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[Abi79]

If you pay for it I believe you get customer support and a firewall, but you can download many free firewalls from the internet so I say that you should not pay for it.

[strangelove]

These are the three I put I'd recommend for anyone:

AVG Free (Antivirus): http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
Zonealarm (Firewall): http://www.download.com/3000-2092-10039884.html
Adaware(Antispyware): http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

[efthimios]

I wouldn't rec zonealarm unless you are completely new to firewalls. Kerio personal firewall is free and much better. IMO of course.

[strangelove]

ZA has always been fine for me. Kerio is a nice firewall but caused me a lot of lag with a couple of online games so I ditched it.

[Himmler]

the best antiviruses would probably be NOD 32 and Kaspersky...of course they cost but if you want some quality you better pay for one of them.and to remove spywarez use Spybot, it is an open-source and it is THE BEST!

[efthimios]

Originally posted by strangelove@Aug 25 2005, 09:34 PM
ZA has always been fine for me. Kerio is a nice firewall but caused me a lot of lag with a couple of online games so I ditched it.

Seriously? I use Kerio for 2+ years without any problems with it.

ZA is ok for novice but just doesn't have the flexibility and the options of Kerio. I have to say I wouldn't go back to ZA (used to have it before installing Kerio). Still, I respect ZA.

[swiss]

I support the Free AV suggestions!

It did a good job, having me virus free for the past year.

Some of my friends use ClamWin and I get just positive feedback from them.

But you should consider to install a firewall. Some viruses/trojans/backdoors are not keept away just by using antivirus software.
When you are a pro-user who knows how to deal with MAC- and IP-Adresses and if you want to specify good rules for your LAN then I can recommend Sygate Personal Firewall. You can stop any program from phoning home or anywhere else if you like. Goodchoice! It was top 3 in every test I read. If you have a budget for this stuff take Norton Internet Security. If you want something easy but secure then take ZoneAlarm ...