[sarah0405]

I'm definitely not computer savvy. I just purchased a Toshiba Satellite A215 - with a Windows Vista Home Premium 32 bit operating system. I do a lot of Internet surfing via wireless network and want to have the best protection for my new computer. I've been doing research on Internet Security Suites and I'm completely frustrated and confused. From what I can tell, it seems BitDefender has the best reviews. However, I need something that is easy to configure because I really don't know what I'm doing.

Also, I only have one computer so I don't want to purchase the 3 computers, 2 year packages. From what I can tell, I can download a 1 computer, 1 year package from BitDefender.com but I'm wondering if it's safe to go on the Internet without any protection to get this download?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

[1002richards]

Hi sarah0405 and welcome to TSG,
Some good clear and independent reviews of free (safe) security progs at this well regarded site (Tech Support Alert):
http://www.techsupportalert.com/security

I also use Sandboxie as an added layer for surfing (free prog):
http://www.sandboxie.com/
A similar free product is Returnil:
http://www.returnilvirtualsystem.com/

Both are easy to download, install and run with no probs.

Richard

[lunarlander]

The most important thing to do before you use your browser to go online anywhere is to do Windows Update. The security patches that Windows Update downloads prevents most known attacks.

[Sins]

I'm test driving Bit-Defender at the moment as I'm considering a change from PC-cillin. So far it's very easy and seems to be doing a great job with minimal input from me. It was easy to set up and install.

Many virus problems and malware attacks seem to come from porn sites and free warez sites. That doesn't mean there are not other sources but those are the most common. So stay away from those until you get some good protection in place.

As the gentleman said earlier, do the updates to your windows software and that helps a lot. Another thing you can do is use Firefox as a web browser since most attacks are directed against Internet Explorer (shudders).

Try to avoid Norton and go with Bitdefender, AVG, PC-cillin, Panda, Kapersky or some other mainstream provider that works well and shows good independent reviews.

[TechOutsider]

Try Norton 360 2.0

Or Norton Internet Security 2008.

Nice interface, small footprint, CNET's editor choice, PC World's Top Pick....the list goes on

Both are designed to shield you from intrusion attempts, hackers, and malware in general. And both have specialized tools for wireless networks.

[suns2remember]

Originally Posted by sarah0405

From what I can tell, it seems BitDefender has the best reviews. However, I need something that is easy to configure because I really don't know what I'm doing.

Also, I only have one computer so I don't want to purchase the 3 computers, 2 year packages. From what I can tell, I can download a 1 computer, 1 year package from BitDefender.com but I'm wondering if it's safe to go on the Internet without any protection to get this download?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

BitDefender have 2 settings, BASIC ( uses LARGE icons ) and ADVANCE-Its pretty much self explanatory...

I would say "YES" its safe, just make sure you have your windows firewall set to " ON " and go straight to GOOGLE and type BitDefender.

After you're done DL your BitDefender.... make sure you turn off your windows Firewall- I would, some say keep it on... JMO

[TechOutsider]

Norton has a higher detection rate than bitdefender.