Internet security software that doesn't need to be renewed?

Question

Hello, I currently use Norton internet security that is supposed to protect my whole computer. Im getting tired of having to renew it for $70 each year so is there software out there (non-downloadable) that will do the same thing as norton without having to be renewed? Do you have to renew Mcafee?

Answer 1

avast, zonealarm, adaware
.. nortons is practically a virus itself .. i dont know why people even still use it ...

Answer 2

You do not have to renew Norton. However, you do not get the same protection that is given with the yearly subscription. To safeguard your computer I would advise spending the $25-$30 a year for maximum protection. Norton has the info when you log on. I don't remember exactly where it is, but you should be able to find it. Just keep clicking until you find a window that has the information.

Answer 3

There is no shortage of good free Internet security software. Read "Free Security Applications for Windows" (http://winston-blog.blogspot.com/2006/10/free-security-applications-for-windows.html)

Antivirus Scanners

Antivir Personal Edition Classics:
Free for home and non-commercial use. Antivir has very good detection and removal rates. It comes with heuristic scanning for zero day exploits. One weakness is that it does not scan incoming e-mail messages. However, it can scan outgoing e-mail. When updating new virus signatures, it will display a splash screen for their premium products, which is a little annoying. In addition, it takes it takes a while to download the new signatures. No registration required. (1)

AOL Active Virus Shield:
A free version of Kaspersky Lab Antivirus. Kaspersky Lab is one of the most respected security software vendor. Prior to Active Virus Shield, Kaspersky Lab only offered commercial products. AOL has negotiated with Kaspersky Labs to produce a lite version of its popular antivirus. AOL Active Shield was released shortly after AOL's debacle of releasing the search data of more than 650,000 users. Perhaps, this is their way of redeeming themselves. This lite version has one of the best detection and removal rates. Registration required. (2)

Avast Home Edition:
Free for home and non-commercial use. Avast was one of the very first free antivirus. It has a decent detection and removal rates. Unlike Antivir, it will scan incoming and outgoing e-mail messages. The most recent version includes intrusion detection functionality. Basically, it monitors key areas in Windows operating system and alerts users if it detects something trying to change these areas. Registration required every 4 months. (1)

AVG Free Edition:
Free for home and non-commercial use. Again, AVG is one of the very first free antivirus for personal use. Its detection rate is subpar. But, long time users swear by it as the best free antivirus available. Grisoft, the parent company which owns AVG, has recently acquired Ewido Anti-Spyware (Ewido is mentioned later in this article) Despite its name Ewido Anti-Spyware provides protection from spyware and Trojan horses. It is very likely that Grisoft will include Ewido's technology in to future version of AVG. AVG is a small program and requires little computer resources, which makes it a good choice for older computers. No registration required. (1)

Comodo Antivirus:
Free for all users. Comodo Antivirus is one of the newer entrants to security software industry. It boasts very good detection and removal rates. Comodo has been criticize for including adware in their products but this should be taken with a grain of salt. Registration required.

Computer Associates Antivirus:
Free for all users. Computer Associates is the maker of the popular anti-spyware PestPatrol and Etrust antivirus. This free version comes with a 12 month subscription of virus signature updates. It detection and removal rate is subpar. It is a small program and requires little computer resources, which makes it a good choice for older computers. Registration required.