I've used products from Trend Micro, McAfee, and Norton. I definitely like Trend Micro the best for a personal computer (or any computer that you will perform a manual install on). My problem with Trend Micro (2003 version) was that network installation support was lacking.

McAfee (in general) bugs me too much. It likes to tell me everything that it is doing. Personally, I don't like to know what its doing - so long as it is doing it :)

Norton is my choice between McAfee & Norton. I'm surprised you had the issue with detection (especially since the bug is so old!)

I'd suggest giving the Trend Micro product a try.

Hope that helps a little,
Chris

Yes! Avast! is better than AVG in my opinion. However, both are better than Norton. I use zone alarm for a firewall and, despite the earlier comments, always update it within a day of prompting. Never had any trouble. ZA is much better than Norton's firewall.

I have been a norton hater since back in the 90's when I personally witnessed installations of their crap programs crash machines running windows. Earlier in this thread it was called bloatware, that is being too kind.

I use Mcafee and Trend Micro and love them both, but use AVG for all computers that I build for friends. AVG is great and haven't had anyone bugging me with their virus problems since I have been installing this and Microsofts Antispyware software, and adding a Linksys router in the mix.

It's nice to be able to spend your free time doing what you like instead of fixing once a year phone call friends computers all of the time.

Another AVG supporter here :)

Use Linux ;)

On my Windows XP computer, I combine the free Zone Alarm firewall with a free virus scanner called Avast!
Avast! has gotten great reviews and it hasn't let me down (yet).

www.avast.com
www.zonelabs.com

Me too
 

Given the comments and the OP regarding Norton, I think I will follow the lead.

Do you guys use the Windows Firewall as well?

I use ZoneAlarm Security Suite and because it's a integrated firewall and antivirus, there aren't too many compatibility issues. But definitely wait a week before updating, it killed my MSN Messenger for about a fortnight due to some bug.

I also use Spybot S&D and Spyware Blaster to keep my computer 'clean'. What do people think of the Microsoft Anti-Spyware application?

I've dumped Norton for a couple of years now. Using a triple play of Avast (it's free), Sygate Firewall (free for personal version), and Spybot (also free).

Avast has been excellent at catching viruses or any form of malware that has tried to gain entry to my laptop. The engine automatically updates the definitions almost every other day and also tells you if there is a new version of the engine out there. What's not to like?!

I second or third the endorsement of AVG.

Fduvall

At the same time as another firewall? No way!

By itself? No way! (well I am temporarily using it on one computer.)

NO. If you have another firewall running the Windows Firewall should be disabled.

Windows Firewall is designed as an interim solution whilst you sorce a more robust solution, the best of which have been mentioned already. Once you have sourced this proper firewall, Windows suggests you turn off Windows Firewall, to eliminate the possibly of a software clash.

The Windows Firewall is really intended to protect the computer during the installation phase, as it does ask if you want to connect to the internet to download the latest install files.

What about EZ Antivirus by Computer Associates?

I took advantage of their free 1-year offer through Microsoft in the spring. I am happy with it so far. I also have the ZA free firewall running.

Another vote for Avast. Norton failed to detect a few things with a fairly recent virus definition. Avast detected all of them.