Security software - free better?

Marvel1

Sorry if this has been asked loads of times.

I'm looking for security software that covers everything e.g. Norton Internet Security.

I know there are free versions of each out there, but are they better in terms of you don't need to pay to remove a threat?

If you have to pay, is it cheaper to buy a all-in-one? What do you recommend?

J_B

cjdavies wrote: »

What do you recommend?

I'd recommend 'free'

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/free-anti-virus-software

GunJack

windows firewall
avira or avast anti-virus supplemented by malwarebytes anti-malware

all free and at least as good if not better than paid-for stuff

waddler_8

With free software you're generally limited to support in the free user to user forums. Paid suites generally entitle you to a certain level of technical support from the companies support technicians.

I find it amazing how many people are paying for this yet still come to forums such as this one for help & advice with the product...

DUTR

waddler_8 wrote: »

With free software you're generally limited to support in the free user to user forums. Paid suites generally entitle you to a certain level of technical support from the companies support technicians.

I find it amazing how many people are paying for this yet still come to forums such as this one for help & advice with the product...

I still use mcafee after using avast and avg, that said I can get it off a well known auction site for around £6 so I'm happy to pay that :cool:

macman

But that is £6 more than an alternative (free) product which actually does the job.

fishybusiness

Also, with free software you tend not to get as comprehensive set of protection functions.

All said, there isn't really 'better or worse', some perform better at detecting viruses, including the free versions, others have an easier to navigate firewall say.

Its really down to your preference, your confidence at setting it up yourself, and your machine spec.

The machine spec comes in with older PC's that don't have the processing power to run some of the newer commercial suites.

My personal preference is Avira for the freebie, and Kaspersky for the commercial suite.

waddler_8

fishybusiness wrote: »

Also, with free software you tend not to get as comprehensive set of protection functions.

Some would call it bloat.

pineapple

waddler_8 wrote: »

Some would call it bloat.

Norton being a case in point.

pineapple

I have Avira plus Malwarebytes and Spybot for occasional standalone scans. That said I connect through sandboxie - the internet's answer to safe sex.
http://www.sandboxie.com/
and have enjoyed trouble free surfing for many a year.
And it's all FREE

PazDeLaHuertaFan

I use Avast and Malwarebytes.

I'd happily recommend both as they are easy to set up and use.