[Vinny79]

My current computer is a Dell Dimmension 3000 with the following hardware setup:

Windows XP Home, Service Pack 3, Pentium 4 2.8 GHz and 2GB RAM

I have been using Norton Internet Security for the last few years with no issues. Along with Norton, I also run Webroots Spy Sweeper. The two programs have worked very well together and had no conflicts.

With my subscription to Norton Internet Security expiring this month I have been looking into other options, such as Webroots Antivirus with AntiSpyware & Firewall. My question is, should I stay with my current Internet Security software setup or go with a different program? I have read a few posts that have mentioned the 'free' security programs. Although, I am less inclined to go that route becuase when it comes to Internet Security, I am not quite there in trusting a 'free' program to perform as those that charge a fee.

Thanks in advance for any information/reccomendations that you can provide.

[SpiritWind]

Hi :


Security Companies use EXACTLY the same "Scanning Engine" in BOTH their "FREE"

and "Pay-For-It" Versions ; the DIFFERENCE with an antiVIRUS program is that you pay

for more "Features/Options" and the Difference with an antiSPYWARE/antiTROJAN

program is that you pay for "real-time" protection/scanning. Norton has a very poor 18%

"Prevention Rate" in the latest "Retrospective/ProActive" Testing done by the

INDEPENDENT RESEARCHERS at www.av-comparatives.org/ . And nowadays

Webroot's "SpySweeper" is generally considered a bloatware program . Would

recommend you "test" the effectiveness of those 2 by One of the Better antiSPYWARE

programs nowadays, namely the FREE Version of "SUPERAntiSpyware" from

[http://www.superantispyware.com/] . And on these Forums the most usual antiVIRUS

program recommended is the FREE Avast Antivirus Home Edition, with Info at

[http://www.avast.com/eng/avast4home.html] . The Other usually recomended

antiSPYWARE program is "Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware" from

[http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php] .

IF you are willing to PAY for your security, I recommend "CounterSpy" by

Sunbelt Software .

IF you do decide to switch from Norton, you should include the use of its "Removal Tool"

as part of the "Removal Process" .

[Vinny79]

Thanks for the response SpiritWind. I read the info on Avast AntiVirus and will most likely switch to that when my Norton subscription runs out in a few weeks. I also downloaded the Malwarebytes program for my computer.

However, once I make the switch to Avast, I will have to find a firewall to use. Is using the firewall that comes with Windows reccomended or are there better options available?

[SpiritWind]

Hi :



Last I heard the built-in Firewall for SP3 is no better than its predecessors, so a software

firewall that offers "outbound" protection is recommended . I usually recommend either

Zone Alarm, Sunbelt Kerio or Sygate, available from

www.filehippo.com/software/firewalls/ ; any firewall you select should be "tested" by

the FREE "Shields Up" program available at [http://www.grc.com/default.htm] and their "Leak

Test" . It should be noted that "Matousec" is considered the "Gold Standard" when it comes

to "Leak Testing" and it would be wise to read WHAT they have to say at

[http://www.matousec.com/info/articles/introduction-firewall-leak-testing.php] .