Pc Security

[derekpara]

Is there a security package that has anti-virus, malware and cyber protection together with patches and auto updates etc.

It may sound as if I know what I'm talking about - but I don't really, but at the moment I'm paying about £140 per year for this sort of package including weekday on-line technical support covering a pc and a laptop. Does this sound a reasonable deal or could I do better elsewhere ? I've only asked for technical support twice in the last 12 months, and it's been quite efficient. The company is Zuumedia.

Cheers.

D

[Buenchico]

There's no need to pay a penny for security software as long as you don't mind a 'mix & match' approach (rather than going for everything in a single package).

The essential things you need are . . .

1. A firewall. Windows comes with its own firewall built in and the vast majority of PC users are happy to stick with it (as I do). However some people prefer to seek out better 'two-way' protection by installing a free third-party firewall. Zone Alarm has long been the most popular choice (and consistently well-reviewed in the technical press)
http://www.zonealarm.com/uk/software/free-firewall/
but Comodo is now equally good
https://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/firewall.php

2. An anti-virus program. Again, recent versions of Windows come with a built-in anti-virus program (as 'Microsoft Security Essentials' or 'Windows Defender', etc) but even Microsoft have admitted that free third-party offerings can be better. There are plenty to choose from
http://uk.pcmag.com/antivirus-reviews/142/guide/the-best-free-antivirus-protection-of-2016
and, in every case, they're just as good as anything that you could pay for (precisely because they're actually components of full commercial programs anyway). The most popular program among ABers (and what I use myself) seems to be Avast:
https://www.avast.com/en-gb/index

3. Anti-malware protection. The number one program in the field, without any doubt, is Malwarebytes. The free version is 'run on demand only', meaning that it does absolutely nothing unless you remember to run it occasionally. (I suggest one per fortnight unless you've got a specific reason to suspect that there's something nasty on your computer). However that version meets the needs of most people here perfectly well. (There's a paid-for version available if you want something which 'runs in the background', constantly checking everything which is downloaded to your computer, but I've never felt the need to use it):
https://www.malwarebytes.com/antimalware/
(NB: When installing the free version you'll encounter a pre-ticked box offering you a free trial of the Premium version. Remove the tick before proceeding).

Full commercial security suites bring together each of the above elements and often add on a few 'bells and whistles' as well. However you don't really need them (and, for full anti-malware protection, you'd probably still need the free version of Malwarebytes as well anyway). Some other services throw in 'technical support' but I doubt that such 'support' can tell you anything that you can't find out easily here on AB.

So I, like most people here on AB, don't pay anything for security software. However if you decide that you still want a full package (including "24/7 Malware Support"), take a look at Comodo Internet Security Pro 8 (from my Comodo link above) which, at $39.99 per year, costs considerably less than you're paying now.

[derekpara]

Chris, I've awarded you ' Best Answer' immediately because no-one on this site could possibly better it and, although this subject is the proverbial chestnut, I've no doubt your answer will be of assistance to many other ABers, new and old.

You've confirmed what I thought and I've used all the essential things you recommend in the past without any problems, so I shall be saving myself a few quid thanks to you.

I'm sure I speak for many here on AB when I say how much your insightful advice on many subjects is greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

D

[gingejbee]

I'd add that, if you don't mind paying something, the best performing security suite is Kaspersky Internet Security2017......available for just £16.95 for one licence from Computeractive's Software Store.....quick link...


www.snipca.com/21532

[derekpara]

Thanks, Ginge.

[TTG]

Set flash to activate on demand (when required). It's very rare that you will need flash nowdays as it can be prone to security issues. Uninstall java. Beware of clicking on emailed links or attachments. Create a standard user account for internet access and keep an administrator account for installing programs. No time to elaborate on these items.

[derekpara]

TTG. I thank you for your welcome input but I'm afraid you've lost me !

D