Best security software for cyber-numpty

[308mate]

My Toshiba started out with McAfee via my Sky inet subscription. Lots of people said it slowed the machine down so I didnt renew when it ran out, I downloaded a free AVG trial. Which has now also run out.
Couldnt really see any difference between the two, didnt have any problems whilst using either but I need to get something.

Whats best in terms of value for money and performance, or will AVG do?

[oldbanger]

I use Zonealarm, and I believe that they still do a free version (though that may just be a free firewall not virus protection).

[Skier]

As you describe yourself as a 'cyber numpty' you want something straightforward that you don't have to fiddle with. I would suggest Microsoft Security Essentials (free and getting very good reviews)

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials


AVG has a free version (not a trial):

http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Editi...


Avast also is free though you need to register:

http://www.avast.com/en-gb/free-antivirus-download

If you don't feel comfortable with the Windows firewall then Comodo have a free one that gets very good reviews though I've never used it myself:

http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/firew...


Enjoy!

Skier

Edited to Add: Also install anti-spyware (all free). I would use two (the top two, or the top one in addition to MS security Essentials)

Malwarebytes
Spybot
Ad-aware

Edited by Skier on Saturday 13th March 09:36

[308mate]

Skier said:

As you describe yourself as a 'cyber numpty' you want something straightforward that you don't have to fiddle with. I would suggest Microsoft Security Essentials (free and getting very good reviews)

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials


AVG has a free version (not a trial):

http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Editi...


Avast also is free though you need to register:

http://www.avast.com/en-gb/free-antivirus-download

If you don't feel comfortable with the Windows firewall then Comodo have a free one that gets very good reviews though I've never used it myself:

http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/firew...


Enjoy!

Skier

Edited to Add: Also install anti-spyware (all free). I would use two (the top two, or the top one in addition to MS security Essentials)

Malwarebytes
Spybot
Ad-aware

Edited by Skier on Saturday 13th March 09:36

Great info, thanks Skier. I'll try it.

[DP83]

AVG has gone to cack over the past year so, it just bugs the life out of you constantly about all sorts. Avast is pretty much the same

NOD32 is the best out there IMO, we've dumped Sophos, Mcafee etc in favour of this as our preffered sold AV at work

It's a paid AV but if you've got a bit of nouse you can find a copy on p2p with a username and password

[308mate]

DP83 said:

but if you've got a bit of nouse you can find a copy on p2p with a username and password

Perhaps you missed the thread title

[Engineer1]

And a hookey copy of your Virus Checker is an ideal solution, possibly as sane as buying a second hand lock off a pikey then wondering how they got in.

[DP83]

Engineer1 said:

And a hookey copy of your Virus Checker is an ideal solution, possibly as sane as buying a second hand lock off a pikey then wondering how they got in.

[Skier]

I use NOD32 myself, actually I use ESET Smart Security, and it's excellent though I believe Microsoft Security Essentials would be better for a 'cyber-numpty.' I've installed it on two laptops I've repaired and rebuilt for friends and all seems to be good so far.

Skier

Edited by Skier on Sunday 14th March 06:39

[stigmundfreud]

everyones an expert etc but I am, if you want something really good, up there in the top 3 of the best, Microsoft Security Essentials. No bloatware in site, does a fantastic job and is 100% free with no bs registration.

edit to add MSE with MSDefender is a fantastic package. For the numpty or the "pro" user its certainly the first to consider before looking elsewhere. For info, MSE is getting a lot of indipendant reviews rating it very highly, much higher than many of the "repsected" names.

http://www.ghacks.net/2009/10/31/microsoft-securit...
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/index.cfm?revie...

What is interesting is what the rivals had to say at launch - http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/index.cfm?newsid=3... especially symantec who slated MS's track record in security, their own products not being all too clever and usually system resourse intense

Edited by stigmundfreud on Saturday 13th March 21:56

[DP83]

stigmundfreud said:

everyones an expert etc but I am, if you want something really good, up there in the top 3 of the best, Microsoft Security Essentials. No bloatware in site, does a fantastic job and is 100% free with no bs registration.

edit to add MSE with MSDefender is a fantastic package. For the numpty or the "pro" user its certainly the first to consider before looking elsewhere. For info, MSE is getting a lot of indipendant reviews rating it very highly, much higher than many of the "repsected" names.

http://www.ghacks.net/2009/10/31/microsoft-securit...
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/index.cfm?revie...

What is interesting is what the rivals had to say at launch - http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/index.cfm?newsid=3... especially symantec who slated MS's track record in security, their own products not being all too clever and usually system resourse intense

Edited by stigmundfreud on Saturday 13th March 21:56

I'll admit MSE is good, i've tried it it and thought it was good with no noticeable performance hit.

I recommend NOD32 as it's what i install for customers at work, and the centralised management is fantastic. It actual stops viruses too, and cleans them...which is more than McAfee with EPO ever could do

[stigmundfreud]

central management, EPO with this talk ambassidor you are confusing us (with corporate users) Home use I now actively recommend MSE as it simply works well and ties in fantastic with the O/S, super light weight too. Corp use is different as you want something with EPO style management but I do hope MS release something like that soon as the tools great.

Of course as soon as they do that everyone bhes that MS are a monopoly etc. Amazing Appel dont get the same attention. People for years slated MS for its lack of apparant security, so they introduced something back on R1 of XPSP2 and it upset all the vendors who seem to forget its Microsofts O/S not theirs.