Best Internet Security Suite ??

hungryheart

I have had Zone Alarm for several years now and had no problems until a recent Windows update caused havoc with the Zone Alarm and kept causing the computer to crash repeatedly.:mad:
This is a known problem on Zone Alarm and other computer forums with no obvious or simple cure.

I am reluctantly having to remove my Zone Alarm package from my computer so I can surf the net without crashing every five minutes.

Consequently I have two queries I would like answered ;


1 ) Am I entitled to a refund of my Zone Alarm subscription which I took out for two years and has approx 15 months let to run before expiry ? On what grounds ?


2 ) What is MSE best rated or favourite internet security computer suite ?

Any glowing recommendations ?

I am testing F-SECURE at the moment. Any one got it and/or feedback ?

I am also looking at BITDEFENDER . Any comments on this one



I look forward to some feedback on these queries.

Thanks in advance for our help and time.

Graham.

[Deleted User]

Not sure about the refund question - doubt it...

I'd personally go for separate peices of software rather than an 'all-in-one' attempt e.g.

1. Anti-virus = Avira AntiVir
2. Anti-spyware = SuperAntiSpyware (rubbish name I know but one of the best in its field)
3. Anti-malware = Malwarebytes
4. Firewall = I use Zonealarm but as you've had bad experiences with your setup then try either Comodo or Online Armor

If you were to go for a suite I'd choose either ESET Smart Security or Kaspersky Internet Security 2009

espresso

hungryheart wrote: »

I have had Zone Alarm for several years now and had no problems until a recent Windows update caused havoc with the Zone Alarm and kept causing the computer to crash repeatedly.:mad:

This is a known problem on Zone Alarm and other computer forums with no obvious or simple cure.

Which windows update? The well known ZA + KB 951748 problem was back in July and was quickly resolved.

Can you provide links to a more recent ZA + windows update problem?

hungryheart

espresso wrote: »

Which windows update? The well known ZA + KB 951748 problem was back in July and was quickly resolved.

Can you provide links to a more recent ZA + windows update problem?

That was was the one that started the problems and my Laptop never worked properly since,especially in Firefox my much preferred web browser.

The message vsmon.exe error followed by various number at file no kept coming up after the internet connection kept freezing for minutes on end . a google search connected this error to Zone Alarm.

I attempted to repair by removing the Windows update, but then some other programmes wont work properly either so I had to restore the update,
Zone Alarm doesnt appear to like this particualr Windows update at all.

What can I do ? I need protection but I also need to go on the net via Firefox all the time with crashing every ten minutes, especially with Xmas bargains to be tracked down via excellent websites like this one.

As a last resort I am changing my programme to see if removing Zone Alarm solves the freezing problem for good.

Hence the request for help as I am tearing my hair out !!

espresso

hungryheart wrote: »

I attempted to repair by removing the Windows update, but then some other programmes wont work properly either so I had to restore the update,
Zone Alarm doesnt appear to like this particualr Windows update at all.

What can I do ?

Removing the update was a temporary bodge until ZA released a fixed release the following day! There is obviously not a problem now, otherwise the net would be awash with posts! You should have updated your ZA product. If Firefox is crashing it is very unlikely to be due to ZA, more likely an Add-on causing your problems.

[Deleted User]

I'd look to uninstall both firefox and zonealarm then install from a new...

espresso

More info on the original problem here. Nothing to do with FF crashing though. Which version of FF and do you have any Add-ons loaded?

Donnie

Here is the 'fixed' version.

chunter

This month's Computer Shopper "February 2009" (Issue 252) has a full test of 10 different Security Suites.
In summary, McAfee get's their vote.Kaspersky a close second. (5 stars)
Trend, F-Secure, Norton get 4 stars
Bitdefender, Bullguard, Eset, get 3 stars.
The (shortly to be obselete) Windows Live OneCare, gets absolutely demolished and gets 1 star.

Free AVG got 4 stars and "Best Budget Buy"

The "Less resource-hogging" options are Free AVG, Eset & Kaspersky

hungryheart

chunter wrote: »

This month's Computer Shopper "February 2009" (Issue 252) has a full test of 10 different Security Suites.
In summary, McAfee get's their vote.Kaspersky a close second. (5 stars)
Trend, F-Secure, Norton get 4 stars
Bitdefender, Bullguard, Eset, get 3 stars.
The (shortly to be obselete) Windows Live OneCare, gets absolutely demolished and gets 1 star.

Free AVG got 4 stars and "Best Budget Buy"

The "Less resource-hogging" options are Free AVG, Eset & Kaspersky

Thanks to every one who posted replies. They have been most helpful.

I will get a Computer Shopper magazine tomorrow to read what they have to say. They are normally a good fair read.


I will trial Fsecure for a while as it seems to be working fine. Online most of the last 24 hours with FSecure since Zone Alarm was removed , and so far no crashes or freeze ups.

I will investigate other options sugessted too.

KathysBoy

carol6 wrote: »

If anyone is interested in buying Kaspersky Internet Security - the full suiite - then Amazon have a special running now. They are offering a 3 user 1 year license for £19.99 (normal rrp £49.99).

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kaspersky-Internet-Security-3-Desktop-Subscription/dp/B001ANDJLS/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_ttl_in

I'm not sure you can buy even a single user licencse anywhere else for that price.

I got this and it is genuine - physical delivery (free P+P), came boxed - and installed easily and quickly.

Good luck.

carol

If you have an account with Barclays you can get a 1 year 3 pc licence free. Not sure what happens at the end of the free period, because its not been running for a year yet. I believe HSBC are doing something similar with McAfee. I guess its in their interest to ensure people have secure pc´s.

I´ve been very pleased with Kaspersky since I installed it. I´ve found it less resource intensive than McAfee, and less intensive than other free products I moved to after Mcafee expired and I thought the renewal cost was a bit expensive. Before I found the Barclays offer I used Avast and Comodo which are both free, although SWMBO found Comodo a bit intrusive, which is the main reason I switched.