So-called security suites

StixxUK · 7 Jun 2009 at 18:47

Are any of these any good or would one be better off with individual firewall, antivirus and anti-spyware tools?

I'm setting up a PC for a family member who is fairly likely to go on all manner of dodgy websites and say yes to every pop-up and while I'm fully aware they can't be completely protected, I would like to have a comprehensive set of software on there.

At the moment I'm leaning towards ZoneAlarm firewall, Kaspersky antivirus (Nod32's user-unfriendly reputation has put me off that as it would be unsuitable for this person), and Ad-Aware.

In a perfect world I'd get Kaspersky security suite and take care of it all in one fell swoop but from the reviews it seems that the non-antivirus parts of it leave a fair bit to be desired.

What do the experts here think? And thanks in advance for your advice.

J.B · 7 Jun 2009 at 19:11

Personally I wouldnt bother with ZA, just use the Windows firewall. There are many decent anti virus programs and everyone has their own favourite. Personally I would use Avast.

theheyes · 7 Jun 2009 at 19:12

Don't bother with ZoneAlarm, just enable Windows Firewall whether it be XP or Vista. Get a good antivirus (a free one will suffice) - check the AV thread.

Make sure the browser is up to date whichever you choose. I use IE8 but in this case you might want to go with a Firefox + Adblock combo if they are likely to click on ads.

And without doubt give them a limited user account.

eXor · 7 Jun 2009 at 19:22

theheyes said:
And without doubt give them a standard* user account.

^
This. Arguably more important than any AV.

* The term 'Limited' has such a negative connotation.

neil_g · 7 Jun 2009 at 19:27

avast and spybot for me. no need for that annoying ZA thing, use windows firewall and/or your routers.

theheyes · 7 Jun 2009 at 20:39

eXor said:
* The term 'Limited' has such a negative connotation.

I think in XP it is a "Limited Account" and in Vista it is a "Standard Account" if I recall correctly. Either way it's a great way to reign in trigger happy users.

Ratbag · 7 Jun 2009 at 20:43

Get some kind of decent ad/popup blocker - for the ultimate in this sector get Admuncher.

I am absolutely serious when I say this is as important as getting an AV.

Nick1881 · 7 Jun 2009 at 21:17

I use Eset Smart Security, seems to do the job.

neil_g · 7 Jun 2009 at 21:37

Ratbag said:
Get some kind of decent ad/popup blocker - for the ultimate in this sector get Admuncher.

I am absolutely serious when I say this is as important as getting an AV.

really? i cant remember the last time i had a pop up with FF with the default settings?

NathanE · 7 Jun 2009 at 22:01

Vista x64... and give them a Standard User account. Don't tell them any administrator passwords.

You don't need any AV or popup blockers in this configuration.

Burnsy2023 · 7 Jun 2009 at 22:06

Use Windows SteadyState on XP or Vista.

kylew · 8 Jun 2009 at 06:07

I haven't used any 'security suites' since vista came out. I use windows firewall and security from my router, other than that I haven't had any issues with my PCs in the last 2.5 years that were virus related.

Most people who get viruses are just downloading anything and everything without any concern as to where it comes from.

The amount of people I know that complain about their PC not working properly for me to then ask if they're using Limewire. Nearly all of them use it, and refuse to stop even when I tell them it's the source of their problems. :rolleyes:

Smit · 8 Jun 2009 at 08:43

I use Eset Smart Security, I am not sure if it comes with an anti-spyware application though.

tbz_ck · 8 Jun 2009 at 09:18

To be honest, unless they need a particular set of Windows apps that are not available either through WINE on Linux or have a linux alternative, I would install Linux Mint 7 and be done with it.

To be honest, the only reason I have to use windows is for gaming. Everything else that I need is available through Linux in one shape or another.

kylew · 8 Jun 2009 at 10:51

tbz_ck said:
To be honest, unless they need a particular set of Windows apps that are not available either through WINE on Linux or have a linux alternative, I would install Linux Mint 7 and be done with it.

To be honest, the only reason I have to use windows is for gaming. Everything else that I need is available through Linux in one shape or another.

Linix for the most part is for people who want and like tinkering.

Linux can't beat windows for familiarity and ease of use really.

tbz_ck · 8 Jun 2009 at 11:04

kylew said:
Linix for the most part is for people who want and like tinkering.

Linux can't beat windows for familiarity and ease of use really.

The ease of use argument is related to familiarity. If you are familiar with Windows almost all flavours of Linux need to be adapted to as they are not windows (unsurprisingly). However I have found Linux Mint 7 to be very easy to use both for me and for those that have not previously been windows power users. Windows power users who do not like learning new stuff frequently get fed up trying to find out where the "applet is for xxxx"

eXor · 8 Jun 2009 at 12:29

tbz_ck said:
However I have found Linux Mint 7 to be very easy to use both for me and for those that have not previously been windows power users.

Linux is great.. when everything just works. If you are unfortunate enough to run into driver issues, then stress levels can go through the roof pretty quickly.

The binary compatibility, across distros or even across versions of the same distro, is horrible. If you want some software that is either not available in the repos, or is out of date... more pain.

Speaking as someone who is very 'familiar' with Linux. ( click sig )