Nerd seeks security software for fun/good times

[Sean_Richmond]

Ok, I am in the process of trying to set up a network at home to help me learn as I go to DeVry and I am interested to know if anyone has any suggestions for a software package that will allow me to do multiple installations of VirusScanning, Spyware Detection/Removal and a Firewall?  I don't really want to invest in a professional level software package unless I absolutely have to I was wondering if anyone produced something like this for homes that have 4 or 5 computers?

[GX1_Man]

Ad Aware
Spybot Search and Destroy
AVG Free Anti Virus

These are all free, which should be in your budget as a student. Just use Google for download sites

[2k_dummy]

Get Zone Alarm or Sygate for a firewall - both also free. Use router - the NAT provides an additional layer of security.

[Sean_Richmond]

In my uneducated opinion, free stuff doesn't work.  Ive used both AVG and Ad-Aware and while both seem to be able to identify problems neither seems to be able to remove more that 1 out of every 10 things it detects.  

[GX1_Man]

Well, if you want to spend your money, go ahead. Norton has some products you can pay for as does McAfee.I'm not sure they work any better than the free ones, but they certainly do cost more. (I didn't think that was the criteria you set out in your original post, though.)

[2k_dummy]

The programs we recommended are all excellent and do a great job IF you actually use them. If you are to lazy to install them and keep them updated, then no, they won't you any dāmned good.

[Fed]

You really need to go about deleting viruses in a methodical way, trying to nail a moving target is too hit & miss otherwise.
http://forum.grisoft.cz/freeforum/read.php?4,27725,backpage=
You could throw MS Antispyware into that mix if you have W2k or better later.

[patio]

I have used AVG free for 3 1/2 years and never had a problem at all.

I sure hear alot of people say it doesn't work though  

patio.  

[Mac]

In my uneducated opinion, free programs don't work.  I have used both AVG and Ad-Aware and while both seem to be able to identify problems neither seems to be able to remove more that 1 out of every 10 things it detects.

Better get an education, because I never had that problem.  

[Mac]

And here is a good on-line scanner as a backup.

HOUSECALL ON-LINE ANTI-VIRUS AND ANTI-TROJAN SCANNER

[dl65]

Sean_Richmond.......

Ok, I am in the process of trying to set up a network at home to help me learn as I go to DeVry and I am interested to know if anyone has any suggestions for a software package that will allow me to do multiple installations of VirusScanning, Spyware Detection/Removal and a Firewall?  I don't really want to invest in a professional level software package unless I absolutely have to I was wondering if anyone produced something like this for homes that have 4 or 5 computers?

Please expand on exactly what it is your trying to do.......
because .......as I understand it ......there isn't a one stop shop solution to ..........catching .......viruses , trojans , adware and malware ........Then there's the firewall issue .
Then you go on to say .......

In my uneducated opinion, free stuff doesn't work.  Ive used both AVG and Ad-Aware and while both seem to be able to identify problems neither seems to be able to remove more that 1 out of every 10 things it detects.

Both of these applications do an excellant job of finding and removing what they were designed to remove ......HOWEVER ....you must keep them updated AND run the scans manually .

To keep your system clean ....you should run a serries of scans in conjunction with each other .  BTW .....what o/s are running on this home network?

dl65