Protecting your PC; Rate YOUR software

[squiggy]

I decided to randomly create a topic that allows people to compare thier' firewalls, and other software that protects thier' PCs.

How to rate your software:
It's simple, really.
Simply rate it on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the best, in the following categories.

Anti-Viral protection: Does it actually DO anything about your Viruses? Does it protect you from them? Does it let them download, and erase them later?
A perfect 10 requires your anti-virus to interact with your firewall to block them from downloading altogether.

Anti-Spyware protection: Does it actually care about spyware? Does it know what Spyware is? Does it protect you from it? Does it ignore it? A perfect 10 requires your anti-spyware program to integrate itself into your browser, and firewall, to block them PRIOR to attacking your computer.

Firewall: How strong is it? Does your firewall play nice with other programs? Does it work? Do you find spyware getting through it occasionally? A perfect ten requires complete integration with your anti-virus programs, anti-spyware programs, and a high strength.

User-Friendlyness: Is it easy to use? Is it pretty looking? a perfect 10 also requires easy installation.

Updating: How easy is it? Does it offer them free? Does it have a time limit?
ALSO!!!
Leave a link to it's site, so others can download it, or go buy it!
Let's start with the newest one on the market:
http://download.zonealarm.com/bin/free/beta/forcefield/index.html
It's not a 'traditional' protection system, it is much better.
This program rates a 10 on all 4 scales, by my books, here's why:
Zone Alarm Forcefield - Checkpoint
1) It doesn't really care about other protection software, it integrates itself into your browser, and creates a 'browsing bubble'
2) It blocks drive-by-downloads((Most common way spyware gets onto your system))
3) It does, however, not always work properly. It's still Beta. When say... you click a link from an MSN or Y!M IM window, it may not always load up. In addition, it doesn't support Macs, or the Mac browser for windows. It also occasionally refuses Outlook Express's internet priveleges.

Updating: Don't know! It's still Beta software. >.>


My other program is ALSO Zone alarm
Download link: http://www.zonelabs.com
Cost: Not free, unfortunately. Worth the price, though.((UNLIKE NORTON >.>))
Zone Alarm Internet Security Suite Pro((2007))
Anti-Viral protection: 9 - Program has a strong anti-viral program, and integrates properly into firewall. Occasionally has a few interesting quirks, like refusing certain downloads from MSN, because they are 'improper file types', hence it's 9/10 rating.

Anti-Spyware protection: 9 - Program has a strong anti-spyware program, and it even picks up what it leaves behind when it scans. I find my weekly scans pick up all the spyware it misses, and does everything short of apolagize for missing them. However, it could use a little better updating system, hence it's 9/10


Firewall: 7+1 - Program has a strong firewall, that rarely lets viruses or spyware through, via integrated Anti-Spyware/Virus/Malware integration, HOWEVER, the thing is bloody annoying with all it's firewall warnings. It does, however, include several things in addition to the 'basics', which I strongly approve of, so I gave it a Bonus mark. It includes IM security, and parental controls ^^

User-Friendlyness: 9 - Program is amazing, overall. Program looks pretty, and is easy enough to use. Only complaint is constant firewall warnings. Makes Windows Defender look... not half as bad.

Updating: Product does it all on it's own, Don't even notice it doing it. It just occasionally turns from the Red and Green bars, to a Z with an upward pointing arrow indicating it's updating. It does that alot, so don't get freaked out. I personally find it reassuring.


EDIT!!! WOAH!
The Zone Alarm ForceField also has this nifty ability, if you are using someone else's computer, you can make sure your passwords aren't accidentally saved, as long as they have this program installed. In future versions, you won't even need it installed, according to the developers.
Zone Alarm ForceField has the ability to completely cloak your computer, AND browsing activities from being properly noticed.
By activating "Private Browser" mode, you will be incredibly surprised by the results.
The program automatically erases all histories, temporary internet files, cookies, and usernames/passwords used while it's active.
It also blocks third party access to your system, regardless of wether this mode is active, AND keeps an eye out for 'physhing'.
Considering it's free, I'd say download it.
Cool extra: You know Private Browser is active because it puts a 'glow' around your browser, indicating it is 'seperate' from your usual browsing rules.
In addition, you can open your default browser((For example, mine is Firefox)) in either normal or private mode by left clicking on the start menu little icon, and selecting "Open Browser" or "Open Private Browser". The settings feature also allows you to undo anything like checking that "do not show this message again" check box.

[jonathan95]

I am using my Nana's pc which I find is over protected

this is what she has

Firewall's
Ble Coat K9 Web Protection
Windows Firewall

McAfee Security Centre as her virous protection

the settings on her stuff is set to MAX

you can barly do anything on it its over protected, this is how bad it is she or I cannot accept new people onto our msn's as it blocks that section of msn's live messanger,

she is also on a guest account which makes it even worse.

her firewall gives her 110% protection her virous protection also gives her 100% protection though i think thats more to do with the firewall than actualy the virous protection.

[lionhead]

We use AVG anti-virus free edition. I give it a 7, because it still works. Most anti-virus software get a 6 from me. they clean up your comp when they are needed, but never keep on working like they should. Most can't even be updated withou paying extra. I would rather clean up my PC personally then pay each month for an anti-virus program.

Tried loads of anti-spyware programs(Hitman pro, Superantispyware, spybot SD) most will work once or twice, but they never work perfectly for every crappy spyware on your comp. So i give anti-spyware software a 5 in general. better to clean it up yourself(usually clearing the temporary internet files and cookies does the trick mostly)

I give firewalls a 3. Crappy software, locks up your connection, doesn't work well with routers and definitely annoying in combintion with anti-virus, anti-spyware software and networks. got or router fireall turned off asit really locks most programs up(like games).

We only have the windows firewall on, but got so many programs in "exception" plus the fact i automatically click the "accept" button when asked to open a program for the firewall its hardly helpfull. I give windows firewall a 4.

[squiggy]

[TrekkieMage]

I use Mac OS X, I'd give it a 10 ^-^

On the PC at home I use Avast, Spyboth S&D, AdAware, and Spyware blaster with the the firewall supplied by the motherboard turned on. So far it works pretty well. Without IE running I'd give it all an 8.

[squiggy]

[TrekkieMage]

But with careful usage, they should be fine. We don't use IE, we use Firefox. And we don't tend to do a lot of downloading to straying to random sites.

[Seven of Nine]

I use Kubuntu Gutsy Gibbon.

It's fine