[Dirki]

There are so many tests, opinions about which security programs / kind of security programs one should have running on the PC (or not) to protect it for all kinds of malware. So which kind of programs (anti-virus-, anit-spyware / -ad-ware, firewall, programs offering a combination of that) do one really need, which (kind of) programs are useful?

As far as I know there are three categories of programs one should use:

1. malware program (protecting / blocking / detecting for spyware, adware, Trojan Horses...)
2. firewall program (protecting for unwanted access from / to your system)
3. anti-virus program (protecting for viruses and similar...I am just wondering what else for..)

Is that right?

And which programs (e.g. Malwarebytes, SuperAntiSpyware, AntiVir, SypBot & Destroy, ZoneAlarm...) do really a good work?

Nice greetings, Dirk

[1002richards]

Hi and Welcome to TSG,
A very intereting article on that subject at TechSupportAlert - an indpendent site free of ads etc:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/how-...re-your-pc.php

Richard

[Mr. Newton]

I use only one program that covers all you ask for.I used to have 4/5 different programs until I found this one.I have been using it for 3 years now and it works great.I actually forget about security knowing how good this one is.
http://www.eeye.com/html/products/blink/index.html

[hrlow2]

I personally take the dedicated program route,as compared to a suite.
Avira AntiVir (free)
Comodo Personal Firewall
SuperAntiSpyware (on demand scanning)
MalwareBytes (on demand scanning)
SpywareBlaster (on startup)
WinPatrol (on startup) Gotta have Scotty.

[Jason08]

I use MBAM, McAfee Anti-virus, and McAfee firewall.

[Phantom010]

• ESET Smart Security (NOD32 antivirus + firewall + anti-spyware)
• Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (free or real-time scanning)
• SuperAntiSpyware (free)
• SpywareBlaster (free)
• Common sense!

[Gizzy]

I won't post my setup since that would just start another dissussion I don't feel like going into.....again

What you need depends on how high risk of a web surfer you are,
If you constantly download questionable programs from unknown places and browse to dangerous sites then you'll need more security.

But I would agree with what everyone else has posted and basically for most users it should be
1 Firewall
1 Anti-Virus
Supplement with some Anti-spyware scanners like Malwarebytes' and/or SUPERAntispyware

And like Phantom010 said "common sense", probably one of the most important steps to computer security.

[Phantom010]

And... don't download through P2P or torrent applications and stay away from porn sites...

[blitzkreig]

kaspersky internet security 2009 is fantastic for me. I haven't had any malware for almost 2-3 months. Thats a bit surprising because I am a very heavy downloader.

[Phantom010]

I am a very heavy downloader

Shame on you!

[blitzkreig]

I know.

[blitzkreig]

I dont use p2p s*** any more.

[‡*¶‡õ]

Consumer reports magazine recently tested out quite a few. ESET smart security did the best, so i recently got it. works perfectly and fast.

[AKAJohnDoe]

It a balancing act of trade-offs. Some of them are: Cost; Resource Consumption; Effort to Configure/Maintain; Effectiveness; Risk; Ability; and so forth.

Everyone must make these decisions for themselves. Like everything else, it does take some effort to make informed decisions.

[templeton_peck]

to echo whats been said above, a (properly configured) router, an anti-virus program and common sense is ample protection. common sense being the MOST important thing.