My Firewall/Virus program is having too many conflicts with WinXP. When SP2 came out, there was a software update, but it just hasn’t fixed all stability issues. This is happening on both my TR and my desktop.

I use V-com’s SystemSuite 5. It’s an all-in-one Firewall-Virus-WinDoctor-Utility. Basically, I use it for the real-time virus scanning, as well as the firewall. One thing I like about it is that the virus updates notify me whenever there is a new update available, which is anywhere from every day to every 3 days. No weekly updates like on some programs.

So I’m going to switch, since my system is having too many problems with it. Both my TR and my desktop are having glitches with it, the biggest one being a “background task server” error when the machines first boot up. Any good all-in-one programs to recommend?

Symantec Internet Security Suite (or whater it’s called) may be the package people love to hate. But it’s also the package nobody has beat. If you look for deals, the price is reasonable. And sometimes you can get the upgrade rebate, even when switching from other software.

Norton Antivirus may be decent enough, but for a personal firewall theres no better you can do than Zonealarm.  The bare bones version is free too.

Trend Micro PC-Cillin Internet Security 2005 - has been running great and got PC World and Computer Shopper awards and multiple picks.

+1 for PC_Cillin.

Tom

I heard many good things about the PC-Cillin Internet Security. Is it easy enough configure and set up? Just looking for something to install, configure with apps and then it runs by itself—except for virus definition updates, of course…

Yes, it is very easy to configure. For the most part, you probably won’t have to change any of the default settings. It notifies you as new threats are detected and when new virus pattern files are available. In my experience, it works flawlessly with XP SP2. I’ve used Norton and McAfee in both corporate environments and on my personal systems. I would recommend PC-Cillin over either of them. It requires very little system overhead and does its job without your having to worry about it. And no, I do not own Trend Micro stock and have never worked for them. I just think it’s a great product.

Tom

Yes certainly take a look at PC-Cilling.  They do offer a 30 day free trial at their page…

http://nct.digitalriver.com/fulfill/0039.2

And if you want more information on it check out the actual page on it…

http://www.trendmicro.com/en/products/desktop/pc-cillin/evaluate/overview.htm

I must say its the single best Anti-Virus program that I have run and the firewall is just as nice.

I’ve given up on Symantec’s BS.  The Internet Security Suite is the biggest drain on resources of any program i know.  Also, the anti-piracy activation software runs constantly ...enough already.  I’ve paid my 80 bucks. 

So i went in search of the best replacement and unbelievably, it turned out to be a free product.  Go to http://www.grisoft.com and get a free copy of AVG Anti-Virus.  I know this sounds like a commercial, but i’ve been a true-believer since day one.  Easy download, easy config, and continous updates.  We study viruses at my office and i can tell you, AVG is as comparable in terms of detection as anything else out there.

As far as firewalls go, just get a router with built in SPI and NAT your computers.  I’ve never understood the idea of running a software firewall behind a hardware firewall.  The less things running in the background, the better off you are. 

Just my 2 cents.

[quote author=“gotolam”]I’ve given up on Symantec’s BS.  The Internet Security Suite is the biggest drain on resources of any program i know.  Also, the anti-piracy activation software runs constantly ...enough already.  I’ve paid my 80 bucks. 

So i went in search of the best replacement and unbelievably, it turned out to be a free product.  Go to http://www.grisoft.com and get a free copy of AVG Anti-Virus.  I know this sounds like a commercial, but i’ve been a true-believer since day one.  Easy download, easy config, and continous updates.  We study viruses at my office and i can tell you, AVG is as comparable in terms of detection as anything else out there.

As far as firewalls go, just get a router with built in SPI and NAT your computers.  I’ve never understood the idea of running a software firewall behind a hardware firewall.  The less things running in the background, the better off you are. 

Just my 2 cents.

Weird they aren’t supporting it anymore..

http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_avg6_termination.php

I think that press release refers to their support of version 6.  They’re trying to say you can’t download updates for v6 anymore.  Version 7 is out and freely available with updates and all.  My guess is that they’re moving to a different data structure and didn’t want to provide data updates for both versions.  Check out this link:

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

kaspersky antivirus & Sygate firewall