Security software for a new system.

[arbusto_baboso]

Wife and I just got a new computer for the home (the first that isn't a hand-me-down). I'd like to know what kind of security software I should get. I know Norton is the one that is most commonly in use, but I've heard horror stories about dealing with their help desk.

So, are the stories exaggerated and should I go with Norton, or are there better programs out there more worth my money?

[Why Syzygy]

1. Norton is

universally despised by technical people. This thread tells you about FREE security >
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407

[canetoad]

2. Hot needles, eyes, Nortons

These three things belong in the same sentence.

First up, your front line of security is your own personal usage habits. It should be redundant to say things like do not open attachments from unknown sources without scanning; learn how to recognise file attachment that may be unsafe; do not visit porn and hacker sites and expect to come away clean; carefully read the URL of every site that you visit via an email (or other) link and inform yourself of the tricks phishers use to trap the gullible.

Grab a good FREE antivirus. Avast, AVG, Avira, - my preference is Avast.
Develop the habit of scanning your whole machine every week at least with: AntiMalwareBytes and Spybot.
ThreatFire is good and unobtrusive protection that runs in tandem with your antivirus.
A firewall is helpful, but I do not consider it essential. Comodo or Zone Alarm.

Just don't install Nortons.

Edited to add: Ditch IE and use Firefox browser with the NoScript add-on.

[Why Syzygy]

3. Some people have ditched

NoScript lately. Are you aware of the issue? I don't like it anyway. It disables my RSS reader.

[canetoad]

4. Didn't know that

but I don't use RSS. Will keep it in mind, thanks.

[Why Syzygy]

5. Here's something about it...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=242&topic_id=24911

[RoyGBiv]

6. Help desk!?

Ha! :spray:

Oh, that's a good one.

They don't have a help desk so much as a call forwarding system that cycles through a list of numbers belonging to people specifically chosen for their inability to articulate even the simplest of concepts in any living language known to humankind.

Oh, and the software itself is atrocious.

As was said, Avast or AVG ... I don't personally know anything about Avira, but I haven't heard anything bad.

[Why Syzygy]

7. I still use Avira

and still like it. I plan to try that Panda program eventually.

[madokie]

8. I'm liking Panda's Cloud antivirus

I've had it on my computer for a couple weeks now and hardly know its there. It uses very little resources too. Norton is not a good anything, let me repeat norton is not good at anything and should be avoided with a passion.

[hobbit709]

9. Norton is like a screen door on a submarine

Stops nothing, lets all the crap in and is impossible to fix or get rid of easily.

I've found that the free stuff works better than the protection racket stuff(Give us money or bad things will happen).

I personally use AVG with Spybot S&D, Malwarebytes Antimalware, Comodo Firewall. I prefer Seamonkey as my browser because I like the feel better than firefox-it's also put out by Mozilla. Stay away from Internet Exploder and Outhouse-there are plenty of good free email clients out there. Seamonkey has one built in or you can use Thunderbird as a stand alone.

I've had ONE virus in 10 years and that one was my fault-I got in a hurry and clicked before reading. It was also when I still used Norton.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

10. Ok, my employer gives away...

F-Secure. It is a $59.99 value and it is free to those who get an HSI account with us. Guess what? It works like a champeen. It's worth the money.