PC Security Suites

Discussion in 'Computer Corner' started by ricky101, Jun 25, 2020.

  1. ricky101

    ricky101 Total Gardener

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    Hi,

    Wondered what opinion was of the various paid for Internet Security Suites like Norton,Kaspersky, BitDefender etc?

    In the long past always used the free options but a couple of years ago, purchased Norton IS from Argos for a good price and it seems to work fine; whenever I ran a check like ESet free scanner no problems were found.

    However, even though buying a new years subscription from Argos, seems Norton will now not let you register the new year unless you also give them your banking /credit card details ! ( as detailed in the computer magazines)
    Clearly a con / move back to their bad old days of automatic renewal at full price.

    So not usre if we should just go with Windows Firewall and Defender with a few extra checks like Eset and Malwarebytes or try another paid for suite like Kaspersky or BitDefender ?
    In some of the technical forums many say the paid for suites are just a con and the free stuff is just as good ?

    ( does GCHQ have any good free ones :heehee:)
     
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    • NigelJ

      NigelJ Total Gardener

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      I currently use Windiows Firewall and Defender and the free version of Malwarebytes and have had no problems since changing to Windows 10.
      Previously I used a variety of free programs generally changing them when they either slowed down the computer or I got fed up with offers to buy and never had a major problem since 2000.
       
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      • Fat Controller

        Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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        Norton and McAfee used to be utter resource hogs, and got themselves so intertwined with stuff they slowed all sorts down and were hard to remove. Kapersky are a bit of a risk (Russian company!) - Avast seems to be OK, AVG is another that is well respected for being free and as @NigelJ suggests Windows Defender/Firewall is OK too.

        Personally, I have been with ESET for years and years - just paid £35 to cover four machines for another year, and to be honest I have never had a problem.
         
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        • ricky101

          ricky101 Total Gardener

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          That sounds a very good price on Eset, though not sure what verion it is or where you bought it, a lot cheaper than what Esets site show.

          A shame they do not make One of the devices the Smartphone, seems you have to buy the Android App separately.

          Interesting that Eset never seem that highly rated in the reviews, yet have heard first hand ( and a bit surprised) of some others saying they used it who I know were quiet well into such things, though got the feeling they did not pay for it..

          000357.jpg
           
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          • Fat Controller

            Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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            I have the middle package - but definitely cheaper than £55. I have been with them for well over a decade now, ever since they were recommended to me by an IT tech at work. Bear with me a min and I will see if I have any referral codes from them, you might get it cheaper..
             
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            • Fat Controller

              Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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              • Fat Controller

                Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                I'm taking a punt here, but I reckon if you do the free trial, they might just offer you a deal on the purchase when it comes toward the time the trial runs out
                 
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                • ricky101

                  ricky101 Total Gardener

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                  Thanks, worth a try and see if they come up with anything :)
                   
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                  • Mike Allen

                    Mike Allen Total Gardener

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                    As you all know. Computer techo and me, DON'T mix. Over the years I have tried many protection progs. Norton, highly recommended by a friend. It advised once to tidy my HD up. I agreed. Result it blanked most of the HD, causing me to have a new HD fitted. I used AVG for several years and found it very good, plus I got to know a member of their tech team. Bill very well. I now use Webroot and have done for a few years. I find it great. Mind you, auto renewal is costly, so I will revert to doing it myself.

                    Recently, when planning to leave Virgin and find another server, I set up an email account with Gmail. Acouple of days ago. I had a warning screen from Webroot. Saying that the send ef an email, that this was the first time this sender had used this address. Choice to continue of decline. I had sent some info to my friend, still using my ntlworld.com ID. He replied using my Gmail. So I consider Webroot to be worthwhile.

                    Best wishes and I hope you soon get sorted.
                     
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                    • ricky101

                      ricky101 Total Gardener

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                      Hi @Fat Controller ,

                      Just been looking into Eset and things as my Norton is about to run out.

                      Seems general web opinion is that just Nod32 is all thats really needed, but their Internet Security like you have is only a little more.
                      Again,though many tables show Eset quiet low down on the Magazines and web testing tables, many folk in the know (as I have since found out) tend to still say Eset is the best.

                      Not able to find anyone discounting Esets software , as you can with Norton,Kaspkersky etc.

                      As you say your package would be £55 but their site shows they do offer 30% discount on renewal so thats down to £38.

                      For starters a package for 2 would cost us £45 but will do as you say with that special offer of 2 months, thanks, and see what they come up with.

                      One thing thats not too clear, to get the renewal discount, looks like you have to agree to the Auto Renewal on the credit card ?
                      Assume that is not a problem with Eset, unlike some other companies which make it very diffiucult to end such renewals ?

                      thanks
                       
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                      • Fat Controller

                        Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                        Hi @ricky101 - I have no personal experience of cancelling with the auto-renewal as I have never cancelled away from them; been with them a hell of a long time now, and likely to remain so to be honest. In fairness to them, they do send an email each year warning you that the payment will be taken (7-14 days ahead if I recall) and giving you the option to cancel. Going by the customer service I have had from them on the odd occasion I have had to get in touch, I doubt there would be any issues. Really nice folk to deal with.

                        I would be highly surprised if you were disappointed with Eset to be honest.
                         
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                        • ricky101

                          ricky101 Total Gardener

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                          Cheers @Fat Controller , got it running via your offer download , but only shows 1 months trial not 2 ? no worries .

                          Will let you know if they come up with a discount by the end of the trial. :fingers crossed:
                           
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                          • Fat Controller

                            Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                            They must have changed the offer since posting - to be fair, even if they don't give you a discount, I would be inclined to stick with them purely on the basis that I have had no problems at all. Indeed, any issues I have had have been at my ISP's end with their servers, and even then my machines remain happy.
                             
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                            • ricky101

                              ricky101 Total Gardener

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                              Hi,

                              Well the one month trial has ended with several buy now screens during the trial but the price remains the same at £45 for 2 pcs, which seems a bit rich compared to the renewal cost @Fat Controller s £35 for 4 pcs.

                              Can buy it from, a ligit supplier for 1pc for £29.99 but sadly they do not offer it for 2 or more pcs.
                              Computeractive Software Store - ESET Internet Security 2020 [1-D, 1-YR] - 14% off RRP

                              From web searches seems ESET do not budge on the prices, you have to pay the higher 1st year price if you really want it, though quiet a premium compared to the other big players ...
                               
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                              • Fat Controller

                                Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                                Shame that @ricky101 - I have no idea what they are playing at, as you'd have thought they would be hungry for business. They are definitely one of the best in my opinion, but if their prices are a bit rich, I can understand why you would look elsewhere.
                                 
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