Best Anti Virus Software - Free or to buy?

bigup7

i use NOD32, not free, but the best imo

TJJamal

If you've got Windows I would personally recommend ZoneAlarm as a complete soloution for Firewall Protection. I don't like the built in firewall in Windows XP.

BTW - Its better to have a Spyware Scanner than an antivirus one, there is more spyware out there that viruses.

Thanks all

jack_daniels_2

TJJamal wrote:

BTW - Its better to have a Spyware Scanner than an antivirus one, there is more spyware out there that viruses.

Thanks all

cover all bases = get both

leesmithg

divadee wrote:

Can anyone give me advice on the best anti virus software around now?

Be it free or to buy let me know your suggestions

I have been using norton 2002 (old but i thought good with all the updates on it!!)

thanks in advance

Good bargain here 50% off, you get Norton system works 2006 + Personal firewall 2006, go read system works contains some great tools and norton antivirus 2006.

asot

leesmithg wrote:

Good bargain here 50% off, you get Norton system works 2006 + Personal firewall 2006, go read system works contains some great tools and norton antivirus 2006.

Good price but the Norton stuff really is crap nowadays. I don't know how they get any decent reviews, I guess they must bribe the reviewers. If you are going to use a pay solution and want purely antivirus then I would agree with previous posts that Kaspersky is the best. If you are looking for a complete security solution then Zonealarm Security Suite is generally considered the best.

leesmithg

asot wrote:

Good price but the Norton stuff really is crap nowadays. I don't know how they get any decent reviews, I guess they must bribe the reviewers. If you are going to use a pay solution and want purely antivirus then I would agree with previous posts that Kaspersky is the best. If you are looking for a complete security solution then Zonealarm Security Suite is generally considered the best.

If you know how to use symantec or norton products and read the literature then, no, it's not crap.

I have been using their products for 12 years and not a problem, nor find a drain on resources or any other problems.

Unless you've tried every antivirus solution on this planet then it's fair to have an opinion.

I have beta tested some others and Norton still is streets ahead.

jack_daniels_2

Zonealarm SS is not the best by far I would opt for Kapersky, aslo Norton 2006 isnt half bad now since its lighter on resources a quicker scan rate and better detection and also easier to uninstall

asot

leesmithg and jack daniels, if you believe Zonealarm SS is not the best overall security suite then can explain why practically every computing magazine recommends Zonealarm SS above all others?

Leesmithg I doubt you have tested every single anti-virus program on this planet as if you had then you would know Norton is not the best. So why do you expect me to? FYI I have tested multiple versions of Panda, Sophos, McAfee, Norton, BitDefender, Zonealarm, Kaspersky, NOD32, AVG, Avast which I think is a fair few, but true I have missed a couple out. As for beta testing other products then were you comparing them against the beta of Norton?

Try reading the following links from popular computing press which all recommend Zonealarm above Norton.

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/labs/136/internet-security-suites/products.html
http://www.pcw.co.uk/personal-computer-world/compare/2155664/safe-surfing?page=2
http://reviews.cnet.com/ZoneAlarm_Internet_Security_Suite_6/4505-3667_7-31447702.html
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1836241,00.asp
http://www.practicalpc.co.uk/reviews/soft/utilities/zonealarm6.htm

So yeah if you want to drain your computers resources with bloated rubbish and pay for the privilege then go ahead and get Norton. I don't understand what literature it is that you are reading leesmithg? I know how to use Norton products and I read the computing press. I have a computing degree and I work within the software industry. I have previously used Norton products for years as well which is why I know they are rubbish nowadays.

peter_the_piper

We still use AVG and Zonealarm even though we are behind a wireless router with SPI firewall. Its worth belt and bracing it, if only to stop your computer connecting out when you don't want it to.

jack_daniels_2

A proper comparison that isnt reviewed by magazines who sometimes write biased reviews because of sponsorship deals, in saying that I didnt say Zonealarm isnt any good just not the best

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