best protection

Hi all, new to this so i apologise if im posting in the wrong area!!

I am running my laptop on service pack 2, i have been recommended Zone alarm but when i shut down my computer it displays the end programme task and since downloading it, start up takes at least 5 minutes so im thinking it isnt all that great although the features seem good! plus its played havoc with my outlook express as it keeps crashing it, or at least it was ok before!

i occasionally run ccleaner, spybot search and destroy and also adware SE personal.

I used to have AVG but i hate the constant updates.

so, any recommendations on what is good to use?

thanks.

 

You can try Comodo for a firewall, it's offered at this site for a free download as is everything else, though not necessarily free from the makers. I like the fact that AVG constantly updates as new threats emerge daily. I have mine set to receive updates every other day, default setting. If that's too often for you, then you can download the manual updates from here though it's so easy to get the auto updates, you just set it and forget it.

 

I use Avast antivirus, Super AntiSpyware, SpywareBlaster, A Squared-free edition, Spybot S&D, and Sygate, and have never had a problem with them.
Some will question Sygate for a firewall as the free edition is no longer supported since Symantec bought them out, but it works great and does everthing that I expect a firewall to do. Hope this helps, and welcome to Major Geeks! :wave

 

thanks

so do you think it is better to have lots of programmes installed doing different things rather than one doing it all?

 

Personally I prefer using Avast Antivirus home wich is free and extremelly good for me and a small tool called Privacy Expert for a firewall and antispyware\antimalware protection.