Laptop antivirus, spyware, and firewall software

[Voltron87]

If you had a new laptop, what free spyware, antivirus, firewall, etc programs would you put on with it? What are good retail ones? I"m sure this gets asked a lot, maybe someone who knows it well should make a sticky.

[IHateKeithSmart]

Hey Volt:

For spyware, it's usually best to use multiple tools. I'd start with Microsoft's tool:
Microsoft Anti-Spyware (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx)

For firewall, if you are running XP, you will do alright with XP's built-in firewall:
Windows Firewall (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/internet/sp2_wfintro.mspx)

For anti-virus, I have used clam's product on the server-side (not on a workstation). Based on my experience, their client version is probably decent:
Clamwin (http://www.clamwin.com/)

The alternative to using separate tools would be to use something like Norton Internet Security (everything bundled into one). These kinds of tools are OK and fairly easy to use. With a rebate, you can usually get it for around $25-$30 I would imagine.

Also, don't forget about patching. Again, if you are using Windows XP, you should enable Automatic Updates:
Auto updates in XP (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306525)

Hope this helps - Jason

[testaaja]

I would choose kerio personal firewall or zonealarm for firewall, both are free! For antivirus I would go for antivir, it's free too /images/graemlins/cool.gif. For spyware ad-aware and yes it's free too. And you should not use internet explorer for surfing, instead get mozilla firefox or opera. IE has so many flaws you don't want to use it.

[thatguy11]

antivirus is up in the air, all work well but sopohos does update every day, ad-aware and spybot work well for adware and spyware and both are free on download.com, but with any programs to remove adware or spyware I have yet to find one that gets it all with out you assisting with deletions in the registry or through dos.