[Shoya]

Hi everyone and I apologize, before hand, for what I suspect is a repetative question.

I need help selecting a new security suite software. I was running CA Security Suite; however, first, the software stole RAM from other apps - particularly high RAM usage apps such as Photoshop; second; it kept canceling downloads and uploads to/from known and trusted sites; and finally, it would not permit access to sites via links. The techs at CA acknowledged that these issues existed, but did not have a fix at the moment.

I am now using McAfee since it comes "free" with Comcast. I hate it! It's incredibly slow; is a resource hog and has failed twice in less than a week. It also keeps issuing false reports of trouble when I try opening graphic files (my own files, not downloads).

So, I need a program that will function well without slowing my system. I do a lot of graphic work; load images onto my web site and do some web design work. I just went through a really awful spyware/malware episode that took over a week to get corrected (while running CA active). Does anyone have some suggestions as to products? Thanks!

[HCD]

Avast anti-virus (Free) - Zone Alarm (Free) - Superantispyware (Free). Or.....
Kaspersky - paid. Best of the bunch!

Some issues with Zone Alarm and Vista - Comodo Firewall a good 2nd

[TOGG]

ESET Smart Security? ;http://www.eset.co.uk/smartsecurity/index.php

[Shoya]

Thank you, both, for your suggestions. A friend also recommened Kaspersky, I downloaded a trial copy and am now running it active on my system. I've already noted some issues and do not know if these are related to the program or some other system problem: very slow browsing; multiple pop-ups asking me the same questions - ie. do you accept this website? I'll keep running the program and see how it behaves on my system. I will also take a look at ESET. Thanks, again, for your help.

[TechOutsider]

Clamwin For the Win! Fast scanning, FREE, high detection rates, and regular updates. Many major Anti-virus vendors issue "dummy" updates, and in the case of McAfee, They only issue daily updates.

Clamwin also has a feature you can use to scan processes loaded in the memory. It can also unload malicious processes.

Good Luck! No i am not a employee of Clamwin :P

[Shoya]

Thanks for the suggestion. I've never heard of Clamwin, but will certainly check it out. On Kaspersky; my system has really slowed to a crawl since doing the install. I use Photoshop extensively; it is, as you probably already know, a major RAM hog. Trying to run PS when online and using Kaspersky is painfully slow. Is this normal for this software? Before installing Kaspersky I had not problem running PS while online. BTW: I don't know if this has any meaning; however, my ISP is Comcast. Comcast can be, and often is, quite slow and unstable. Perhaps that is the issue and not the security suite. Any ideas will be most welcome.

[TechOutsider]

Kaspersky is naturally slow. It's scan rate is a little over 5mb/sec...most other anti virus programs scan 15mb/sec. Running photoshop along with Kaspersky will slow things down to a crawl............

Comcast is most likely not causing the issue.

[suns2remember]

Try BitDefender ..Top rated antivirus program...comes with everything...read about it...or google it!

[TechOutsider]

Bitdefender is not free and has low detection rates. It ranks below Kaspersky.

[Shoya]

Okay - its official, Kaspersky is awful! It really slows my system down to a crawl. The Anti SPAM feature does very little while occupying a lot of RAM. Worst of all, it allowed numerous spy ware installs. Thankfully, SPYBOT found and removed these items.

ESET looks good; however, since I am not in the UK, I am unsure if I can actually purchase this one.

As to Cyber-Defender; You have go to be kidding!! I downloaded the “free trail” it immediately crashed my system. Upon reboot it immediately commandeered IE, went online and to their site where they tried selling me another product. Then when I declined my system hung and I had to reboot just to get rid of all the pop-ups for various Clamwin products. Now I am trying to get all of this off my system for good – yet another nightmare! Sure you can uninstall – sort of – but then it keeps issuing pop-ups making “great offers” for more stuff I do not want/need. Finally, after much trouble, I got it uninstalled. However, the idiotic tool bar remains and defies most everything I’ve done to get rid of it. I know, now I have to go to regedit and look it up until I have deleted every reference – what a pain. So, NO to Clamwin. What a firkin NIGHTMARE

So, I’m back to the drawing board and still looking for a good, easy to use and non-invasive program.

[Shoya]

Ah…sorry for the idiocy! Of-course, ESET has a download for the US. Stupidly I just hit the link provided rather than doing a Google. I am downloading the software now and will try it out. Thanks for the suggestions.

[TOGG]

I only have experience of Esets's antivirus, NOD32, but I haven't had any problems with it. Eset market their products heavily on their claims that it is light on resources, so it will be interesting to find out how you get on.

I assume that the 'suite' will consume more resources than the AV does but, hopefully, not too much more!.

[Shoya]

I think I've found a winner! Thank you for the recommendation of ESET Security suite. I downloaded a trial version this morning and spent the rest of the day working on and off line. Even with Photoshop, Bridge and Word all open I was able to be online, uploading material and surfing without any noticable slow down. In fact, if anything, the system seems to run quicker and smoother than before. I also really like their anti-spam interface that removes the suspected SPAM without demanding constant input by the user. All and all, if things continue on this level, I think I've found the software for me. Thanks again!

[TOGG]

If all continues to go well for you I might be tempted to take the plunge and try the suite myself!.

My current AV licence runs until October next year (the two year licence is cheaper!), but I could probably upgrade at reasonable cost..

[tex0gen]

Originally Posted by TechOutsider

Kaspersky is naturally slow. It's scan rate is a little over 5mb/sec...most other anti virus programs scan 15mb/sec. Running photoshop along with Kaspersky will slow things down to a crawl............

Comcast is most likely not causing the issue.

Not true at all!

I have kaphersky and photoshop and both run at the same time they run awesome!
Kaphersky for me is a great antivirus having used mcafee, norton and AVG... this one comes out on top by a mile. The scan rate is a little slow when doing a full computer scan but id say this only needs to be done once and it scans your computer all the time its on. This takes VERY little system speed and got 2nd in best secruity 2007.

I would like to try Nod32 being the best security by miles for 3 years running is it?

100% owns all other security.

Check for yourself on google.