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| Thread ID: 65534 | 2006-01-21 19:42:00 | Windows Internet Security Suites (Norton/ZoneAlarm) | AndrewMercer (9663) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 423082 | 2006-01-21 19:42:00 | Does anyone have any recommendations or preferences regarding Windows XP Internet Security Suites? I'm looking for something to install on a new laptop. On my old desktop I've used both Norton SystemWorks (now upgraded to 2006 which includes Firewall) plus a registered version of the ZoneAlarm Firewall, and have been reasonably happy with both. Although the fact that I now have two firewalls may be overkill. On my laptop I've been looking at both Nortoon Internet Security Suite, and Zone Alarm Internet Security Suite. I want something including both firewall, spyware protection, and basic email protection (antivirus isn't an issue as the laptop came with Norton AntiVirus). Both Norton and ZoneAlarm look equivalent on specs, although the one noticeaable difference is that ZoneAlarm states it includes tools for Wireless networks which might be a REALLY useful additional option for my laptop. Perhaps the Norton version also has this but just doesn't mention it on its site? I'm comfortable with the Norton products, knowing that they have research labs worldwide for devising quick responses to new Internet threat, plus I know the Norton suite reasonably well. However, despite being a longtime user of their firewall I'm not familiar with ZoneAlarm's suite product, their speed/quality for updates and new threats, or the overall quality of their suite product. Nonetheless the wireless PC option with ZoneAlarm does sound like it might be worthwhile. Any thoughts / recommendations would be appreciated. |
AndrewMercer (9663) | ||
| 423083 | 2006-01-21 19:55:00 | NOD32 Counterspy RegDefend ZoneAlarm Ditch Nortons |
pctek (84) | ||
| 423084 | 2006-01-21 19:55:00 | Does anyone have any recommendations or preferences regarding Windows XP Internet Security Suites? Both Norton and ZoneAlarm look equivalent on specs, although the one noticeaable difference is that ZoneAlarm states it includes tools for Wireless networks which might be a REALLY useful additional option for my laptop. Perhaps the Norton version also has this but just doesn't mention it on its site? Any thoughts / recommendations would be appreciated. There are going to be plenty of replies saying Nortons is not worth it but go with what you are comfortable and what works for you and don't be put off by others unless they give you real facts and not opinions. Running two software firewalls is really over kill and they are probably interfering with each other. A good combination is a hardware firewall on the router and a software on any machines. Don't know why ZoneAlarm mentions tools for wireless as all firewalls look at data that is coming in through TCP/UDP mostly and accepts/rejects on that. Also checks certain ports etc. Having used Nortons I know it works fine and I have never been hacked yet but I have the Hardware/Software combo. I am sure ZoneAlarm is just as good as are other products. Do some searches here on the titles and see what comes up. |
Big John (551) | ||
| 423085 | 2006-01-21 20:06:00 | A review in Netguide, says PC-Cillin Internet security is one the best. Out of the Internet security suite programs. Pros: It says Norton IS 2006 - Tightly integrated and powerful suite Cons: Can leave system sluggish. $NZ 69.99 (downloaded version) **** Mcafee IS 2006 Pros: Good for computers with multiple users. Cons: Antispam/Antispyware could be better ZA $ US 69.95 **** 1/2 Pros Small/Fast, and configurable. Cons: Antispam could be better Escan IS $ 151 plus shipping NZ *** Pros: Easy to install / good virus detection Cons: Expensive, no antispam / poor results in web and email filtering. Bitdefender 9 IS**** $NZ 139.95 Pros: Excellent user interface, and suite integration, unbeaten AV and firewall. Cons: Poor antispam and average antispyware detection. Etrust ISS $A99.00 **** Pros: Top results across the board, excellent value. Cons: Lack of integration. Trend Micro PC-cillin IS 2006 $A99.95 ***** Pros: Excellent antispam, web filtering, antispyware. everything tightly integrated, great value for money. Cons: Large installation. - This also includes a WI-FI Intrusion detection option. Note: Most of these aren't free tho. |
Speedy Gonzales (78) | ||
| 423086 | 2006-01-21 20:25:00 | Thanks all for the quick replies. I can relate to the comment about Norton leaving the system sluggish - I've noticed this all along with SystemWorks. Thanks also with the reminder that all firewalls are likely to cover wireless networking - so perhaps the mention of wireless in the ZoneAlarm specs is merely an addition by their marketing department. Fortunately my setup includes a hardware router with built-in firewall. I guess the firewall functions I was keen on include monitoring of software trying to report out of my PC (e.g. spyware reporting back). This has been useful in the past on my other PC as my wife has had a tendency to click on OK just to get rid of prompts when she doesn't understand them. This led to a few surrepticious installs - now fortunately removed. I hadn't thought about PC-cillin so will check this out also. Cheers |
AndrewMercer (9663) | ||
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