Feburary 4th 2007 Freeware Review

[a_coppard]

Today, instead of one review for the week I have put together a full security suite for you, completely free. the programmes we are looking at are: AVG Free 7.5 (http://free.grisoft.com), Zone Alarm Free (http://www.zonealarm.com) and Ad-Aware SE 7.5 (I believe available from http://www.lavasoft.com)

To start us off then the free Anti Virus (AVG Free 7.5). I have tried this with Zone Alarm and have had the current line up. The anti virus works well with a scan a little bit quicker than Nortons. The update for the software ca be set to a specific time, as well as a test. This is nifty for a free programme, and scans your computer well, with virus updates coming in about twice every day. If you are new to the programme then the interface is easy to use and performs all the tasks well. It also intergrates an Anti-Spam tool.

Next up Zone-Alarm Firewall which is actually rather strict in letting any programmes use the internet, and can detect your anti-virus. This is again free, and can be used to protect your whole network and has stirct clamp down on any others. It wouldn't let me do anything with my other PC so a lock down on the network is brilliant. It is basically keeping your Pc locked-down and only letting all the good stuff come through (even they have problems).

Last of all is Ad-Aware SE 7.5. This is a great nifty tool and anyone running Norton, McAffee, Sophos, Kasperky, Panda (do I need go on) should have this installed and a scan be run at least every week. I scan my computer (nearly) daily and it's amazing of all kinds of rubbish thats on there.

These security tools combined will keep you virus free, and your system running smoothly. (Please note I can not be held responsible for anything going worong to your Pc caused by a virus or any toher form of internet nasties whilst following my advice, niether can the owner of freepcadvice.co.uk or any other forum member.)

All in all on the star rating

AVG Free 7.5 4.5 out of 5
Zone Alarm 5 out of 5
Ad Aware SE 4.5 out of 5

Next week which browser should you have, we test IE7, FF2.0.1.2, Poera 9.02 and a few more you may not of heard of including Swift.

[Administrator]

Have you tried Comodo Antivirus and Firewall?

[a_coppard]

no. i havent

[Administrator]

They are pretty good, firewall is anyway.. I'd wait till the AV reaches Beta 2.0 but, seriously the firewall is the best you'll find.