Comments for What Security Software do you Recommend?

Comment from RJ on 2009-11-19

2009-11-19T15:00:41Z

I just have to ares Avast and Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, is that ok and should I download AVG Free or Avira Free just to be on the safe side ?

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Comment from Melody Ellis on 2009-11-10

2009-11-10T20:56:13Z

i dl pctools spyware dr. and my pc is dragging. i get alot of probs just trying to get online. i wanted you to know.

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Comment from Ralph Hosmer on 2009-11-01

2009-11-01T22:42:37Z

I've just purchased an Iomega 500GB External HD and am using the McAfee 'Total Protection' Backup/Restore feature to Archive my data (Full Backup Daily and Change Backup every 2 Hours). I'm told that the'Backup/Restore' feature in McAfee can NOT be configured to do a Total Image Archive. If so, can I partition the External Drive to allow continued use of McAfee 'Backup/Restore' and use another S/W product to allow me to do a Total Image Archive? If so, what S/W do you recommend and HOW do I partition the External HD? I see that you are recommending Acronis for OnLine Backup, but I'm not sure how to accomplish Local Total Image Backup.

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Comment from Ed Lada on 2009-10-28

2009-10-28T16:20:01Z

Leo, I think the comments on grammar are a waste of time.
You have numerous mistakes in the little I have seen so far, but who cares. If I can understand what you are saying, that to me is what matters.
None of the words that are listed get the message
across better than "disrecommend", period. This is the first time I've been to your site and I get the feeling you are probably a one man operation and don't have someone on staff to just proof read and check your grammar. The only thing that concerns me is how good are your answers to our problems, not how they are written. If I can understand the answers, that's enough for me.
Keep them coming, Ed Lada, PA

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Comment from Allan P. on 2009-10-20

2009-10-21T01:08:49Z

What do you say about Sophos? been using for a year and did not get into major trouble with the kind of protection it uses. .

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Comment from Howiem on 2009-10-11

2009-10-11T19:04:54Z

After looking through all the comments, I was surprised that Sandboxie was only mentioned once. This program should be a must have for 1) protecting the operating system from web threats 2) testing new programs, which, if they do not work well, confines the problems to the sandbox, which can easily be deleted. 3) Especially good for online banking, since a separate sandbox can be set up for each bank. Conduct your transactions (don't visit other web sites in the same sandbox, log out, close the browser and delete the contents of the sandbox after each banking session.

I do plan to review Sandboxie in the future. I've heard good things.

12-Oct-2009

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Comment from Glenn P. on 2009-10-11

2009-10-11T07:47:24Z

Leo, to the best of my knowledge and belief, "disrecommend" is not a word, and even if it was is clunky and unworthy of you. Would any of the following synonyms better serve your intention:

Discourage, disapprove, disincline, dissuade, oppose, disparage, reject, condemn, discount, discredit, disdain, disfavor, repudiate, rule out, be skeptical of, call into question?

And yet it's working its way into common usage. "Not recommend" is technically the absence of a recommendation, which isn't enough. "Disrecommend" - call it my word if you like - without even having been seen before clearly implies an actual negative recommendation. I don't want to get into get into an English fight, but in this case since it gets the point across the way I want it too, I'll probably stick with it.

11-Oct-2009

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Comment from Cynthia Letellier on 2009-10-09

2009-10-10T04:05:42Z

I would like to say that I have been using BitDefender Internet Security from the 2008 version to the 2010 version. It seems there are always issues after installing the new version, but eventually they get worked out. This program has done a good job for me and runs very well on my Vista Home Premium machine. It doesn't seem to take up a lot of system resources at all. The only thing I would warn about is their tech support leaves something to be desired. Other than that, I would have to recommend this program from my experience. I also use Malwarebytes and SUPERAntispyware as on demand scanners.

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Comment from Cynthia Letellier on 2009-10-09

2009-10-10T04:00:45Z

For years I used the free version of Spybot Search and Destroy, but I've read that it is no longer the good program it used to be. Yet I see that you recommend it. Could you comment on this?

My take is that Spybot is still a solid tool in the anti-spyware arsenal. No tool is perfect, but Spybot's still a good program.

10-Oct-2009

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Comment from vince on 2009-10-09

2009-10-09T20:51:44Z

iam using advanced system care 360 free version and it seems to work quite well for me lot of tools on this one as for supraantispyware it used to be a good one as well but something happened and cant seem to get the updates sometype of problem there !

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Comment from C.U. on 2009-10-08

2009-10-09T02:46:31Z

Has anyoneever heard of the Free Advanced System Care and Sytem Care 360? I think these are anti-spyware type products, but not sure. Can anyone shed some light?

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Comment from John N. on 2009-10-07

2009-10-08T02:10:08Z

WinXP SP3, IE7 both w/ latest updates. Listing what I use (all freeware).

-Comodo personal Firewall. Better than Norton or Zone Alarm!

-Dump AVI, go with AVAST!. No begging, updates constantly, fully configurable AV.

-Spybot S+D, Super Anti-Spyware, SpywareBlaster.
Those cover that prob.

-CCleaner for everyday temp etc. file deletion.
The included Registry scanner/cleaner is great for ridding the hd of left-overs after uninstalling programs.

-Comodo System Cleaner for monthly cleanup that CC might miss, or if things on pc get slow.

-I also have tools for checking/controlling- internet connection speed, running processes, running services, start-ups, system resources, sys. config, and emergency recovery tools, both on the pc and CDROM... You get the idea lol. The main thing is to find what works for YOU, and then stick with it! Paid or free, if it doesn't do what you need without confusion or work-arounds, then it's value is zer0.

John N.

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Comment from Gary Richtmeyer on 2009-10-07

2009-10-07T17:54:59Z

There's a new kid on the block as of Tuesday, September 28, and that's Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE). It include an anti-virus and an anti-spyware tool and has gotten a lot of positive feedback (including mine), and best of all, it's completely free.
I've been running it on 3 PCs while it was in beta test and have installed it on all my PC since it was officially released. Runs on XP, Vista and Win 7 (both 32 & 64 bit).

Please note that I do talk about Microsoft Security Essentials in the sidebar with the article. While it is an interesting tool, I do have some reservations about it that I'll covering in an upcoming article.

08-Oct-2009

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Comment from sirpaul1 on 2009-10-07

2009-10-07T14:32:33Z

To Rien: Nope!

I disgree. "Nope" is too simple. While many will not cause a conflict, many will. Two anti-spyware programs watching in real-time can easily come into conflict and cause various problems.

08-Oct-2009

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Comment from sirpaul1 on 2009-10-07

2009-10-07T14:27:44Z

To Claude: http://homeofficeforum.ca.com/homeofficeforum/showthread.php?t=46

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Comment from Terry Hollett on 2009-10-07

2009-10-07T11:12:30Z

I would also recommend Winpatrol from http://www.winpatrol.com/ - it's like UAC in Vista but it doesn't complain everytime you move your mouse :-)

It only warns you if you startup options are being changed. I have XP but I tempted to tell Vista users to disable UAC and install Winpatrol instead.

http://hitanykey.webs.com/

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Comment from Rien Snijder on 2009-10-07

2009-10-07T08:27:35Z

Some virus scanners (eg avira) claim to protect against both viruses and spyware; could this conflict with let's say windows defender?

Yes, it could. But whether or not it will really depends on the specific program, how it works and what options are enabled.

07-Oct-2009

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Comment from Ravi Agrawal on 2009-10-07

2009-10-07T07:59:21Z

I have used AVG Free Antivirus but many of the viruses go undectected despite performing all regular updates. So I don't use it now.

Commodo is good so, really very advanced with all sorts of Rules you may want to setup, shows active applications connecting to the internet and much more. The Antivirus seems good too. It also protects most vulnerable Windows Registry keys that are often modified by Malware. Plus the option of getting surveyed detailed data with what most users did (like they allowed / denied access) when they encountered the same Question from the Firewall.

But one Big drawback with it is the size of the software plus the size of the updates, it takes. A massive 250MB. If you have a 1 GB capped plan, you are doomed. One more problem is that the whole update needs to be downloaded as One-piece, Every single disconnect and you have to start the update all over again. Plus the website doesn't give Standalone Update Packs, that can be singly downloaded and installed on Multiple PCs.

Otherwise once installed and updated, Comodo is something which really guards you. I once used to have a combination of NAT router + ZoneAlarm + AVG Antivirus and did malware scanning manually. But once I installed Comodo, I was satisfied. Yes safe browsing habits do count.

Ravi.

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Comment from paul redfern on 2009-10-06

2009-10-07T02:15:04Z

i had avg free and when i got my NOD32 it found two viruses that avg missed and one other thing i dont recall what. i have not had a single problem with NOD32 ever. great program and reasonable too.

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Comment from claude johnston on 2009-10-06

2009-10-06T22:54:33Z

I have used CA for a year & had no problems, but when the renual date came up I didn't feel like the cost was worth it especially with all the good freebees you can get.But now I can't get it off my computer & it keeps popping up saying I need to renew, this has gone on for about three months now & no matter what I do I can't get it off my pc.

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Comment from stan on 2009-10-06

2009-10-06T22:41:06Z

I CURRENTLY USE AVAST FREE ANTIVIRUS + TC-SPY ANTISPY + COMODO FREE PERSONAL FIREWALL, and can honestly say my computer runs like a dream very quick,I use TC-spy for quick scans results are excellent, I can recomend these programs which are all free.

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Comment from Uncle Buck on 2009-10-06

2009-10-06T21:40:04Z

I've used Vipre for some time and find to be one of the best out there.

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Comment from Bill3 on 2009-10-06

2009-10-06T21:37:37Z

COMODO INTERNET SECURITY AND BIO CLEAN = BRILLIANT

This is a free for home use, all in one suite, as the 2 programs compliment each other. It takes a bit to learn them, especially heuristic alerts, but its worth the effort. Do NOT run them with anything else, or you will have software conflict.

Comodo performs as well, or better, than all the other security software, including some excellent payware. However, nothing is going to be a perfect solution, so don't beat yourself over this.

I have used these for 2 years now, rarely scan, and have no problems. I highly recommend this security solution. Regards Bill3.

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Comment from Ross Thornton on 2009-10-06

2009-10-06T20:50:53Z

Am amazed that ESET Nod 32 does not get a mention been useing it for years with NO problems .

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Comment from John Mutch on 2009-10-06

2009-10-06T19:22:46Z

Some months ago I started using Microsoft LiveOneCare, and am quite pleased with it. Having used many of the others it dawned on me to try MS. It seems to have worked well and also backs up my files. So far so good. John Mutch

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Comment from Dopey on 2009-10-06

2009-10-06T19:15:33Z

As someone already mentioned it, MalwareBytes is (in my humble opinion) by far the best free scanner on the market. It digs out everything that shouldn't be there. As primary AV I use Eset Smart Security, but AMB finds things which Eset has overlooked. I scan with it once a week, and have never been in trouble!

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Comment from Mary Fisher on 2009-10-06

2009-10-06T17:41:52Z

Like you Leo, I have been using CA Antivirus for years - (I know you don't like suites!)

Yes, I'm moving away from CA myself, and will be updating my recommendations as time permits.

Mary: but you said much earlier that you didn't like suites and couldn't recommend them so why have you been using CA?
We have used CA in this house for years and have had no problems. There may be some lack of 'speed' but if you lock your house door you are slowed down when wanting to get out!
Mary

CA has multiple products, one of which is a dedicated anti-virus program only, which I did use for many years. I used it because it was the corporate solution while I worked at Microsoft, and I figured if it was good enough for them ... . I used it for many years after leaving. As I mention in the article what's "best" tends to change over time, and I switched.

CA does also have a suite, which is a different product than the stand-alone anti-virus. And you know my position on suites.

07-Oct-2009

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Comment from nancy on 2009-10-06

2009-10-06T16:12:57Z

What is "CA" thaat is taked about in the comments section?

CA is Computer Associates - http://www.ca.com - they've been around for a looooong time, and have several anti-malware products.

07-Oct-2009

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Comment from Dave Smart on 2009-10-06

2009-10-06T15:43:41Z

I suspect you may have created this article before Microsoft Security Essentials was released. M$ Security essentials has received good reviews.
btw I use all your other recommended tools at times.

You apparently missed the sidebar that directly discusses Microsoft Security Esentials.

07-Oct-2009

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Comment from Clifford Myatt Jr on 2009-10-02

2009-10-02T17:37:19Z

BitDefender Internet Security 2010
Have been using it for over 10 years. European, so folks have not really heard of it. Have installed it on over 300 PCs, including all family members. Not one of them has had a virus or (fill-in-blank)ware problem. Ever.
The Zeus virus that can grab your bank double verification codes is stopped cold. Hourly updates if wanted.
At .03 cents a day, it is worth it. Don't go to Starbucks for 2 days and you got it covered.

ps Also have SpyBot S&D.

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Comment from Don Taber on 2009-09-29

2009-09-29T12:44:21Z

I definitely agree with your position on "suites". I used Avanquest's SystemSuite Pro (SSP) for several years. While it's convenient to have a do-all like that, its AV and (especially) AS programs are weak. Firewall and PC cleanup routines were good. However, after getting a new computer middle of last year, SSP conflicted with the TPM (trusted program module) on the mobo, and I had to stop using it. I replaced it with Avira AntiVir (#1-rated free AV by Consumer Reports and PC World), Spyware Blaster, Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware, and use Windows' firewall. Have not had a virus or serious spyware infection in 2 years. Also tried Avast for awhile, and other than it's kludgy interface, found it to be almost as good as Avira.

I'm surprised that you didn't mention any of these except Avast. CA and AVG were probably very good 5+ years ago, but not today. Avira is rated the #1 free AV by both Consumer Reports and just this month by PC World.

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Comment from Betty on 2009-09-08

2009-09-09T01:47:15Z

I would really like to hear about Norten 360. I am a beginner and thought it was good,but what do i know? Thanks

As I mention in the article, I'm not a big fan of all-in-one suites.

12-Sep-2009

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Comment from Sandi on 2009-08-22

2009-08-23T05:07:41Z

I'm surprised not to see Malwarebyte's AntiMalware program on your list of recommendations. I've cleaned up my own as well as my kids' machines along with those of friends and family with AMW when nothing else would fully do the trick. Myself and many people I know are happy to recommend AMW to others.

It's a free download and stays on your system without running in the background, so it's not a real time scanner but when you have a problem you launch it, download the updated files and then scan (either quick or deep version).

I've been amazed to see AMW pick up dozens and even hundreds of issues (including worms, dialers and trojans) on various machines. The effects are instant and we've all had our speedy, happy computers back in working order.

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Comment from Richard Tapp on 2009-08-11

2009-08-12T04:00:27Z

Like you Leo, I have been using CA Antivirus for years - but I won't be renewing my subscriptions. The 2009 suite (I know you don't like suites!) seems to be a real resource hog. I switched my wife's computer (worst affected by the CA performance drain) to the free version of Avira and after a week of restored performance, bought a licensed version. No regrets. When my CA license expires, I plan to switch all my PCs to Avira.

Yes, I'm moving away from CA myself, and will be updating my recommendations as time permits.

12-Aug-2009

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Comment from Gerry on 2009-08-08

2009-08-08T20:30:57Z

Oh, c'mon. The millons of Internet users with only a single PC are not going to buy a separate machine just to use as a firewall. However, they certainly do need a firewall, so it has to be software.

Reread the article you just commented on. Nowhere did I recommend getting an separate machine. A $50 router is all you need - 'bout the same cost as a software firewall, more reliable and easier to set up. Yes, I remain convinced it's a very reasonable recommendation. A software firewall is not required.

08-Aug-2009

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Comment from darren on 2009-07-26

2009-07-26T07:56:00Z

i used avg free for 3 weeks then it or windows failed.. i had windows security telling me that avg free was turned off, when i went to avg it said it was on all things fine no need to do anything.. so you must ask which one was lying. i dont know. because i'm using windows avg had to go. sorry dudes didn't work for me. now i use something else not a problem since

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Comment from paul redfern on 2009-07-05

2009-07-06T06:42:01Z

i was using avg free some time back and some geeks in west australia recommended i use NOD32. the said its the best and i believe it. ive had 0 probs since i got it. nothing ever seems to get by it. id recommend it over anything. regards

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Comment from Matthew Hall on 2009-06-02

2009-06-02T10:42:09Z

I find that GFI Backup works equally well for hard disk backups. it does not do any hard disk clones, but i can do without this feature considering that GFI Backup does what it does for free! :-)

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Comment from RJ on 2009-06-01

2009-06-01T18:36:25Z

I cant decide What to get Kaspersky or SYMANTEC, please be honest. Which is better

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Comment from John on 2009-04-21

2009-04-21T16:31:33Z

For a free firewall, I recommend Sunbelt. At the beginning, the popups asking what you want to do are slightly annoying, but once it learns your habits, it works well. And it consumes little resources. I have also used Avira Free Anti-Virus for years, without a hitch.

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Comment from Henrik Nielsen on 2009-03-31

2009-03-31T21:19:21Z

About keeping your computer up to date: Windows Update is not enough! In addition to Windows itself, it is important to update all programs that you use for

accessing the net
opening files that you got from the net.

This includes not only browsers, mail, chat, and P2P programs, but also office programs, PDF readers, media players, archive/compression software etc...

I have three recommendations for helping with that:

Secunia PSI (Personal Software Inspector) is a free (for personal use) program designed to run constantly (without using a lot of resources) and check your security-critical installed software against a database of updates.
FileHippo Update Checker (also free) does the same thing, but only when you manually start it. Its database (range of programs covered) seems larger than Secunia's, but it doesn't distinguish between critical and non-critical updates.
If you have installed programs that are not covered by FileHippo or Secunia, set a Web service to watch the home pages (or, maybe better, the download pages) for those programs and send you a mail whenever they change. I use one called WatchThatPage.

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Comment from Janice Totten on 2009-03-26

2009-03-26T07:43:04Z

I just uninstalled AVG and installed Avast (free for personal computers). AVG did not pick up the virus software that Avast found. It seems to do a better job and its FREE!
Janice

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Comment from Chris B on 2009-03-17

2009-03-17T21:25:54Z

There are 3 good free anti-virus products:-
AVG, Avast and Avira. Of these three AVG has the biggest performance hit so I prefer Avira or Avast, especially on low powered machines.

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Comment from ron on 2009-03-07

2009-03-08T04:14:03Z

AVG is pretty good and it goes well with a peeson on a tight budget.

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Comment from Robert M. on 2009-02-25

2009-02-25T13:44:39Z

I have been using Norton AntiVirus since Symantec bought IBM's AntiVirus program. At the time, IBM's software and research facility for AntiVirus software seemed to have the best credibility I could find.

My firm had a McAfee site license, but I found some items that McAfee would not catch (on floppies) would be blocked and removed by Norton (NAV).

The 2009 version of NAV seems to have gotten many things right. Symantec has shrunk the side effects of NAV - boot up is only marginally slower after NAV is installed; scans seem to truly run in the background, and don't drag down other processes that are running; the auto update feature has two modes, and neither have a negative impact on other programs; web browsing is not much slower than before NAV is installed.

I used to agree with Leo's assertion about security suites. But after reading PC Magazine's thorough review (Jan 2009) of Norton Internet Security, it seems that the anti-spyware portion of NAV is as effective as any of the others. NAV is the anti-virus & anti-spyware portion of NIS.

Here's the best part of Norton - SystemWorks Std. Ed. includes NAV as well as Norton Utilities.

I have never had any success with Ad-Aware or SpyBot S&D. In clearing out spyware from others' PCs, I've used SpySweeper to much success.

In any case, I have historically always recommended NAV for the best anti-virus protection, despite some installation & upgrade problems with this software, as well as the performance hits.

Now, with the 2009 version, the performance hits have been minimized.

It would be great to find free security apps, as there are many fantastic free apps out there. But when it comes to security, free does not seem good enough for me.

Now, I will wait for the newest version to be offered for free or close to it. I have seen NAV 2009 offered for free when buying tax software, NIS 2009 and Norton 360 for under $20, but not yet for NSW 2009.

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Comment from catherine fusco on 2009-01-07

2009-01-07T13:36:16Z

Leo, Your sight is so informative, I've written down AVAST& MicrosoftDefender/Firewall& Serach-and Desroy[broken link removed??]means what? Are those all I really need?WindowsVista IS part of Vista, but are they free too? Is AVAST[free] better, your opinion only? Please, why did those empty pages STACK up after leaving site,kept r-clicking to "close" until they ALL did, just tell me that if you cannot tell me the others until another time, you're intellegent AND knowledgeable not always a duo, you know!

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Comment from catherine fusco on 2009-01-07

2009-01-07T13:11:02Z

This happened the last time, you never answered me! Norton told us Cyber defender are "Hackers' causing computers to become well, screwed up? Question: I have CA or Ca security for Anti-virus&Spyware only as I could not get Norton again, bec/ I cannot use credit card on comp/ They gave me free 3 mo's w/ ACER then another 3 when CyberD messed me up!"Why did 17 then 42 pages show up STACKED w/ connecting at top of empty page one by one until it finally stopped beeping? Will this happen again/was it a "glitch" cause it happened once before a while ago,long time ago/ Does this happen only w/ dial-up bec/ I cannot get DSL/Answer me please or I'll go away, it is a sad thing to be ignored and ran all over the place!

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Comment from Andrevm on 2008-11-29

2008-11-29T15:08:57Z

Leo,
thanks for all your good advice. In this summary, you don't say anything about "Registry Scan software to Repair Process Errors". I've seen them advertised here and there, and also on your website. I have recently had a virus attack, and Kaspersky personnel suggested that it (the virus) might have changed the registry. Fortunately, with their help, the virus was finally identified and eliminated without having to recourse to working at the regisrty. I know from your previous comments that if something is advertised on your site, it does not mean that you recommend it. Fine, but if you say nothing about registry scan and repair softwares, does it mean you do NOT recommend them, and of course my main question is: what do they do?
Thanks in particular for your advice concerning backup. I retired recently, and realized that at work our IS department had taken care of that for us, ... Now, I have to take care of myself. If it was not for your excellent newsletter, I would be lost!
A million thanks (sorry to be so long)

I address registry cleaners and scanners here: What's the best registry cleaner?

- Leo
30-Nov-2008

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Comment from James on 2008-10-16

2008-10-16T09:23:54Z

A great help
As a student I was always worried regarding my presentation files getting corrupt.
Re-doing all my files was always an extra work for me. But After installing serach-and-destroy [broken link removed] all the problems regarding my pc were solved. Now I am least worried about trojan invading my pc. This software has helped me to a great extend to make my pc spyware free.

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Comment from James on 2008-10-16

2008-10-16T09:21:48Z

Most successful software
serach-and-destroy [broken link removed] has been the only software to successfully detect blocks and removes spyware, adware, pop-ups. It is the only one which could defend my computer from hijackers. No other software could do it. It's simply great.

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Comment from Ronnell on 2008-10-14

2008-10-14T15:31:27Z

I use Avast antivirus and found it to be the best

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Comment from JayD on 2008-10-13

2008-10-13T14:41:27Z

NOD32 from ESET has worked well for me for a few yrs now. Only lately have they gone to the suite thing where they now have anti spyware which I am informed is not compatible with Sunbelt Software's CounterSpy. Counter Spy seemed to be a very good anti spyware program. Have also been using aSquared along with Windows Defender. I guess I got carried away and paranoid. But aSquared has become a monster bother and soI may uninstall it.

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Comment from Martin on 2008-10-11

2008-10-12T00:12:44Z

If you use AVG Anti-Virus 8.0 and choose to turn off LinkScanner as recommended by Leo, the AVG tray icon will show an 'error' state (appears with a big red ! over it). It is possible to turn this off as follows: open the AVG user interface, from the Tools menu choose Advanced Settings... On the left-hand side click Ignore Faulty Conditions, then check LinkScanner.

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Comment from David on 2008-10-09

2008-10-09T22:58:56Z

I have found that most anti-spyware is a waste of time...I've made a c: partition (8 gigs) strickly for the os and a d: partition for everything else (my docs, program files etc.) and use acronis to image my c:. Anything happens to the os and it's a simple 10 mins to reinstall the imaged os. I do use antivir for realtime antivirus and kaspersky for scanning new installs, not realtime. Online armor for firewall and that's about it. I've found adaware and spybot just too bloated and doesnt really help all that much. Oh and I also use sandboxie for questionable .exe's. Needless to say I don't worry abit.

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Comment from Kelly Poole on 2008-10-08

2008-10-08T19:13:21Z

Is it possible to be TOO clean with your computer? At the end of a day my husband and I run CCleaner,Spybot,Ad Aware, Spywear Terminator and Spywear Dr. ( not at same time) . People say we are silly but some programs find things others won't.

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Comment from Fastfreddie1959 on 2008-10-07

2008-10-08T05:00:12Z

Personally i use comodo.com
for firewall-clamwin for antivirus.
No issues for the past 2 yrs.

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Comment from E Johnson on 2008-10-07

2008-10-08T04:18:04Z

Panda is a software that allows you can choose yor protection according to your computer activity and your need for security levels. I've tried many and I love the platinum version. Never have the problems that spyware causes. It's Always giving notifications of actions taken that makes me feel more secure. I've tried Avast but prefer Panda.

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Comment from Denis on 2008-10-07

2008-10-08T02:05:51Z

to Don
linkscanner is in AVG 8, not in 7.5

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Comment from Don on 2008-10-07

2008-10-07T21:02:16Z

I can't find linkscanner on AVG Free. I have version 7.5.

Can you help?

Thanks.

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Comment from Papa on 2008-10-07

2008-10-07T20:55:05Z

The above comment is directed to Leo, the author of the article, not to other users who made comments.
Thanks,
Papa

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Comment from Papa on 2008-10-07

2008-10-07T20:52:11Z

I'm curious, how can you make these recommendations when it seems to sound as though you are recommending them only because these are the only ones that YOU have tried and not because you have used and compared several different anti-virus or internet security products? Have you ever tested Trend-Micro AV or Int security? Or any others such as Stop Sign?

You're correct, I have not done exhaustive comparisons. I am reporting my personal experiences (which is typically what people are asking me for), and I'm pretty clear about that. I don't have the time to try every possibility, I simply report on what works and works well for me. God knows there are plenty of comparison sites out there for those wanting more. That's also why comments on these articles are so valuable, since many others report their own experiences with products I've not tried.

- Leo
08-Oct-2008

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Comment from Dave Mc on 2008-10-07

2008-10-07T19:32:52Z

I agree with all comments above. Packages for getting rid of spyware and malware that I tend to use are super-anti spyware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (particularly good). As for an antivirus program NOD32 is quite and it also doesn't hog your machine like McAfee does...!!!

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Comment from James Horton on 2008-10-07

2008-10-07T18:20:01Z

What Security Software do you recommend for Macintosh OSX.4?

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Comment from DM on 2008-10-07

2008-10-07T17:55:02Z

You don't mention it, but it's possible to use more than one product to cover the same bases (maybe pair up free-ware and commercial products).

For example, I too use CA eTrust (still the MS corporate solution) in realtime, I also have others anti-virus scanners I use, expecially when doing a software build that will end up on a customers system.

There's no reason you couldn't have two backup systems for critical data.

I also use MS Defender, but periodically do a scan with Lavasofts Ad-Aware or Spybot Search and Destroy.

Each product has different strengths.

I agree, mostly. It's important that there only be one "real time" anti-virus scanner in play at a time as they can conflict with each other. Similarly, many anti-spyware programs also have resident or real time monitoring that there should also be only one of. And finally suites often do all sorts of things seemingly constantly - I would only run additional tools if you're certain that they won't conflict with the installed suites. Stand-alone scans offered by many good anti-malware packages are perfect for this.

- Leo
08-Oct-2008

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Comment from William Edginton on 2008-10-07

2008-10-07T17:51:46Z

Although all-in-ones are not recommended in this article, I've had no infections of any kind for the past 2 years using Kaspersky Internet Security. It also doesn't hog up system resources.

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Comment from NICHOLAS S HILL on 2008-10-07

2008-10-07T17:05:02Z

I have been using Command by Authentium. What do you think of it.

Nick

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Comment from Phil on 2008-10-07

2008-10-07T15:18:03Z

As a long time PC user (as in IBM PC/XT), I was a very early user of Norton Utilities, version 1. Now they are Symantec. Over time I became frustrated with two things about them. 1) I have five computers in my home (six counting my 85 yr old moms), and the cost of yearly upgrades was exorbitant. 2) the time overhead using their products was killing throughput, particulary the full system scans. Not having lots of time to load and maintain separate solution pieces, as described in the article, I've started using Trend Micro's Internet Security Pro. It comes as a 3-user pack, which suits a multi-user situation nicely. Have had it on-board for about two months, and I am very happy thus far. Especially with the much shorter times needed to do full system scans. Also, my machines are running much faster. Now, if I could just find a way to kill off the bandwidth hogs who are degrading the Verizon FIOS...

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Comment from Gina Bisaillon on 2008-10-07

2008-10-07T12:21:01Z

Get a Mac!

Gina

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Comment from rakesh on 2008-10-02

2008-10-02T16:59:17Z

I am using AVG free for last 4 years and never had any problem with it....though i must say latest AVG 8 is slightly more resource hogging n complex....

As for spyware.....spybot search & destroy,ADAWARE,spyware blaster....all fine and wonderful packages....& hizack this in case everything fails....

....FIREWALL...windows firewall & ZONE ALARM....

& lastly i want to add i am a fan of C-CLEANER as well.....

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Comment from Ray on 2008-09-30

2008-09-30T23:38:46Z

- Anti-Virus

AVG is the best free anti-virus. I used NOD32 because it's extremely lightweight and their tech support is second to none.

- Anti-Spyware

I used Defender and the one time I got a infected it didn't stop it. I think for most people, the decision to get an anti-spyware tool or not is based on how well they can put up with the annoyances.

- Firewall

Ditto...

- Backup

Drive Snapshot and BartPE for system recovery. Any compression utility (I use 7-zip) for data backup. The bugs in Acronis TrueImage just aren't worth it.

- Keeping your OS and Applications Up-To-Date

Ditto...

- For those that regularly surf the net:

Use OpenDNS for your DNS servers.
Use any browser other than IE
Use PeerGuardian (It's always fun to watch who's trying to contact your computer and viceversa.)

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Comment from Paul Masters on 2008-09-30

2008-09-30T19:12:30Z

As a long-time reader, computer user, and computer-hygiene advocate, my recommendations are quite similar: I use AVG Free on my more robust machines and Avast on the modest ones; each are very good. The latest version of AVG demands more in system resources than Avast does, so install AVG in machines with at least 1 GB of memory and a relatively fast CPU. Avast gets by on less. I prefer AVG, though, because of its user interface.

Anti-spyware, I can't vouch for Defender but have had good success with Spybot S&D. It's been around long enough to have the bugs worked out of it.

I also use Ad-Aware 2007 for another layer of protection.

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