New computer-what antivirus/firewall should I use?

[aniketkar94]

I am getting a new computer tomorrow. It is this one: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9174564&st=tv+desktop&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1218044490119

I will run PC Decrapifier to take off all of the stuff that comes preloaded. Do you have any suggestions for antivirus and firewall that does not nag me (like Norton and McAfee), and is free?

Are the free ones reliable and lightweight? And do they offer the same level of protection?

[Helpmeh]

I am getting a new computer tomorrow. It is this one: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9174564&st=tv+desktop&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1218044490119

I will run PC Decrapifier to take off all of the stuff that comes preloaded. Do you have any suggestions for antivirus and firewall that does not nag me (like Norton and McAfee), and is free?

Are the free ones reliable and lightweight? And do they offer the same level of protection?

There are some free ones which will be mentioned and are extremely good, others, not so much. Usually they are very lightweight, but offer protection that is either equal or better than the paid ones.

[Ironman]

I personally like Kaspersky (doesn't use too much space and easy config).

Check out these links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_firewalls
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_antivirus_software

[Helpmeh]

I personally like Kaspersky (doesn't use too much space and easy config).

Check out these links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_firewalls
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_antivirus_software

I'm looking at the chart on the list of AV software, and Avast! Home covers what someone would want...

[Broni]

- Avast! free antivirus: http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
- Avira free antivirus: http://www.free-av.com/en/download/index.html

- free PC Tools Firewall Plus: http://www.pctools.com/firewall/

- free Comodo Internet Security (firewall + AV): http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
NOTE. During installation, Comodo will also allow you to install AV only, or firewall only, if you prefer to combine one Comodo product with some other product.

If you decide to install Avast, or Avira, make sure, Windows firewall is turned on, or use PC Tools Firewall Plus.
If you decide to install Comodo, make sure, Windows firewall is turned off.

IMPORTANT! Make sure, you use only ONE antivirus, and ONE firewall.

Make sure to uninstall any pre-installed AV/firewall.

[Helpmeh]

- Avast! free antivirus: http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
- Avira free antivirus: http://www.free-av.com/en/download/index.html

- free PC Tools Firewall Plus: http://www.pctools.com/firewall/

- free Comodo Internet Security (firewall + AV): http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
NOTE. During installation, Comodo will also allow you to install AV only, or firewall only, if you prefer to combine one Comodo product with some other product.

If you decide to install Avast, or Avira, make sure, Windows firewall is turned on, or use PC Tools Firewall Plus.
If you decide to install Comodo, make sure, Windows firewall is turned off.

IMPORTANT! Make sure, you use only ONE antivirus, and ONE firewall.

Make sure to uninstall any pre-installed AV/firewall.

Some AV installers uninstall pervious AV scanners. My CA almost completely got rid of Norton (although, Norton is fairly hard to get rid of in the first place, so that's pretty good), but don't bet your computer on it.

[Broni]

To uninstall pre-installed AV, the best option is to use uninstall tools: http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,59979.msg379180.html#msg379180

[Helpmeh]

To uninstall pre-installed AV, the best option is to use uninstall tools: http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,59979.msg379180.html#msg379180

Yeah...I've had CA for almost a year and I didn't even know I still had Norton partially on my system...

[Ironman]

I used to have CA, absolutely hated it.

[Helpmeh]

I used to have CA, absolutely hated it.

Really? As soon as it expires, I'm getting Avast! and Comodo.

[2x3i5x]

Really? As soon as it expires, I'm getting Avast! and Comodo.

only thing wrong is that you have to pay for it. I wonder why people's still trying to use paid AV when there's free AV that does just fine?

[Helpmeh]

only thing wrong is that you have to pay for it. I wonder why people's still trying to use paid AV when there's free AV that does just fine?

- Avast! free antivirus: http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
- free Comodo Internet Security (firewall + AV): http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

(I am just going to get Comodo firewall)

[aniketkar94]

Thanks for the input. Which ones do you use? Which one has the lightest footprint?
Do you have any other tips for breaking in a PC?

[Broni]

On different Windows installations I use all kind of combinations of AV/firewall, and all of them work fine.

[2x3i5x]

On different Windows installations I use all kind of combinations of AV/firewall, and all of them work fine.

Most major AV do its job ok, but it's up to you to be careful about not getting infected.