpenSource

[Plasmacaster]

Personally I use ZoneAlarm.

One of the best free firewalls out there.

[Hikaru]

oh, but I must say, if you set Zone Alarm on the highest protection, it does cause some troubles, especially and mainly in p2p program such as eMule.
also the cookie control, program control and ad blocking can be a bit annoying, mostly all you need is the active firewall protection, not anything else.
you would also like to disable Smart Defense - it just pops up and tells you about attempt to introde and that kind of stuff, asking you questions about which program to allow access.

[NarutakiTwinsRule]

I reccomend AVG as does Uriku, it works very well for me.
It assisted in the hunt for Iso Store Dart.exe.

If you need a firewall, use Sygate firewall.

This was all brought to you by andrew_y.
Thanks Andrew. :3

[Orion]

I despise Zone alarm. It totally screwed up my parents system. Even though I uninstalled it, It was still there screwing up my parents System during tax season. <for some reason ZA screwed up Turbo Tax so it would refuse to update.<sigh>

[Renato]

I've never liked Norton anyway.

I'll take a look into the programs you told me guys. Thanks.

[Hikaru]

Syget --> bought by Symantec
Symantec --> Norton.

[davcho]

NORTON ANTI VIRUS RULES AND KICKS ALL UR ASSES!! it owns lol if u get the latest versions and keek updating it

--Edit by Midori: Noton is crap crap crap!, it is a virus in and of itself (try to uninstall the trash sometime, you'll see what I mean.)

[NarutakiTwinsRule]

Dav, you're totally going to be shot for that.

I don't like Norton for the same reason I don't like Dial-up.
Too god damn slow.

AVG and Sygate Firewall are the best free things out there in my view so far.

[Renato]

What about McAfee? And most importantly I get a bit confused which is better: Anti-Virus program or Internet Security (yet Internet Security has Anti-virus in it, plus a whole of other programs).

[Hikaru]

What about McAfee? And most importantly I get a bit confused which is better: Anti-Virus program or Internet Security (yet Internet Security has Anti-virus in it, plus a whole of other programs).

what do you mean "Internet Security"? Internet Security Suit?
I heard that McAfee is good, but mostly rumors not something tested.

[Captn' Red]

Well if it says "Internet security" is often antivirus, antispyware, and firewall in one.
Stay away from those is my advice, I have F-secure, the antivirus is great, but its firewall sucks.. not a good combo

Dunno about McAfee, but one of my friends hates it.. alot =P

[Plasmacaster]

Because of my fried PC I can't reactivate my cracked copy of Norton. I've got AVG for a virus scanner and re-installed ZoneAlarm as my firewall but does anyone know where I could get a free anti-virus program that monitors all the activity on your pc the way that Norton did?