Should I try freeware or stick with paid security software??

ashh · 18. Jul 2011, 11:55 AM

this is doing my head in....
I bank online, do alot of purchasing etc (well the missus does)
is it worth trying freeware pc security or should I stick with my paid subscription
has to be kept simple to use, but top notch security wise
need anti-vir, firewall and malware.... prefer real time
help

ashh · 18. Jul 2011, 11:57 AM

I guess what Im asking is what is best to use and is it going to be any less secure than paid security.....(my main concern)
oh and Im running XP home SP2
TIA

blues · 18. Jul 2011, 02:32 PM

Considering that this site is dedicated to evaluating and promoting the best in "freeware" it should be pretty clear that most of the denizens believe that you can be just as "secure" in that manner.

Now, some "paid" software may offer bells and whistles (or conveniences) but there is no reason that you won't be just as safe and secure using the free alternatives.

Hope that helps allay your fears.

ashh · 18. Jul 2011, 09:51 PM

thanks for your reply,
can you recommend a good combination of freeware programs for anti virus, anti-spyware and a firewall that works well together with windows XP SP2 ?

kendall.a · 18. Jul 2011, 10:58 PM

I would strongly suggest that you start here at our security wizard:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/SecWiz

J_L · 18. Jul 2011, 11:36 PM

You can keep your paid software for now, but switching to freeware before renewal will save you a lot of money.

Paid software usually have more features, but a combination of freeware will equal or better it. There are exceptions to this, such as free suite vs. a paid anti-virus.

garth · 18. Jul 2011, 11:43 PM

Whatever you choose i would consider introducing Sandboxie into the mix.

blues · 18. Jul 2011, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garth

Whatever you choose i would consider introducing Sandboxie into the mix.

I may have to report your post, Garth. Doesn't Bo get to make this suggestion first?

garth · 19. Jul 2011, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blues

I may have to report your post, Garth. Doesn't Bo get to make this suggestion first?

Sorry Blues.......i just don't know what possessed me

ashh · 19. Jul 2011, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kendall

I would strongly suggest that you start here at our security wizard:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/SecWiz

Thanks I'll try that out, my subscription ended so I have already installed avast free, super antispyware, persona pro firewall or whatever it's called, it's the one that has just been made freeware... Also have various others installed like SG, spybotSD spyware blaster... The usual suspects.
Did an online security test and all passed ok except for antispyware, problem is seems there isnt any decent free antispyware with realtime protection, unless I'm looking in the wrong places...
I do dabble in the world of torrents every now and then aswell, which initself is a risk with any pc security , I know.
I'm still not sold on freeware being better than paid, just seems that programs like nortons 360 and kesperskey seem to offer so much more, and an easy buy it and don't worry about anything else type setup....
I will try that link above though thanks

18. Jul 2011, 11:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
ashh Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Gold Coast Queensland Australia Posts: 21	Should I try freeware or stick with paid security software?? this is doing my head in.... I bank online, do alot of purchasing etc (well the missus does) is it worth trying freeware pc security or should I stick with my paid subscription has to be kept simple to use, but top notch security wise need anti-vir, firewall and malware.... prefer real time help

18. Jul 2011, 02:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
blues Full Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Blue Ridge Mtns Posts: 97	Considering that this site is dedicated to evaluating and promoting the best in "freeware" it should be pretty clear that most of the denizens believe that you can be just as "secure" in that manner. Now, some "paid" software may offer bells and whistles (or conveniences) but there is no reason that you won't be just as safe and secure using the free alternatives. Hope that helps allay your fears. __________________ RT: Sandboxie, Comodo Firewall, EAM, MBAM / OD: Drive Snapshot, Shadow Defender

18. Jul 2011, 10:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
kendall.a Foundation Editor/Forum Manager Intern Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 1,814	I would strongly suggest that you start here at our security wizard: http://www.techsupportalert.com/SecWiz __________________ <-------Is looking for his brain....

18. Jul 2011, 11:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
garth Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Here. Posts: 1,451	Whatever you choose i would consider introducing Sandboxie into the mix. __________________ garth

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18. Jul 2011, 11:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
ashh Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Gold Coast Queensland Australia Posts: 21	I guess what Im asking is what is best to use and is it going to be any less secure than paid security.....(my main concern) oh and Im running XP home SP2 TIA

18. Jul 2011, 09:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
ashh Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Gold Coast Queensland Australia Posts: 21	thanks for your reply, can you recommend a good combination of freeware programs for anti virus, anti-spyware and a firewall that works well together with windows XP SP2 ?

18. Jul 2011, 11:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
J_L Co-Author, Best Free Security List Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,475	You can keep your paid software for now, but switching to freeware before renewal will save you a lot of money. Paid software usually have more features, but a combination of freeware will equal or better it. There are exceptions to this, such as free suite vs. a paid anti-virus.