Internet security - any recommendations?

cagsd

I've used AVG Free for years, no problems here! Used to pay for Norton but wouldn't go back to a paid software now!

Purple_Skull

I use Microsoft Security Essentials and it's free

http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=5201

OneYorkshireLass

Have used Avast (free) for years and never had a problem. It always picks up dodgy sites/downloads etc.

One-Eye

Norton Internet Security is Amazon's #1 seller in software and currently costs £21.60. My online renewal direct from Norton cost £19.99 in July. I have used McAfee and Kaspersky in the past, and I would say the protection is just as good but they use more resources (slowing your PC down more).

Some independent comparative scores from PC Mag (October 2013) are HERE and they recommend Norton.

Here's a video from AVG explaining the difference between their paid and free versions. (Free is not as good, and is made available so they have a larger net of users who might get attacked, allowing them to improve their product - for the paying customers first!)

Whatever you choose, update it regularly.

euronorris

I've tried most in the past, and none have ever been good enough to keep continuously. The best ones change year on year (they each seem to focus their times and efforts on different areas of protection). I have Bitdefender at the moment (on my phone also), as this was rated as one of the best. I also have cc cleaner and malware bytes anti malware.

IMO, you need a few different programs to cover all bases.

ETA: http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/bitdefender-review.html?cmpid=rt-mostpop

Enigmatic_Me

My hubby is quite an expert with PCs and Malware (we always seem to have someone's laptop or PC in our house for fixing) and he is a trusted adviser on a forums where he helps people who have problems with virus's and trojans etc.

He would never ever buy anti virus as there are so many good ones out there like Avast and AVG that you can download for free. As long as you keep them updated and run with other programmes (again all free) like Malwarebytes, Spywareblaster, Spybot Search and Destroy.

Just like doing your housework, they need to be run regularly to clean up your PC.

Good luck x

sidsnot

I have had a few over the years but last year a friend who works with computers suggested I use ZoneAlarm which is free and a Antivirus and Firewall in one , I would recommend it to anyone , I certainly wouldn't pay for any.

EnglishWelshie

I've always used Kaspersky internet security and have never had any problems. I opened a bank account with Barclays and now get it free for up to 3 computers plus i can also have the mobile version as well. I very rarely use the bank account and am now on my third year of getting kaspersky free.

weeowens

I do pay,EnglishWelshie

The amount,usually about £8 for three PCs,is so small as to be free in my eyes.I'd spend more on a lot less & not get half the pleasure or confidence in the product.

If one is tech aware these multiple programs are OK but I prefer just to have one Security Suite that does it all.I know that for about 2p per day I have good AV on three PCs so it is a no brainer for me but I respect others choices as there is a lot of choice.

mclarkie

Whatever you decide to use, it's a good idea to have your ports probed by GRC, it's painless! .... geeks might even enjoy it

Read the info, then click proceed, on the next page scroll down a bit click on the big yellow button first, to test your router for vulnerabilities.
Under the yellow button you will see a silver bar with several
options to test various ports on your PC, there's even a spam test.

I probed my ports last night, ouch! :eek: ..and found a few vulnerabilities, I have now turned off 'printer and file sharing' in the network settings and went into the router settings to turn off the 'respond to ping on wan'. as I was visible to hackers!

I had another good ole probe this morning, and I'm now quite stealthy online