Free Security Software?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mdiemer
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mdiemer

I'm thinking of using freeware for security to save a little money. Leaning toward Comodo for antivirus, and ZoneAlarm for firewall. Anyone have any thoughts on these programs? PC MAG rates them very highly.

Thanks,

Michael
 

My Computer

System One

Michael
Each member will give you answers based upon what the or she likes. I have used Avast (rated very high), uses very little resources. I use the MS firewall included with Vista. Used in conjunction with a little common sense I have never encountered a problem.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
I think AVG was the first free antivirus, and it was the first freeware I installed on my Vista PC. Unfortunately AVG has gone downhill in recent years. I considered Microsoft Security Essentials as a replacement, but it seems to have a reputation for ineffectiveness. Finally decided to try Panda because it's the current PCMag Editors' Choice: The Best Free Antivirus for 2015 | PCMag.com

Like richc46 I'm simply using Windows Firewall. I tried ZoneAlarm at one time, but AVG wouldn't play nice with it. This article makes a good case: Why You Don

[Edit] Like many Panda users, I was affected by the debacle of March 11. After doing a complete PC recovery, I would never recommend Panda to anyone. Since PCMag has named both AVG 2014 and Panda Free 2015 (both junk in my experience) as Editors' Choice, I no longer consider PCMag to be a reliable source of information - or perhaps there's just no such thing as a really good free antivirus? At the moment I'm using Microsoft Security Essentials, and I might take a closer look at Avast one day.

[Edit] It seems that Avira no longer supports Vista: Avira Product Lifecycle Archive
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Operating System
    Vista Home Premium x86 SP2
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion Elite m9150f
    CPU
    Intel Q6600
    Memory
    3 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad T400
    CPU
    Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo P8700 @ 2.53GHz
    Motherboard
    LENOVO 64734VM
    Memory
    2.00GB Single-Channel DDR3 @ 531MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset Family
    Sound Card
    Conexant 20561 SmartAudio HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 800
    Hard Drives
    1x 180GB Intel 530 series SSD 1 x 120GB Hitachi 5400rmp 1 x 650GB Western Digital Elements 5400rpm 1x 1Tb Western Digital Elements 5400rpm
    Internet Speed
    Medium for New Zealand
    Other Info
    Weakest part of my computer is the graphics chipset. Only ever used a laptop. Also use USB Freeview TV Card Lenovo Docking Station External Speakers Other bits a pieces as needed
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