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Best Free Internet Security Suite [1]

Last updated by MidnightCowboy [2] on 21. April 2015 - 06:38

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Introduction
This website, and others, have long advocated the use of layered protection [3] to secure a Windows PC in the knowledge that a standard antivirus is often not enough. Vendors are also pushing this approach and most now offer an internet security suite as their leading product. In addition to the normal antivirus, internet security suites include a firewall and other security components. The exact make-up varies between products so be sure to check the information pages before deciding which best suits your own needs. As ever, there are freeware products that are just as good as the commercial programs.
 
Please note that security product reviews range from being a useful resource to complete nonsense so do not use these solely to choose a security suite, or worse still, change the one you have already*. Beware too of media reviews that are biased towards the commercial products advertised on the same site. You need to consider for instance why the discrepancy between these [4] independent results and these [5] from a media publication for the same product? :)
 
*The incorrect removal of an existing security program can adversely affect later installations of new products and/or possibly the operation of your Windows system. Always use the dedicated tool for this purpose provided by the vendor and never a third party program wound up to its most aggressive setting. Doing so invites a recipe for disaster as does the use of so called registry cleaners [6] or other types of clean/tweak tool which almost always contain a registry component.
 
 
Discussion
 

Comodo Internet Security settings window [7]Comodo Internet Security is a very comprehensive solution and as such is IMO not suitable for inexperienced users despite the extra automation included in the latest release. For experienced users however, or those prepared to research this program fully, it is an excellent option. Included in the technology mix is an auto sandbox that isolates untrusted programs from the rest of your computer. Don't be put off by historical reports about its detection capabilities. The latest test results [4]demonstrate just how far Comodo has developed in recent months and the reason it now holds top spot here.

 
Be sure to check out the options in the first install window. Some, like Comodo's DNS service and behavior analysis, you might want, but the search engine change to Yahoo!, you might not. :)
 
Be aware also that unless you check the “customize installer” option and de-select what you don't need, you'll end up with their GeekBuddy service and Comodo Dragon browser. You can also at this point choose the level of alerts presented by the program via the “Configurations Options” tab.
 
Once you have installed and updated the signature definitions, you can begin to configure the settings. The window above is just one of many and illustrates why I don't believe this program to be suitable for the inexperienced. 
 
Comodo help guide page [8].        Chiron's highly comprehensive setup guide [9].
 
 

ZoneAlarm main window [10]ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall is a good choice because it does a very good job in an uncomplicated way. It has all the basic features you would expect for a security suite, including the famous firewall. ZoneAlarm uses the Kaspersky SDK engine. Test results are not class leading but for users following safe surfing practices, protection is more than adequate. 

 

ZoneAlarm firewall text [11]

Application control is clear and precise and there is just enough HIPS protection [12] to be useful without being too obtrusive. 

 
 
 
 
 
A few notes to help maximize the protection potential for ZoneAlarm, depending of course on what your personal requirements might be.
 
The install is via a web installer (a small executable that connects to the internet when launched to download and install the main program components).
 
  • Choose “Custom” install to avoid [13] the unnecessary add-ons/system changes
  • Choose the full package option
  • Choose to set application control to “max”
  • Wait for the download to complete – around 180MB
  • Internet connection will drop out during installation of firewall driver
  • After install ZA will automatically scan your boot sector and memory
 
Settings:
 
  • Antivirus – Settings – Riskware Categories – enable “other riskware scanning”.
  • Firewall – Basic Firewall – Settings – set both to High.
  • Advanced settings – enable ARP protection and Hosts file lock.
 
After the initial update, the normal automatic sequence thereafter is every twenty four hours, but you can choose to update manually at any time for optimum protection if you wish.
 
Once you restart your computer, or maybe before depending on the circumstances, you will begin receiving alerts for system processes. The firewall alerts will begin straight away.
 
As with all security software, you cannot expect optimum protection unless you are prepared to familiarize yourself with the program components, how they work, and how to respond to alerts. The ZoneAlarm PDF userguide link is here [14] on their support page.
 
 

Outpost Security Suite window [15]Outpost Security Suite Free uses its own antivirus engine but as far as I am aware, still licenses the detection signatures from VirusBuster. This won't achieve top ranking detection but as with Comodo, the focus of the suite is on prevention. The program has not been updated for two years, as illustrated by the GUI, but is still a capable product.

 
After installation, Outpost starts in Auto-Learn mode so you will need to disable this via the program settings if this is not how you wish it to behave. You will also need to register the program but this is free and the key will be sent to your email.
 
Be aware that the Outpost download redirects to cnet which uses a wrapped installer [16]. You can avoid this by using the Softpedia download link [17] instead.
 
 
 
 
Related Products and Links

You might want to check out these articles too:

Best Free Antivirus [18]
What Else Have You Just Downloaded? [13]
What Is A False Positive Antivirus Detection? [19]

 
Quick Selection Guide

Comodo Internet Security

5
 
Gizmo's Freeware award as the best product in its class!

Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Very comprehensive mix of components.
Settings not easy to understand. Custom install necessary to avoid unwanted components.
http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php [20]
7.0
92MB
32 and 64 bit versions available
Unrestricted freeware

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall

4
 
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Straightforward to install and use. Does a good job without trying to do too much.
Only updates once every twenty four hours so additional manual updates are necessary to achieve optimum protection. Take care to avoid unnecessary components during install.
http://www.zonealarm.com/security/de/zonealarm-free-antivirus-firewall.htm [21]
13.3.209.000
180MB (via web installer)
32 and 64 bit versions available
Free for private use only

Outpost Security Suite Free

3.5
 
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Good all round protection with excellent HIPS component.
Signature definitions from VirusBuster and not top grade. Program not updated for some time.
http://free.agnitum.com/ [22]
7.1.1.3431.520.1248
95MB
32 and 64 bit versions available
Free for private use only
 
 
Editor

This category is maintained by volunteer editor MidnightCowboy. Registered members can contact the editor with any comments or suggestions they might have by clicking here [23].

 
Tags

free, antivirus, internet, security, suite, firewall

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Links
[1] https://www.techsupportalert.com/content/best-free-internet-security-suite.htm
[2] https://www.techsupportalert.com/users/midnightcowboy
[3] http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/safe-computing-under-hour.htm
[4] http://www.av-test.org/en/tests/home-user/windows-7/julaug-2013/
[5] http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2425817,00.asp
[6] http://www.thewindowsclub.com/do-registry-cleaners-defragmenters-really-help-or-are-they-snake-oil
[7] http://www.techsupportalert.com/files/images/CIS Firewall 500.jpg
[8] http://help.comodo.com/product-72-Comodo-Internet-Security.html
[9] http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/how-install-comodo-firewall.htm
[10] http://www.techsupportalert.com/files/images/ZoneAlarm Main Window2 500.jpg
[11] http://www.techsupportalert.com/files/images/ZoneAlarm Firewall 500.jpg
[12] http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/hips-explained.htm
[13] http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/what-else-have-you-just-downloaded.htm
[14] http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/support/technical-support-zonealarm-pc-security-free-firewall.htm
[15] http://www.techsupportalert.com/files/images/Outpost 500.jpg
[16] http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/cnet-downloadcom-wrapped-installer.htm
[17] http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/Outpost-Security-Suite-Free.shtml
[18] http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-anti-virus-software.htm
[19] http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/what-false-positive-antivirus-detection.htm
[20] http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php
[21] http://www.zonealarm.com/security/de/zonealarm-free-antivirus-firewall.htm
[22] http://free.agnitum.com/
[23] http://www.techsupportalert.com/user/3236/contact