I Need Computer Advice / Firewall ?
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 283
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From: Minnesota
I Need Computer Advice / Firewall ?
OK, so i bought a laptop computer for my daughter. She is going away to school and I'd like to get some protection for her new computer.
Which firewall / security suite is the most user friendly while offering protection from all the junk.
I've been told to stay away from Norton but not really told which one to buy.
I have McAfee at work but system seems to slow at times.
Some internet "reviews" seem to really conflict and must be written by the companies themselves.
I've heard of Kaspersky , AVG , Bitdefender and some others but which one?
I'm looking to buy not free trials.
I hope you guys/gals can help. The laptop op sys is Vista.
Thanks.
Which firewall / security suite is the most user friendly while offering protection from all the junk.
I've been told to stay away from Norton but not really told which one to buy.
I have McAfee at work but system seems to slow at times.
Some internet "reviews" seem to really conflict and must be written by the companies themselves.
I've heard of Kaspersky , AVG , Bitdefender and some others but which one?
I'm looking to buy not free trials.
I hope you guys/gals can help. The laptop op sys is Vista.
Thanks.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,562
Likes: 2
From: Southern MD
Fortunately, I don't have any PCs that run Vista, but, on 4 laptops and 4 desktop PCs (that run Win XP Pro), I have AVG Antivirus and ZoneAlarm Firewall.
All are free.
I have only had one problem with any of these two programs and that was after an MS update (within the last two weeks) and (for some reason) ZoneAlarm hadn't put out a patch.
All is well, now.
I also have PC-cillin on two desktop PCs. Granted, I paid $39.99 for it, but, the license is for THREE (3) PCs and I have NEVER had a problem with PC-cillin.
All are free.
I have only had one problem with any of these two programs and that was after an MS update (within the last two weeks) and (for some reason) ZoneAlarm hadn't put out a patch.
All is well, now.
I also have PC-cillin on two desktop PCs. Granted, I paid $39.99 for it, but, the license is for THREE (3) PCs and I have NEVER had a problem with PC-cillin.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,653
Likes: 3
From: in the adirondack mts
Ditto Keith.....AVG and Zone Alarm. I fought Norton for a yr and swore never again. Not saying 1 way or another if it's a bad product, but I could never get it to work for me. I will say though, customer service got me my refund within 3 days. That amazed me.
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
From: Canastota
Going against the grain, I have been in the tech world for a while and I have had the best luck with Norton Internet Security. I use it on my home pc(WinXp PRO) and on my company laptop(vista). I have not had any problem with it, no annoying constant popups and I have had no breaches. My laptop has lots of sensitive and important data and I cannot risk it getting hacked or stolen. I have also used AVG before with good results, but norton picked up things AVG didnt. Just my 2 cents.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 164,377
Likes: 82
From: MA
I do not recommend Norton Internet Security/Firewall.. It is to advanced for most users.. I have had people disable the internet by answering the wrong prompt..
Stick with Zone Alarm for the firewall it is much easier to use and does a great job.. I run Zone ALarm Pro (Paid version)..
As for anti virus I run Norton antivirus and have never had a problem.. The problems occur with Norton products that are trying to do to much..
I can't stand McAfee products at all they slow the PC and once they get you it's hard to get away.. This is why I never renew via credit card online..
They will automatically renew you even if you don't want it..
Also don't forget to install an antispyware program.. I use Spywareblaster and Spybot.. Both are free and you can donate to them if you desire..
AVG is a good free antivirus, but I have seen some issues with it..
Stick with Zone Alarm for the firewall it is much easier to use and does a great job.. I run Zone ALarm Pro (Paid version)..
As for anti virus I run Norton antivirus and have never had a problem.. The problems occur with Norton products that are trying to do to much..
I can't stand McAfee products at all they slow the PC and once they get you it's hard to get away.. This is why I never renew via credit card online..
They will automatically renew you even if you don't want it..
Also don't forget to install an antispyware program.. I use Spywareblaster and Spybot.. Both are free and you can donate to them if you desire..
AVG is a good free antivirus, but I have seen some issues with it..
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
Likes: 10
I can recommend Solo from srnmicro.com or Comodo. Alot of people will say the Microsofts own Defence is very good if you keep it updated. As for malware I use Comodo BOClean which prevents maleware entering in the first place.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 283
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From: Minnesota
I just found out today that the university includes Norton anti virus to the students.
Is it necessary or advised to get the firewall from the same company as the anti virus?
I just don't want them to attack each other during updates.
I might just get an internet security package and forget the free one from the university.
I'm so confused. It's not like work where i can call out the IS eggheads and tell them to fix it.
She will be 100 miles away and I'm really going to miss her.
Is it necessary or advised to get the firewall from the same company as the anti virus?
I just don't want them to attack each other during updates.
I might just get an internet security package and forget the free one from the university.
I'm so confused. It's not like work where i can call out the IS eggheads and tell them to fix it.
She will be 100 miles away and I'm really going to miss her.
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Moderator
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 164,377
Likes: 82
From: MA
I just found out today that the university includes Norton anti virus to the students.
Is it necessary or advised to get the firewall from the same company as the anti virus?
I just don't want them to attack each other during updates.
I might just get an internet security package and forget the free one from the university.
I'm so confused. It's not like work where i can call out the IS eggheads and tell them to fix it.
She will be 100 miles away and I'm really going to miss her.
Is it necessary or advised to get the firewall from the same company as the anti virus?
I just don't want them to attack each other during updates.
I might just get an internet security package and forget the free one from the university.
I'm so confused. It's not like work where i can call out the IS eggheads and tell them to fix it.
She will be 100 miles away and I'm really going to miss her.
The school maybe giving you the Symantec Corporate antivirus program which is also a good option..
It is not necessary to have the same companies firewall and antivirus..
As I stated before Norton firewall is to advanced for most users..
I would not recommend getting a Security suite.. They are to bloated with junk and slow things down..
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,418
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From: SpringHill,Fl
I have AOL bring your own ISP...for $10 a month I get...
AOL® Premium Security products, including McAfee® Internet Security Suite– Special edition from AOL (which includes virus, spyware, home network and identity protection tools, a firewall, and PC optimization tools), plus ID-theft insurance coverage and PC hardware insurance coverage (insurance coverage not available to residents of New York state), parental controls and phishing protection. Downloads are available at AOL Keyword: Safety or safety.aol.com. Phishing protection requires use of the AOL Explorer browser or AOL all-in-one software.
AOL® Premium Security products, including McAfee® Internet Security Suite– Special edition from AOL (which includes virus, spyware, home network and identity protection tools, a firewall, and PC optimization tools), plus ID-theft insurance coverage and PC hardware insurance coverage (insurance coverage not available to residents of New York state), parental controls and phishing protection. Downloads are available at AOL Keyword: Safety or safety.aol.com. Phishing protection requires use of the AOL Explorer browser or AOL all-in-one software.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 164,377
Likes: 82
From: MA
I have AOL bring your own ISP...for $10 a month I get...
AOL® Premium Security products, including McAfee® Internet Security Suite– Special edition from AOL (which includes virus, spyware, home network and identity protection tools, a firewall, and PC optimization tools), plus ID-theft insurance coverage and PC hardware insurance coverage (insurance coverage not available to residents of New York state), parental controls and phishing protection. Downloads are available at AOL Keyword: Safety or safety.aol.com. Phishing protection requires use of the AOL Explorer browser or AOL all-in-one software.
AOL® Premium Security products, including McAfee® Internet Security Suite– Special edition from AOL (which includes virus, spyware, home network and identity protection tools, a firewall, and PC optimization tools), plus ID-theft insurance coverage and PC hardware insurance coverage (insurance coverage not available to residents of New York state), parental controls and phishing protection. Downloads are available at AOL Keyword: Safety or safety.aol.com. Phishing protection requires use of the AOL Explorer browser or AOL all-in-one software.
I use AOL and have the free plan because I have Comcast as the ISP..
Also AOL security suite is overloaded with crap and I don't recommend it...
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