Seeking PC Security/antivirus/firewall Software advice

vlad

vlad

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Hi Zoners,

I've just done a fresh install of Win 7 on a laptop for my Dad, and I want to load it up with all the best, no-hassle, ideally free, security/anti-virus/firewall software, as I need to mail it down to Texas and I won't see it again except for on visits.
He'll be doing online banking, etc...on here so want it top shape, so if I have to pay for something, of course I will.

As with any important question I turn to you guys ;) (google searches were proving maddening in opinions).

Can anyone please advise?

* note i searched the Zone for keywords like antivirus, firewall, security, software, etc...didn't turn up what i was looking for

THANKS!
 
speedkilz88;4601942 said:
Microsoft Security Essentials - Free

or

AVG Free
Click to expand...

Both honestly. I think MS does a good job, and I think the AVG is a nince overlap with it. Neither is resource intensive, so won;t be killing performance.
 
I would go with MSE also. Not sure why you would install two though. If you get a virus that MSE can't remove, then you could always just install another. Although, if you're safe in your actions. You shouldn't ever get a virus.

The best defense against viruses is educate yourself about them and how people get them. Then, don't do that. :)
 
speedkilz88;4601942 said:
Microsoft Security Essentials - Free

or

AVG Free
Click to expand...

You need both. I've had multiple virus get past MSE.
 
xwalker;4602025 said:
You need both. I've had multiple virus get past MSE.
Click to expand...

Stay off the pr0n sites and you won't have that problem. Then you only need one.
 
i've used spybot on this comp for 4 years and I've never had a problem
 
Arlight, MSE and AVG is what I had so far...good to get conifrmation. Sam - who am I to tread on the man that put a roof over my head if he wants to surf some fun sites ;)

thanks again
 
vlad;4602075 said:
Arlight, MSE and AVG is what I had so far...good to get conifrmation. Sam - who am I to tread on the man that put a roof over my head if he wants to surf some fun sites ;)

thanks again
Click to expand...

Add Chrome to it too then and make him use it. Google actively blocks websites it knows are bad. That won't block them all, but it adds to the defense against getting that garbage.
 
Personally, I think the best anti-virus for Windows 7 is UAC, some knowledge about how viruses trick you into running code, and using a login account that is not a local admin.

The trick is the knowledge part. Most people just click through the UAC prompts without actually reading them, or they don't recognize when a site is trying to run malicious code. Or, even worse, they open those unsolicited emails.

If you need one, then those suggested are probably the best free options.
 
McAfee all the way. You can catch the Dell deals and pick up 3 copies for as little at 9.99 each/year.

I love McAfee now. Ever since Dell bought them they are doing things much better than Symantec. Little or no drain on resources and top notch updating plus web monitoring and firewall.

Excellent products.
 
Dallas;4602168 said:
McAfee all the way. You can catch the Dell deals and pick up 3 copies for as little at 9.99 each/year.

I love McAfee now. Ever since Dell bought them they are doing things much better than Symantec. Little or no drain on resources and top notch updating plus web monitoring and firewall.

Excellent products.
Click to expand...

Ha! They must have changed recently. After they merged with Network General their products went to complete crap.

They even got sued (Class action in 2010) for using popups to sell 3rd party products to their own customers!?!?!?!?
 
Sam I Am;4602207 said:
Ha! They must have changed recently. After they merged with Network General their products went to complete crap.

They even got sued (Class action in 2010) for using popups to sell 3rd party products to their own customers!?!?!?!?
Click to expand...

Norton is definitely the best option if you are going to pay.
 
RastaRocket;4602211 said:
Norton is definitely the best option if you are going to pay.
Click to expand...

:laugh2: Norton is made by Symantec. Symantec offers Symantec Corporate AV. It is decent, but the best part about it is the site management console it has.

Now, Symantec's Consumer AV is Norton. I haven't seen it in several years, (just like I haven't seen McAfee's offering) but it was a train-wreck just like McAfee's consumer offering. I'm talking mega bloatware.

If they changed, then okay. Although, I would not recommend either of them until I actually witnessed the fact that they changed. If you're going to pay, go with AVG's pay version.
 
Sam I Am;4602226 said:
:laugh2: Norton is made by Symantec. Symantec offers Symantec Corporate AV. It is decent, but the best part about it is the site management console it has.

Now, Symantec's Consumer AV is Norton. I haven't seen it in several years, (just like I haven't seen McAfee's offering) but it was a train-wreck just like McAfee's consumer offering. I'm talking mega bloatware.

If they changed, then okay. Although, I would not recommend either of them until I actually witnessed the fact that they changed. If you're going to pay, go with AVG's pay version.
Click to expand...

When I had a PC I used Norton and I never had any problems. I have a Mac now so I use nothing, but Norton was fine. You can get them all for free anyways. ;)
 
RastaRocket;4602235 said:
When I had a PC I used Norton and I never had any problems. I have a Mac now so I use nothing, but Norton was fine. You can get them all for free anyways. ;)
Click to expand...

No matter what Mac users say about Macs not getting viruses, it's not true!

So, I've got something just for you. :)
 
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