What kind of computer security should I have/get?

[disneybound31]

I bought a new laptop a few months ago. My first computer purchase...previous computer was a desktop dinosaur given to us by a family member. Worked terribly, but it worked. When it stopped working I got a HP Notebook and love it ad took advantage of the free 60 or 90 (?) day Norton security trial and when it expired a few weeks ago I thought I would just renew it for the yearly fee, but it is pretty steep. Is there a more economical system to subscribe to? I need some pointers here please.

TIA

 

[solfan68]

McAfee and Norton are both system hogs. And they charge you for this great privilege. Simply google "free antivirus" and you'll come up with some nice alternatives. We have been using Avast for the last two years, and have friends who swear by AVG.

 

[WDWham]

I also use Avast and I would recomend it to anyone. The home version is free and I love the automatic updates. You cannot go wrong with it.

 

[sylvenmaid]

I really dislike Norton. Not only is it a system hog, but it doesn't always catch all the trojans. I put AVG on mine and downloaded the completely free version from CNET dot com. I love it. It caught everything and my computer runs great. The best part is it's free.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

Moving over to the Community Board for suggestions.

 

[browneyes106]

AVG Internet Security version is really good.

 

[FireDancer]

The free versions of AVG or Avast are all I would consider running. I am an I.T. professional and AVG is on my computer and every computer I run.

To be honest though, the best security in the world will not make up for user behavior. Most exploits now are not viruses, they are bad scripts on web pages or faults in Java engines in programs like PDF readers or flash. On top of running the free virus software I would not browse with anything other than Firefox with Cookie Safe and NoScript installed. You can block scripts with NoScript and only enable those you have to run to make websites run properly. NoScript also handles cross site scripting issues and clickjacking, which no AV software will help with.

Make sure to keep your system fully patched, and not only with Windows patches but with Adobe Reader and Flash as well as any other Internet facing software you use. I make sure all cookies are stored as session cookies only and don't let any persist and manually manage my flash cookies.

 

[bicker]

Microsoft is working on a option.

Here's a review of an earlier beta:

http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/microsoft-security-essentials-review-with-screenshots/

It looks like folks will have to wait a little bit, until the beta is completed and the production version is released, but from what I can see in the review, the most impressive part for me is how seamlessly it integrates into the operating system. That "perfect fit" feeling is very reassuring.

 

[DVC-Don]

I use NOD32 Antivirus along with Ad-Aware, Spybot Search and Destroy and Mawarebytes' Anti-Malware.