ESET: NOD 32, Smart Security and Kaspersky...

[Odyssey3]

I need new antivirus and firewall protection for my new T61. I've searched for advice and think I will leave McAfee for either ESET NOD 32, ESET Smart Security (contains firewall in addition to NOD32's AV) or Kaspersky AV and/or Security Center.

I currently have Vista Ultimate (32 bit). My questions are:

1. Should I download Vista SP1 before adding the new antivirus software?

2. Would it be best to keep the MS Firewall running and just get the Antivirus software (NOD 32 and Kaspersky AV...without the full security/firewall programs) ...or turn off the MS firewall and use ESET's or Kaspersky's?).

3. I know this is a bit of a debate, but which program do people prefer for their Thinkpads...ESET's or Kaspersky's? And if ESET, Nod32 or full Smart Security program (I have read a few posts that thought ESET's firewall was a little bit lightweight...is this true?).

Thank you VERY much!

[pae77]

A lot of people who like Eset NOD32 have issues with certain design aspects of the latest version and especially the Smart Security suite. You can quickly find out about all that at the official Eset forum on Wilder Security Forums. So, for now many folks are sticking with the older v. 2.70.39 stand alone NOD32 antivirus for the time being (runs fine on all versions of Vista) along with a third party firewall such as Comodo Firewall Pro (free) or another stand alone firewall.

I personally am not familiar with Kaspersky so will refrain from commenting about it.

[Odyssey3]

Hi Pae77,

Thank you very much for your reply...I really appreciate your help!!

ESET it is!

[berlin]

installed Eset and got rid of Avast.