Best virus/system protection?

Question

Norton or McAfee 2007?

Kaspersky looks to be the favorite. I don't want to download it though because i have 2 computers, if i buy the 6.0 disk is it a 3-user like most other software?

Answer 1

Kaspersky / BitDefender

Answer 2

Comparing just the two as you ask, I would give the edge to McAfee. However, BOTH will try to dominate your computer by sucking up memory and CPU cycles.

I have been doing IT security for years. A while back, Norton had the edge, but lost it when they tried doing too much.

Stay away from the "security suites" and get the best of breed in each category instead. For Virus, I would HIGHLY recommend Avast (lots of experience, and run it personally), but Grisoft AVG is also good. The good news is that they are both free for home use (less the script protection). All you do is register with them. I have yet to get one spam from my registration, or one virus on my computer.

For Firewall, you cant beat staying behind a router that provides NAT (private network addressing) like with cable or DSL. This totally protects you from active inbound attacks from the internet. A software firewall is good to know when various programs are requesting internet access. I recommend ZoneAlarm which is also free. If you ever did catch anything, this would alert you from any process trying to "phone home".

For anti-spam protection, let your mail provider do it for you. They keep their databases just as current as the other software solutions. If you use Outlook in a POP3 mode, turn on the junk mail option. It will catch 99% of the spam.

For Antispy, its OK to use multiple programs, unlike software firewall and AV - besides - no one company so far has figured out how to do it all. So go to http://www.download.com and get spybot, adaware, and superantispyware. Run them all with active protection if you have a strong CPU.

A lot of people complain about IE7 and opt for Firefox instead for a browser. While there is 'some truth' to their claims of being safer, you still need to update to IE7 even if you never use it. First, you need IE to do the windows updates. Second, some websites wont render properly with Firefox. Third, there are some activex incompatibilities. Malware writers just dont care about writing code that only affects a small portion of the internet. They want huge penetration. IE is such a big target. This is also why Apple is 'considered' safer. They are a smaller target...not that they have a superior OS. Back to what I was saying...IE7 is more than a browser update. There are operating system (windows) updates included that even Firefox can take advantage of, so make sure you are FULLY updated with windows.

FINALLY: You can have all the protection in the world...but if you do things that are not good to do, YOU will be the one to open pandoras box. They cant save you if you allowed it. Do yourself a favor, stay OFF file sharing networks like limewire, and dont open email attachments that you are not expecting. Even from friends cause they might have an infection and it is trying to spread.

OK - this was my official core dump on security. Good luck!

Answer 3

Neither does a great job at dertecting viruses.

From a recent test at www.virus.gr the top 25 in virus detection capabilities are: ("in the wild" viruses)

1. Kaspersky version 6.0.0.303 - 99.62%

2. Active Virus Shield by AOL version 6.0.0.299 - 99.62% (free)

3. F-Secure 2006 version 6.12.90 - 96.86%

4. BitDefender Professional version 9 - 96.63%

5. CyberScrub version 1.0 - 95.98%

6. eScan version 8.0.671.1 - 95.82%

7. BitDefender freeware version 8.0.202 - 95.57% (free)

8. BullGuard version 6.1 - 95.57%

9. AntiVir Premium version 7.01.01.02 - 95.45%

10. Nod32 version 2.51.30 - 95.14%

11. AntiVir Classic version 7.01.01.02 - 94.26% (free)

12. ViruScape 2006 version 1.02.0935.0137 - 93.87%

13. McAfee version 10.0.27 - 93.03%

14. McAfee Enterprise version 8.0.0 - 91.76%

15. F-Prot version 6.0.4.3 beta - 87.88%

16. Avast Professional version 4.7.871 - 87.46%

17. Avast freeware version 4.7.871 - 87.46% (free)

18. Dr. Web version 4.33.2 - 86.03%

19. Norman version 5.90.23 - 85.65%

20. F-Prot version 3.16f - 85.14%

21. ArcaVir 2006 - 83.44%

22. Norton Professional 2006 - 83.18%

23. AVG Professional version 7.1.405 - 82.82%

24. AVG freeware version 7.1.405 - 82.82% (free)

25. Panda 2007 version 2.00.01 - 82.23%

Answer 4

Neither, Kaspersky is better since it auto update's several times each day, I have never had a problem. I use to run Nortons and McAfee's long time ago, had problems. You can download Kaspersky

Answer 5

I can give a few links that offer free virus and spyware removers...! Do not down load a program until you are satisfied that it is safe to use. Norton, AVG , Avast are free antivirus software. Ad-aware, Ewido are free spyware removers. You can download free softwares at
http://fixit.in/antivirus.html and http://fixit.in/spywareremover.html

Answer 6

I like Computer Assocaites products (CA.com). They even have a free year to try. Give it a shot. I like how it doesn't hog resources like Norton, or Panda does.

Answer 7

you will desire to get a sort of shredder classes. once you many times delete something on your laptop, it only renames it and places it someplace else for the main section. so look up shredder classes and honestly delete it. because of the fact is the completed factor of the shredder to get rid of despite.

Answer 8

the norton systemwoks

Answer 9

Here you have some good and free antivirus programs: http://askcomputerexpert.ws43.com/download/security.htm
Don't pay for something you can have for free!

Answer 10

no. according to cnet pc-cilin trend micro is the best nowadays