Firewall/Virus Protection?

[Bean]

Well, it's that time again when my free trial that came with my mobo of Norton Internet Security is going to expire. I was wondering what other Windows based users out there use for Virus and Firewall protection. I have AVG and Zonealarm on some of my other comps. Anyone?

[zeus]

Well, it's that time again when my free trial that came with my mobo of Norton Internet Security is going to expire. I was wondering what other Windows based users out there use for Virus and Firewall protection. I have AVG and Zonealarm on some of my other comps. Anyone?

What version of Windows are you running? Realistically, the firewall with XPsp2 is pretty good. (As much as it pains me to endorse a MS product)

[DW_KarmaKat]

I've been using AVG for the last couple of years. No glitches...love the auto update...and I think they're pretty good about staying on top of new threats....works and it's free!

I have multiple computers in home so I've got a network going with appropriate firewall settings etc. on the router. The XP version of Windows firewall seems to play nice with my Linksys equipment (for a change...something from MicroSoft actually working with another companies product! wooooohoooo). ZoneAlarm works just fine as well. I've used it before, but when the current 'puter arrived, I got lazy and didn't put it on.

I won't ever go back to Norton's or McAfee...for just antivirus protection, I don't see the need to spend $$$ when I can get something that works just as well for free.

Here's a link to a site with some useful monitoring/testing tools:
http://www.grc.com/default.htm
I recommend you run the "ShieldsUp" utility. Good port checker!

KKat

[Bean]

I am using Xp sp2.... You actually endorse their firewall??? Guess I never gave it a chance.

[DW_Cheapshot]

Wont run without Zone Alarm, Us paranoid types need to
know where each and every outbound is going. If setup
correctly does not get in the way. I do turn it off when gaming
when I remember, but I Can't tell a difference.
Never used the windows one revoving it is the second thing I do
on a new system. first is add zone alarm. Dont forget your
critical MS updates. I use free Avast for virus detection. Cheap

[zeus]

I am using Xp sp2.... You actually endorse their firewall??? Guess I never gave it a chance.

Unfortunately.. :) I think that it is a good basic firewall. I also use their antispyware package (defender i believe).

Also, AVG seems to be the defacto antivirus for home right now. I would not trust norton at this point, unless you have an enterprise AV need.

[BRYAN_OF_OYBRO]

I run AVG coupled with Kerio Personal Firewall. Very good combination. Kerio works a lot like zone alarm, and it even blocks banner ads in websites!

[kaeolian]

Yeah im running AVG virus protection and just using the WinXP sp2 firewall seems to do the trick pretty nicely, one of the few things microsoft has done really well.

Other than that zone alarm is a solid firewall if you still dont trust microsoft (and I dont blame you if ya dont lol)

[Namu]

Ever since versions higher than 4 of Zone Alarm, I quit using it. It literely cut my speed in half. I now use Nvidia firewall, which is built into my mobo that has Nforce 4.

[DW_Hornet]

The firewall feature is only for nforce 4 ultras.

I use adblock on firefox to get rid of ads. Although you need to tell it which ones needs to go. it supports wildcards so i block entire sites.