Question on Anti-Virus Software

Eustace Tilley · Apr 24, 2010

I just bought a new laptop and can get Symantec's Endpoint Protection for free via my company. However, from what I've read, this is a product that's meant mainly for small businesses. Given that this is a home computer, would I be better off buying an ESET, BitDefender etc. type of product instead?

Thanks - ET

pseudonym · Apr 24, 2010

I find it strange how people pay absurd amounts ($80/year) for virus protection.

avast! and avira are both free alternatives and dare I say, work better than McAfee/Norton.

I'm currently using the best combo on my home computer: avast! Home edition + Malwarebytes.

I have not gotten a virus in 2 years. If you want extra protection, download the NoScript add-on in Mozilla Firefox.

PS - Update at least once a week. Run a scan every couple of weeks.

Jumbie · Apr 24, 2010

Microsoft Security Essentials gets excellent reviews and is completely free.

Eustace Tilley · Apr 24, 2010

My question revolves around whether a product like Symantec Endpoint Protection would be overkill for a home computer, and use too much of my CPU. Would it?

According to all reviews, Symantec Endpoint Protection is meaningfully superior to programs like Avast, and its is free for me.

lbcgav · Apr 24, 2010

Originally Posted by Eustace Tilley

My question revolves around whether a product like Symantec Endpoint Protection would be overkill for a home computer, and use too much of my CPU. Would it?

According to all reviews, Symantec Endpoint Protection is meaningfully superior to programs like Avast, and its is free for me.

I would not recommend anyone use Endpoint Protection. We removed it from our server and replaced it with Kaspersky and saw instant improvement in performance. SEP just uses too many resources.

Eustace Tilley · Apr 24, 2010

Originally Posted by lbcgav

I would not recommend anyone use Endpoint Protection. We removed it from our server and replaced it with Kaspersky and saw instant improvement in performance. SEP just uses too many resources.

Thanks - that is helpful.

pseudonym · Apr 25, 2010

I've had some experiences with Symantec myself, and would advise everyone against using it, let alone thinking of installing it.

coltboy75 · Apr 25, 2010

try www.pctools.com

I love it and use it one three computers. Great customer service.

vortex89 · Apr 29, 2010

I also recommend Avast or AVG, preferably Avast!

Its free, it updates everyday at least! and highly configurable

Not had a virus since its been installed and I visit some dubious websites

sho'nuff · Apr 29, 2010

Originally Posted by Eustace Tilley

I just bought a new laptop and can get Symantec's Endpoint Protection for free via my company. However, from what I've read, this is a product that's meant mainly for small businesses. Given that this is a home computer, would I be better off buying an ESET, BitDefender etc. type of product instead?

Thanks - ET

symantec sucks it does absolutely sh*t for our company. i dont know if it is the product itself, or if our company didnt implement it well enterprise-wise, but we still go around doing desk jobs with hirens and malawarebytes.

Dmax · Apr 30, 2010

I administer Symantec Endpoint Protection on a few hundred workstations. It's fine for a home PC and does not consume a lot of CPU or RAM. There are several modules you can install. I would start with just Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware module and don't initially install the Network Threat Protection or the Proactive Threat Protection.
Since it's free for you I would try it out. You can always uninstall later and try something else.

Unfortunately, Symantec or any other single antivirus program may not stop some of the newer, more sophisticated threats but that's a separate post.

sho'nuff · Apr 30, 2010

yeah i guess it's fine for home but the enterprise one we use sucks . it literally sucks /drains the pcs here of their performance

Cary Grant · Apr 30, 2010

Kaspersky!

Prince · Apr 30, 2010

Originally Posted by vortex89

I also recommend Avast or AVG, preferably Avast!

Its free, it updates everyday at least! and highly configurable

Not had a virus since its been installed and I visit some dubious websites

Same here. Avast is pretty decent imo although the updating does take some time.

Dmax · Apr 30, 2010

Originally Posted by sho'nuff

yeah i guess it's fine for home but the enterprise one we use sucks . it literally sucks /drains the pcs here of their performance
I meant it's not overkill for home use and it's fine for enterprise use as well, including production servers. In my experience, it does not put a big drain on resource though it depends how you have it configured (number of in-house servers, how the nodes communicate with the servers, frequency and timing of scans, etc.) though of course your experience may differ.

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