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Thread ID: 81070	2007-07-15 00:29:00	Standalone Anti-Virus vs. Security Suites	alasta (6652)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
569146	2007-07-15 00:29:00	I'm planning on buying a Windows based notebook at some stage over the next few weeks, and I want to ensure that I have all the security software that I need beforehand. Based on the feedback that I've heard, I've decided to stay away from Norton so I've been considering the AVG and Bit Defender security suites which are around $70 and $100 respectively for a one year subscription for one PC. However, I've noticed that there is a free version of Avast available to home users but this appears to be just a standalone anti-virus package rather than a complete security suite. Does that mean that my PC would remain vulnerable if I were to install only this software alone? Do the makers of Avast offer a complete package? I've also looked at NOD32 which is described by the local distributor as "anti-threat software". Does that mean that it offers the same degree of protection as the complete security suites mentioned above? At around $70 this would seem to be good value if it does offer total protection. As someone who has used Macs for most of my life I find this all very confusing, so any guidance would be much appreciated!	alasta (6652)
569147	2007-07-15 01:08:00	Neither Avast Home or Pro are firewalls. And I dont think Avast make any Internet Security Suite software. BUT Pro does have more in it than Home. Avast Pro, includes a Network Shield (and from what I've seen it can detect whatever across a network (It picked up a trojan once, on the other PC), in the System Restore folder/s. While I was on this PC, it scans sites you go to, email, files you download, P2P, IM programs, Outlook, and Script Blocking. You only need ONE Internet Security Suite, which usually includes an AV program and firewall. It's NOT a good idea to install more than 1 firewall, as they'll conflict and will cause problems. But, if you decide to get AVG or Bit Defender. Get one, NOT BOTH. Because you cant install both. You can get a standalone AV program, and a standalone firewall (Comodo in my sig is a standalone firewall). Or a suite which is the AV and the firewall.	Speedy Gonzales (78)
569148	2007-07-15 01:12:00	Just out of curiosity, what is your reason for moving to a Windows laptop? Are you looking for a cheaper laptop replacement? What work do/will you do on your laptop? I use AVG, Spybot and Comodo (firewall) on XP Pro (on Parallels). They are all free apps.	winmacguy (3367)
569149	2007-07-15 01:22:00	Neither Avast Home or Pro are firewalls. And I dont think Avast make any Internet Security Suite software. BUT Pro does have more in it than Home. Avast Pro, includes a Network Shield (and from what I've seen it can detect whatever across a network So if I were to get Avast Home or Pro and couple it with a standalone firewall utility then I would have everything that I need to maintain a reasonable degree of security? Edit : I see that you've linked to some firewall software in your post. I'll have a look at these. I'm guessing that NOD32 also lacks a firewall? It's NOT a good idea to install more than 1 firewall, as they'll conflict and will cause problems. But, if you decide to get AVG or Bit Defender. Get one, NOT BOTH. Yep, I figured that would be the case. I'm trying to decide apon a single cost effective solution, and I certainly don't intend to overlap different tools.	alasta (6652)
569150	2007-07-15 01:25:00	Just out of curiosity, what is your reason for moving to a Windows laptop? Are you looking for a cheaper laptop replacement? What work do/will you do on your laptop? I have a Mac Mini tied to my desk at home which I'm quite happy with so I will continue to use it, but the need has arisen for me to get a notebook also. I'll be getting a Windows based machine partly to maintain consistency with the software that I use at work, but also because of the lower cost and the fact that I think it's beneficial to have access to both platforms. I use AVG, Spybot and Comodo (firewall) on XP Pro (on Parallels). They are all free apps. Thanks for that. I'll check these options out.	alasta (6652)
569151	2007-07-15 01:28:00	Nod32 doesn't have a firewall either. If you are on broadband & your router has a firewall/NAT then you don't need a fancy software firewall - the windows firewall will be good enough. Avast free has realtime spyware protection & AVG doesn't. Spybot is better at removing spyware than any antivirus/antispyware combo programs I've tried but it doesn't have realtime protection.	Greven (91)
569152	2007-07-15 01:36:00	So if I were to get Avast Home or Pro and couple it with a standalone firewall utility then I would have everything that I need to maintain a reasonable degree of security? Yup, it'll be just as good as one of the Internet Security Suite programs. I'm only using Avast Pro and Comodo. Comodo is ok, but can be tricky if u have to add something to its Network Monitor ( adding TCP/UDP ports etc to some programs, if u have to). Hopefully V3 of Comodo, which is out soon is easier to figure out! And keeping away from things like dodgy sites, P2P programs, and installing programs that install malware, will stop you getting anything nasty (obviously). You wouldnt even need an AV program, or firewall. I'm guessing that NOD32 also lacks a firewall? Correct, I dont think NOD32 includes a firewall either. I maybe wrong. I've never installed NOD32.	Speedy Gonzales (78)
569153	2007-07-15 02:37:00	Yup, it'll be just as good as one of the Internet Security Suite programs . I'm only using Avast Pro and Comodo . Thanks . That makes things much clearer for me . It's interesting that Comodo Firewall doesn't seem to support Windows Vista . I guess that's something that they'll tackle in due course .	alasta (6652)
569154	2007-07-15 02:46:00	It's interesting that Comodo Firewall doesn't seem to support Windows Vista. I guess that's something that they'll tackle in due course. Version 3 will support Vista. It should be out in a few months. It's in Alpha or beta now. Altho, I wouldn't try it atm, it maybe a bit buggy.	Speedy Gonzales (78)
569155	2007-07-15 03:14:00	I have a Mac Mini tied to my desk at home which I'm quite happy with so I will continue to use it, but the need has arisen for me to get a notebook also. I'll be getting a Windows based machine partly to maintain consistency with the software that I use at work, but also because of the lower cost and the fact that I think it's beneficial to have access to both platforms. Sounds like a good plan.:) Good luck with your anti virus app choices.:thumbs:	winmacguy (3367)
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