I've used AVG free since my buddy who owns a computer repair shop told me about it. He also agreed that Norton and McAfee aren't as good. No problems for me since I switched.
Read this link! Very good and informative about anti-virus (Must read!): Excellent sources of anti-virus comparison reports!! http://www.abxzone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86202 People's personal experiences & advice are not reliable unless they are really specialise in these fields. There're full of misunderstanding and misconception. Read some objective tests are the ways to pick your strongest programs: Here's an anti-virus program Comparison Analysis from the same author: http://www.abxzone.com/forums/showthread.php?p=964589#post964589 Unfortunately, it hasn't been updated , but it should have some uses since past performance somewhat reflects the future. Here's one website which compares anti-virus programs as well: http://www.av-comparatives.org/ Fortunately, this one is up-to-date! This one is good too: http://www.virus.gr/english/fullxml/default.asp After all, free anti-virus programs like AVG is still far from perfect Don't expect too much for freebie). If you read the report, you will be astonished that how many malware it misses. If you are serious about security, Kaspersky, NOD32, F-Secure, McAfee are about the best, as far as ONLY malware detection & prevention are concerned (no personal opinions are involved. Just select from the results!). Other aspects like after-sale services, technical support are not considered. PS: I know pretty users here and there don't like McAfee for varius reasons. However it really offers a very high level of protection. Anyway, this is not the only product in the market. If you don't like it, pick other recommendations.
No, McAfee specialises in anti-virus. Its firewall is unfortunately rated as LOW/avoided from performance reports. Similar logic applies to ZoneAlarm. You know, ZoneAlarm is a company which specialises in firewall. So this one is a good pick. ZoneAlarm anti-virus sucks for the same sake. Read this Firewall Tests: http://www.firewallleaktester.com/tests.php PS1: Another example of "personal experience/advice is not reliable!" PS2: The very main criterion of picking a security program is its ability to protect my computer. I don't mind spending some money as I know how important online security is. I don't want to fall into a victim one day because I'm cheap and use freebies. I would have to add the best protection to my computer. They are always good investments.