I've read up about Norton AV, AVG AntiVirus, McAfee etc.. but they differ in price quite a bit and I can't decide what to use.
Do I need one at all if I have firewall software?

LN, August 2003

I use Twister..
Cool!

amir, January 2009

I work in the computing industry and deal with viruses everyday. I strongly advise against Norton because it is very heavy on resources and can destroy you OS - once on it can be hard to take off. I also see a lot of computers that have become infected with viruses when runing Norton.

We used to use Panda Antivirus but the recent release (2005) has given us problems with 50% of the machines we installed it onto having to be re-formatted.

Computer Associates virus scanner, although now free for the first year, is not very reliable.

I would recomend Trend Micro Internet Security or McAfee. We have also been using Bullguard which seems ok but has yet to proove itself. AVG is good because it is free, but for a reliable Virus Scanner you will have to pay.

Most internet users can get away with the MS Windows XP firewall installed, as long as they have a good virus scanner.

Tony Wilson, March 2005

I have Norton 2003 (the best i think)
AVG is good as it is free, i dislike ZoneAlarm but if you want a free one...AVG...but if you are paying Norton

Mappy, December 2004

I use AVG anti virus from Grisoft after I found Norton started upsetting my system and not allowing it to shut down. Now AVG anti-virus is FREE (download from Grisoft) and has updates and has worked remarkably well for me. It scans e-mails, all files whilst in use and has not let anything slip through yet. Updates are regular and for me is the solution I needed. I run Win 98 and Dos boot-up scans are also part of package scanning for infection before Windows starts as well.

John Swale, August 2003

All virus software is a matter of choice. Personally, I use Norton Anti Virus with web update of virus definitions. Norton Internet security combines firewall with anti virus and is a good compilation. Remember, a firewall limits probing of your ports when connected to an outside source (eg, the web) whilst the virus program is necessary to prevent infection. Most anti virus software can be configured to auto scan downloads and your system. It is up to you which make you use, but ensure your machine is protected with both a firewall and a virus checker. To check your machine's vulnerability go to http://grc.com and click on the Shields Up icon. This site will run benign tests on your system to check the level of firewall protection. You may be surprised at what is open to attack!

Randolph Carter, August 2003

i use norton 2003 and remove it again after use this seems 2 work ok 4 me

johnj, August 2003