Norton 2009, McAfee, AVG, or None of the Above

soonertiger2012

New Member
I am having to do a recovery of Windows Vista due to an apparent virus/malware attack. After I recover, I want to have really strong antivirus/anti malware protection. According to CNET, Norton AV 2009 had really good reviews. As far as McAfee, my old Dell Computer with Windows XP has it and has never had a problem with malware, though it seems to slow down the computer a little bit. Then again, it has only 1 GB of RAM and a 64 MB graphics card (it's six years old). I had AVG for a short time before my system crashed, but also saw that the free AVG does not provide protection from rootkits and does not contain a firewall (which the upgraded version does). Here is what I am looking for:

1. Powerful, very reliable protection from viruses, rootkits, hacking, and any form of malware.
2. Something compatible with Windows Vista Home Premium. I say this because I experienced problems with Symantec products on Windows Vista and knew people who also experienced problems. As I said earlier, Norton 2009 had good reviews, so just wondering about it.
3. Not to expensive. I am willing to spend money, but I can't afford to go overboard.
4. Does not hog system resources. I have a pretty strong system (i.e. 3 GB RAM, 2.4 GHz dual core processor, and 256 MB graphics card), but don't want my resources to be used up as I do some gaming.

I am leaning towards Norton AV 2009, McAfee AV, or AVG (upgraded). Any advise is greatly appreciated and if you would like to recommend something other than these three, I'm all ears.

P.S. I hope this doesn't get posted twice. I couldn't find it after I submitted it the first time.
 

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    HP Pavilion dv6700
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    Intel Dual Core 2.4 GHz
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    3 GB
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    Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS 256 MB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built into laptop; sometimes I connect an external montior for dual screens
    Screen Resolution
    1200x800
    Other Info
    Purchased in May of 2008
Quick reply to my own post. A review of Norton Internet Security 2009 on PCMag's website gave Norton excellent reviews. The only concern I have is compatibility issues with Windows Vista Home Premium. I say this because I used to have Symantec Antivirus Enterprise (given to be through the university I attend) and it gave me BSOD after running Windows updates. I confirmed this by doing a clean boot and discovered that when I activated the Symantec services, I got the BSOD. Any links to possible compatibility issues would be greatly appreciated.

Article from PCMag: The Best Security Suites for 2009 - Norton Internet Security 2009 - At A Glance - Reviews by PC Magazine
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv6700
    CPU
    Intel Dual Core 2.4 GHz
    Memory
    3 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS 256 MB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built into laptop; sometimes I connect an external montior for dual screens
    Screen Resolution
    1200x800
    Other Info
    Purchased in May of 2008
Hello Soonertiger,

I would recommend the McAfee, that's because I use it on my all three notebooks. I'm sure someone else may suggests the other AV, perhaps much better one. ;)
I have been using the McAfee Internet Security for almost four years now. Recently, I switched to the Total Security Suite. :)
Answering your question how much resources does it use? Guess, not much and even I can't tell when Mcafee is performing his full schedule scan on my computers unless the fans start spinning faster. That's the only indication that something is going on in the background.
You can check more about the McAfee here.
Hope that's help...cheers...
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway P7805u FX
    CPU
    Intel Core2Duo T9600 2.80GHz 1066MHz FSB
    Motherboard
    Intel PM45
    Memory
    8GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce 9800M GTS 1GB DDR3
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 17" WUXGA TFT
    Screen Resolution
    1920x 1200
    Hard Drives
    WD 2x500GB
    Case
    notebook
    Other Info
    BT/BD
I wouldn't have Norton on my system if they gave it away. I had NIS on XP for several years and it was nothing but problems and the biggest resource hog I ever had on a computer. Once you try to uninstall it, it still leaves behind a lot of files in the registry. You never really delete all aspects of having installed it.

I have McAfee on Vista because it came free for 15 months. After that, I'll probably just use the built in firewall and with a Linksys router, WinPatrol, Spybot, SpywareBlaster, and Spyware Guard, I feel pretty swell covered. BoClean was another good one but I think they went belly up not long ago.

Gibson Research has a couple of neat programs for testing your system for open ports, trojkans, etc. Scroll down about half way and you'll see "Shields Up" and "Leak Test". do both and you'll see where you're at security wise.

GRC*|*Gibson Research Corporation Home Page**
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 435MT
    CPU
    2.67 gigahertz Intel Core i7 920
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0R849J A00
    Memory
    6G
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 3650
    Monitor(s) Displays
    DELL SP2009W
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG HD642JJ
    640G
    Internet Speed
    10Mbps
This is what you want to see in the GRC test I mentioned above-totally stealthed on all ports.
 

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My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 435MT
    CPU
    2.67 gigahertz Intel Core i7 920
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0R849J A00
    Memory
    6G
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 3650
    Monitor(s) Displays
    DELL SP2009W
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG HD642JJ
    640G
    Internet Speed
    10Mbps
Hello ColColt,

My all notebooks are from Gateway, the reason I mention that is that the first one came with McAfee preinstalled by Gateway, the last two came with Norton Security 2008. I agree with you the Norton leaves a lot of files after uninstalling it. On both my laptops the solution to get rid of Norton forever was to clean install of Vista on the drive. :(
I used the Norton for about week and indeed it uses a lot of resources. Now I wonder how will look and perform the free AV from Microsoft which will replace the current Live OneCare.

Cheers...:)
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway P7805u FX
    CPU
    Intel Core2Duo T9600 2.80GHz 1066MHz FSB
    Motherboard
    Intel PM45
    Memory
    8GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce 9800M GTS 1GB DDR3
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 17" WUXGA TFT
    Screen Resolution
    1920x 1200
    Hard Drives
    WD 2x500GB
    Case
    notebook
    Other Info
    BT/BD
I tried going into the registry to delete anything that had anything to do with Symantec. If it had Norton in the file name or Symantec it got deleted. I soon found it was an endless task and abandoned the idea since I don't think it hurt anything anyway. However, you can bet no Symantec product will be downladed on this new computer!

Once McAfee runs out for me I'll probably use avast antivirus since it's done me well with the other XP computer. I rely heavily on my router and often I think I could do without a firewall just having it, but; you still need a good AV software installed to compliment it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 435MT
    CPU
    2.67 gigahertz Intel Core i7 920
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0R849J A00
    Memory
    6G
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 3650
    Monitor(s) Displays
    DELL SP2009W
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG HD642JJ
    640G
    Internet Speed
    10Mbps
Yeah, I was hunting these files also, it was useless. I reckon the one file was so hard to delete I decided to kill it by reformating the drive.;)
As to the firewalls I use one in the router the same as you do and the second one supplied by McAfee. Don't like the Avast, it looks like media player. :confused:
Btw, As the supplement to system security I allow to full scan my machines by the Clean Up Center - Windows Live OneCare safety scanner from time to time. It does good job.

Cheers...
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway P7805u FX
    CPU
    Intel Core2Duo T9600 2.80GHz 1066MHz FSB
    Motherboard
    Intel PM45
    Memory
    8GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce 9800M GTS 1GB DDR3
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 17" WUXGA TFT
    Screen Resolution
    1920x 1200
    Hard Drives
    WD 2x500GB
    Case
    notebook
    Other Info
    BT/BD
I tried going into the registry to delete anything that had anything to do with Symantec. If it had Norton in the file name or Symantec it got deleted. I soon found it was an endless task and abandoned the idea since I don't think it hurt anything anyway. However, you can bet no Symantec product will be downladed on this new computer!

Once McAfee runs out for me I'll probably use avast antivirus since it's done me well with the other XP computer. I rely heavily on my router and often I think I could do without a firewall just having it, but; you still need a good AV software installed to compliment it.

hello:
---I use Avast a/v now and I love it---some ppl. suggest Avira also---then there is Comodo which has various uses, firewall, anti-malware, etc. - please lookie here--->Free Firewall Protection Software AntiVirus Buffer Overflow Attack Computer Security Free Personal Firewall---
---please post your results---thank you---

peace
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    eMachines D620 (laptop)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Processor 2650e 1.60GHz
    Motherboard
    ACPI x86-based PC
    Memory
    (RAM) 1.00GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Internal DAC (400MHz) - memory: 382 MB
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ATI Radeon X1250 - 14"
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 800 (60Hz)
    Hard Drives
    ST9160310AS ATA Device
    Case
    Stealth~graphite
    Keyboard
    Launch Manager Version 2.0.02
    Mouse
    Synaptics PS/2 Port Touchpad + Microsoft Optical Mouse 500
    Internet Speed
    Cable/wireless-router
    Other Info
    NO WEBCAM - (privacy)
Hmm
first, Mcafee with Artemis has been certified Advanced+, without it, it only recieves standard certification.

So my answer would be Symantec Norton 2009, or none of the above.

Norton 2009 is good, but has poor heuristic detection abilities

They are both better than AVG though (standard cert). The funny thing is if you want a AV that outperforms both Mcafee (without Artemis), and AVG, go with the free Avast! or Avira Antivir; both are Advanced certified.


As for the firewall leak test I can ace that with Vista firewall/and a hardware firewall- there really is no need for a "security" package, and if you dont feel like configuring it yourself, try the Sphinx free firewall control. See post #286 http://www.vistax64.com/system-security/139503-whats-best-antivirus-security-suite-29.html

for source, and more information regarding certification labs and testing, see:http://www.vistax64.com/system-security/139503-whats-best-antivirus-security-suite-28.html



11680d1239305029-vista-sp1-antivirus-performance-capture7.gif
 
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My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    T7600G Core2Duo 2.66 Ghz
    Motherboard
    Intel 945PM + ICH7 Chipset
    Memory
    4GB DDR2 PC2-5300 667MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobility Radeon x1900 256MB
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    WUXGA 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1200
    Hard Drives
    640GB 7200RPM SATA/RAID 0 (2x320GB)
    and 320GB 7200RPM External
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft 3000
    Internet Speed
    10 mbps/2 mbps
    Other Info
    Optical Drive:
    Panasonic UJ-220 DL BD-RE (Blu-Ray)
I wouldn't have Norton on my system if they gave it away. I had NIS on XP for several years and it was nothing but problems and the biggest resource hog I ever had on a computer. Once you try to uninstall it, it still leaves behind a lot of files in the registry. You never really delete all aspects of having installed it.

I could not agree more with you about Norton...the program is bloated and I find the same protection with AVG. I've felt quite protected with AVG and besides... its FREE!
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    Intel E2180 @ 3.0Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte P35-DS3-L
    Memory
    Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB 4-4-4-12
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 8800GT
    Hard Drives
    750 GB -Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD7500AAKS
    1 TB - Western Digital MyBook
None,
"The best stuff comes free"

Like Rive said Avast! or Avira Antivir are great programs for FREEEEEE!!!!!! I used them for a while until i came across Comodo

I absolutly love them. They have updates 20-30times a day for their infection code packages. There firewall lets you be in control of everything on your computer. Its so nice to finally regain full control and only let what you want to happen, happen. I enjoy these so much!!!

I suggest this program to everyone i talk to. I also put it on everyones computer that i fix...

Ben
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    CPU
    Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 420 @1.60 GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell Inspion 530 Default
    Memory
    PNY 4GB 240-Pin SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway PnP Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1024x768 @ 75 Hz
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 250G ATA SATA-II
    Case
    Dell Inspiron 530
    Cooling
    None
    Keyboard
    Logitech EX100 Combo
    Mouse
    Logitech EX100 Combo
    Internet Speed
    100 MB/s
I must be the oddballl...I only use Windows Defender and Windows Firewall.

I had norton and AVG before and i discovered that I got infected with viruses that attacked the antivirus program itself...which is integrated into the system killing the system. Plus the resources being used were horrible and at times killed my bandwidth with their constant communication with home servers.

My windows defender uses almost no resources and safely runs in the background 24/7 constantly updating for me.

I have not had any issues at all with using windows defender. To avoid viruses...only download from trusted sites(torrents can usually be bad), and stay off unsecured networks(ur IP is easily available to be hacked).
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion DV7-1129wm Entertainment PC
    CPU
    AMD Turion X2 RM-72 Dual Core @ 2.1GHz
    Memory
    2 x 2 GB Hyundai DDR2 400 MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3200 @ 256 MB
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition Audio/SRS Premium Sound/Altec Lansing
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Laptop Screen
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900 laptop, external 17 in LCD 1024 x 768
    Hard Drives
    WD Scorpio Blue 320 GB SATA 5400 RPM
    Toshiba 68 GB SATA 5400 RPM Second Drive (backup)
    PSU
    8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
    Case
    Laptop with "light up" HP Logo on outside
    Cooling
    Insane air coming out of Targus dual fan cooler
    Keyboard
    Full Keyboard with numpad
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 / Touchpad
    Internet Speed
    Comcast Cable 20 MBps
    Other Info
    Used Primarily for CAD design using SolidWorks 2010.
    Also I love to watch HD movies using the HDMI output(Netflix).
    Linked to my Xbox 360 for Windows Media Center
    3 USB ports + USB/eSata
    HP Remote for Windows Media Center and Quickplay
    Internal Dual Layer DVD+/-RW
    External HP Lightscribe Dual Layer DVD+/-RW
    HP Webcam and Microphone
Blackhawk7188,
While windows defenders may seem to work fine, there could be many things that are wrong with your computer that you wont even see. It is so hidden, that if you do get infected, you will never know about it unless your computer crashes. So i would suggest you get a third party AV and maybe a firewall. Comodo is fantastic and has a GREAT Rep with me and everyone i install it for.

While AV's will never be able to FULLY protect you, they do a pretty good job for what they go up against every day.

Theres my $0.02,
Ben

I must be the oddballl...I only use Windows Defender and Windows Firewall.

I had norton and AVG before and i discovered that I got infected with viruses that attacked the antivirus program itself...which is integrated into the system killing the system. Plus the resources being used were horrible and at times killed my bandwidth with their constant communication with home servers.

My windows defender uses almost no resources and safely runs in the background 24/7 constantly updating for me.

I have not had any issues at all with using windows defender. To avoid viruses...only download from trusted sites(torrents can usually be bad), and stay off unsecured networks(ur IP is easily available to be hacked).
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    CPU
    Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 420 @1.60 GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell Inspion 530 Default
    Memory
    PNY 4GB 240-Pin SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway PnP Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1024x768 @ 75 Hz
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 250G ATA SATA-II
    Case
    Dell Inspiron 530
    Cooling
    None
    Keyboard
    Logitech EX100 Combo
    Mouse
    Logitech EX100 Combo
    Internet Speed
    100 MB/s
I must be the oddballl...I only use Windows Defender and Windows Firewall.

I had norton and AVG before and i discovered that I got infected with viruses that attacked the antivirus program itself...which is integrated into the system killing the system. Plus the resources being used were horrible and at times killed my bandwidth with their constant communication with home servers.

My windows defender uses almost no resources and safely runs in the background 24/7 constantly updating for me.

I have not had any issues at all with using windows defender. To avoid viruses...only download from trusted sites(torrents can usually be bad), and stay off unsecured networks(ur IP is easily available to be hacked).

Defender is not an antivirus, and "safe surfing" will not help you with drive-by-downloads, or clickjacking, or malicious software embedded in legiitimate sites or programs, nor with malicous tracking cookies, or your Familiy/friend's worm/trojan infected emails and links, etc.

Its not so much you, but the idea you may help to spread malware, and worms, and botnet attacks that hurt the rest of us, because you are naive when it comes to internet security.


Windows Defender detects and removes spyware

Windows Defender is software that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software by detecting and removing known spyware from your computer. Windows Defender features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected, minimizes interruptions, and helps you stay productive
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    T7600G Core2Duo 2.66 Ghz
    Motherboard
    Intel 945PM + ICH7 Chipset
    Memory
    4GB DDR2 PC2-5300 667MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobility Radeon x1900 256MB
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    WUXGA 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1200
    Hard Drives
    640GB 7200RPM SATA/RAID 0 (2x320GB)
    and 320GB 7200RPM External
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft 3000
    Internet Speed
    10 mbps/2 mbps
    Other Info
    Optical Drive:
    Panasonic UJ-220 DL BD-RE (Blu-Ray)
None,
"The best stuff comes free"

Like Rive said Avast! or Avira Antivir are great programs for FREEEEEE!!!!!! I used them for a while until i came across Comodo

I absolutly love them. They have updates 20-30times a day for their infection code packages. There firewall lets you be in control of everything on your computer. Its so nice to finally regain full control and only let what you want to happen, happen. I enjoy these so much!!!

I suggest this program to everyone i talk to. I also put it on everyones computer that i fix...

Ben

hello:

---sorry---I did try the Comodo product for a few days---and I do NOT like it at all because it has way toooooooooooo many pop-ups asking me if I allow the items to download, EVERY second again and again and again---grrrr---(I tend to download tons of small items)--it even froze my screen because it was conflicting with my Windows-defender-pop-up also---

---I now just use the plain and simple Windows-defender + firewall + Avast antivirus---

---(thank you for the recommendation about the Comodo - I may use it again in the future when I will not be downloading millions of items)---

peace
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    eMachines D620 (laptop)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Processor 2650e 1.60GHz
    Motherboard
    ACPI x86-based PC
    Memory
    (RAM) 1.00GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Internal DAC (400MHz) - memory: 382 MB
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Def Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ATI Radeon X1250 - 14"
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 800 (60Hz)
    Hard Drives
    ST9160310AS ATA Device
    Case
    Stealth~graphite
    Keyboard
    Launch Manager Version 2.0.02
    Mouse
    Synaptics PS/2 Port Touchpad + Microsoft Optical Mouse 500
    Internet Speed
    Cable/wireless-router
    Other Info
    NO WEBCAM - (privacy)
I AM SICK OF EVERYONE BEING SO IGNORANT ABOUT MALWARE AND VIRUSES!!!
Its a real threat people, no one is safe. You could get hit at any time. Stop saying you are fine just because you "have never gotten a virus". You just dont know about it. You could ahev a keylogger, getting your every keystoke and mouse clickm stealing your info just because you were erragent. There goes your personal info, address, and zipcode, and banking info.
People, i dont want to rant, but you NNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDD protection. Windows is not enough. They have basic protection for the person who never is connnected to the internet. But if you go one daily, weekly, or even monthly, you need to be protected. Please people. There are so many programs you can get for free that will do the job just fine!!!! ASK HERE AND WE WILL HELP!

I am sorry for a rant here, i know its off topic, but i am just getting sick of people not being protected. Its so stupid!!!!

Thanks for reading lol,:p
Ben:mad:


I must be the oddballl...I only use Windows Defender and Windows Firewall.

I had norton and AVG before and i discovered that I got infected with viruses that attacked the antivirus program itself...which is integrated into the system killing the system. Plus the resources being used were horrible and at times killed my bandwidth with their constant communication with home servers.

My windows defender uses almost no resources and safely runs in the background 24/7 constantly updating for me.

I have not had any issues at all with using windows defender. To avoid viruses...only download from trusted sites(torrents can usually be bad), and stay off unsecured networks(ur IP is easily available to be hacked).

Defender is not an antivirus, and "safe surfing" will not help you with drive-by-downloads, or clickjacking, or malicious software embedded in legiitimate sites or programs, nor with malicous tracking cookies, or your Familiy/friend's worm/trojan infected emails and links, etc.

Its not so much you, but the idea you may help to spread malware, and worms, and botnet attacks that hurt the rest of us, because you are naive when it comes to internet security.


Windows Defender detects and removes spyware

Windows Defender is software that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software by detecting and removing known spyware from your computer. Windows Defender features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected, minimizes interruptions, and helps you stay productive
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    CPU
    Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 420 @1.60 GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell Inspion 530 Default
    Memory
    PNY 4GB 240-Pin SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway PnP Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1024x768 @ 75 Hz
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 250G ATA SATA-II
    Case
    Dell Inspiron 530
    Cooling
    None
    Keyboard
    Logitech EX100 Combo
    Mouse
    Logitech EX100 Combo
    Internet Speed
    100 MB/s
I am having to do a recovery of Windows Vista due to an apparent virus/malware attack. After I recover, I want to have really strong antivirus/anti malware protection. According to CNET, Norton AV 2009 had really good reviews. As far as McAfee, my old Dell Computer with Windows XP has it and has never had a problem with malware, though it seems to slow down the computer a little bit. Then again, it has only 1 GB of RAM and a 64 MB graphics card (it's six years old). I had AVG for a short time before my system crashed, but also saw that the free AVG does not provide protection from rootkits and does not contain a firewall (which the upgraded version does). Here is what I am looking for:

1. Powerful, very reliable protection from viruses, rootkits, hacking, and any form of malware.
2. Something compatible with Windows Vista Home Premium. I say this because I experienced problems with Symantec products on Windows Vista and knew people who also experienced problems. As I said earlier, Norton 2009 had good reviews, so just wondering about it.
3. Not to expensive. I am willing to spend money, but I can't afford to go overboard.
4. Does not hog system resources. I have a pretty strong system (i.e. 3 GB RAM, 2.4 GHz dual core processor, and 256 MB graphics card), but don't want my resources to be used up as I do some gaming.

I am leaning towards Norton AV 2009, McAfee AV, or AVG (upgraded). Any advise is greatly appreciated and if you would like to recommend something other than these three, I'm all ears.

P.S. I hope this doesn't get posted twice. I couldn't find it after I submitted it the first time.
Go for Eset Smart Security.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Compaq
    CPU
    intel core 2 duo T 5550 @ 1.83 MHz
    Motherboard
    intel 965 chipset family
    Memory
    2 GB DDR 2 SD RAM @ 667 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    On board upto 358 MB RAM
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15"
    Hard Drives
    160 GB WDC
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