Norton security? Kaspersky? Avg? Avast? Which is better?

Question

I've been told so many different things by so many people suggesting what they think is the best computer security...norton,kaspersky,avg and avast are just some of them. I'm looking for a simple yet resourceful explanation to which would be the best security for my computer. Not sure if the type of computer I have would make a difference (I have a sony vaio). Should I look for a security package that also includes an anti virus and anti spyware ( I think norton includes these) or should I get these separate?

Answer 1

All of these are free so you can read about the programs and then download the ones you feel are good. Overall they are not much different from each other. The only problem with Norton is that it consumes too much resources on your system. AVG overall should do the trick. However, each when scanned on your system may detect virusus that they other might not have detected. So if you want a clean system you can download and scan each and then keep the one you like.

Here is a list of SW that can help you on spyware etc.:

http://www.safer-networking.org/ Uber powerful tool which can search and annhilate nasties that make it onto your system. Now with an Immunize section that will help prevent future infections.


http://www.lavasoftusa.com/ Another very powerful tool which searches and kills nasties that infect your system. AdAware and Spybot Search & Destroy compliment each other very well.


http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html Great prevention tool to keep nasties from installing on your system.


http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html Works as a Spyware "Shield" to protect your computer from getting malware in the first place.


https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all.


http://cleanup.stevengould.org/ Cleans temporary files from IE and Windows, empties the recycle bin and more. Great tool to help speed up your computer and knock out those nasties that like to reside in the temp folders.


Windows Updates - It is very important to make sure that both Internet Explorer and Windows are kept current with the latest critical security patches from Microsoft. To do this just start Internet Explorer and select Tools > Windows Update, and follow the online instructions from there.


http://toolbar.google.com/ Free google toolbar that allows you to use the powerful Google search engine from the bar, but also blocks pop up windows.

http://www.trillian.cc/
http://www.miranda-im.com/
These are Malware free Instant Messenger programs which allow you to connect to multiple IM services in one program! (AOL, Yahoo, ICQ, IRC, MSN)

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

MS Security Essentials are not even listed in the top 5 tested AV Comparisons...as for all the answers...I see most of them are mis-informed ...Avira and Avast have a very high detection rate and they are better than some of these so called "Super -duper Virus protectors" like Norton, Bitdefender and some of the other big names out there...... The two paid versions that are questionable right now is McAfee and Bitdefender....both of those AV products ruined and destroyed alot of computers within the last 3 weeks because their updates were infected....there have been articles on that very subject...they claim to have been working on a patch...(big deal)...what good is a patch when your computer is in the Shop through no fault of your own. Here is the Top Dog in Internet Security >>>>> Kaspersky Here are the two best FREE versions >>>>>> Avira & Avast

Answer 4

I use Kapersky Internet Security as well as AVG Anti virus. Both are good. What one program didn't catch the other did. Kapersky has good intrusion blocker. And I think AVG will soon come up with an internet security suite too. Conflicts? So far, No!

Answer 5

The link below is from AOL, and they will give you free for life Kaspersky antivirus program, powered by Kaspersky Labs. Russia, rated # 1 in the world for antivirus detection. You will get automatic updates usually every hour on the hour. As a real time background scanner that works around the clock. Plus on shutdown and bootup. Can't beat this free antivirus program.

Plus you don't have to be a member of AOL. Free for anybody who wishes to use.

I use it myself in two computers.

Minddoctor, France

http://www.activevirusshield.com/antivirus/freeav/index.adp?

Answer 6

norton is a resource hog and slows the pc down , i have been using avg for 6 years without a problem i also use adaware for spyware ,also i havent had to reload any of my pc's for over 4 years but then i'm carefull what i download , I own 6 pc's ,1 linux machine and a mac

Answer 7

Among them, i think Norton and Kaspersky are better. I'm using Norton 2007 and until now i hvnt encounter any problem with it. So do kaspersky, it's also good as Norton. If you want to know about antivirus ranking, i suggest you to go here :
http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/
http://anti-spyware-review.toptenreviews.com/
>Even though many antivirus nowadays are come together with antispyware, but it antispyware is not as good as standalone antispyware such SpySweeper etc.
>So, if you have already antivirus, better you get another antispyware standalone.

Answer 8

If you want the best then Kaspersky is it. It consistantly detects and removes 99% + in comparison tests. This site has the results of one test.

http://www.virus.gr/english/fullxml/default.asp?id=82&mnu=82

Answer 9

I use AVG (free edition) download online

and Spybot (free) download online..... no problems

Be Blessed!

Answer 10

zone alarm is still the best overall , according the the ratings