Internet Security Software Poll

[SuperTaz]

Since my Norton Internet Security Software will expire soon, I was wondering if any of you have any recommendations on which one is better than the rest. I have had NIS for years now and they are a lot better than when I first used them about 10 years ago. lol But, I figure I would give another a try if there was a favorable majority for it.

 

What are your thoughts?

[propbndr]

I use AVG (free edition) and have no complaints about it. I have tried Kaspersky, McAfee, and Norto. While they were good at their jobs I found they turned into resource hogs. I have also tried Trend Micro and Zone Alarm but found they let some off those nasties through. Granted, my experience with all of those was from a few years ago so they may have improved their product.

[-Slayer-]

I've used AVG for years, it can be a pain at times with false positives but overall it seems fine.

 

Two other programs I use of the few I run is http://www.malwarebytes.org/ sitting in the system tray actively blocking malicious web address's and other things and spybot search and destroy http://www.safer-networking.org/ these two work well together what one misses the other gets.

 

Never tried the others except Norton used it years ago but it was a huge system hog back then, also ran zonealarm (when it was good) for years it was awesome but I hear now it's gone to the dogs, I run other stuff but yes AVG does seem to work ok, there's plenty out there to choice from.

[pipes1]

microsoft security essentials works great for me

[Crotan]

I use Sophos now, before that I used Symantec and before that I used McAfee

[SOC_JO]

Paid for = Best 2013 detection Bit Defender but haven't been a fan of past UI. Newer editions seem to be improving that aspect. You wont go wrong with these in no particular order. 1- Kaspersky 2- AVG 3- ESET NOD 32 Personally I like free Comodo not on your list (same as paid but without $500 virus free guarantee). Comes with virtual kiosk (like VMware), sandbox (like sandboxie), Kill Switch (like process explorer) with antivirus, hips and firewall. I think they have an excellent firewall and hips takes care of most things where AV hardly ever goes off. Cleaning is pretty much done by HitManPro and Malwarebytes so they are good at removing stuff not sure on protection guess it would be excellent also. So ADD Comodo lol its worth a try and its free...

Edited September 3, 2013 by SOC_JO

[SuperTaz]

I can't go wrong with Norton on Amazon as a new digital key is only $14.99 for 3 PC's. So, I could download the new NIS14 and use the new key for that. :) But, I will wait and see what others say.

 

I also heard Bitdefender has some issues where it is resource heavy so when a person opens a browser, it takes a while to load up. Is that true?

[Guest TorstenAUR]

Stay with Norton...

[XDE4TH]

My primary choice has been ESET NOD32 Smart Security series for awhile. I'm currently using Smart Security 6. It has done its job the few times I have needed it. I doesn't get in my way while playing and is not resource intensive. It has a nice and simple UI that is easy to navigate and use. However you can also access more advanced options if you choose/need to.

 

My secondary program I run with Smart Security 6 is MalwareBytes Pro. This program(along with their other tools they provide) is another great option that is fantastic at removing/taking care of some of the really nasty shit out there. It is great at actively protecting you from any threats you might come across(as long as your internet savy this usually isn't a problem though).

[Singh400]

Haven't used Norton in years. It used to be pretty awful and full of bloat. I've never really liked AVG. And I lump McAfee with Norton and generally stay away.

 

Eset's NOD32 was good for a while until they released v3 I think. That's when it started to go down hill.

 

And now I use Microsoft Security Essentials. best AV hands down. Bloat free, no hassle, set and forget. That being said the best security comes in layers. So a good AV is just one line of defence. SpyBot + SpywareBlaster, both utilize passive protection by blocking bad domains (via HOSTS file) and bad cookies.

 

Then you should have a highly customized HOSTS file, I block a ton of bad domains. And most malware is served via ad infected networks.

 

Switching your DNS to OpenDNS helps too. Then using a browser that implements a full sandbox is good idea too (Google Chrome). On top of this use AdBlock to remove any left over adverts (not many) and something like Ghostery to further block dodgy cookies.

 

Haven't had any kind of infection in over ten years.

[HSMagnet]

used AVG free for a long time.

 

now on eset nod 32 for last 18 months. i pay for it with real money every year

 

that is the best testimonial i can give

[Benway]

as a new digital key is only $16.00 for 3 PC's.

beat that http://bit.ly/14ohA0F (CDs only, i collected 'a few') it updates to IS 2013 4free and is pretty much the same as pricey Bitdefender (same engine, DLLs branded BitDefender) http://www.av-test.org/en/tests/home-user/

[Knives*]

My preferences:

- avast!

- AntiVir

 

Reviews: http://download.cnet.com/windows/antivirus-software/

Comparison: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_antivirus_software

 

For a little extra protection, I would also suggest Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and SpywareBlaster. And if you have Firefox installed with Adblock Plus, you should also go to the Features page and add subscriptions for Disable Tracking, Disable Malware Domains and Disable Social Media Buttons.

 

*Edit*

XDE4TH is using the #1 antivirus out there: NOD32. It has the highest detection rate just behind AntiVir last I checked. Don't bother with Microsoft Security Essentials. It failed to comply with certain security standards and provided a relatively weak level of protection compared to competitors. It may be light on resources and user-friendly, but if you want to have a high level of protection, go with something more reputable (I say avast!).

Edited September 4, 2013 by Knives*

[exzz]

Microsoft Security Essentials works fine for me ;)

[SuperTaz]

Amazon lowered the price for Norton to $14.99.

 

The new NIS14 version has some good stuff. Click Here

 

Faster performance – We know our users don’t want security getting in the way of their normal day-to-day interactions as they use their PC. So each year, we’ve made it a goal to keep improving the speed of our performance while ensuring that we continue to deliver world-class protection. This release continues to raise the bar. Based on recent testing, compared with last year’s releases, we have improved boot time by 15 percent, install speed by 10 percent and memory usage during scan by 100MBs, resulting in our fastest and lightest performance yet. (Source: PassMark, August 2013)

[SOC_JO]

"So each year, we’ve made it a goal to keep improving the speed of our performance" because it has been that bad. users will see a difference those not subject to Norton will feel like a set back. "Based on recent testing, compared with last year’s releases" because it has been that bad they compare it to itself. users will notice a difference others trying Norton will feel like its a set back. Guess eventually they will catch up but who are you kidding the dev*l you know is better than the angel that's a stranger you wont try anything else just buy it for $15 that's cheap

[Chaos1907]

I had Trendo Micro pc cilin 12 free for three years when I first got my desktop almost years ago. It performed great and didn't use a lot of bandwith. I voted for Kaspersky my mom has it on her laptop and which performs great. Even though it requires a yearly subscription, it still is something.

[Knives*]

Also,

 

http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

[.tU.Storm_Trouper]

I have used avast since 2001 and now have 5 PCs online and its never let me down (yet).