Can I get good PC security from free downloads?

Annie021063

My CA security software is up for renewal. Before I renew at $40 is there anything out there that I can trial for free (The good MSE'er I am!!) My current package gives me:
Anti virus/spam/phishing/
Spyware
Firewall
Thanks

BillScarab

Yes, there is lots of info in this forum, have a look at the stickies in particular. But basically I would recommend

Anti-Virus

AVG
AntiVir
Avast

Anti-Spyware
Defender
Super Anti-spyware
Adware
Spybot S&D

Firewall
Zone Alarm
Comodo
Kerio (sunbelt)

If you want to buy something try NOD32 or Kaspersky

Reggie_Rebel

You can get all you from Comodo, and it's all free

mrs_baggins

I use AVG free and have never had a problem

esuhl

Antivirus

---

AVG: Works great, never had any problems.
AntiVir: Quick, lightweight, but sometimes have to try again and again to download the updates as the servers are really busy.
Avast: Very capable, but slightly overwhelming user interface - too many options!


Firewall:

---

Comodo seems to be the best, but a number of people have been confused by the way that Defense+ (an anti-malware component) works in conjuction with the firewall. I just installed with Defense+ turned off.
ZoneAlarm is pretty good too, though I'd be tempted to upgrade to ZoneAlarm Pro for greater control over the configuration.

Anti-Malware:

---

Spybot - got rid of all of the issues on friends' PCs that had loads of spyware - brilliant program.
SpywareBlaster - prevents you from connecting to websites known to host malware/trojans etc.

Not forgetting Firefox (as it doesn't use ActiveX like IE) and the AdBlock+ and NoScript add-ons.

Hope this helps. :-)

niceguyrichy

I've tested just about every major free prog out there over the years, my personal preference is AVG anti virus, Zonealarm firewall, ad-aware as a primary cleaner, spybot every now and again.
that lot should generaly see you right, but bear in mind that nothing is infallible, paid for or otherwise. you still gotta use common sense.

isofa

Ditto with niceguyrichy, tested many products over the years, free and commercial, and the ones picked are also the ones I use day-to-day, plus a few others. I've listed them with direct links below:

AVG from Grisoft for anti-virus.
ZoneAlarm from CheckPoint for the firewall

For spyware searches and prevention I use these three main applications:

SpywareBlaster from JavaCoolSoftware
Spybot Search & Destroy by Patrick M. Kolla
AdAware from Lavasoft

Then for the ultimate secure browsing, use Firefox with NoScript add-on:
Firefox
NoScript
(Plus many other great advert and other object blockers)

chunter

I'd run with the two comments above.

1. AVG
2. Zonealarm
3. Spybot 1.5 (with resident active antispyware scanner)
4. windows updates turned on and up to date.
5 Use Firefox with noscript.