Internet Security

I bought my computer a year ago and it came with a years copy of Norton internet security which I installed but could only be installed once. I had to format my hard drive in November as my touchpad was playing up and it was the hardware problem. There was a 90 day trial which ran out a couple of weeks ago and wondered if anyone knows of any free internet security's I could download until I purchase a copy of Norton.

Thanks

Hi Sunrise

I am technically challenged at the best of times when it comes to computers, but don't know if this would be of help?? We are with Virgin (NTL as was). We have installed/downloaded the security anti virus etc. free of charge through them. Maybe your provider has similar services? I'm sure someone on here will be more help.

Hi,

I use free AVG and have not had any problems.

Take my advice...

Do not rely on ISP's Internet Security packages. They are not updated as often as they should be (every day) and even then the Anti-Virus Heuristic Analysis they employ leave much to be desired!

Stick with either Norton or McAfee Internet Security Suites. There are others that are quite good, but they are the best.

All the big corporate companies use them... and also those that know about Internet Security do the same!

I would also recommend having something like SpyBot Search and Destroy, as this Identifies more Malware and Spyware than Windows Defender, however make sure you have someone who knows what they are doing when it comes to setting and using the more advanced features available with SpyBot.

Also you should minimise your 'presence' on the Internet by upgrading to a Modem Router that has a good NAT Firewall (Network Address Translation) and SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection). Also one that allows you to change how your Modem Router responds to ICMP ping requests (Internet Control Message Protocol). On the latter, some say to set the Modem Router to block them, other people (which include myself) say it's best to set it to ignore such, and therefore appear to be 'un-reachable' .... or more simply put 'just not there'.

I'm not trying to make you all paranoid (who said that!!!) but simply put you cannot rely on free Anti-Virus and Windows in-built Firewall and Malware protection software... trust me... it is not enough!

Agree totally with TechNoApe.

In the world of Anti-virus, and most other things, you get what you pay for.

I often get called out to clients who have AVG (which is free) "protecting" their PC but also have a number of Viruses.

I've used Mcafee both in a corporate and home enviroment and have never had any issues with Viruses.

If you need any advice, let me know.

I was running AVG free and last month got a terrible virus on my PC.  I spent over a week trying to sort it out.

I now use Microsoft's own free antivirus call Microsoft Security Essentials which so far has been really good.  I also like the fact that it's not too intrusive and seems quite light (I found the latest versions of AVG to be too complicated and heavy on processing time).

Justin

Justin, if you, or anybody, needs any help with viruses let me know. Virus Removal Is what I specialise in.

I looked after 90 servers and 1100 PC's / Laptop's back in the UK which were all protected by Mcafee EPO.

The bottom line is that regardless of what protection you have it must be kept up-to-date and you have to follow the basic rules of "if you don't know where that attachment came from, or you don't know if that website is safe, then don't download it"

As per Marbella, I have worked within the IT comm for many years and the best way to protect is not only good virus protection, etc but good sense in using your computer. 

I have used AVG personally for many years with no issue at all, of course the one way around this is to use LINUX as your operating system, indeed many new laptops and desktops come with the option to have just that. If you use your Computer only for the internet, e-mail and writing the odd document I would go that route and avoid the headaches

.... or use a Mac!!

Na!

Don't need one today... 'cause it ain't raining!

I use Spybot Search & Destroy for the spyware & the free AVAST anitvirus which you can download but you need to renew for free every year. My PC seems to be OK. I use the spybot scan everyday but usually once a mth for the avast scan .

Thanks all for your replies. Please keep replying as I'm still not sure on on the best software.

Well...its a who likes what answer...so many IT prof have their favourites...its basically a question of what have you used and what problems did you have...here are a selection

Free

AVG - http://free.avg.com/es-en/homepage

http://www.free-av.com/

http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?tag=mncol;pop

Pay

Kaspersky - http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner

Its a horses for courses on all of these...some intefere with your installed software base somne don't some make it run slow...if you take a look at http://download.cnet.com/ you can review what other people think of the products

I personally use AVG and have never had an issue with mine or any of my customers PCs...

... or you could get a Mac!!  It'll be raining again soon!! 

err....I thought it was summer soon? It appears as if the forecast is more rain...but the outlook is good...at least I am going out this weekend to the Swagat in Javea...one of the best curries on the CB

http://www.tripadvisor.es/Restaurant_Review-g609044-d1534423-Reviews-Swagat_India-Javea_Costa_Blanca_Alicante_Province_Valencian_Country.html

After a Vindaloo it'll seem very hot :-)

Hi All,

Got a good discussion going here. I've got the Sunday evening blues at the moment. But thanks for all of your replies. I've had a look at some software online, some free to download and some to buy. Please keep replying and I'm sure I'll find a software that is right for me.

Thanks again

Hi Sunrise, have you still got the blues?

We have always run the AVG free anti virus ... for around 6 years without problems. We currently use their FreeAVG9. If you Google even experts rate it,.

Download Free AVG9 here >>>  http://free.avg.com/us-en/download-avg-anti-virus-free

Hi morerosado,

No blues have gone by Monday mornings. Thanks for your reply, I've heard good reports on AVG.