Time to buy a new internet security software. What should we buy?

[HatTrick]

Norton 360 is said to be the best now. The thing I really like about it is it constantly updates itself and there is no need to run scans to find the bad guys. It does that contantly too. And the really nice part is it doesn't slow my computer down at all.
KCI's wingman

There are likely to be as many different answers to the OP's question as there are posts, but I agree with using Norton. I also run occasional Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and SUPERAntiSpyware scans with the free editions of each.

Also, while a new virus may initially go undetected by AV software--even when updated with the latest definitions--many infected Web sites are passing along older viruses that will be detected by AV software. So it's worth having.

 

[MuranoJo]

I've spent many hours sanitizing friend's PC's that got infected. The worst ones are usually PC's used by teenagers. Personally, I use Microsoft's Security Essentials. I would never pay for an anti virus program because there are several good free ones out there. Maximum PC likes AVG the best of the free ones.

Another message board I belong to which is frequented by techie types (totally unrelated to t/s or travel) tends to agree with this: Microsoft's Security Essentials.

 

[Ken555]

Lately we've been impressed with the light weight Vipre AV. We've got it installed on about 150 systems so far and is working very well.

 

[RX8]

Hardly. And now virus writers are finding the popular and unprotected Macs fertile ground for introducing new viruses. Do a Google search and read the bad news...

Is it not tha Macs are immune to viruses, it is that hackers didn't bother creating havoc due to the smaller number of Mac computers compared to PCs. They went for the biggest bang for their buck. Like HatTrick points out however, maybe the time has come for Macs....

 

[Wyominguy]

Thanks. Got it. Now to see if the changes show up in my status.

 

[AwayWeGo]

Is Antivirus Software A Waste Of Money?

I wonder if it's better to pay for another software, different from Trend Micro, or just use Microsoft's?

Apparently antivirus software isn't worth much, according to a bunch of computer security experts who don't bother with it.

Click here for the story.

Who'd a-thunk ?

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[hypnotiq]

As someone that works in the software industry, I'll argue against the premise that AV software is useless.

I have fixed more than my fairshare of friends and families computers that have been compromised from viruses that would have been easily caught with Webroot, etc.

I will agree with two points.

1) Most of the new, sophisticated attacks will not be caught by AV software but those attacks are usually on high value targets and not your average, everyday joe.

2) Pros (computer/software people) don't generally run AV software (I don't) because we are smart enough not to open stuff that gets people in trouble.

 

[geekette]

I am a computer geek and Trend Micro is a good program. What I suggest to all of my customers is if you have Comcast, go with their free Norton Antivirus.

Norton and McAfee flip flop constantly on which program gets too big and bogs down a system. Right now, Norton has the edge and uses very few system resources. My vote is for Norton.

Disagree. At one point way back in time, Norton was way ahead of the rest. but now? I would not suggest that anyone install either of these packages. free is not worth it.

they are terribly invasive, can impact/prevent performance of too many other programs and a real headache to remove. I also don't find them to be as effective as other programs. ymmv

I use free AVG but also like Kaspersky.

 

[geekette]

Said by whom? What did they do to rejigger that? Norton has always been such a resource hog that I wouldn't trust it in a Mac that's basically immune from viruses.

Jim

I concur. Whoever votes Norton as best must be paid by Norton.

 

[HatTrick]

I concur. Whoever votes Norton as best must be paid by Norton.

I wish!

 

[SpikeMauler]

Been using ESET NOD32 for the last couple years. Just renewed till 2014. Haven't had any problems.

 

[HatTrick]

As I was saying...

Mac OS X Report: Virus Infects 600,000 Computers.

 

[Tia]

Avira is what the computer shop here recommended last time had something nasty with AVG and Trend Micro before that.

 

[ricoba]

I concur. Whoever votes Norton as best must be paid by Norton.

I am another happy Norton 360 user. CNET editors rate it "spectacular", 5 out of 5 stars, on the other hand, users rate it 3/5 stars. I for one am happy with it and have not had any problems. So who knows....

 

[ScoopKona]

Apparently antivirus software isn't worth much, according to a bunch of computer security experts who don't bother with it.

Click here for the story.

Who'd a-thunk ?

Gee, haven't I been harping on this fact for YEARS????

You don't need to be a computer security expert either. It's like everything else in life -- learn to do it yourself, or pay too much to have experts do the work for you.

A real backup plan and a little common sense is a better tonic than all the security software on Earth.

 

[HatTrick]

I am another happy Norton 360 user. CNET editors rate it "spectacular", 5 out of 5 stars, on the other hand, users rate it 3/5 stars. I for one am happy with it and have not had any problems. So who knows....

Agreed.

 

[hypnotiq]

Must be an April Fools joke. We know Macs are perfect and don't get viruses.