just_the_scraps_m'am

almost time to choose security software. { I'm tired of all those expiration notices from the company that was downloaded before I bought this thing}----bummed I can't just purchase it at walmart!, but they don't carry it any more! now I have to make another choice & i'm not certain which is the best to go with--there are way too many reviews to go thru-- What's YOUR preference/experience with your security? aren't they basically the same? is there a "stamp of approval" I should look for?

nativetexan

well i got Webroot from Best Buy when i got my new computer. I like it, so far so good. I've renewed online.

just_the_scraps_m'am

I've never heard of that one--who is it made by?

Jazzmyn

I used Norton for years and finally got tired of paying for it year after year. I use Microsoft Security Essentials you can download it Free, and then I also use MalwareBytes....you can also download it Free and you can also purchase a One time upgrade for 24.95 (I think that was what it was...not much more) that offers more options.....and you can put it on 3 computers for the same price. I have been using both for over a year now and have had NO problems with either. Some people don't like either.....but everyone is different and has their own preferences.

Jan in VA

I use avast free Essential from this site. http://www.avast.com/index

I've used it for 5 years, thru 3 computers, after a few years of problems with McAfee, with NO problems now ever. You will receive notices to upgrade to the $ version, but I have never upgraded and don't regret it. Highly recommend avast.

Jan in VA

just_the_scraps_m'am

I often wondered whether the online freebies were worth trying to download or not. i'll have to check them out ! thanks for the tips, all!

romanojg

Love windows essentials. its free and it works really well. I was surprised that even though Norton was installed on my new laptop so was essentials. I removed Norton right away, nothing but problems and slow pc.

dd

My son is IT and he says to use Kaspersky. Don't think I've had any problems with it.lol

sparkys_mom

My employer uses McAfee. My ISP at home is Comcast and they provide Norton free of charge so that's what I use at home.

roguequilter

the free versions of security software are the basic functions of the previous years version. you download that version free, and recieve adds toupgrade. the basics are fine for gen'l home use, higher functions safegard the computer better for business.
"Today, 05:05 AMdd
My son is IT and he says to use Kaspersky. Don't think I've had any problems with it.lol"

i have also used kapersky & i agree w your son, it's one of the best. but like norton, mc cafey & some others it is system heavy and really bogs down the processing speed of some older or slower machines. my son writes security software for a adobe, and he was surprised by all the fun little things i could do with the kapersky software .
saw a tech program few years back. they loaded 11 of ther computers w all the current best security software which included all that you have mentioned here plus others. then they infected the computers with the current (at that time) most virulent malware, virus etcetc. then they ran the programs to clean the pc's. every brand ---norton et al, cleaned differently. there was something left on each pc. so they removed the security programs and switched among the computers.

final analysis showed that each software offering in security programs had different built in focus. their conclusion was that no one security system was capable of doing everything, guarding against or removing all threats. some were bettermthan others but, basically, a pc owner should have several on their pc. one that runs all the time. then a couple others to run when all others turned off. essentially scan your pc w different programs for most effective cleaning of threats.

i don't like the ms free one. it is well rated but not rated any better than any of the free versions out there. i have paid for sunsytems, norton & others over the years. all about equal in performance. i have been using AVG Free for last ten years. very good, have it installed on mil pc also. easy for her to use. i tried a couple others that were rated as good or nearly as good as AVG but supposedly w interfaces more easily used than AVG. even i had trouble w them. so i now run AVG Free on hers, mine & hubbys computers. no problems. monitors email, surfing security ..keeps you clean & safe. and it's Free.