View Full Version : PC-Cillin v. AVG and Zone Alarm
For several years I have used PC-Cillin Internet Security on my home computer and the corporate edition of AVG on my office computer. Both seem to work well. In the past I have have not switched my home computer to the free version of AVG because I liked the idea of being behind a firewall. I have recently read positive reviews respecting the Zone Alarm fire wall. My registration for PC_Cillin is coming up for renewal again and I am contemplating on switching from PC-Cillin to the free versions of AVG and Zone Alarm. Does anyone have any advice on whether I should switch and the pros or cons of either setup.
Thanks
GWM
Ekhaatvensters
22-04-2006, 08:13 PM
You could also look at Outpost Firewall, it is more customizable than ZA and I prefer using it. It doesnt however make too much of a difference, but you are going to be using the free version of ZA, which is not all that good. I would probably suggest Outpost over free ZA.
Nice thing about Outpost is that it also contains (optionally, you can disable any extra feature) antispyware, adblocking (for all browsers and even MSN!) and a few other features.
AVG is a pretty good firewall, infact probably the best free one. But if you want to pay for/crack a AV then get Kaspersky or NOD 32, both are a better option and detect and eliminate more viruses than AVG.
I havent used PC-Cillin personaaly but I dont think it is very good, probably a recourse hog, you can check out www.av-comparatives.org for comparisons and info.
Thanks for the reply Ekhaatvensters. I have a friend who is using the AVG Home Edition and we are going to setup the Outpost Firewall on her computer to see how it works. You reference to PC-Cillin probably being a resource hog raised a concern I have about whether a separate antivirus program and a separate firewall would use more computer's resources than PC-Cillin.
I checked out www.av-comparatives.org. No mention was made of PC-Cillin so I looked further. I found a favourable comparison chart (http://antivirus-software.topchoicereviews.com/), positive reviews like this one. (http://antivirus.about.com/cs/beforeyoubuy/tp/aatpavwin.htm) and a less favourable comparison chart (http://antivirus-software.6starreviews.com/?Refer=GoCT1&Keyword=Bantivirus%20software&gclid=CPnDw-vZwYQCFSFTPgodB0wXMA). I found a review where PC-Cillin was not recommended (I would provide a link but don't see the site in my history). I also came across a forum (http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=120820) reviewing PC-Cillin and this "mini review (http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2003Jul/sec20030722020756.htm)", both of which generated a lot of discussion.
After all of that, I still don't know what I'm going to do. I suspect that there are no clear answers, but appreciate the suggestions.
Ekhaatvensters
23-04-2006, 04:34 PM
Ja, its hard to decied. Every second review changes your feelings towards a product. But in general Kaspersky and NOD 32 really are the best AV programs out there.
Kaspersky Security Suite also has a built in firewall and antispyware, so its a full package and a very good one apparently, especially v6 which is still in Beta but useable. But it is pay, however you can just enter a serial off the net with no hassles. If you dont mind that kind of thing...
The only problem with Outpost is that you will find it asking you to very program changes every few minutes when your using alot of applications. But ZA also pops up quite freequently with permissions.
However you can change everythig with Outpost and once set up you can have it run in the background silently so it will use up almost no system recourses.
"in general Kaspersky and NOD 32 really are the best AV programs out there"
Thanks - I will check them out as well.
Gunny
23-04-2006, 07:13 PM
another vote for Outpost. (use to use ZA)
bullfrog
24-04-2006, 04:11 PM
I would personally go for Avg and zone alarm together. Probably the easiest and best setup to have free. I haven't had a virus on this setup that has ever caused damage to my system or any other problems.
My friend just got a downloader program that downloads crap off the internet without u noticing it. Like visuses, had he had zone Alarm, it never would have worked cause u first have to give th program access from Zonealarm. Thats what I like about this setup, you have complete control.
lucifir
24-04-2006, 04:19 PM
I would go for AVG and sygate ... both are free :) .... and not as resource intensive as zone alarm for example
Is anyone familiar with Kerio Personal Firewall 4. This PCMag reviewer (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1864604,00.asp) preferred it to Sygate, Outpost and Zone Alarm!
Gunny
24-04-2006, 07:09 PM
Sygate got taken over by Symantec not touching that nemore.
cybershark
24-04-2006, 09:03 PM
Is anyone familiar with Kerio Personal Firewall 4. This PCMag reviewer (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1864604,00.asp) preferred it to Sygate, Outpost and Zone Alarm!
Yes, it is good. Kerio Personal Firewall 4 was bought by Sunbelt Software http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio.cfm
avr-rulez
24-04-2006, 09:42 PM
With plenty of spent P3 pc's lying around - why not get a Linux firewall - like Smoothwall and use the old p3 as a dedicated Firewall , certainly no resources taken from your pc. Check out http://smoothwall.org/
Raithlin
25-04-2006, 09:15 AM
Funny how nobody mentioned Avast. You folks got anything against it? I only ask because I've been using it (I'm an ex-AVG user), and love the integrated IM AV protection, as well as network (when I shut down my firewall :eek: I get messages that it is blocking intrusion attempts), P2P and the usual POP3 and Exchange protection. It is quick and easy to setup, and I've had no problems with it.
Why the deathly silence then?
Oh, and is it me, or has Agnitium removed their freeware solution (OutPost)?
With plenty of spent P3 pc's lying around - why not get a Linux firewall - like Smoothwall and use the old p3 as a dedicated Firewall , certainly no resources taken from your pc. Check out http://smoothwall.org/
I like that idea & will definitely keep it in mind should I get access to an extra pc.
Oh, and is it me, or has Agnitium removed their freeware solution (OutPost)?
This link should take you to their freeware solution:
http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpostfree/download.php
Ekhaatvensters
25-04-2006, 05:08 PM
I have tried Avast and have noting against it, I just prefer using NOD 32 (absoloutley minimal recources) which has better detection and coupling that with a seperate firewall that is more specialised than the built in firewall of Avast.
BTW, when I had ZA it would sometimes (only started happening very recently before i switch from ZA) get disabled. A message would come up after a few seconds saying that the "Vector True internet monitor was disabled, do you want to re-enable".
But this was the work of a malicous program disabliung the firewal so that it can have free access, if you look at that review of avast you will see under cons that it is also easily disabled. If you firewall can be disabled then there is no point in it.
I see in the "antivirus software?" thread these posts re recommended AV software:
trend internet security is about the best option. Just STAY AWAY FROM NORTONS!!!!! and you will be fine.
I currently trying out AVANT, as the MS one touch AV failed me, and I no longer have faith in it.
I also recommend Trend Micro Internet Security, or Kaspersky
Has anyone else had any positive or negative experiences with Trend Micro Internet Secutiy?
...Has anyone else had any positive or negative experiences with Trend Micro Internet Secutiy?i started using pccillin internet security on my home pc because absa (yes, i do bank with them :)) were providing it for free to their customers (and they still are, actually). it's worked pretty well for me - haven't had any problems with it. and i like the fact that it also has a firewall and spyware protection, so i don't need separate apps for that. cnet (http://reviews.cnet.com/4504-5_7-0.html?tag=mp&id=31604253&id=31517980&id=31517211&id=31473526&id=31786407&id=31473733) gives it a rating of 7.8, btw (2006 version)
Impregim
26-04-2006, 11:21 PM
I would definitely recommend
1. Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2006 ( Firewall/Spyware/Spam included )
2. NOD32
3. BitDefender ( Firewall included )
Free: AntiVir, AVG
Tested earlier this week the Netgear DG834UK Router with the integrated Trend Micro technology at a client's office & it was solid.
Good investment - http://www.netgear.com/products/details/DG834.php
Regards,
bullfrog
26-04-2006, 11:42 PM
I would almost go as far as to recommend against PC-cillin. I have found that it makes me pc somewhat unstable and chows resources. Where AVG doesn't use close to as much resources. PC-cillin is also quite buggy and have had many problems with it before.
I would almost go as far as to recommend against PC-cillin. I have found that it makes me pc somewhat unstable and chows resources. Where AVG doesn't use close to as much resources. PC-cillin is also quite buggy and have had many problems with it before.
Stability and bugginess have never been issues for me. I've used PC-cillin with Windows 95, 98, Mellenium and XP without problems. My two main concerns about switiching to free software are whether I would get the same level of protection and resource usage. I don't find PC-Cillin slows my computer down, but I suppose that does not mean that it is consuming more resources than the typical AV program. I really don't know what is typical or what is considered excessive. I wonder if AVG combined with a separate firewall program would consume less resources then PC-Cillin?
:eek: ... what I meant to say was:
I don't find PC-Cillin slows my computer down, but I suppose that does not mean that it is not consuming more resources than the typical AV program.
asilva
04-05-2006, 06:56 AM
Hi, i've been using a miriad of AVs and ADs and FWs until i found:
Nod32 + lavasoft Ad-aware + lavasoft personal firewall.
although i recognize that lavasoft is not the best, it works well, but nod32 is something else, fast (u dont even notice it's there until a popup apears), updated DAILY, low ressources consumption.
cheers,
AS
robmugaap
25-05-2006, 06:53 PM
AVG + Zone Alarm is a very good combination. Only strange thing is that the Zone Alarm AV monitor do not detect AVG ...
The_Librarian
25-05-2006, 09:09 PM
I like that idea & will definitely keep it in mind should I get access to an extra pc.
I'm a Smoothwall user myself, and administrate 2 Smoothies at my work, and one at home. So, yes, it's an excellent product, saves the hassle of configuring a firewall on every single PC... :eek:
The Smoothwall community is full of friendly people always willing to help out, and there's also great mods in the homebrew forum which you can try out.
I set up a friend's computer with AVG and Outpost firewall shortly after starting this thread. This past weekend she complained about how slow her computer had become since the programs were installed.
The problem seem to be with Outpost. It was taking a long time to startup and during the startup, the highspeed connection shortcut was unresponsive. After connecting to the web, the browsing speed was significantly reduced - felt like dialup! I uninstalled Outpost and installed Zone Alarm. There was no improvement. I then downloaded the trial version of PC-Cillin Internet Security as I was familiar with it how operated and wanted to see if it would have the same problems. PC-Cillin's started without delay and browsing speed was back to normal. I don't know if this is related, but PC-Cillin did identify and remove some spyware. I assume that the spyware was new in the last month as I ran Adaware before installing Outpost.
Has anyone else experienced these problems with Outpost and Zone Alarm? Can the setting be changed to get better performance?
The_Librarian
05-07-2006, 07:33 AM
Never had any problem with Zone Alarm so far.
NoRulez
07-07-2006, 09:34 PM
With plenty of spent P3 pc's lying around - why not get a Linux firewall - like Smoothwall and use the old p3 as a dedicated Firewall , certainly no resources taken from your pc. Check out http://smoothwall.org/
Excellent alternative - I'm running linux on a PII 400 as firewall for a home LAN of 6 PC's.
ZAPro still stays my fav suite, although a bit resource hungry.
Gunny
08-07-2006, 10:33 AM
Has anyone else experienced these problems with Outpost and Zone Alarm? Can the setting be changed to get better performance?
I use Outpost on my pc's one is a 1.4 celeron mobile with 256mb ram and I dnt have any performance issues.
On the weekend, she was again experiencing frequent disconnects and slow downs. I contacted the ISP and they believe that there is a line issue (i.e. not a firewall problem) that has to be resolved. Once that is resolved I will give Outpost or Zone Alarm another go to see if the startup problem is also fixed (unelss she decides to stay with PC-Cillin).
NoRulez
11-07-2006, 10:39 PM
Outpost/ZA/PCCillin might affect system speed, since it uses some resources, but ISP connection speed is definately not affected!
At first when I experienced slow connections, Telscum said I must disable my firewall... what a load of crock!
Nobody can have a safe connection to the internet without some form of firewall, not even for 5 minutes!
To prevent line drops, block all SAIX pings in the firewall. ;)
noswal
11-07-2006, 11:31 PM
If you've never tried leaktest with your firewall and it gets access to the internet, change your firewall !
http://www.grc.com/files/leaktest.exe 25k in size
The_Librarian
12-07-2006, 09:09 AM
To prevent line drops, block all SAIX pings in the firewall. ;)
Now this doesn't make any sense to me, unless the receiving server is set up to terminate a telephone line upon receiving a ping... :confused:
The_Librarian
12-07-2006, 09:14 AM
But this was the work of a malicous program disabliung the firewal so that it can have free access, if you look at that review of avast you will see under cons that it is also easily disabled. If you firewall can be disabled then there is no point in it.
And this trend is set to increase. :eek:
Once that is resolved I will give Outpost or Zone Alarm another go to see if the startup problem is also fixed (unelss she decides to stay with PC-Cillin).
The line problem was resolved, however I did not have the opportunity to retry Outpost or Zone Alarm as she had decided to purchase PC-Cillin Internet Security.
Thanks everyone for all your input.
If you've never tried leaktest with your firewall and it gets access to the internet, change your firewall !
http://www.grc.com/files/leaktest.exe 25k in size
Just tried it with PC-Cillin which passed with the Security Level set at high, but failed with the security level set at medium!
disabled
30-07-2006, 03:15 PM
For several years I have used PC-Cillin Internet Security on my home computer and the corporate edition of AVG on my office computer. Both seem to work well. In the past I have have not switched my home computer to the free version of AVG because I liked the idea of being behind a firewall. I have recently read positive reviews respecting the Zone Alarm fire wall. My registration for PC_Cillin is coming up for renewal again and I am contemplating on switching from PC-Cillin to the free versions of AVG and Zone Alarm. Does anyone have any advice on whether I should switch and the pros or cons of either setup.
There are many different types of security programs, some are free some you have to pay for...If you do Internet banking such as ABSA they offer free Anti-Virus and firewall combos...
Thanks
GWM
There are the Pro's and Con's of Anti-Virus programs, some have add-ons some don't, some take a while to upload definition Updates ect...and so on....Some will make your computer slower ect...You could write a book on these programs and still ask yourself "Which is the best Anti-Virus/Firewall to use"...
Stick to PCcillin
There are the Pro's and Con's of Anti-Virus programs, some have add-ons some don't, some take a while to upload definition Updates ect...and so on....Some will make your computer slower ect...You could write a book on these programs and still ask yourself "Which is the best Anti-Virus/Firewall to use"...
Stick to PCcillin
An that is pretty much what I concluded. So the other week, I renewed my PC-cillin license and I now have another year to think about it.
Thanks again all.