What's recommend by the pros?

Typically, I'm am very good about keeping up on computer maintenance. I run a disc defrag about once a month along with four different scanners (which are also updated at least one or twice a month).

The stable of programs I traditionally use are as follows: AdAware and Spybot for the spyware, Windows Defender (just because I assume it works although it's never really helped me find any major problems) and finally my main virus scanner, Norton System Works 2004.

Now, recently because of a project I didn't keep up on things and I got a virus. I took care of the virus and it's gone now but I realized one thing. What people say about Norton Anti-Virus is right. This thing bogs down my PC and eats up my resources to no end.

Anyway, now I come to the point. I'm looking to replace it with another good one and I had always relied on the "Norton" name for stability. I've read threads and there are a lot of "recommend" scanners.

I'm wondering what is the be-all-end all of the bunch? You know, the cream of the crop. I am willing to purchase. I'm looking for that "kick the virus in the balls and make it wish it had never been copied to my hard drive" scanner.

Any advice?

Thanks!

 

Hi Jason!
Welcome to Major Geeks! nice avatar

I love Norton System Works 2004. Even if you change to another antivirus program, it's definitely worth keeping the System Works cd for all the great tools it has with it. It's just a really good program.

We have a list of programs we recommend to people in our How to Protect yourself from malware!
thread.

I use AVG free and Zone Alarm and have been happy with them because they work well together. Avast and Comodo are also excellent. These are very light weight compared to the Security Suites being produced now by Symantec, McAfee, Kaspersky, etc. I found it unfortunate that they all branched out and created bulky programs when those they had were great.

You'll see in that thread, that we also recommend anti-spyware, in particular Spyware Blaster. Just read through it and see if you find helpful information there.

If you do decide to remove Norton System Works 2004 from your computer, it's a good idea to go to the Symantec website and use their automated removal tool.


abri

 

Unfortunately, Norton is just to much of a resource hog and I use this as an video editing machine, so that doesn't work for me.

I'm still looking for the be-all-end-all. Now, I realized that many scanners do many different things but I'd like to find the closest thing to a all in one if I can.

 

I see your point about the resource issue.

Let me break things down like this. Here is what I typically rely on for the following areas. Maybe someone could help me fill in the blanks:

Spyware/Adware: AdAware and Spybot

Viruses (previously used Norton AntiVirus): This is the area where I need help finding the best Trojan/Virus remover. Under the AntiVirus download section I can sort the top scanners by Popularity but I'm sure there must be one of those top couple that are ranked as "hot" or "pick" are the preferred among the professionals here on the forum. I suppose that's what I'm looking for.

Misc (Windows Defender): I can honestly say I'm not sure what Microsoft focuses on with his app. Is it viruses or spyware? I use it as my last scanner to basically catch any other infected files that might have fallen through the cracks.

Thanks!

 

First, let me say a big thank to all the folks at this forum. It never ceases to amaze me how helpful and well informed people are here. So thanks!

Second, after reading the "How to protect yourself..." thread I'm almost embarrassed to say that I'm running the default Windows Service Pack 2 Firewall.

Let me posse a hypothetical question:

Is it possible to find a reliable security app that say...has the virus protection of a AntiVir with good real time & after the fact spyware scanner with a good incoming/outgoing communication firewall?

Am I on a wild goose chase looking for such a creature?

 

Well, here is the thing. I'm running two gigs of RAM and possibly considering upgrading to more. Also, I'm looking into a faster processor in the near future. So, I'm willing to spend some of my resources on a good security app.

Plus, at one time I was running up to five different scanners and that is not only time consuming, it's a real pain in the arse.

So, if there was one security suit that handles Viruses/Trojans, Spyware AND Firewall projection with one click, what would the folks round here recommend? Again, I don't mind shelling out the cash because it will pay for its self in the long run.

Thanks!