[kiwififer]

Right, I got the full norton net stuff last year, but when I go to renew it, it keeps saying 'can't connect to the web' plus they automatically renewed it from the bill account in the middle of the month and I've accrued charges so screw them.

Anyhoo, kepinsky or whatever it's called is on offer for £30 in PC world and it looked like a good deal, except the guy in maplan just said go to Microsoft and get theirs for free, it does the same thing.

I don't do much downloading, so thoughts
please.....

[doulikefish]

AVG is free and good ive never had any problems

[lithgierose]

^ ^ ^

[Mr X]

AVG is only anti-virus though -well the free version anyway.

You really need some sort of firewall too.

Its a little out of date, but theres still some good suggestions in the "top tips" thread

Ive not used it, but Microsofts new security "suite" is supposed to be pretty good. Personally, I use Comodo, but it can be a bit of a pain, popping up all the time when stuff happens

[Al B]

I use the Microsoft Security Suite. It's a one-program-does-all thing, never had a single problem with it and it's free. Personally i think if you're a standard, home PC/laptop user then there's no need whatsoever to pay for computer security. Legitimately free software will cover anything you could need.

[keyser_soze]

I've been using Kaspersky security suite for 2 years, no problems whatsoever, a great program, however rather than fork out some more cash for a new license (due in 17 days) I'm just going to start using the Microsoft one as apparently it does the same for free.

[Forest_Fifer]

If you've got Windows 7 then you're fine with the free Microsoft AV software, and you have a firewall built in already.

My brother bought a new PC last year and tried to use the free stuff you get with Virgin - several PC rebuilds and returns to the shop later and he found out it was the Virgin software fucking his PC up. He then just went with MS.

I've still got XP so I'm running McAfee which comes with BT Netprotect Plus (free on my contract).

[kiwififer]

yeah it's microsoft 7 so cheers guys. Norton can go f**k itself

[RCR]

When I was on a pc I used to stick with AVG anti-virus and zone alarm firewall. Both were free and awesome.

[53_and_counting]

i managed to get avira and a license key one time and it was bloody good, then when the time came to renew it the keygen didnt work

so i downloaded avast freebie version and my PC has been no bother since then also, along with superanitspyware and malwarebytes which i run once a week everyweek my system has been damn fine for a good while

[Drooper]

Just before Christmas, our bank accounts were cleared out following a hacking of our online banking account. Every last ha'penny.

I was using the crap Virgin offering as a stop-gap measure after having numerous problems renewing Spyware Doctor (which, it has to be said, was very good while it worked). Like someone above has said, I had to take my PC to the PC hospital a few ears back afer the then versoin of Virgin's security package trashed it. I'd heard the new version was better, but it failed miserably to protect us against online fraud....with pretty hellish consequences.

A couple of weeks ago, after much research, I purchsed Bitdefender Total Internet Security on the basis that a special deal was offering 5 further licenses for other machines in the home (of the software one level down). I tried almost 20 times to download the software, and failed. I used their support centre but it is still not happening. I never received my 5 licenses either, so I'm now cancelling my order for a refund.

In the meantime, I've ordered a new PC that runs with Windows 7. When it arrives, I'll take my chances with the windows security software as suggested above.

Security software is fine when you can successfully download, update, and renew it. Too often, I've hit problems when trying to do at least one of the above. This is particularly irritating when you're paying for it!

This post has been edited by Drooper: 11 January 2012 - 16:05

[Tonsilitis]

I have been using Trend Micro for some years now and never had a problem. The latest version - Titanium Internet Security has a much smaller footprint on the machine and is pretty unobtrusive. It around £40 for three machine

[Mr X]

Drooper, on 11 January 2012 - 16:04, said:

Just before Christmas, our bank accounts were cleared out following a hacking of our online banking account. Every last ha'penny.

I was using the crap Virgin offering as a stop-gap measure after having numerous problems renewing Spyware Doctor (which, it has to be said, was very good while it worked). Like someone above has said, I had to take my PC to the PC hospital a few ears back afer the then versoin of Virgin's security package trashed it. I'd heard the new version was better, but it failed miserably to protect us against online fraud....with pretty hellish consequences.

A couple of weeks ago, after much research, I purchsed Bitdefender Total Internet Security on the basis that a special deal was offering 5 further licenses for other machines in the home (of the software one level down). I tried almost 20 times to download the software, and failed. I used their support centre but it is still not happening. I never received my 5 licenses either, so I'm now cancelling my order for a refund.

In the meantime, I've ordered a new PC that runs with Windows 7. When it arrives, I'll take my chances with the windows security software as suggested above.

Security software is fine when you can successfully download, update, and renew it. Too often, I've hit problems when trying to do at least one of the above. This is particularly irritating when you're paying for it!

Out of interest, how was your account hacked?

Tonsilitis, on 12 January 2012 - 14:15, said:

I have been using Trend Micro for some years now and never had a problem. The latest version - Titanium Internet Security has a much smaller footprint on the machine and is pretty unobtrusive. It around £40 for three machine

Never really understood why people pay for any kind of software when there are good, free, alternatives available.

[Tonsilitis]

Mr X, on 12 January 2012 - 14:35, said:

Never really understood why people pay for any kind of software when there are good, free, alternatives available.

I use it because

1) I take the view that it is more comprehensive than the free packages on offer and includes cover, for example, for my iphone. It includes anti data theft protection for things like credit card details, bank numbers and passwords. Trend as it happens tweaks and uses windows firewall rather than having its own. All the elements of internet security are pulled together on one fairly easy to use package.
2) It has never let me down
3) I run my own business from home based on a lot of confidential information regarding individual's and company's affairs. It would cost me a lot more than just inconvenience if my network became infected or was hacked.

I use AVG free on a net book I have and its OK as an AV package but it is not comprehensive security.

[Mr X]

Tonsilitis, on 12 January 2012 - 15:10, said:

I use it because

1) I take the view that it is more comprehensive than the free packages on offer and includes cover, for example, for my iphone. It includes anti data theft protection for things like credit card details, bank numbers and passwords. Trend as it happens tweaks and uses windows firewall rather than having its own. All the elements of internet security are pulled together on one fairly easy to use package.

Just like Comod

Tonsilitis, on 12 January 2012 - 15:10, said:

2) It has never let me down

Ive never got a virus or anything on my PC when using any free firewall or AV.

Tonsilitis, on 12 January 2012 - 15:10, said:

3) I run my own business from home based on a lot of confidential information regarding individual's and company's affairs. It would cost me a lot more than just inconvenience if my network became infected or was hacked.

But the point is that there isnt really anything to suggest that you are getting better protection. I would bet that the best free packages are significantly better than a lot of the poorer paid ones (not that Im suggesting Trend Micros system isnt good - although it doesnt seem to review very well on the interweb).

Tonsilitis, on 12 January 2012 - 15:10, said:

I use AVG free on a net book I have and its OK as an AV package but it is not comprehensive security.

No, but, as I said, there are free security systems available.

[Tonsilitis]

Mr X, on 12 January 2012 - 15:29, said:

Just like Comod

Ive never got a virus or anything on my PC when using any free firewall or AV.

But the point is that there isnt really anything to suggest that you are getting better protection. I would bet that the best free packages are significantly better than a lot of the poorer paid ones (not that Im suggesting Trend Micros system isnt good - although it doesnt seem to review very well on the interweb).

No, but, as I said, there are free security systems available.

Not going to argue as I have no experience of Comodo but, heres a review of Trend

Clicky

and here's one of Comodo

"Defense+ is a nightmare"
January 3, 2012 | By micahjr
Version: Comodo Internet Security 5.9
Pros
You can pause virus scans, which is necessary since they take more than 6 hours.
Cons
The Defense+ part of the program blocks windows update and many other common programs from doing normal updating activity. It must not have access to whitelists, as basically everything sets it off. The program also does not learn from your inputs. I set it to allow a number of programs, but everytime a new scan happens, it resets the log of allowed programs so you have to start over. I have not had a worse experience with a security suite.

Virus scans are extremely slow, and atrociously resource intensive. I've had scans take nearly 10 hours. Whenever a scan is happening, my computer is basically locked down.

I can't in good conscious recommend this to anyone.
Summary
1. Super aggressive, has persistent false positives on even basic Windows functionality.
2. Doesn't learn. Every time you do a scan it forgets what you taught it.
3. Extremely slow resource intensive scanning.


Read more: Comodo Internet Security - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com http://download.cnet...l#ixzz1jGrOn8Xk

[Mr X]

Tonsilitis, on 12 January 2012 - 18:41, said:

Not going to argue as I have no experience of Comodo but, heres a review of Trend

Clicky

and here's one of Comodo

"Defense+ is a nightmare"
January 3, 2012 | By micahjr
Version: Comodo Internet Security 5.9
Pros
You can pause virus scans, which is necessary since they take more than 6 hours.
Cons
The Defense+ part of the program blocks windows update and many other common programs from doing normal updating activity. It must not have access to whitelists, as basically everything sets it off. The program also does not learn from your inputs. I set it to allow a number of programs, but everytime a new scan happens, it resets the log of allowed programs so you have to start over. I have not had a worse experience with a security suite.

Virus scans are extremely slow, and atrociously resource intensive. I've had scans take nearly 10 hours. Whenever a scan is happening, my computer is basically locked down.

I can't in good conscious recommend this to anyone.
Summary
1. Super aggressive, has persistent false positives on even basic Windows functionality.
2. Doesn't learn. Every time you do a scan it forgets what you taught it.
3. Extremely slow resource intensive scanning.


Read more: Comodo Internet Security - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com http://download.cnet...l#ixzz1jGrOn8Xk

Some random posting on cnet is hardly a review! So we probably shouldn't mention the 4.5 stars out of 5 it has on there either

Not really sure why you're getting so defensive about this. I didn't try and slag off your choice, not sure why you're so keen to do so to mine

edited to add - I seriously suggest you read the comments on that review. Not trying to score points, but they do raise some serious question about the software - including all your web request being sent, and held(!), by Trusts servers in the US or Japan

This post has been edited by Mr X: 13 January 2012 - 09:54

[Drooper]

Mr X, on 12 January 2012 - 14:35, said:

Out of interest, how was your account hacked?

No idea, and the Clydesdale Bank weren't letting on.

It was certainly via my wife's internet banking account, and they were quite cute about shifting smaller sums between accounts (current & savings) in order not to draw attention to themselves before cleaning out the lot.

The bank are keen to insist that it is an issue - ie: a virus - at our end, but I'm not sure that we'll ever know. They weren't arguing the toss about refunding the account, right enough (though that has been a bloody hassle nonetheless).