Mcaffee Norton Kaspersky?

[missprim]

Do you find one of these better than the other?
How do I choose between all that is on offer?
Internet Security, Anti Virus Plus, Total Protection.
I do get very confused about it all.
Help please, ( in very simple language)

[PiedPiper13]

Go for (free) MSE, Microsoft Security Essentials.

Google it.

[Old_Geezer]

I use Kaspersky and apart from nagging me things I'm not interested in are set up it's been fine. Have used the others in the past. No major objections to them although IIRC they did slow things down on the PC I had then. The free ones aren't bad either, save that I swapped to a paid one when a virus got through AVG free. Maybe be just one of those things.

I think most knowledgeable folk here seem to recommend the free MS one.

[sunny-dave]

MSE is now compromised - read PcPro here :

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/latest-issue

Avast is now their anti-virus product of choice (and has always been mine) - coupled with a regular anti-spyware scan using Malwarebytes it is all a home PC needs. It's free too :+)

[Buenchico]

ChuckFickens is AB's acknowledged No. 1 expert in Technology (and he works in IT). He recommends Microsoft Security Essentials, which does everything that McAfee, Norton and Kaspersky can, without costing you a penny:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/security/pc-security/mse.aspx
(It also doesn't slow your computer down, which some of the other products can do).

If it's good enough for Chuck, it's good enough for me!

[PiedPiper13]

Oh dear, just when I thought I was OK.

Had avast once, the red umbrealla as I recall.

[sunny-dave]

Perhaps the Sainted Chuck needs to have a read of this month's PcPro ... :)

[jno]

goodness, what's up with MSE? I've got Avast, which is free, and I'm happy with it.

[PiedPiper13]

Thanks Mr buenchico, phew on that one. So many different opinions.

[jno]

perhaps Chuck is down with a virus? There's a lot of it about.

[PiedPiper13]

Maybe PC pro are on commission ??

[missprim]

Thanks for all your answers, but I don't actually want a free version.
I tend to buy the ones that are suitable for 3 users and split the cost with the other 2 people. I prefer to do it this way as I know it's probably safer than the free versions.

[jno]

I don't think they're safer than free ones, missprim

[Buenchico]

>>>as I know it's probably safer than the free versions

With the exception of Microsoft Security Essentials the free versions are actually part of paid-for programs anyway! For example, AVG and Avast! give away the anti-virus component of their full security suites in the hope that people will then go on to buy the complete security suites. What you get for free is exactly the same as what other people pay for! As long as you've got a decent firewall, a good anti-virus program and an anti-malware solution, you're covered.

[missprim]

Thanks Chris but to be quite honest with you, and I mean no disrespect to anyone, I asked a question and I didn't get an answer to my question because everyone suggested a free version and although you may all think I'm mad, I still want to buy one of the three I asked about.
If no-one can advise me on the question I asked then I will ask in the shop where I will go to buy it.
Many thanks.

[rojash]

" I asked a question and I didn't get an answer to my question"

If you want a paid one then I would recommend Norton or Kaspersky - wouldn't touch McAfee.

There is no reason to pay if all you are going to by is AV. But an Internet Security program usually rolls up AV, Firewall, Antispyware, Antispam, and Antimalware. There is always a compromise between good protection, and performance and convenience. On my business machines I use Eset Smart Security for those extra feature with not to much hassle. I found that Kaspersky, while effective compromised performance too much for me. McAffee is just crap, so (of your choices) my number one recommendation would be Norton, as long as you go for the full package.

[rojash]

.. meant to say, that on my "play" machines especially my DAW, where performance is everything, and security is less of a priority, I use MSE.

[Buenchico]

>>> I will ask in the shop where I will go to buy it.

Places like PC World will simply recommend the one which gives them the highest commission!

Reviews of antivirus software from an unbiased source:
http://www.computeractive.co.uk/type/review/category/antivirus

[missprim]

Thanks rojash and also thanks Chris for the link.

[RobCrusoe]

I have been using Kaspersky Internet Security for the last few years. It doesnt seem to slow my PC down at all. It just sits there and does the job, occasionally warning me of a dodgy email.
Ive got the 3 user license version which is free if you bank on-line with Barclays.