stand-alone apps vs. integrated security suites

DeeOhGee · Oct 31, 2008

Let me say that the MajorGeeks website ROCKS! Thank you to ALL the people who make this site possible and to those who provide advice to the myriad of situations that users, like me, come across.

My head is spinning from all the differnt choices for security software. In general, is it better to use:
1) Stand-alone [free] security programs (anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall), like the ones found through the MajorGeeks Top Freeware picks or,
2) An integrated [free] security suite like Comodo Internet Security (didn't find it on MajorGeeks, but can be found on the Comodo website) or,
3) Paid software?

What are the major benefits/drawbacks from either option?

Regardless of which option is selected, should I also install:
1) SpywareBlaster and/or SpyBot
2) Comodo BOClean or PC Tools Threatfire

Based upon your personal preferences, what apps do you use/recommend. May be asking for a lot here, but I'd prefer something that doesn't use too much resources, provides great protection, and is free... but I'd be willing to pay a [nominal] fee for the right apps.

I'm new to the Forums (and just looking to be helpful), so If I'm not supposed to post this type of information mentioned below, please let me know and I won't...

But if it is OK to post, and in case anyone is interested, I came across some instructions on how users can request (from PC Tools) a free 1-year license subscription to PC Tools Internet Security 2009. The info I have was working as of earlier today.

plodr · Oct 31, 2008

I usually go free - I'm cheap LOL.
Currently four of our five computers go on the internet so they have protection.
All three windows computers have SpywareBlaster and Superantispyware (free version).
Two computers are running AVG 8 (free; make sure if you install you go through a custom install to avoid major slowdowns). This version is both an av and anti-malware detector.
One computer is running the paid program VIPRE from Sunbeltsoftware (combo of av and anti-malware).
I installed the paid version of Malwarebytes on my husbands computer. It comes free but I wanted him to have real time monitoring and auto-updating. I was so impressed when I had to use it this past weekend to clean up someone's computer that I bought a copy for my husband.
All windows computers are running ZA free firewall even though I am behind a router. I feel a software firewall is double protection just in case something is wrong in the hardware firewall of the router.

Personally, I usually avoid combo suites. I'd rather have different companies watching my back.

Whatever you decide on, search a bit to be sure that they will work together. Before I installed Malwarebytes paid, I made sure it would not conflict with AVG8.

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stand-alone apps vs. integrated security suites

DeeOhGee Private E-2

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member