<p>What do you guys use to protect your laptop/computer?</p>
<p>As in antivirus software, adware, spyware, firewall, etc. Do you advise buying 'em all, like McAfree Security Suite (everything) or using free stuff?</p>
<p>I'm currently using Spybot, SpywareBlaster and ZoneAlarm firealarm for the adware/spyware/firewall stuff, (they're all free stuff) but for antivirus, do you advise using NU's "free" Norton Antivirus, or using one of the free ones (AVG, Avast, Anti-vir) or some other one (McAfree, PC-illin)?</p>
<p>I've heard that Norton/paid stuff takes up a lot of resources, but the free ones...are free, and therefore some say they aren't reliable.</p>
<p>Definitely don't use McAffee; only use Norton if it is the corporate edition (which you probably don't have access to). Both of them take up way too much resources to be justified. I've tried most of the free programs, and in my experience, Avast! is the most effective. I also have AdAware SE Professional which I use to scan my hard drive for spyware, and it also comes with AdWatch which is a program that blocks spyware from implementing itself on the computer.</p>
<p>If you want to block pop-ups, get STOPzilla! I haven't seen pop-ups on my laptops for months now, and it's the reason why my laptop is no longer slow anymore.</p>
<p>I also recommend Ad-Aware and Spyware Begone (removes crap in the regisry). Don't load too many protection programs -- it's a waste of space. The maximum you would need is two.</p>
<p>
[quote]
only use Norton if it is the corporate edition (which you probably don't have access to)
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Okay, so how do I tell whether NU gives the corporate version or not? I went to the link <a href="http://www.it.northwestern.edu/getcontrol%5B/url%5D">www.it.northwestern.edu/getcontrol</a> and it gave two options of download or E-Academy. The E-Academy showed the corporate version (at least named it) but when I logged on to actually download it, the option...vanished. </p>
<p>Oh yeah...I plan to use Firefox, so does STOPzilla work with that?</p>
<p>Well it's not the corporate edition; that was my point. If you can get the corporate version then go ahead and use Norton. If not, then use either AVG or Avast!</p>
<p>symantec corporate edition. good for viruses. better than norton.
ad-aware. good for ad-stuff.
spy-bot. good for spy-ware.
zone-alarm. good for intrusion alerts.</p>
<p>i also use mozilla, which i have been told is better than ie. some of these programs have overlapping job, but it's nice to have things checked twice. check and balance. </p>
<p>if you need any of these programs. contact me.</p>
<p>uc_benz, you should try being nicer when you point things out. you come off somewhat arrogant. just an honest opinion, don't take it personally. =)</p>
<p>oh goodness. i didn't mean for my post to start anything personal against anyone. i sincerely apologize.</p>
<p>but on that note, whether it is in real life or online, there is a certain social etiquette one should maintain, don't you agree? if you wouldn't be rude to someone in real life, why would that give you reason to be rude to someone online? just my two cents. sorry for digressing.</p>
<p>DING DING DING! You are very discerning lorddragon :D</p>
<p>And if you really think I am being rude (which of course is up to your judgement), then you will see me in about 10 days, and you can take it up with me there. Sound good?</p>
<p>I doubt that sounds good to anybody, but I'd certainly not want to read your thoughts anymore :). Don't think anyone needs that kind of help, so I've asked the mods to penalize you. I thought it'd be fair to tell you, especially in case you got banned. Sorry.</p>
<p>Haha, I thought we could party together or something. DARN IT. And don't worry about me getting banned: once I get to NU I'll be gone and never to be seen again. So getting banned a few days earlier would actually help me get some packing done!</p>