Questions About Malware Protection Software

Hello,

I recently purchased an XP system with Norton Internet Security whose protection is about to expire.

I'm under the understanding that many of the free tools work just as well if not better than Norton without requiring as many system resources.

1) Is it still true that the free tools (or a combination of them) work just about as well as the proprietary tools?

2) Is ZoneAlarm Free still the best option for a free firewall solution?

3) Is AVG Free still the best option for a free AV solution?

4) Is SpyBot S&D, AdAware 2007, SpywareBlaster still the best combination for adware and spyware removal and protection?

5) Should I add anymore tools to the previous list for additional protection or add some replace some, etc.?

Thanks in advance for your opinions. My apologies if this isn't the correct forum for this discussion but I hope that the major geeks will chime in. I have had great results from following your advice in the past.

 

Hi bper!
The ones you list work well together and are still among those we recommend in How to Protect Yourself from Malware. Comodo gets good ratings as a firewall, but I've seen a number of problems associated with it that Zone Alarm does not have. We recommend the programs in this link not only because they are both effective and free, but also because they do not have incompatibility issues and when put together they are very easy on your resources in comparison to the new security suites that are coming out. Norton's has some extra tools like their System Works which are great and if you have that, you can continue using it via the cd as the need arises without having to have their whole system using your resources. I think it would be a disservice to say that Symantec's or McAfees or Kaspersky's security systems are ineffective. They're simply very bulky and this does not increase their effectiveness.
The combination of programs you list in your questions is my own personal preference. Some people like Avast and Comodo. If you choose to remove Norton's from your system, you need to use their automated removal tool which you can access at the Symantec website or which you can download here at
Norton Removal Tool (SymNRT). The best order for getting a new antivirus on your computer with the least possible vulnerability, is to choose which antivirus program you want to install and download their installation program without running the installation program. Put it somewhere where you can find it later. Then disconnect from the internet while you run the Norton Removal Tool and after rebooting your computer only then run the installation for the new antivirus. After you've installed the new antivirus, reconnect to the internet and allow the new program to update. Then, if you want to, run a copy of HijackThis and attach the log and we can check to see if you got all the Symantec programs out of your computer. After your antivirus is running without problems, install your firewall and let those programs you want to have access to the internet connect. If you're not sure, say no. If you can't get onto the internet, you may have to reboot and let it ask you again. Then say yes. It's a good idea during these changes to set a restore point before each change. Set one before you remove Norton's. Set one before you put in the new antivirus. Set one before you put in the new firewall. I hope this answered all your questions.
abri

 

Thanks Abri!

Thanks for your opinions and for directing me to the link.

I appreciate your advice, and will look closely at your removal, installation instructions.