Best all-in-one security suite

[KoolDrew]

I am looking for the best all-in-one security suit for a frined. BY all-in-one I mean anti-virus, firewall etc. I was looking at PC-cillin and it seems very good. Anybody else have any suggestions. Note that he does not want something that is a total recource hog like norton so is Pc-cillin low on recources?

He also does not know much about computers so something that can do everything automatically helps and it looks like PC-cillin may be perfect for him.

 

[Tarrant64]

PC-cillin got good review last I saw.

 

[Schadenfroh]

All of this is free to home users and should be just as good as the stuff you pay for. I know its not all in one, but it is free.

Freeware Antivirus: AntiVir
Freeware Firewall: Kerio Personal Firewall 4
Freeware Antispyware Removal: Adaware
Freeware Spyware Prevention: SpywareBlaster
Freeware AntiSpam software: ThunderBird email client

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
All of this is free to home users and should be just as good as the stuff you pay for. I know its not all in one, but it is free.

Freeware Antivirus: AntiVir
Freeware Firewall: Kerio Personal Firewall 4
Freeware Antispyware Removal: Adaware
Freeware Spyware Prevention: SpywareBlaster
Freeware AntiSpam software: ThunderBird email client

And to provide alternative options, here is my list:

Freeware Antivirus: AVG
Freeware Firewall: ZoneAlarm
Freeware Antispyware Removal: Spybot Search & Destroy
Freeware Spyware Prevention: same
Freeware AntiSpam software: SpamPal

 

[CrowDog]

Originally posted by: Tarrant64
PC-cillin got good review last I saw.

I had to reformat after installing this....careful

 

[Gamingphreek]

Also Microsofts Spyware removal is very nice.

-Kevin

 

[KoolDrew]

Thanks for the tips guys. I was originally going to just install some free software on his PC, but he wanted something different and I thought an all-in-one security suit would be better for someone like himself rather then running multiple applications weekly or something.

Here is the list of software:
Ad-aware
AntiVir
Outpost firewall
SpywareBlaster
Firefox

 

[JackMDS]

Currently, as far as my Experience shows (this could be different in the future according to new releases of software and free availability of the current ones).

The Best Free Security suit for Windows might be.

Upgrade your Windows XP to SP2. and then use.

1. Kerio v215.

Kerio is very easy to configure, it is light on resources, and does what need to be done.

Kerio has a newer version of the Firewall; do no get tempted stick with the above it is a better product.

2. AntiVir Personal Edition.

AntiVir has very high rating for detecting Virus, and does better then other Antivirus program blocking Trojans.

3. Microsoft AntiSpyb1

It was judged by many independent reviewers as the best of its kind.

Example: http://www.windowssecrets.com/050127/

The above three are running active in the Background.

Occasionally I run Ad-Aware for general cleaning.

Free Adware: Ad-aware

Few more free utilities that are useful for detecting "Junk"

Link to: Internet infestation -Or, how you are getting Internet "Junk" in and compromise your Computer/Network?

Link to: Basic Steps in cleaning Internet "Junk".

:sun:

 

[KoolDrew]

Have you used Outpost firewall before? If so what is better about Kerio?

 

[JackMDS]

In general there are no big differences between the Entry Level Free Firewall.

It is a matter of how much resources they take, and how much you are comfortable with the interface. In addition I do not like Freeware that keep coming with Pop Ups to constantly push you to upgrade to the for pay version even if it is a Good piece of software.

As far as Outpost goes, I know that it is favorable among many people.

However they have this Note on the Free Version?s page.

Quote: ?We do not guarantee that Outpost Firewall will run on Microsoft ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) gateway (computer connecting two networks and transmitting packages from one network to another) running Windows2000 Service Pack 2 or Windows XP?.

We should all be aware that while many people post on AT and similar BBSs 10 times more read and might follow the info given.

I can not follow up every one and ask them what else is on their computers, and how they are sharing the Internet. As a result when I see a note like the above I shy away from the product (especially if there is another comparable good program).

:sun:

 

[BlueWeasel]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
1. Kerio v215.

Kerio is very easy to configure, it is light on resources, and does what need to be done.

Kerio has a newer version of the Firewall; do no get tempted stick with the above it is a better product.

I just installed Kerio v215 and I'm impressed so far. Seems to use very little resources and easy to use.

 

[KoolDrew]

Just one more question. Why do you think v215 is a better product? Is it lighter on recources? better UI? what?

 

[biostud]

OS X

 

[SelArom]

zone alarms suite 5.5 got the editors choice in pc mag last month

 

[dunkster]

IMHO there is no single program or suite that will keep you clean.

I've been clean for months, using Micro Trend IS2005 AV+Firewall combo, but it's just not enough - protection against adware, spyware and trojans is simply inadequate.

You need:
- Good firewall
- Good AV
- Resident real-time Trojan protection
- Resident real-time Spyware protection
- Usual battery of on-demand spyware and trojan scanners
- System 'immunizers' such as SpywareBlaster and/or SPYAD
- Harden your browser with customized security and privacy settings.

The best single article I've seen is here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topict1628.html

Hope this helps!

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: SelArom
zone alarms suite 5.5 got the editors choice in pc mag last month

I consider PC-MAG as the best computer magazine and I hold a subscription to it since its inception.:thumbsup:

PC-Mag survival is depending on Advertisers they can not review too many serious Freewares since Freeware would not buy Advertising space.

PC Magazine reviews are very good. However each time when you read a review it is important to look at the contenders, not just the outcome. In most cases the contenders are the prevalent commercial products that are available on the market. Reviewing these products is good services to the consumer at large that do not spend time on Computer Hobbyist site.

The all point as a Hobbyist is to try to assemble a Security suit that is just as Good but it is Free, instead of buying a security suite that is heavy On the pocket, and On computer resources.

:sun:

 

[BriGy86]

i was wondering if
PC-cillin was something i should buy too

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: BriGy86
i was wondering if
PC-cillin was something i should buy too

I will try and be honest and unbiased at the same time...

When I tested Trend Micro's corporate solution on our network, and compared it against a few others, I really liked it and would have gotten it if I had made the final decision. There have been a lot of good reviews in security magazines for it.

But when I tested Trend Micro's home solution, i.e. PCCillin, I didn't like it at all. It felt buggy and I couldn't figure out how to configure the firewall portion. It wouldn't let me disable the firewall and run ZoneAlarm - it actually told me to uninstall ZoneAlarm. It also crashed a game I was running.

My theory is that antivirus companies let their less experienced branch of programmers work on the home editions of antivirus, and aren't as aggressive with signatures, because then the virus threat and outbreaks are always there. Firms pay top dollar for the corporate version and stay relatively safe from those evil home users.

 

[Wuzup101]

Originally posted by: biostud
OS X

hehe... I knew someone would say it... I wish I could install OSX on my desktop! Maybe linux will be installed during spring break???

 

[MrYahtzee]

i went to bestbuy and picked up the 'vcom system suite 5' and enjoy it alot' heres a link
http://www.v-com.com/ i paid like $24.99 for it and have not one regret