Need Advice on Anti Virus and Firewall Apps

[savedbygrace]

I've used Semantec, Grisoft's AVG, and Panda AV apps. None of those have been satisfactory. They all tend to use too much system resources, or cause other problems.

Currently, I'm using Panda AV, but it is causing start up problems and it seems to have a mind of its own WRT running scans.

On the firewall front, I've used Zone Alarm Pro, but it slows my WinXP computer down. I've forgotten the names of the succession of other firewall apps I've used. Currently, the Panda AV app I'm using also provides a firewall.

I'm not defenseless even without a firewall app, because I have a hardware router.

So, bottom line: What anti virus and firewall apps would you recommend?

[wally_bert]

I have been using VIPRE by Sunbelt and so far, so good.

[RSmithOpt]

I haven't seen that yet with KIS 2009...what kind of router / modem are you using? I know I had to spank Embarq (my ISP) for some of their crap a while back...sent them a nasty email to persuade them in allowing users to disable their crap. It screwed with Norton and the browser regularly.

I'll bookmark this thread and try to run down your issue....it'll take a little time to investigate.

Sorry to hear that as I was thinking on dumping Norton next month to use KIS 2009. Did you update your ver of KIS? I read somewhere (can't remember) that KIS 2009 initially had a problem like that but, supposedly had been fixed in December??

[Semper911]

.

[TomGuy]

Where does it store the clone?

It creates a series of 'files' of about 2 megs each. It gives you the option of saving them to another partition or drive. It recognizes USB port drives, too, so you can save to the newer USB drives.

My OS/Programs partition is about 30 megs. Clonegenius creates about 13 files of 2 megs each for that partition. Uncompressed, the clone and restore operations take about 40 minutes each. That is sure better than an clean XP install that takes up to 12 hours and then weeks of tweaking and reinstalling programs.

[Sudetenland]

Spend the money and get the best. Eset's Nod32 is the best anti-virus as tested against the broad panoply of known viruses. I has a small footprint and is reasonably easy to use.

The other "best" is Kaspersky. It performs almost as well as Nod32 but is somewhat easier to install.

I use Nod32 and have never had any difficulty in installing it.

From this review, Top Ten Review It appears that BitDefender is also a "best." My two cents.

[WestCoastGal]

Odd thing just happened in Photobucket. I was going to change a few files around and a complete unknown page pops up telling me my computer is infected and wanted to scan. I deleted it, and don’t have time to check it right now as I’m off to work. It was not my antivirus from Ca Security.

Has this happened to anyone?

[raybbr]

Thanks again. It looks like I am going to have to buy an external drive. I have been looking at them for some time. It's hard to choose. I would prefer one that has a separate power supply and does not run off of USB power. I wish I had a e-Sata MB.

The front port on my MB for some reason will only run USB 1.1. Every time I plug something into to it XP tells me "This device could run faster if it was USB 2.0".

Not a real problem but could take forever to do a back up. The back ports seem ok but I am using them right now.

I am going to have to browse NewEgg for an external drive.

[TomGuy]

If you have an open slot inside your pc, you can buy additional USB port cards. They aren’t very expensive.

Also, you can guy additional 4-port and 7-point appliances.

[wildbill]

look into Threatfire from PC Tools.

It works on identifying and stopping potentially malicious behavior as it occurs instead of scanning to find items after they are in your computer and have been identified by a traditional anti-virus program.

I use it with AVG.

[stevestras]

This is a good and timely thread.

We have started to develop a list of tools for PC maintenance that we can recommend to clients. So far, we have decided on:

Malwarebytes

and

Revo uninstaller.

Good for infection scanning and removing programs.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Why spend the money for a Mac...if he already has hardware...just go to Linux...Linux Mint is good and easy.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Thanks for the ping...lets call for Shadowace.

I always learn new things from these threads even if I am very little help for Windows questions.,

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I just use the CA I got free with Roadrunner and the CA firewall.

What is CA...?

[ShadowAce]

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

That one ( Threatfire) looks very interesting....what negative issues with it have you had or heard about.?

[sionnsar]

safety ping

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Homepage for ThreatFire:

ThreatFire™ AntiVirus protects when others can't

********************Advertising EXCERPT*******************

How can ThreatFire protect me when traditional antivirus can't?

ThreatFire continually protects your PC against attacks by detecting malicious behavior, such as capturing your keystrokes or stealing your data, instead of only looking for known threats like normal antivirus software. By implementing sophisticated real-time behavioral analysis ThreatFire is able to stop never- before-seen "zero-day" threats solely by detecting their malicious activity.

ThreatFire's patent-pending ActiveDefense technology offers protection against all types of internet threats - both known and unknown - spyware, adware, keyloggers, viruses, worms, Trojans, rootkits, buffer overflows, and other malware. ThreatFire uses its unparalleled protection to hunt down and paralyze those threats that are either too new or too clever to be recognized by traditional "signature-based" antivirus software.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Just asking....why is AVG needed if you have the Threatfire installed and working?

[Stentor]

Linux Mint is good and easy.

Seconded.

[stylin_geek]

I’m currently using Zone Alarm’s anti virus. So far, it’s been pretty good. I tried a few others, gave up, because they wouldn’t let me turn off things I didn’t want or need.

Zone Alarm anti virus comes with a built in firewall. However, I’ve turned that function off, because I’m behind a hardware firewall.

Were I you, I’d invest in router/firewall. For instance, the Linksys BEFSX41 EtherFast Cable/DSL Firewall Router is a decent piece of hardware.