Why do you try different security applications/schemes?

[Sully]

Why do you try so many different security tools? Are you searching for something?

Sul.

[Creer]

To find the best protection I can that also has the lowest resource usage possible :thumb:

[ExtremeGamerBR]

To find the best protection I can that also has the lowest resource usage possible.

[Woodgiant]

I have not changed my preferred AV-vendor the last 4 years.:) But I still play around and test new versions from those vendors I find interesting, or who have come out with a different approach to manage malware. I do this mainly because it is fun, and it is nice to have knowledge of other AV-vendors solutions.

Best Regards

Woodgiant

[safeguy]

To learn mostly of the different schemes and for which purposes or target group that it works best for. Not everyone likes the UAC, not everyone can run as LUA, not everyone can handle HIPS, not everyone can live with Light Virtualization, etc etc...With every trial, I get a wider/deeper perception of the various schemes...to appreciate the strengths (Pros) and the realize the inherent weaknesses (Cons) of each without much bias/prejudice...

Personally, I'm trying to find something that comforts me, suits my personal wants and usage pattern and that suits others using my PC. IOTW, something that feels most 'right' at home. I'm also trying to find a scheme/ideology that can last me for a long time, meaning to say one that can withstand without much updating, one that is relatively silent but ought to alert me when something 'fishy' may be going on in the background. I'm merely trying to find a balance...

[Rampastein]

I rarely try something, but when I do, I try to find the best combination of good protection, lightness and easy of use for everyone using the computer.

[Osaban]

In the last 3 years my system has been fairly static, I don't change much really, the only addition lately has been Sandboxie.

[Boost]

What I use works,no need to try different combos.

[Daveski17]

I often try different security extensions for browsers out of curiosity. At the end of the day you learn from experience I suppose. That may qualify me as a 'software junkie' though ... ;)

[Noob]

First curiosity to experiment and second to get the best security without conflicts between software.
About performance, i've only experienced a few times that a software hogs my PC down and it's usually conflicts ;D

[Mr.PC]

-{ Quote: "To find the best protection I can that also has the lowest resource usage possible " }--{ Quote: "To find the best protection I can that also has the lowest resource usage possible." }-
+1.
That's the Ideal Combo!

[nikanthpromod]

Timepass;D

[sweater]

To find the very best protective layers but has low system resource usage impact. Hhmmnn..maybe I have already found it. As of Now...Who knows time change and new ones appears and still the other ones arrives. ;)

[SIR****TMG]

Protection is best protected in layers .:D :)

[Page42]

I voted for the 2nd choice, To find the best protection I can that also has the lowest resource usage possible,

but the 3rd choice, I am a software junkie, figures into the mix.

I think Sul could have combined the two choices and come up with an appropriate category... i.e. I am a security junkie!

The ongoing (if not constant and relentless) desire to improve upon one's security set up, combined with a strong appreciation for pleasing software UI's and impressive program features dominates this (security junkie) category.

There is at least a minor tendancy to believe in the FUD that gets thrown in our direction (whether we like to admit it or not), and a healthy dose of pride gets factored in as well... pride that our computers stay operational when all around us, friends and acquaintances appear to be fighting a losing battle against malware.

The desire to not-get-owned must be stronger in us than in online society in general, and our willingness to devote disportionate amounts of time to our computing well-being is evidence that we belong to this small, yet elite class of computer users. That we have fun doing it is obvious. That we are worthy of study, as a gathering of devoted entusiasts, will one day probably be manifested by some college student's term paper.

[Tarnak]

My choice -"glutton for punishment" ;)

[Ibrad]

I like trying new things while keeping safe with the lowest mem usage possible. I really love the tools without many users but work great so I normally try them from time to time.

[tpro]

I am a software junkie (trjam is my idol) ;D

[CJsDad]

I voted #2 but I would like to add another one.

4. Curiosity. Sometimes I just want to see what all the hype is about with the latest/greatest program. Sometimes it works out for the best and I'll keep the program and sometimes it doesnt work out and I move on.
Hmmm, maybe this can be labeled under software junkie also?

[trjam]

necessity

[Hungry Man]

I don't for the most part. I've tried out some software but I usually end up in the same place. The only time I'll keep a security measure is when it has little to no performance effect.

[J_L]

I try to find the best security with moderately low background resource usage. That and being a software junkie fits me.

[roady]

Option 2 And 3.....;D
Too bad I only can select 1....:P

[blacknight]

Option 1, and then, it'a funny to try something new.

[clayieee]

To find the best protection I can that also has the lowest resource usage possible.

[noone_particular]

My security app experimenting days are largely behind me, save for the occasional virtual system and satisfying my curiosity about some apps. Regarding the 3 options, number 3 never really fit me. When I first started taking security seriously, number one was my priority. I had 3 AVs, 2 on demand and one resident. Had 2 firewalls running with a couple of the most twisted rulesets I've ever seen (I started with rule based firewalls). Must have had at least 6 anti-spyware, anti-trojan, etc installed. Had integrity checking for system files and folders, polling regularly. Had at least 2 apps monitoring my registry. My bootup times were exceeding 3 minutes. Sluggish didn't begin to describe my internet speed. The system was so loaded down I had to reboot every few hours. I was willing to tolerate all of this at the time. What finally killed this mess was some of the updates to the AVs. It was becoming very difficult to keep them from conflicting and to keep some of them limited to being "on-demand" only.

This all changed when I was introduced to default-deny and started testing Max's versions of System Safety Monitor. During this time, I found that Internet Explorer was the single largest vector exploited by malware. I stopped using, then started blocking its internet access and ability to run at all. Shortly afterwards, I started removing it, and began taking other steps to reduce the attack surface. I stopped using a resident AV during this time, keeping one manual scanner, which I stopped using about a year later.

In the end, I found that the methods that best secured my system were also the ones that used the least resources. My core security package hasn't changed in years and I see no reason to change it now. The rulesets for these apps have gradually evolved, but for the most part, what worked then still works now. It's just so much simpler to keep tract of the few apps you use than to try to keep up with hundreds of thousands pieces of malicious code. My system is so much more responsive when it's not checking every accessed file, process, etc against that giant database of undesirables. I've often wondered just how much hard drive wear can be attributed to AVs and their detection databases.

[Brandonn2010]

3 but also 2 and 3. I am just interested in all the different security programs available. Today I installed BufferZone on my Mom's computer to see how well it works and if it interferes with her daily computer usage.

[cm1971]

I just went through testing stuff on my laptop mainly to get the right balance between security and usability. The first try was a bit much and caused conflicts and crashes. I think I have a winner now however. ;D

[SirPeterPan]

To find the best protection I can that also has the lowest resource usage possible.

Which means nothing resident atm.

[pegr]

I voted for option 2 but to that I would also add system stability and the ability to co-exist with other installed software without causing issues.

[farmerlee]

I like to experiment a lot but i also like to take a minimalistic approach. I always strive to use the least amount of apps while trying to cover all areas that i consider to be a risk to me.

[progress]

To find the best protection with the lowest resource usage :)

[Eiso]

Testing different security applications/schemes has become an enjoyable hobby for me, like a video game. The idea of finding the best and consistent protection to keep out malicious preying eyes from my professional work and life is much exciting.

[AaLF]

Junkie here. 'mazing. About 80% of respondents are in denial.

[djohn]

I voted software junkie,because I already have the best security with least amount of resources.;D

[luciddream]

I believe 3 applies at least somewhat to all of us. That's why it's not enough for us to simply try to find that perfect balance of security/usability... but to talk about it with others who share this like-minded interest :-*

For me, 2 is definitely the goal. And honestly, I think I've found it as far as XP is concerned. Sandboxie was the missing piece of the puzzle. That + an imaging regimen = the core. Comodo is there because I like having that control. I often toy with the idea of getting rid of it to reclaim even more of my resources. I'm very confident that my system is & will remain clean, so I don't really "need" it. But that junkie in me (#3) likes to know everything that's going on.

Oh jeez... now I'm thinking about just going router/Sandboxie. Now just look what you did to me Sully. I'm a mess! ;)

[Sully]

-{ Quote: "

Oh jeez... now I'm thinking about just going router/Sandboxie. Now just look what you did to me Sully. I'm a mess! ;)" }-

As William Wallace would have said:

F R E E D O M ! !

Sul.

[philby]

-{ Quote: "Sandboxie was the missing piece of the puzzle. That + an imaging regimen = the core.
I'm thinking about just going router/Sandboxie." }-
Do it - you won't regret it... :)

No noise and solid, if you're careful.

philby

[Mr.PC]

Some...have so much Free Time to...around...:-X

[jadinolf]

I settled on my security software about 6 years ago and haven't changed since.

Before that- yes I tried many.

[djohn]

I am suprised I have not destroyed a pc yet from the installs, uninstalls,and some violent BSOD along the way.I think the worst was a couple yrs back when I had Vista and installed Drive sentry that borked my system bad.everytime it tried to boot it made a horriable clicking or snapping noise.Sound like a old car I had.

[Boost]

I dont try new software,life is too short to be playing around on a PC all the time,get out,enjoy life!

Life is short,enjoy!

[LoneWolf]

-{ Quote: "Why do you try so many different security tools?
Sul." }-

Because I can. ;D
No seriously, what began as a quest to find the most secure setup after so many failed attempts has evolved into a sort of a hobby.
I simply enjoy trying different setups.

[trjam]

Who do you think started it all in 2006 at this place. .:blink: ;)


with the same sig and locked up Wilders UBB software with to many avatar changes. lol

[The Hammer]

-{ Quote: "Who do you think started it all in 2006 at this place. .:blink: ;)


with the same sig and locked up Wilders UBB software with to many avatar changes. lol" }-
Yup, you da man. The original quick change artist.;)

[1chaoticadult]

Software junkie lol...

[djohn]

-{ Quote: "Who do you think started it all in 2006 at this place. .:blink: ;)


with the same sig and locked up Wilders UBB software with to many avatar changes. lol" }-
You the king.;D

[djohn]

-{ Quote: "Because I can. ;D
No seriously, what began as a quest to find the most secure setup after so many failed attempts has evolved into a sort of a hobby.
I simply enjoy trying different setups." }-
I enjoy it as well,its fun.

[moontan]

i did not fill in the poll because i did not seem to fit anywhere in there.

for a lot of years, i dealt with malwares by reformatting and re-installing Windows.
i did not do any sensitive transactions online so i did not care.

then i started doing banking online and my concerns increased.

first, i just wanted to be protected.
then i became concerned with system resource usage.
then, i tried to avoid security softwares/setups that got on my nerves. lol
last stage was to try to find security apps that did not have an impact on convenience, and day to day workflow.

the list of suitable security apps and setups grew thinner and thinner... ;)

[AaLF]

Now that you guys invoked a bit of nostalgia/trivia, who was the dedicated Dr. Web believer when Wilders forum was worshipping NoD32 v2.7?

[Rompin Raider]

-{ Quote: "Who do you think started it all in 2006 at this place. .:blink: ;)


with the same sig and locked up Wilders UBB software with to many avatar changes. lol" }-
Avira....Have I Been drinking?

[progress]

-{ Quote: "Avira....Have I Been drinking?" }-

I guess he will use Panda again tomorrow :D

[djohn]

-{ Quote: "I guess he will use Panda again tomorrow :D" }-
He can just run them all at once and then screen shot a bunch of avitars together.;D

[Noob]

LOL Trjam really did cause a mess by changing too much avatars? ::)