Best paid-for security software?

[mretzloff]

What is the best paid-for security software (i.e. antivirus, antispyware, etc.).

Thank you.

 

[Blind Dragon]

I have heard that kaspersky was the best for vista.

XP is debatable

but I like the free ones.

I don't feel that it matters as long as it's reputable and you keep it up to date

 

[Matthew DeCarlo]

Honestly, no single application is going to keep you fully covered, it's impossible, and any software package that has it "all" is probably too mainstream and some huge company has effed it all up.

I'd have to vote for NOD32 as a paid anti-virus. They always score either extremely high or perfect at Virus Bulletin. I've used it for 3 years and haven't had any real issues at all.

 

[Route44]

I second NOD32 and I have been running for 2 years.

Kaspersky is also, very, very good. The best detection rate in the business according to many.

You are going to get a lot of debate in this area. I personally like what they call the layer method, i.e., no security suits but individual choices.

Start with a good router and take it from there.

Anti-Virus: NOD32, Kaspersky, AVG, Avast, AntiVir to name just a few. The latter three all have free versions for the home user. I loaded my daughter's laptop running Vista with Avast free and she hasn't had an issue yet.

Anti-Spyware: SUPERantispyware, AVG; there are others. AVG offers a free version.

Firewalls: Comodo 3.0 (free), Online Armor (they have a very good free version; no Vista release yet), Sunbelt, and ZoneAlarm. OA, Sunbelt, and ZA also offer free versions.

 

[Matthew DeCarlo]

You are going to get a lot of debate in this area. I personally like what they call the layer method, i.e., no security suits but individual choices.

Indeed, I couldn't agree more.

Just like anything else, some people are going to swear by one application or protection method and you'll have an army of people ready to defend it. Use what you prefer. So long as your machine is malware free and running smooth it doesn't really matter.

 

[wanna be geek]

I would have to say, and I am speaking from years of expeience... It has to do with your habbits... I do not use ANY anti virus software at all... Some people might think that is crazy, and I agree with them to a point.. What it boils down to is your habbits and that of your OS... Vista is very good... Learn how to configure your firewall, stay away from porn, don't download files from bit torrent sites and get to know your sys and how it behaves and you should be ok... When I ran XP, I used everything from McAfee, Kaspersky, Norton, etc... The bes, I found was a freware app. It is Avast!.... You have to take into consideration what kind of system resources you have to spare to run an app. You will slow your whole system down and suffer unless you get it right. Bottom line? Learn how to manage your system right, you will never have a problem.

 

[mretzloff]

You are going to get a lot of debate in this area. I personally like what they call the layer method, i.e., no security suits but individual choices.

I use the "layer method" too. Here's what I use right now:

Spyware Blaster (free)
CCleaner (free)
avast! Antivirus (free)
Spybot - Search and Destroy (free)
Ad-Aware 2007 (free)
AVG Anti-Spyware (free)


Are there any programs that are better than the ones I listed? I'm running Windows Vista, BTW.

 

[Route44]

What are you smoking crack????? Do you really think that you need that many apps to protect you??? LOL!!!!! you are a total fool...

Yo, was that even necessary? I think your previous points are well founded concerning the need for sound internet habits and learning to manage your system well, but to call someone a fool because you disagree with their choices... Like all of us, we have to learn as we go.

mretzloff, Avast will do you fine with Vista's firewall. Since you have AVG anti-spyware, SS&D, and CCleaner that should do you quite fine. Just make sure you have a router.