ESET NOD32 or ESET Smart Security?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rena03sb
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rena03sb

I just got a new computer with Vista 64 (SP1 included) and want a good
AV and AS program. When spending $900+ for a computer, I don't mind
spending $40/year for good protection (less then the price of a Big Mac
per month)…

From the reading I've done everyone has been recommending ESET NOD32,
which seems like the best protection + the least amount of Vista
compatibility issues.

When I checked out the website I saw that ESET has an upgraded version
out that includes AS software. From my knowledge, NOD32 is just AV and
I would then have to find a good AS program too right? Where as ESET
Smart Security includes NOD32 and AS features.

Looking for feedback & suggestions.

Most of the threads that come up when I search are people who want
\"free\" software… I want \"great\" software and have learned that the
two terms often don't come hand-in-hand especially when dealing with
Vista!

Thanks all :biggrin:


Oh yea (learned i should include this):
The computer has 2.4ghz processor, 4ghz RAM, 512ghz video card, 750gzh
hard drive, Vista 64 (I'm pretty sure its 64 considering it's
upgradable to 8ghz of RAM…. I'll confirm the OS when it comes in
today).


--
rena03sb
 
Try using Windows Live OneCare: http://onecare.live.com
A free 90-day trial is available.You will probably be delighted by the one-stop PC care solution that it has(anti-spyware,anti-virus,routine maintenance,etc.),but,if you wish,you can still check out the free online safety scanner available at the website.One copy of the purchased software can be used to activate up to 3 computers under the same license.

"rena03sb" <sk1er18@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:rena03sb.3bx7si@no-mx.tabletquestions.com...

I just got a new computer with Vista 64 (SP1 included) and want a good
AV and AS program. When spending $900+ for a computer, I don't mind
spending $40/year for good protection (less then the price of a Big Mac
per month)…

From the reading I've done everyone has been recommending ESET NOD32,
which seems like the best protection + the least amount of Vista
compatibility issues.

When I checked out the website I saw that ESET has an upgraded version
out that includes AS software. From my knowledge, NOD32 is just AV and
I would then have to find a good AS program too right? Where as ESET
Smart Security includes NOD32 and AS features.

Looking for feedback & suggestions.

Most of the threads that come up when I search are people who want
\"free\" software… I want \"great\" software and have learned that the
two terms often don't come hand-in-hand especially when dealing with
Vista!

Thanks all :biggrin:


Oh yea (learned i should include this):
The computer has 2.4ghz processor, 4ghz RAM, 512ghz video card, 750gzh
hard drive, Vista 64 (I'm pretty sure its 64 considering it's
upgradable to 8ghz of RAM…. I'll confirm the OS when it comes in
today).


--
rena03sb
 
I think NOD32 is one of the best AV programs out there - an invisible,
deadly and silent assassin, with none of the hysterics of some of its
competitors and remarkably fast and light on your system resources.

Unfortunately I can't comment on their all-in-one solution, so this reply
isn't much help at all!

What I do recall is that it received some criticism when first launched. I
would expect them to have resoved any issues now, but like you, I'm keen to
hear from others who are actually using it.

SteveT
 
rena03sb wrote:

>
> I just got a new computer with Vista 64 (SP1 included) and want a good
> AV and AS program. When spending $900+ for a computer, I don't mind
> spending $40/year for good protection (less then the price of a Big Mac
> per month)…
>
> From the reading I've done everyone has been recommending ESET NOD32,
> which seems like the best protection + the least amount of Vista
> compatibility issues.
>
> When I checked out the website I saw that ESET has an upgraded version
> out that includes AS software. From my knowledge, NOD32 is just AV and
> I would then have to find a good AS program too right? Where as ESET
> Smart Security includes NOD32 and AS features.

I think NOD32 is great. I recommend it to all my clients. I'm not crazy
about "all-in-one" antivirus/antispyware solutions but I have one client
who really wanted the whole thing. I got her Smart Security and was very
pleasantly surprised at how well it works. Like the antivirus, Smart
Security is very light on system resources and didn't bog down her machine
at all. Her computer is far less powerful than yours, being an older Dell
with XP Home and 512MB of memory.

Normally I would just install NOD32 Antivirus and use Windows Defender on
Vista. On XP boxen I prefer to use a non-resident free program and my
current favorite is MalwareBytes' Antimalware (MBAM) program.

So I'd say it's really up to you. I think NOD32 Antivirus and Windows
Defender are fine, coupled with Safe And Sane Behavior by the user (you?).
Without the latter, it doesn't matter how many security programs you
install. -)

Oh, and I definitely do *not* recommend Windows Live OneCare.

HTH,

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
FAQ - http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ
 
Have been using Nod32 for a appox. 12mths now and with no problems and use
the inbuilt MS Firewall and both give good protection & use minimal
resourses, both run in background and just do there job. I also back up DMS
Defender with Adware & Spybot S&D. Have never used a registery cleaner as I
don't think one is required, if you reads thru previous posts you will find
that most posters are against Reg Cleaners, if someyhing needsto be removed
or modified and you have the knowledge & skill clean the Reg. yourself
otherwise leave it alone.
Another AV that gets a good report is Kaspersky. MS Firewall does a good job.
Norton, McAfee, have not used them for quiet a few years but generally
reports in discussion groups indicate they are resource hungry and it appears
setting up correctly can be quiet involved.
Conclusion (personal opinion): Nod32 (not suite) with MS Firewall will do
the job.
--
Regards
Bob J
If advise given from anyone, solves problem or not, or if solved from
another source,post back & let us know.
Then we all benefit.



"rena03sb" wrote:

>
> I just got a new computer with Vista 64 (SP1 included) and want a good
> AV and AS program. When spending $900+ for a computer, I don't mind
> spending $40/year for good protection (less then the price of a Big Mac
> per month)…
>
> From the reading I've done everyone has been recommending ESET NOD32,
> which seems like the best protection + the least amount of Vista
> compatibility issues.
>
> When I checked out the website I saw that ESET has an upgraded version
> out that includes AS software. From my knowledge, NOD32 is just AV and
> I would then have to find a good AS program too right? Where as ESET
> Smart Security includes NOD32 and AS features.
>
> Looking for feedback & suggestions.
>
> Most of the threads that come up when I search are people who want
> \"free\" software… I want \"great\" software and have learned that the
> two terms often don't come hand-in-hand especially when dealing with
> Vista!
>
> Thanks all :biggrin:
>
>
> Oh yea (learned i should include this):
> The computer has 2.4ghz processor, 4ghz RAM, 512ghz video card, 750gzh
> hard drive, Vista 64 (I'm pretty sure its 64 considering it's
> upgradable to 8ghz of RAM…. I'll confirm the OS when it comes in
> today).
>
>
> --
> rena03sb
>
 
"rena03sb" <sk1er18@yahoo.com> wrote:

> When spending $900+ for a computer, I don't mind spending $40/year
> for good protection (less then the price of a Big Mac per month).

Me neither. I'll pass on the Big Mac though. -)

> From the reading I've done everyone has been recommending ESET
> NOD32, which seems like the best protection + the least amount of Vista
> compatibility issues.

Both NOD32 and Eset Smart Security work well with Vista. So does other
anti-virus programs. Vista has been around for a good while now, and major
developers are mostly up to pace.

> When I checked out the website I saw that ESET has an upgraded
> version out that includes AS software. From my knowledge, NOD32 is
> just AV and I would then have to find a good AS program too right?
> Where as ESET Smart Security includes NOD32 and AS features.

That is not entirely correct. NOD32 is an anti-malware program, which means
it's engine deals with both viruses, worms, trojans and spyware. It is
highly configurable, but basically a fire-and-forget solution. The initial
configuration during setup may be all you need to do. Read the documentation
to find out which settings suit your needs best.

I would still recommend running a second anti-spyware scanner regularly,
since none of these programs, including NOD32/ESS, have a sufficient
detection rate. Remember you already have Windows Defender, which is known
to work just fine alongside NOD32 and ESS. Keep it enabled with the default
daily scans.

The difference between the standalone anti-malware and the suite, is that
the latter includes a configurable personal firewall and a spam filter. Both
solutions are in version 3.0, by the way.

You must decide for yourself whether a third party firewall is really
necessary. In my experience, most home users are adequately protected by
Windows Firewall.

Some experts advice against e-mail scanning (for spam and malware), as this
can corrupt messages. And although I have never seen this happen with ESS,
you should consider it when deciding whether you need an entire suite or
just NOD32.

> Most of the threads that come up when I search are people who want
> \"free\" software. I want \"great\" software and have learned that the
> two terms often don't come hand-in-hand especially when dealing with
> Vista!

Popular free AV and AS programs like AVG, Avast!, Spybot and so on perform
decently, but I agree - the products you pay for are better. See for
yourself on sites like AV-Comparatives and Virus Bulletin, if you have not
already done so.

> The computer has 2.4ghz processor, 4ghz RAM, 512ghz video card,
> 750gzh hard drive, Vista 64 (I'm pretty sure its 64 considering it's
> upgradable to 8ghz of RAM.. I'll confirm the OS when it comes in
> today).

I assume you mean 8GB of RAM. NOD32 and ESS have small memory footprints and
scan fast, which are big selling points in my opinion. Your computer is more
than able to run these programs. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are
available.

Charlie42
 
I am a Comcast customer. As a customer, they give McAfee suite for free.
Excellant program, does an excellant job. But it is a resoouce hog
particularly during scans. If you have the horsepower not a problem.

I recently purchased a PC with Norton Internet Security 2008. I has an
excellant virus scanner and firewall. Compared to previous versions, this
version is not so high in resources. With my limited experiece so far with
NIS2008, it appears to be a good application.

"Bob J" <BobJ@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:D82ACCDB-3EB4-4452-A2C5-9798834FEBFD@microsoft.com...
> Have been using Nod32 for a appox. 12mths now and with no problems and use
> the inbuilt MS Firewall and both give good protection & use minimal
> resourses, both run in background and just do there job. I also back up
> DMS
> Defender with Adware & Spybot S&D. Have never used a registery cleaner as
> I
> don't think one is required, if you reads thru previous posts you will
> find
> that most posters are against Reg Cleaners, if someyhing needsto be
> removed
> or modified and you have the knowledge & skill clean the Reg. yourself
> otherwise leave it alone.
> Another AV that gets a good report is Kaspersky. MS Firewall does a good
> job.
> Norton, McAfee, have not used them for quiet a few years but generally
> reports in discussion groups indicate they are resource hungry and it
> appears
> setting up correctly can be quiet involved.
> Conclusion (personal opinion): Nod32 (not suite) with MS Firewall will do
> the job.
> --
> Regards
> Bob J
> If advise given from anyone, solves problem or not, or if solved from
> another source,post back & let us know.
> Then we all benefit.
>
>
>
> "rena03sb" wrote:
>
>>
>> I just got a new computer with Vista 64 (SP1 included) and want a good
>> AV and AS program. When spending $900+ for a computer, I don't mind
>> spending $40/year for good protection (less then the price of a Big Mac
>> per month).
>>
>> From the reading I've done everyone has been recommending ESET NOD32,
>> which seems like the best protection + the least amount of Vista
>> compatibility issues.
>>
>> When I checked out the website I saw that ESET has an upgraded version
>> out that includes AS software. From my knowledge, NOD32 is just AV and
>> I would then have to find a good AS program too right? Where as ESET
>> Smart Security includes NOD32 and AS features.
>>
>> Looking for feedback & suggestions.
>>
>> Most of the threads that come up when I search are people who want
>> \"free\" software. I want \"great\" software and have learned that the
>> two terms often don't come hand-in-hand especially when dealing with
>> Vista!
>>
>> Thanks all :biggrin:
>>
>>
>> Oh yea (learned i should include this):
>> The computer has 2.4ghz processor, 4ghz RAM, 512ghz video card, 750gzh
>> hard drive, Vista 64 (I'm pretty sure its 64 considering it's
>> upgradable to 8ghz of RAM.. I'll confirm the OS when it comes in
>> today).
>>
>>
>> --
>> rena03sb
>>
 
** yes please excuse my original post of the system... I meant GB for
the RAM and HD capacity (was trying to type fast... ended up typing
faster than i could think!)

by the way- thanks for all the great responses!


--
rena03sb
 
On Wed, 2 Jul 2008 06:43:03 -0700, Bob J
<BobJ@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>Have never used a registery cleaner as I
>don't think one is required, if you reads thru previous posts you will find
>that most posters are against Reg Cleaners, if someyhing needs to be removed
>or modified and you have the knowledge & skill clean the Reg. yourself
>otherwise leave it alone.

Recent polls reported that 14% believed that Obama is a Muslim and not
a Christian. Another 18% believe in ghosts, while 34% said they
believe in UFO's. After being proved for certain it isn't true with
photos taken from space, the Flat Earth Society still believes the
Earth is flat. Here's a quote from their web site:

"For decades a small band of self-proclaimed "enlightened" individuals
had been spouting their heretical nonsense that the Earth was in fact
round. Citing "proof" based on nothing more than assumptions,
half-truths and blind guesses, they dazzled the populace with their
undeniable mathematical and scientific evidence . . . that the world
is shaped not like a pancake, but an orange!"

http://www.alaska.net/~clund/e_djublonskopf/Flatearthsociety.htm


Hint: Smarter people don't believe something just because some
clueless Bozo said so in some goofy newsgroup. Then again a certain
percentage will believe anything, like the idiot Frank that couldn't
find his rear end with both hands feeling behind his back.

Typical myths often seen here include:

1. all software has bugs
2. if you have problems with Vista, must be third party hardware
3. all Registry Cleaners, bad, bad, don't use
4. You have problems with Vista, I don't, ergo, you must be stupid
 
Charlie42 wrote:
> "rena03sb" <sk1er18@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> When spending $900+ for a computer, I don't mind spending $40/year
>> for good protection (less then the price of a Big Mac per month).
>
> Me neither. I'll pass on the Big Mac though. -)
>
>> From the reading I've done everyone has been recommending ESET
>> NOD32, which seems like the best protection + the least amount of Vista
>> compatibility issues.
>
> Both NOD32 and Eset Smart Security work well with Vista. So does other
> anti-virus programs. Vista has been around for a good while now, and
> major developers are mostly up to pace.
>
>> When I checked out the website I saw that ESET has an upgraded
>> version out that includes AS software. From my knowledge, NOD32 is
>> just AV and I would then have to find a good AS program too right?
>> Where as ESET Smart Security includes NOD32 and AS features.
>
> That is not entirely correct. NOD32 is an anti-malware program, which
> means it's engine deals with both viruses, worms, trojans and spyware.
> It is highly configurable, but basically a fire-and-forget solution. The
> initial configuration during setup may be all you need to do. Read the
> documentation to find out which settings suit your needs best.
>
> I would still recommend running a second anti-spyware scanner regularly,
> since none of these programs, including NOD32/ESS, have a sufficient
> detection rate. Remember you already have Windows Defender, which is
> known to work just fine alongside NOD32 and ESS. Keep it enabled with
> the default daily scans.
>
> The difference between the standalone anti-malware and the suite, is
> that the latter includes a configurable personal firewall and a spam
> filter. Both solutions are in version 3.0, by the way.
>
> You must decide for yourself whether a third party firewall is really
> necessary. In my experience, most home users are adequately protected by
> Windows Firewall.
>
> Some experts advice against e-mail scanning (for spam and malware), as
> this can corrupt messages. And although I have never seen this happen
> with ESS, you should consider it when deciding whether you need an
> entire suite or just NOD32.
>
>> Most of the threads that come up when I search are people who want
>> \"free\" software. I want \"great\" software and have learned that the
>> two terms often don't come hand-in-hand especially when dealing with
>> Vista!
>
> Popular free AV and AS programs like AVG, Avast!, Spybot and so on
> perform decently, but I agree - the products you pay for are better. See
> for yourself on sites like AV-Comparatives and Virus Bulletin, if you
> have not already done so.
>
>> The computer has 2.4ghz processor, 4ghz RAM, 512ghz video card,
>> 750gzh hard drive, Vista 64 (I'm pretty sure its 64 considering it's
>> upgradable to 8ghz of RAM.. I'll confirm the OS when it comes in
>> today).
>
> I assume you mean 8GB of RAM. NOD32 and ESS have small memory footprints
> and scan fast, which are big selling points in my opinion. Your computer
> is more than able to run these programs. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions
> are available.
>
> Charlie42

I assume that the OP meant to say 512MB video card.

P
 
Ringmaster wrote:

Typical myths often seen here include:
1) adam albright has a brain
-------------------------------------

Nobody believes that one!...LOL!
 
Ringmaster wrote:

<snipped>

Seriously Albright, you should seek a doctor specializing in the field
of mental health, because you need it. You are one sick puppy.
 
^^ Yes, I think we all know what I meant... considering 512ghz video
card doesn't make sense and a 512GB video card is just… well insane.


--
rena03sb
 
rena03sb wrote:
> ^^ Yes, I think we all know what I meant... considering 512ghz video
> card doesn't make sense and a 512GB video card is just… well insane.
>
>

For now. I remember 4MB video cards.

P
 
"Hiren" <hirenme@hotmail.com> wrote in
news:AE0E22BA-5D2B-46DF-AC3D-7AAA01366EDC@microsoft.com:

> Try using Windows Live OneCare: http://onecare.live.com
> A free 90-day trial is available.

The OP was looking for quality software that works...not OneCare.
 
coupled with Safe And Sane Behavior by the user (you?).
Without the latter, it doesn't matter how many security programs you
install. -)


--smartest quote on the board.

First thing I did when I unboxed my Vista x64 machine, shelled out 89
bucks for a two year subscription to ESET Smart Security suite. In my
opinion, absolutely worth every penny.


--
Zoloft

"Be careful what you pretend to be, because in the end, you are what you
pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut paraphrased from his novel "Mother
Night."
 
My online computing consists of message boards similar to this. I don't
run any music or download programs like napster, etc. If I'm online,
it's researching, posting on forums (like this), online banking,
shopping, etc... normal stuff.

99% of the time my main browser of choice is Mozilla, which I run with
adblock to eliminate pop-ups and other flash player type adds (some
forums are filled with those)

With that said and from reading on this forum, I think I'll be good
with the following:
ESET NOD32 (for AV & some AS)
Windows Defender w/daily scans (for AS)
Acronis 11 (create initial re-boot CDs and to backup my entire drive
using my 500GB WD external) **I have Vista Home Premium which I don't
believe comes with backup functions built in

Sound good?


--
rena03sb
 
"rena03sb" <sk1er18@yahoo.com> wrote:

<snip>
> With that said and from reading on this forum, I think I'll be good
> with the following:
> ESET NOD32 (for AV & some AS)
> Windows Defender w/daily scans (for AS)
> Acronis 11 (create initial re-boot CDs and to backup my entire drive
> using my 500GB WD external) **I have Vista Home Premium which I
> don't believe comes with backup functions built in
>
> Sound good?

Sounds adequate. Vista Home Premium does include backup & restore, but it's
functionality is limited, ie. you can only back up files and folders. Only
Vista Ultimate includes Complete backup, so Acronis seems like a good
addition to me.

Charlie42
 
Thanks for the help everyone. I have NOD32 running and it seems to be
working great. When I initially set up my Vista I opted out of setting
up the Norton AV that came with the computer, so it seemed like the
Un-install of Norton was pretty easy since it didn't have a chance to
branch into my computer.

I did have a glitch with my wireless connection, but it only took me 10
minutes to figure out. Unlike XP, Vista wanted a specific WEP key so I
couldn't just choose 1 of the 4 at random. All I had to do was dial
into my modem from my laptop and see which # key was selected as the
preference. However I did notice this morning that Windows Update had
an updated driver for my wireless card the pre-installed driver was
6/2007 and the new driver came out in 2/2008 so I updated it… not sure
if that would have made a difference with the WEP thing though, but who
knows..

Also, I was pleased to find that HP provided a boot-disc creation
software. Although it's not like Acronis, the boot discs will only
restore the computer to its factory settings (like boot discs that come
with most computers). So I'm going to do that, and I will get Acronis 11
once I have my PC set-up with my normal every day software.

This site is awesome. Everyone should read threads on here before
buying Vista. I was careful NOT to plug in any devices that weren't
Vista compatible and didn't have any problems with my set-up.

I have a 750GB hard drive that I'm NEVER going to fill up… so I'm going
to read up on what exactly 'partitioning' is because I think I can
partition maybe 200GB of it and use that space for PC backups (not sure
if that’s how this stuff works but will find out). I have a 500GB WD
external drive but did not plug it in yet because the manual does not
list Vista as an OS- So I'll be going to the WD website to see what the
deal is.

In either event, thanks again everyone!


--
rena03sb
 
"rena03sb" <sk1er18@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Thanks for the help everyone. I have NOD32 running and it seems to be
> working great.

I am glad to hear things are working out.

<snip>
> I did have a glitch with my wireless connection, but it only took me 10
> minutes to figure out. Unlike XP, Vista wanted a specific WEP key

Windows Vista supports WPA and WPA2, which are improved wireless encryption
methods. I strongly recommend you use one of these instead of the antique
WEP, preferably WPA2 if your router/modem supports it.

Even amateurs can break a WEP key in a matter of minutes with software
downloaded from the Internet, and thereby make you the neighbourhood free
bandwidth supplier.

<snip>
> However I did notice this morning that Windows Update had
> an updated driver for my wireless card the pre-installed driver was
> 6/2007 and the new driver came out in 2/2008 so I updated it. not sure
> if that would have made a difference with the WEP thing though, but who
> knows.

In general, driver updates are better downloaded form the manufacturer's
support site than from Windows Update. The manufacturers have the most
recent versions.

<snip>
> This site is awesome.

I agree, but it is not a site really. It is a newsgroup hosted on NNTP
servers. It is even more awesome to use a newsgroup client rather than the
clunky web interface at Microsoft.com.

Subscribe to a newsgroup with Windows Mail:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/b4a4891c-4498-4e22-b35d-44bf32d916d41033.mspx

<snip>

Charlie42
 
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