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Computer security package. Zonealarmextreme or Kaspersky pure3.0

Harry Gypsna

Harry Gypsna

Dirty hippy Bastard
Veteran
Hi, the title is pretty self explanatory. I'll be needing a new security package soon, and can't decide between the 2. I would value some opinions.
I'm running windows 8.1(It only took 1/4 of a rotation of the earth to install) and firefox on the computer in question.

Thanks in advance.


Toke it easy
:tiphat:
 
rasputin

rasputin

The Mad Monk
Veteran
Not sure where Windows stands with their own anti-virus protection for 8 but to ThirstyRoss' point, MSE was for years a highly capable and effective option. Then it started slipping and now its on the outs. I think MS purposefully neglected it because they didn't want the potential PR shit storm if they started to charge for it nor did they want the expense of keeping it up to date.

Harry, what is your level of familiarity/comfort with using the computer? Would you call yourself advanced? If so, you might be able to use a smaller utility. The bigger bulkier programs are good for people that don't know what they're doing and need the software equivalent of a babysitter with them at all times.
 
Rumblefish

Rumblefish

Member
I've never found anything to be bullet proof.I use Kaspersky but you have to have use it in conjunction with Malwarebytes .Malwarebytes has saved my cyber arse so many time I happily subscribed and pay to use it , the freeware copy works great!
 
Harry Gypsna

Harry Gypsna

Dirty hippy Bastard
Veteran
rasputin said:
The bigger bulkier programs are good for people that don't know what they're doing and need the software equivalent of a babysitter with them at all times.
Click to expand...

That would be me.:)


Yes, I probably shouldn't have said Universally, but generally speaking, it is considered to be inferior to even Mcaffee.

I still haven't ordered either, the laptop is sitting idle. I've read a few things about issues with Firefox for both ZoneAlarm and Kaspersky, I'm waiting for both to get back to me.
 
rasputin

rasputin

The Mad Monk
Veteran
I had a feeling but I didn't want to assume. :)

Do you use NoScript, Harry?

What lead you to narrow it down to Kaspersky and ZoneAlarm? Are you familiar with Comodo, Avast, or AVG? Just spit balling some free options that I know work very well, surprisingly so in some cases.

Is your current PC clean and just in need of a perimeter defense when your current one expires or are you looking to do some cleaning now?
 
Harry Gypsna

Harry Gypsna

Dirty hippy Bastard
Veteran
rasputin said:
I had a feeling but I didn't want to assume. :)

Do you use NoScript, Harry?

What lead you to narrow it down to Kaspersky and ZoneAlarm? Are you familiar with Comodo, Avast, or AVG? Just spit balling some free options that I know work very well, surprisingly so in some cases.

Is your current PC clean and just in need of a perimeter defense when your current one expires or are you looking to do some cleaning now?
Click to expand...

I assume it's clean. It isn't a year old, was protected, 1st by the free trial, then by a spare mcaffe from my Dad's account. Then Windows 8.1 killed my laptop, it went for warranty repair, and I can't get the mcaffe back because my dad had died in the meantime. since I got it back, the laptop hasn't really been used, other than to put Firefox on and install 8.1 (Living dangerously).

I narrowed it down to Kaspersky or Zonealarm just due to them being a 2 names I hear mentioned as being good most often.

Yes I use noscript. I've also got Ghostery and block everything with that too, allowing things on an individual basis.

I am comfortable enough with my computer to change it to legacy BIOS so I can boot a TAILS disc, and back again, but beyond that I don't really mess around "Under the hood".
:tiphat:
 
rasputin

rasputin

The Mad Monk
Veteran
Gotcha.

If you only plan to use the laptop for web browsing I would download the Comodo Internet Security Suite or roll with Avast or AVG. All are free options, if nothing else you can try it, see if you like it, and if not pick up Kaspersky or ZoneAlarm.
 
Harry Gypsna

Harry Gypsna

Dirty hippy Bastard
Veteran
rasputin said:
Gotcha.

If you only plan to use the laptop for web browsing I would download the Comodo Internet Security Suite or roll with Avast or AVG. All are free options, if nothing else you can try it, see if you like it, and if not pick up Kaspersky or ZoneAlarm.
Click to expand...


Thanks, I'll have a look at those.

:tiphat:
 
ozman

ozman

Member
Ive used avast for several years and as kind of the guy that fixs friends computers when they quit working,I always tell everbody to use avast.Never had any problems.Of course I no longer go to any shady web sites any more,I do sometimes use irc and get files through them,still no problems.
Thats just my 2 cents worth.
 
dddaver

dddaver

Active member
Veteran
I like avast too. I've tried avg, commodo, and MSE. When the company starts getting intrusive I just change. I don't care the least having to spend time learning that part of it all or adjust every little thing and spend all my time having to learn their software and tweaking their crap. So far avast has been working like a champ and doesn't bug me as much.
 
T

ThirstyRoss

New member
Harry Gypsna said:
That would be me.:)


Yes, I probably shouldn't have said Universally, but generally speaking, it is considered to be inferior to even Mcaffee.

I still haven't ordered either, the laptop is sitting idle. I've read a few things about issues with Firefox for both ZoneAlarm and Kaspersky, I'm waiting for both to get back to me.
Click to expand...


Uh, no. McAfee hasn't been any good for like 20 years. Literally.
 
tokinblackguy

tokinblackguy

Active member
Harry Gypsna said:
I'm going to download Comodo trial while to use I suss out what I'm doing.
Thanks for he suggestions.
Click to expand...

Comodo FTW:woohoo: Best decision you could have made without a doubt. FYI, the only difference between the "Free" and "trial" or "paid" versions is the addition of the Geek Buddy team and 24/7 support. The free version is all you need and once you tweak it to your liking, it's hands down the best anti-virus out there right. With that said, no anti-virus software will catch every single virus but in every major test by independent security analyst, Comodo identifies the most. Not to mention, their firewall software is hand's down the best.

Like someone else mentioned, Malwarebytes is a great second line of defense in addition to just about any anti-virus software. You don't need the Pro version, only difference between that and the free edition is real-time file protection, but you have Comodo for that so to me, it's not necessary. I run Malwarebytes once or twice a month and Comodo is my full time anti-virus. Also of note is that Malwarebytes doesn't interfere or conflict with other anti-virus software whether it's being used for real-time protection or just monthly/weekly scans.

I have experience with every program that's been listed in this thread and I repair/build PC's and Macs and in my experience, Comodo beats out every other AV software I've tested, even the paid ones. Kaspersky would be my go to if Comodo weren't available. I use to swear by ESET NOD as well but they've slipped over the last few years.
 
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