I just got a new computer, and I want to make sure it doesn't get a Trojan and crap out on me. Does anyone have recommendations for Internet Security (antivirus, firewall, antispyware) programs? I'm fine with paying for a good product. Thanks!
Best Internet Security?
- Thread starter Timbydude
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If you have a budget above $0 then great for you, how fortuitous! Truth is if you do your research right, you'd probably be able to get pretty decent protection for free. Good on you for asking advice- it's a good idea to do that alongside doing your homework when it comes to software downloading.
For a good starter, look into Avast! [http://www.avast.com/] Antivirus. Their programs are quite reliable and are updated frequently.
A nice feature of any antivirus program (at least how I see it) is the ability to individually scan files. How I do things is I download files to a separate folder in My Computer, scan them before opening, then once I know there are no viruses inside I move them to where I need/want them.
For a good starter, look into Avast! [http://www.avast.com/] Antivirus. Their programs are quite reliable and are updated frequently.
A nice feature of any antivirus program (at least how I see it) is the ability to individually scan files. How I do things is I download files to a separate folder in My Computer, scan them before opening, then once I know there are no viruses inside I move them to where I need/want them.
Avast, Spybot S&D, NoScript and AdBlock Plus element hider (for the spyware, calm down Escapist staff).
AVG Free for defence, MalwareBytes Anit-Malware to destroy any stowaways on board!
It's a good, free mix.
It's a good, free mix.
I can also recommend AVG Free.
It works fine for me and seems much better than Norton (what I used to use), which you had to pay for and would pop up whenever you tried to download or install anything.
AVG will pop up occasionally- but normally only on things that could be an actual threat to your computer- rather than everything, all the time
It works fine for me and seems much better than Norton (what I used to use), which you had to pay for and would pop up whenever you tried to download or install anything.
AVG will pop up occasionally- but normally only on things that could be an actual threat to your computer- rather than everything, all the time
I'm also going to back AVG free. It's never let me down, and it's never let anyone I know down either. It's also pretty unobtrusive, which is probably neither here nor there, but I thought I'd mention it anyway.
Download Microsoft Security Essentials [http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/]. Way I heard it it was going to be a full on security suite from Microsoft, a replacement for one of their older ones. As it goes, it's pretty decent, and it's free, including downloads. Provided of course you're running a genuine copy of windows.
Gotten some good reviews too, just google it if you're unsure.
Gotten some good reviews too, just google it if you're unsure.
Everyone has their preference when it comes to the AV group (Avira, Avast!, AVG) and I prefer Avast!
That being said, the best anti-virus is common sense. No anti-virus will protect you from something you download willingly against its wishes. Don't download plug-ins from random sites. Don't even open suspicious sounding sites (for your naughty inclinations). I would personally advise against all torrenting, but some people do it without getting infected.
Basically, just be responsible. Although if you really want to take the paranoid option, you could run everything you download through a sandbox program or even a virtual machine.
That being said, the best anti-virus is common sense. No anti-virus will protect you from something you download willingly against its wishes. Don't download plug-ins from random sites. Don't even open suspicious sounding sites (for your naughty inclinations). I would personally advise against all torrenting, but some people do it without getting infected.
Basically, just be responsible. Although if you really want to take the paranoid option, you could run everything you download through a sandbox program or even a virtual machine.