Whats the Best Antivirus/ Security Suite??

[rive0108]

What about Smart Security 4? Is it not necessary to get that rather than NOD32?

I wouldnt get it. Its redundant, and there are still bugs in it. I would just use NOD32 4 Antivirus/Antispyware, Defender, Vista Firewall, Hardware firewall, and IE8

 

[rive0108]

I have set my Vista firewall to block all outbound, and created rules for applications/traffic. I have passed all leak tests with Vista firewall as well as trojan/malware/port tests.

You can also download the free Sphinx firewall control to do it for you If you dont want to configure the firewall yourself.
Vista Firewall Control : Sphinx Software

 

[shortmantuff]

What does Spinx do for you? Just decides what gets let through or not or something else?

 

[rive0108]

What does Spinx do for you? Just decides what gets let through or not or something else?

It prompts, then creates rules for you. I would get the more advanced control (Plus)-not the free as its limited to a few apps (like IE)

 

[shortmantuff]

What kind of rules did you create for your applications/traffic? Is there a tutorial on how to do this or is it pretty self explanatory?

 

[rive0108]

What kind of rules did you create for your applications/traffic? Is there a tutorial on how to do this or is it pretty self explanatory?

No there is no tutorial I could ever find online. Block all three profiles, or just the Public profile if you are not going to behind the hardware firewall (i.e., notebook on public hotspots).
create a rule for the profile to allow (i.e., click program, next, browse to the IE .exe), after the rule is created, restart browser. Do this for all the apps you want to outbound connect through the firewall. its pretty easy, just tedious. You can also google for apps that need Internet access, then create a rule for them. Keep it simple, IE and Antivirus and Win Update are the most critical.
Use the Task Manager to see what processes need Internet access through Outbound. (for example, while blocking all outbound [ and IE aready with rule created], open Task manager, close all non-essental processes, try to execute program, note the process and add a rule for it).

e.g.
iexplorer.exe x64
iexplorer.exe x86
MSASCui.exe (Defender)
Sidebar.exe
egui.exe (eset)
ehmsas.exe (MCE)
%SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe (port 80/443)
svchost.exe_BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer BITS)

 

[kavita]

I use Avast Pro and it works well.

 

[The Cool Guy]

I use McAfee Total Security 2009, it's great and McAfee really means "Total Security" on this one

 

[archie123]

nah your all WRONG Eset Antivirus and commodo , im running them so their obviously the best

This argumanet will go on and on lol and nobody here can prove their point , everyone has their favourites and everyone has their reasons , just get a well known one and stick with it , in 10 years of computing and surfing the net i have NEVER had a virus , the only people i know who have simply got it because their operating system was not updated regulaly , thats the single most important factor and its the OS loopholes that hackers exploit , and no AV software or firewall on the planet is going to stop that kind of attack.

The single most important tool is anti spyware , get that and i dont think you'll ever need anything else ........... but im far too paranoid to prove my point

 

[sassofalco]

I wouldnt get it. Its redundant, and there are still bugs in it. I would just use NOD32 4 Antivirus/Antispyware, Defender, Vista Firewall, Hardware firewall, and IE8

G'Day rive0108,

For the past 2 years I've been a subscriber to MS Windows Live OneCare and like many others in the same situation, I'm now scrambling around looking for a suitable anti-virus program to take over from WLOC.

WLOC is about to be dispatched to the waste-bin by Microsoft, in favour of the new malware program Morro, which I understand will be made available 'free' to anyone running Windows. Obviously, MS have conceded that other AV developers do a far better job than they can in that field of software, and it appears that MS have now dumped that from their development portfolio. Not sure though, about MS Malicious Software Removal Tool that usually comes with the monthly MS Updates.

At my post here, http://www.vistax64.com/windows-live/226437-windows-live-onecare-dead-alternatives.html , I've outlined some alternative protective measures that I'm considering, but your post here has me second thinking the issue, because you have introduced ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4, to the selective mix.

First of all, by Defender and Vista Firewall, I'm presuming you mean Windows Defender and Windows Firewall, both standard applications included with Windows Vista - Home Premium Version?

Second, can you explain what you mean by Hardware Firewall, and give an example please? IE8, I have already installed, although I do use Firefox 3.0.10 as my default [with 'No Script' Add-on, unlike IE - no crashes since installing in Nov.08].

Third, so based on your suggestions, I should be thinking along the lines of;
Windows Defender, Windows Firewall, ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4, and a Hardware Firewall (?), as my protective applications, in lieu of Windows Live OneCare security applications?

Your comment?

sassofalco

 

[shortmantuff]

I wouldnt get it. Its redundant, and there are still bugs in it. I would just use NOD32 4 Antivirus/Antispyware, Defender, Vista Firewall, Hardware firewall, and IE8

G'Day rive0108,

For the past 2 years I've been a subscriber to MS Windows Live OneCare and like many others in the same situation, I'm now scrambling around looking for a suitable anti-virus program to take over from WLOC.

WLOC is about to be dispatched to the waste-bin by Microsoft, in favour of the new malware program Morro, which I understand will be made available 'free' to anyone running Windows. Obviously, MS have conceded that other AV developers do a far better job than they can in that field of software, and it appears that MS have now dumped that from their development portfolio. Not sure though, about MS Malicious Software Removal Tool that usually comes with the monthly MS Updates.

At my post here, http://www.vistax64.com/windows-live/226437-windows-live-onecare-dead-alternatives.html , I've outlined some alternative protective measures that I'm considering, but your post here has me second thinking the issue, because you have introduced ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4, to the selective mix.

First of all, by Defender and Vista Firewall, I'm presuming you mean Windows Defender and Windows Firewall, both standard applications included with Windows Vista - Home Premium Version?

Second, can you explain what you mean by Hardware Firewall, and give an example please? IE8, I have already installed, although I do use Firefox 3.0.10 as my default [with 'No Script' Add-on, unlike IE - no crashes since installing in Nov.08].

Third, so based on your suggestions, I should be thinking along the lines of;
Windows Defender, Windows Firewall, ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4, and a Hardware Firewall (?), as my protective applications, in lieu of Windows Live OneCare security applications?

Your comment?

sassofalco

Hey sass. Like Archie said, it really all depends on who you talk to. I believe Hardware firewall is just the standard Windows Firewall, but correct me if I'm wrong. The list you listed is fine in my opinion. Protects you from a good range of things. But the most important thing is to surf the internet safely and update your software. If you don't do that, all of that can be useless.

 

[sassofalco]

Hey sass. Like Archie said, it really all depends on who you talk to. I believe Hardware firewall is just the standard Windows Firewall, but correct me if I'm wrong. The list you listed is fine in my opinion. Protects you from a good range of things. But the most important thing is to surf the internet safely and update your software. If you don't do that, all of that can be useless.

Thanks shorty,

Update? Done first thing before anything else, at start of session. It's probably the reason why I never had the issues with WLOC that some Users seem to have had.

Cheers.

 

[rive0108]

Hey sass. Like Archie said, it really all depends on who you talk to. I believe Hardware firewall is just the standard Windows Firewall, but correct me if I'm wrong. The list you listed is fine in my opinion. Protects you from a good range of things. But the most important thing is to surf the internet safely and update your software. If you don't do that, all of that can be useless.

No Windows firewall is software- a hardware SPI firewall is a router/wireless router/Access point (make sure it has a SPI firewall)

 

[rive0108]

I wouldnt get it. Its redundant, and there are still bugs in it. I would just use NOD32 4 Antivirus/Antispyware, Defender, Vista Firewall, Hardware firewall, and IE8

G'Day rive0108,

For the past 2 years I've been a subscriber to MS Windows Live OneCare and like many others in the same situation, I'm now scrambling around looking for a suitable anti-virus program to take over from WLOC.

WLOC is about to be dispatched to the waste-bin by Microsoft, in favour of the new malware program Morro, which I understand will be made available 'free' to anyone running Windows. Obviously, MS have conceded that other AV developers do a far better job than they can in that field of software, and it appears that MS have now dumped that from their development portfolio. Not sure though, about MS Malicious Software Removal Tool that usually comes with the monthly MS Updates.

At my post here, http://www.vistax64.com/windows-live/226437-windows-live-onecare-dead-alternatives.html , I've outlined some alternative protective measures that I'm considering, but your post here has me second thinking the issue, because you have introduced ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4, to the selective mix.

First of all, by Defender and Vista Firewall, I'm presuming you mean Windows Defender and Windows Firewall, both standard applications included with Windows Vista - Home Premium Version?

Second, can you explain what you mean by Hardware Firewall, and give an example please? IE8, I have already installed, although I do use Firefox 3.0.10 as my default [with 'No Script' Add-on, unlike IE - no crashes since installing in Nov.08].

Third, so based on your suggestions, I should be thinking along the lines of;
Windows Defender, Windows Firewall, ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4, and a Hardware Firewall (?), as my protective applications, in lieu of Windows Live OneCare security applications?

Your comment?

sassofalco

My main program is Live OneCare by Microsoft. It combines virus and evilware protection into one package, plus maintenance utilities. Your annual subscription includes up to 3 PC's.
You can download an evaluation version here: Windows Live OneCare - Home
AVG anti-virus is also recommended. Download that one here: AVG Free Advisor - Free antivirus and anti-spyware downloads

Microsoft OneCare isnt very good (neither is AVG). It only recieved 1 star certification in recent comparative testing by AV-Comparatives.

I am a perpetual OneCare Beta tester- I get free renewable annual subscriptions, and the newest builds before they are released. I about a year ago removed OneCare because it consistantly missed malware, that would be caught and removed by the NOD32 online scanner that I ran weekly.

You must set the advanced Defender settings-
Defender- also check the boxes for notification of software that creates system changes under Tools>Options: (this will notify you in the event malware tries to make changes (i.e., new run executables), and allow you to prevent it from running.

Software not yet classified for risks
Changes made to your computer by software allowed to run

[see post #276 for setting IE for cookie blocking and Defender tweaking]

note- Mcafee 3-star certification is with Artemis only

 

[rive0108]

nah your all WRONG Eset Antivirus and commodo , im running them so their obviously the best

This argumanet will go on and on lol and nobody here can prove their point , everyone has their favourites and everyone has their reasons , just get a well known one and stick with it , in 10 years of computing and surfing the net i have NEVER had a virus , the only people i know who have simply got it because their operating system was not updated regulaly , thats the single most important factor and its the OS loopholes that hackers exploit , and no AV software or firewall on the planet is going to stop that kind of attack.

The single most important tool is anti spyware , get that and i dont think you'll ever need anything else ........... but im far too paranoid to prove my point

Actually the point can be proved using certified Lab test results.
For a moment forget about "preferences", and instead focus on the Certified lab tests. These are a true indicator of a programs ability to protect. Of these VB100 and AV-comparatives are the best. AV-Comparatives tests multiple aspects, and is by far the most demanding certification body, and as such the best source.
You want to shoot for a product that has top certification in ALL labs (If the product in question fails to recieve 3-star certification by AV-Comparatives, than it is subpar, and will not be able to provide the best protection. Do not use a product that is not at least 2-star certified.)

Certified labs:
ICSA Labs
WestCoast Labs
Virus Bulletin (VB100)
AV-Comparatives

NOD32 certifications:

 

[shortmantuff]

Thanks Riv for clearing up my mistake. I wasn't sure so that's why I said correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[K1K1D33]

Wow thats a pretty overall list of things Joe, thanks I appreciate it. Although I already have SpybotS&D, and Spyware Doctor. I do registry cleaners and defrags also.. and I don't want to use something like avast or AVG becuase I don't want to use a free anti virus program, I want to pay for a nice top of the line one that will give me the best protection.. or are you saying the mix ur using is better than Kaspersky or anything of that sort..??

Thanks for ur input, but I was hoping to get some idea's or input on people that have, use, or know of whats the best thing for a Anti-virus or for a Internet Security Suite. Because thats what I'm looking for at the moment.. Thanks again..

Anyone else have some thoughts feel frreeee to Share please!

---right now I use AVAST(Download FREE antivirus software - avast! Home Edition)as recommended by member 'BRINK' here at W-V-forum and it is the BEST! and is perma FREE (for home use) once you register online with them---I have Windows firewall + defender, came with Vista-32---I have never liked Norton's at all---(my friend also never uses any a/v for 5+yrs!)

peace

 

[djfla]

The best Antivirus available right now is Avira Antivir. It is small in size, so it wont slow down your system nor use your resources. It protects 24/7 (with Antivir Guard Activated), automated scheduled scans that run in the background slowing down your pc's perfomance minimally. In comparison with other antiviruses out there it has the best results for scans, since it gives the least false positives, antivirus database updated daily automatically. Detects virus effectively and removes them effectively as well. Best of all, its FREE. The Free edition is guaranteed as effective as the Premium edition, since the paid version is meant for company use. Check it our for yourself.. You can download from download.com.

I run it alongside SuperAntiSpyware as an Adware/Malware scanner. This I do manually as this is free. The 24/7 protection guard is paid for. But along with the AntiVir, the manual version is more than enough.

Make sure both are run every 1-3 weeks depending on how much you use the internet. Im online 24/7 almost and run them every two..

Happy Hunting

 

[rive0108]

The best Antivirus available right now is Avira Antivir. It is small in size, so it wont slow down your system nor use your resources. It protects 24/7 (with Antivir Guard Activated), automated scheduled scans that run in the background slowing down your pc's perfomance minimally. In comparison with other antiviruses out there it has the best results for scans, since it gives the least false positives, antivirus database updated daily automatically. Detects virus effectively and removes them effectively as well. Best of all, its FREE. The Free edition is guaranteed as effective as the Premium edition, since the paid version is meant for company use. Check it our for yourself.. You can download from download.com.

I run it alongside SuperAntiSpyware as an Adware/Malware scanner. This I do manually as this is free. The 24/7 protection guard is paid for. But along with the AntiVir, the manual version is more than enough.

Make sure both are run every 1-3 weeks depending on how much you use the internet. Im online 24/7 almost and run them every two..

Happy Hunting

Not anymore-

It was rated Advanced+ (3-STAR CERTIFICATION in Aug 2008 testing), and the best in 2008 (Eset NOD32 3.0 took a close second). Eset NOD32 was the best in 2006 and 2007.

Avira Antivir has failed to recieve 3-star Certification in the last two AV-Comparative tests. It is only certified 2-star now [Advanced]

Avira Antivir in recent AV-Comparative Nov 2008/Feb 2009 testing dropped down to only Avanced certification (2-star) due to a high number of false alarms in a clean set [24]. Eset NOD32 recieved Advanced + (3-star) in both the Nov 2008 , and Feb 2009 testing. Avira recieved only 2-star Certification (Advanced) in both testing sets.

Only Avira Premuim was tested- Not the free edition. Certification for Avira reflects Avira Antivir Premium 8.2.0.374 [scanning engines for both versions should be similiar though, but the difference between Premium and Free versions may be reflected in the lack of real-time scanning options, advanced Hueristic detection, or in some cases Internet shields, or network options-Usually not things critical for Home Users. Free versions usually offer Real Time scanning with On-demand Scanners, but with some advanced features disabled]

The new awards (as of Feb 2009) are based on detection, and the amount of false alarms. A product that is sucessful at detecting a high percentage of malware, but suffers from false alarms may not neccessarily be a better product. False alarms (false positive detection) can result in legitimate Windows components/Programs being labled as malware, and removal/quarantine of these components can result in Corruption/instability and crashes of the system/programs. Programs with high false Alarms is on par if not worse than a program that has a low detection of malware.

AV-Comparatives Feb 2009 test results:
http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/ondret/avc_report21.pdf

Eset Nod32 and other 3-star Certified products [Nov-2008/Feb 2009]
note (5)-McAfee is 3-star with Artemis Only. McAfee would have acheived 1-star certification without Artemis (standard certification only)

 

[rive0108]

The best Antivirus available right now is Avira Antivir. It is small in size, so it wont slow down your system nor use your resources. It protects 24/7 (with Antivir Guard Activated), automated scheduled scans that run in the background slowing down your pc's perfomance minimally. In comparison with other antiviruses out there it has the best results for scans, since it gives the least false positives, antivirus database updated daily automatically. Detects virus effectively and removes them effectively as well. Best of all, its FREE. The Free edition is guaranteed as effective as the Premium edition, since the paid version is meant for company use. Check it our for yourself.. You can download from download.com.

I run it alongside SuperAntiSpyware as an Adware/Malware scanner. This I do manually as this is free. The 24/7 protection guard is paid for. But along with the AntiVir, the manual version is more than enough.

Make sure both are run every 1-3 weeks depending on how much you use the internet. Im online 24/7 almost and run them every two..

Happy Hunting

Avira has failed to recieve 3-star certification the last two testing sets. I would hazzard a guess and say that hardly makes it the best anymore.
Avira Antivir Premium achieved 2-star certification in Hueristic/proactive, and on-demand testing [Nov 2008/Feb 2009]

ps- if you are going to download Antivir download it from the source:http://www.avira.com/en/download/index.html