Just got a new laptop, whats the best virus protection?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Just got a new laptop, whats the best virus protection?

Posted: 8/14/2007 10:09:23 PM EDT

Got a Dell Vostro and it came with the Norton stuff pre-installed with a 30 day subscription. So what do I need. Is Norton that is already on here good stuff, or is there a better product out there? And what about a spy sweeper, what do I need to do there or are they integrated? I'm a student, so price is a factor but I don't mind paying a little more for something that will keep my machine functional. Thanks for any input.

Posted: 8/14/2007 10:10:53 PM EDT

[#1]

AVG

AVAST

NO NORTON

Posted: 8/14/2007 10:13:39 PM EDT

[#2]

I second AVAST.

Posted: 8/14/2007 10:32:53 PM EDT

[#3]

The above posters have it pretty much nailed, either AVG or AVAST will take care of you very well.

That said, Avoid Norton/Symantec! The wholesale collapse of quality that they have suffered over the past 5 years is pitiable.

Just as an alternative, I have found InoculateIT to work just fine, but I've only used it in LARGE Corporate installations. AVG or AVAST are far better suited to individual user's needs.

FYI, you should also have anti-Spyware to go with the Anti-Virus. There are several that work, I usually default to Ad-Aware AND Spybot Search & Destroy for coverage.

And, as always, use Firefox, NOT Internet Explorer. Eliminates 98% of problems right there.

FluxPrism

Posted: 8/14/2007 10:36:59 PM EDT

[#4]

I converted to Firefox about a year ago after IE pretty much led to the demise of my PC. I found it instantly solved my problems with pop ups and other related virus/spy-ware. I appreciate the advice on the Avast and I'll get on some spyware stuff yall have mentioned too.

Posted: 8/14/2007 11:00:24 PM EDT

[#5]

I am not sure why everyone is always recommending AVG. It is not VB100% 2007 Certified. It only has a 34% rating in proactive detection. Avast is not much better at 37%. I run Nod 32. It has a 79% proactive rating and that is the name of the game. Everybody can give you signature updates for viruses that have been identified. Proactive detection protects you from viruses that haven't been identified yet. Only other ones I would consider running would be Kaspersky and maybe Bitdefender

Posted: 8/14/2007 11:15:13 PM EDT

[#6]

Oh, and fuck McAfee. That securityCenter shit slows the fuck out of my computer (well, it ain't exactly new, but that's beside the point).

The best part is, if I feel like turning it off to temporarily improve performance, I can't. There is no "off". I had to completely uninstall it.

Ironically, I've nad this computer for 5 years without virus scan. I fidured it might be a good idea just to check. Bought McAfee, installed it, and ran it. Not a single virus. What a fucking waste.

Posted: 8/14/2007 11:18:21 PM EDT

[#7]

AVG FTW

Posted: 8/14/2007 11:25:36 PM EDT

[#8]

I use AVG on all my computers, without fail

Posted: 8/14/2007 11:43:47 PM EDT

[#9]

the best protection is not clicking on every damn thing that shows up in your inbox, coupled with safe browsing.

There are programs that offer some technical assistance, but really, not getting owned is a mindset, not a technology.

Posted: 8/14/2007 11:48:12 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
I use AVG on all my computers, without fail

+1 to AVG or Avast. Both of which are free.

AVG

AVAST

Posted: 8/15/2007 12:46:00 AM EDT

[#11]

You want to use Firefox with an add on called "No Script",
allows you to specify trusted websites and prevents
harmful scripts from executing. If you use a good
firewall, anti-virus program, and Mozilla with No Script,
you'll be covered. You can also turn No Script off if necessary,
and then back on.

Posted: 8/15/2007 12:48:52 AM EDT

[#12]

avg

Posted: 8/15/2007 12:54:11 AM EDT

[#13]

abstinence

Posted: 8/15/2007 1:08:57 AM EDT

[#14]

I've been running AVAST. Most of my friends have now switched to it also.

Posted: 8/15/2007 1:24:07 AM EDT

[#15]

COMODO have a good AV and firewall, both are free for home users.

Posted: 8/15/2007 1:45:41 AM EDT

[#16]

1) Don't run Windoze.

2) Don't power up.

Posted: 8/15/2007 2:12:15 AM EDT

[#17]

avast and avg are worth about what you pay for them.

Nod32 if you actually want to catch the virii.

Posted: 8/15/2007 2:13:13 AM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
I am not sure why everyone is always recommending AVG. It is not VB100% 2007 Certified. It only has a 34% rating in proactive detection. Avast is not much better at 37%. I run Nod 32. It has a 79% proactive rating and that is the name of the game. Everybody can give you signature updates for viruses that have been identified. Proactive detection protects you from viruses that haven't been identified yet. Only other ones I would consider running would be Kaspersky and maybe Bitdefender

Cause it's free and ignorance is bliss.

Posted: 8/15/2007 2:21:18 AM EDT

[#19]

Trend Micro PC-cillin. And piss on McAfee.

Posted: 8/15/2007 2:31:42 AM EDT

[#20]

Kaparsky

You did as for THE BEST, right?

Posted: 8/15/2007 3:43:20 AM EDT

[#21]

Put a big glowing Apple on the lid. Folks who have one of those on their computer never seem to have virus problems.

Posted: 8/15/2007 4:01:56 AM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:
Trend Micro PC-cillin.

+1

I like this program too. Norton was good a few years

back, still OK for some things. McAfee sucks a$$!

Posted: 8/15/2007 4:08:20 AM EDT

[#23]

Trash the Norton and use any of the other top anti-virus software. I have been using McAfee for years and no viruses.

Posted: 8/15/2007 4:18:44 AM EDT

[#24]

Ubuntu, Debian, Slackware, Mandrake ...

Posted: 8/15/2007 4:24:42 AM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Trend Micro PC-cillin.

+1

I like this program too. Norton was good a few years

back, still OK for some things. McAfee sucks a$$!

After I rebuilt my wife's laptop when the HD seized up, I wiped out the Norton IS offered on the Sony recovery disk. I loaded up Trend Micro Internet Security and am very happy with it so far.

Posted: 8/15/2007 4:26:50 AM EDT

[#26]

The best virus protection is buying a Mac.

Posted: 8/15/2007 4:27:48 AM EDT

[#27]

Posted: 8/15/2007 10:23:43 PM EDT

[#28]

Quoted:
Ubuntu, Debian, Slackware, Mandrake ...

Posted: 8/16/2007 12:18:51 AM EDT

[#29]

Quoted:
The best virus protection is buying a Mac.

Ah yes: Low market share is a blessing and a curse...

Posted: 8/16/2007 3:25:23 AM EDT

[#30]

Quoted:

Nod32 if you actually want to catch the virii.

Was wondering about Nod32. How is it on XP? I use it on my new laptop, but have been running naked on my desktop recently after I had to disable Norton. Want to install it on my desktop, but have not found that much info about this program (when I do a search, it seems that McAfee and Norton rule the search engines).

Posted: 8/16/2007 3:38:21 AM EDT

[#31]

Do a search for consumer reprots and see what the reports are.
PLUS
Stay clear of known virus sites, IE: Screen saver sites, web page sites for myspace, etc

Posted: 8/16/2007 10:02:33 AM EDT

[#32]

If you use the computer to surf for local hookers, I would say go with a condom for virus protection.

Posted: 8/16/2007 10:30:03 AM EDT

[#33]

Buy a Mac

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Just got a new laptop, whats the best virus protection?

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