Comments on: Antimalware software suites

Avoid the suites of antimalware software and opt for free agents.

[ruminator]

The appeal of a suite, and that appeal is overwhelming, is that for the masses there "should" be no congflicts among the different purpose programs. This is "simplicity." Installing 3 or more separate highly rated programs performing different functions is not "simplicity.," and that setup is just beging for conflicts. Also, it is a purely gratuitous and unfounded assumption that one highly rated program will merely add other subpar programs to build up a suite. The truth is that every program added can't be the best and best to each user might mean different things anyway.

[john55440]

In the tests that I have seen, freeware antivirus/antispyware products have been less effective than Norton/Symantec products.

Norton Internet Security 2008 is not complicated to use. In it's default configuration, it's a nonchatty program that just does it's thing in the background. (My understanding is that Norton 360 is the program designed to be used by rank novices.)

Norton Internet Security 2008 is not bloated. I use it on a 2002 computer with only 512MB of memory, and have no complaints. My understanding is that, in the last two versions of NIS, Symantec has worked to improve performance. In addition, nonessential modules, like parental controls, have been relegated to an optional, downloadable, add-on pack.

Besides, Norton Internet Security 2008 is a PC Magazine Editor's Choice.

If you install seperate firewall, antivirus, and antispyware programs from three different companies, you have the additional complication of learning three different programs, with three different interfaces. In addition, there are potential conflicts/incompatabilities between the programs.

[Schratboy]

The best anti-malware defense is limiting what users can do via the Internet. When a user spends hours on-line surfing to hundreds of different sites each day, they increase their risk for exploit 1,000 fold. Notwithstanding what A/M products one uses, the best and most effective solution is clearly defining the dos and don'ts and manage accordingly.

[tttoast]

@schratboy

I agree with you if you're discussing a work environment, but what about a home user? Are you going to tell them not to surf the web?