Suggestions Needed

[flingz]

Well for those of you that read my recent post: it finally happened! Whatever was trying to access my PC finally got in and totally screwed up everything about my PC. I had to do a destructive system recovery to fix it. I was using Norton Internet Security. What do you all recommend as far as firewalls and AV programs go? I prefer free ones of course but if I have to pay to stay safe I will. All suggestions are greatly appreciated...Thanks:D

[pentachris]

I use ZoneAlarm free version. It's very simple to use. Others prefer Sygate or Kerio. There's also Tiny Personal Firewall. It's my understanding that those are a little less user friendly than ZA, but a little more configurable. They're all free, and a quick google search should send you right to them.

You can also look here (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15179) for more ideas.

[Budfred]

I was using ZoneAlarm, but after I installed the paid version which didn't work and experienced the horror that is their customer service I am not using them now.... I am using NetDefense that is part of SystemSuite utilities... Sygate and Kerio are the 2 that seem to get some of the best reviews....

[shanmuga]

I am using Norton Personal firewall for morthan 2 years and found it upto the task.Tried Zonealarm also for some time. But I personally feel that norton is more user friendly and with its inbuily privacy protection features it scores over ZA,though being a bit of a resource hog.
If you want freeware, ZA and kerio are the best.Check out my post in The PC World section of the forum for the latest comparison of firewalls.