Please recommend me an AV + Firewall combination - Thanks!

[Vicky1]

Hello,

I am an average webmaster, and too much concerned about security of my system. What I do not want is:

* Having any virus executed on my system, as it could probably erase my very important data.

* Having any spyware on my system, as it could steal passwords of my important domains and so.

I have been using Norton + Sygate for years, but I think its time to change things .. I have not been very satisfied with Norton, as I was got infected by a known virus in the presence of Norton (Auto-Protect Enabled), and it detected the virus in USB Drive after execution. Secondly, its so goddamn heavy.

Sygate is just not updated for years, so I prefer to drop that as well.

Now, I am after a new and better combination of two .. which don't slow the system much and offer good security.

A couple days ago I installed NOD32 v3 + COMODO Firewall v3, I was quit happy with both .. but I noticed some compatibility issues, those are also discussed here http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=192305 ... now I am not sure what to do.

Should I drop them both and find a better combination? Or get a decent AV to use with COMODO? ... Since NOD32 wont let any decent firewall do its work, should i must go?

I am confused :( ???

[DVD+R]

Hello Vicky1 :) You could try Avira Premium Security Suite, which is available here:

www.avira.com

I've personally used it for quite a while, and It has an excellent Antivirus rating. :dry:

[benton4]

I don't think bad language will get many good responses. With that said, I understand that Sygate is still a strong firewall. I myself use Comodo, w/out defense+ currently, and Avast. I also use Threatfire and the three seam to play very well on my system. I've trusted Avast for some time now and its reputation is very good. Hopefully some of the wiser folks here can provide you with other options/information. While I don't have any links handy, look thru this forum at the various firewall and AV posts. A lot of good information has been provided by some great people here.

[Sjoeii]

I really don't want to participate in any this is better than another. I suggest just test some and see what it can do for you. It all deoends on your own requirements.
Avira is ok
kaspersky is great

[Macstorm]

Personally, i would recommend Kaspersky Internet Security 7 over the rest, which includes a excellent firewall. It has everything you need.

If you want to give it a try (http://www.kaspersky.com/internet_security_trial), make sure to follow these guidelines (http://forum.kaspersky.com/index.php?showtopic=5233) before you install KIS. :)

[DVD+R]

{QUOTE-> I don't think bad language will get many good responses <-QUOTE}

Wheres the Bad Language :blink:

[zapjb]

I'd say KIS7.

[WSFuser]

NOD32 and Comodo get along fine for me. You could also consider reverting to version 2.7.

[innerpeace]

Hi Vicky, if your data is very important, then I hope you back it up to other locations or multiple locations. There are devices such as external hard drives and imaging programs that can do the job quite well. At the very minimum, regularly back up your data to a cd or dvd.

Any of the mainstream suites should do a good job for your protection. I also feel your frustrations toward Norton. I had NIS 2006 and it was a dog. I hear the 2007 and up versions are much lighter.

Kaspersky, Avira, Avg(Grisoft), Online Armor AV+(uses Kaspersky's engine), McAfee and Nod32 all have suites. I know there are more suites and I'm sure they will get posted here. All have their strengths and weaknesses and all will perform differently on your machine.

[Arup]

Avira is light on resources and is an excellent AV.

[ankupan]

So I am with GREAT product :)

{QUOTE-> I really don't want to participate in any this is better than another. I suggest just test some and see what it can do for you. It all deoends on your own requirements.
Avira is ok
kaspersky is great <-QUOTE}

[Edwin024]

NIS2007 and NIS2008 both run very light on my Vista Ultimate. No resource hogs too!

[Vicky1]

Thanks for the responses so far.

I guess I'd consider Kaspersky or NOD32 v2 + COMODO

Any other suggestions?

innerpeace, thanks for suggestion about backup. I guess I should spend some time on this as well before its too late. Thanks again.

{QUOTE-> I don't think bad language will get many good responses. <-QUOTE}

bad language? where?

[C.S.J]

buy a router with the built in firewall,

then just get an AV.

your choices are many, try the trials.

[xandros]

avira antivir premium + comodo firewall
kaspersky internet security , no need firewall
nod32 + comodo firewall


now i use kaspersky internet security on one of my computers
the another one i use avira antivir premium + comodo firewall

good luck

[Vicky1]

{QUOTE-> avira antivir premium + comodo firewall
kaspersky internet security , no need firewall
nod32 + comodo firewall


now i use kaspersky internet security on one of my computers
the another one i use avira antivir premium + comodo firewall

good luck <-QUOTE}

Thanks dude.

Can you tell me what version of COMODO you are using? I am also little confused about its Defense+ (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=192816) thing.

[Badcompany]

Hi Vicky1,
Dr Web AV & Online-Armor FW, These two are light on resources easy to install, and easy to set-up, Plus very good protection.
Badcompany.:thumb:

[buridan]

{QUOTE-> I don't think bad language will get many good responses. <-QUOTE}

Not to belabor the point but this sort of reminds me of Derek Zoolander's philanthropic exploits, namely, "The Derek Zoolander Center For Kids Who Can't Read Good And Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too."

Perhaps you intended to use "poor language" and "positive responses"? The irony here is delicious but, then again, the comedic value is priceless. Bravo benton4! Bravo… :shifty:

[Banshee]

In my opinion Kis7, F-secure 2008, NIS2008 are all top notch.

[LoneWolf]

{QUOTE-> Wheres the Bad Language :blink: <-QUOTE}

She said the N word. (Norton) ::) ;D ::)

[solcroft]

A webmaster? What kind of system/network are you maintaining, exactly? The answer to your question depends a lot on that.

[xandros]

{QUOTE-> Thanks dude.

Can you tell me what version of COMODO you are using? I am also little confused about its Defense+ (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=192816) thing. <-QUOTE}

Comodo Firewall Pro 3.0.13.268

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
1. Backup your important data.
2. Disable autorun on your external devices - cd, usb etc.
3. Use a light anti-virus - Nod, Avg, maybe Antivir.
4. Keep Sygate.
Mrk

[benton4]

Vicky1,
the way you describe the how Norton is so........heavy. Thats bad language. My kids read in this forum to learn about computer security, and up til know, cussing hasn't been a part of their education.

[C.S.J]

if norton 2007/2008 is heavy, my recommendation would be a new computer :)

[eBBox]

{QUOTE-> if norton 2007/2008 is heavy, my recommendation would be a new computer :) <-QUOTE}

:thumb: ;D 8)

[likuidkewl]

It's surprising this is still open. But it has been "on topic" sort of less the remarks of a new PC :blink:

As a few have said you need to test out all possibilities in your environment;
Things to consider:
1. Is this for use on a web server as you post implies or is it for a personal PC?
(maybe a bad translator, also with the damn?)
2. What other programs are causing the conflicts in your current setup?
3. Are you looking for free or paid versions?
4. Do you need more than one license?
5. Do you want a suite or a stand alone
6. Do you need the backup features of a program like 360 or OneCare(1 or 2 words?)
ETC....

Any AV "could" be light on your pc as some say this is light here and others say it is heavy.

Just do a search for any product name you are interested in and more than likely you will find a thread with some positives and negatives. Then you may be able to ask a "intelligent" question about the certain product ie. I am using XYZ application does anyone know if there are any conflicts etc. etc.

Please take no offense to the "intelligent" remark it is simply defining the question type and not the person :)

[Ghostcloak]

I think Kaspersky, or no32 or avira with online armor or comodo will work fine. Its up to you.;D

[JohnnyBravo]

What would you recommend:
1. Avira Security Suite
2. Avira Premium + Online Armor
3. Avira Security Suite (FW not installed) + Online Armor
The difference between 2 i 3 is WebGuard, is it worth ?

[Vicky1]

{QUOTE-> My kids read in this forum to learn about computer security, and up til know, cussing hasn't been a part of their education. <-QUOTE}

I am sorry for it.

By the way, what country you are from? And how old is your youngest kid who reads this forum?

{QUOTE-> A webmaster? What kind of system/network are you maintaining, exactly? The answer to your question depends a lot on that. <-QUOTE}

The solution I am looking for is for my personal computer, which I use to handle my websites. Backup copies of my websites, all my emails and similar important information is saved on this computer.

{QUOTE->
2. Disable autorun on your external devices - cd, usb etc.
<-QUOTE}

Excellent advise. I am surely doing this right now.

{QUOTE->
3. Use a light anti-virus - Nod, Avg, maybe Antivir.
4. Keep Sygate.
Mrk <-QUOTE}

I have purchased NOD32, but it is routing all internet traffic through its proxy thing and its making any firewall less useful .. (otherwise comodo is a good one)

I'd love to use NOD32 + Sygate if I could setup NOD32 in such a way that it doesn't pass my internet traffic through ekrn.exe and just behave like a typical AV and watch my system for new files and scan them before execution.

By the way, now, when Sygate is not updated for years .. do you still recommend using it? Is it still strong enough?

{QUOTE-> if norton 2007/2008 is heavy, my recommendation would be a new computer :) <-QUOTE}

I have Intel 3.06GHz HT with 2GB RAM .. afaik, its a decent system to handle Norton, but still Norton is heavier than its counterparts.
Plus, my even important concern is that my system got infected via USB drive when Norton was installed, updated and Auto Protect was enabled (why it let any .exe run before scanning at first place)?. And that virus was not new .. I remember cleaning my friends' computer 1+ year ago from the same virus.

{QUOTE->
Just do a search for any product name you are interested in and more than likely you will find a thread with some positives and negatives. Then you may be able to ask a "intelligent" question about the certain product ie. I am using XYZ application does anyone know if there are any conflicts etc. etc.

Please take no offense to the "intelligent" remark it is simply defining the question type and not the person :) <-QUOTE}

I am in position to do a search, but instead of finding and trying every possible application in the market .. I thought its better to ask for recommendations first, and then try some of those applications to see what fits my needs.
And I don't think asking for recommendation is less "intelligent" ;) ..


Everyone, thank you so much for replying, suggestions and advices so far. :)

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
Vicky, Sygate might not have been updated - but neither have the internet protocols. The packets are the same. It's still a great product, light, bug-free, robust. There's no reason to hype over new products.
Mrk

[031]

@ Vicky1
good decision , you have purchased an excellent product . whatever no av will give you 100% detecion , if you are that much concerned you could use one or two back up ondemand scanners . i would suggest bitdefender free edition . you could also use avast or avira ( both have a free edition for personal use) just don't install the guard or shield portion , thats all .
good luck .

[Kerodo]

{QUOTE-> I'd love to use NOD32 + Sygate if I could setup NOD32 in such a way that it doesn't pass my internet traffic through ekrn.exe and just behave like a typical AV and watch my system for new files and scan them before execution.

By the way, now, when Sygate is not updated for years .. do you still recommend using it? Is it still strong enough?

<-QUOTE}
Sygate is still a fine firewall, however, it does have a proxy issue. So if Nod32 uses any kind of proxy in it's web scanner or otherwise, then Sygate is probably not a good choice. Check older threads on Sygate for details..

[Straight Shooter]

Just use Avast Free and a router-Windows Firewall combination. What do need the headaches of a software firewall for? I tried Comodo for a couple of months and all it did was get in my face! add Windows Defender with the HIPS and you'll be all set, and richer...

[Brent Hutto]

{QUOTE-> Just use Avast Free and a router-Windows Firewall combination. What do need the headaches of a software firewall for? I tried Comodo for a couple of months and all it did was get in my face! add Windows Defender with the HIPS and you'll be all set, and richer... <-QUOTE}

In trying to decide what to do about my security stuff I've been thinking along the same lines, Shooter. At home my desktop and notebook both share a cable-Internet connection via a WRT54G router (with no-broadcast SSID, WPA2 encryption, etc.) and I'm thinking it shouldn't take much to keep them running clean. I used to use Zone Alarm but it was a constantly nagging annoyance so for the past few months I've been using on the default inbound Windows Firewall.

What is the "HIPS" that you refer to? I have Defender turned on and I think it occasionally updates itself but I don't know what options apply to running it. I think the only time I'd be a little leary is when using the notebook at at public WiFi outlet. Do you think an inbound-only Windows Firewall plus Defender is due prudence for an hour or two on an unsecured wireless?

[Straight Shooter]

Open up Defender, go to Tools, Microsoft Spynet, and then join with an advanced membership. You'll be all set. I read that Windows Defender has HIPS in that way from a post at DSLReeports. Here is the thread...
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19503800-Best-Freeware-HIPS

[Wordward]

Per the title of the thread. Avira Personal Edition and Webroot Desktop Firewall. (you can enable the Dynamic Security Agent HIPS in it, and it installs in Learning Mode) Or Avast Home and Online Armor Free. (I just think they make a nice combination) Other recommendations. Router with SPI Firewall, (Linksys router can be bought for under 50.00 dollars now) Windows Firewall, Avast Home, Spyware Doctor Starter Edition, (seriously) and ThreatFire Free. I have used all of the above and since I am behind a router firewall I think the Windows Firewall is enough protection in conjunction with an AV and HIPS. Avast is my new baby, and that along with Windows Defender (seriously. LOL.) and ThreatFire is good enough for me. Until tomorrow that is. LOL. Quick shout out to ma forum Homies. Hey innerpeace, 19monty64, and Hairy Coo. Yeah I'm still at it, you know, obsessing over the best protection set up. LOL. Oh yeah and a special shout out to duke1959. Oh wait that's right, that's me. LOL. Night night all.

[Hairy Coo]

{QUOTE-> Open up Defender, go to Tools, Microsoft Spynet, and then join with an advanced membership. You'll be all set. I read that Windows Defender has HIPS in that way from a post at DSLReeports. Here is the thread...
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19503800-Best-Freeware-HIPS <-QUOTE}

Hate to disappoint but Defender is anti-spyware, a good one, but not a HIPS-Spynet is merely the user database and the mod. just indicates changes without any blocking option.

Brent Hutto-In addition to Windows firewall and Defender-you will need an anti-virus app like Straight said,.,plus a HIPS,suggest Threatfire.

Edit;Howdy Wordward,Knew You would be back ASAP-ya cant resist experimenting!!!

[Wordward]

Yeah I know HC, but now I need to go to bed ASP. LOL. I had ZAAS installed again. (Go figure. LOL.) However I just need to try and keep it simple for now, and I feel Avast with either WD or Spyware Doctor SE and TF should do it. I really will try to stick with those at least for awhile. What do you think though? Windows Defender or Spyware Doctor Starter Edition? I doubt I'll get anyspyware using Firefox, plus Avast has some spyware detection, but you know me I have to add something else. LOL.

[zhoubaoqi]

Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition+PC TOOL+EQ

[Bunkhouse Buck]

Avira Personal Edition Premium + Comodo 3 firewall

This combination was tested on our 79 computers, and we had no conflicts or issues.