Personally, I would never use any program having anything to do with AOL
*or* McAfee. These companies are known for producing bloated software
that often has deleterious effects on performance. YMMV.

I am happy to use the Windows Firewall along with AVG Free antivirus
(although I'm considering switching to Avast -- another free antivirus),
Spybot Search and Destroy, SpywareBlaster, and a HOSTS file. But
practicing Safe Hex is always the best strategy.

McAfee or Norton = Bad

There's bags of good free AV products. AVG and Avast are two that are
universally met with approval.

My $.02 worth,

I have never used -- nor would I ever use -- any product of AOL, McAfee or
Norton.  I won't bad-mouth them, it's just my personal choice.

I have used free versions of ZoneAlarm, AVAST!, SpyBot S&D, SpywareBlaster,
and a Host file  for many years with Win98, Win 98SE and now, Win XP and
have never been bothered with viruses, spyware or malware.  All of the above
have had minimal negative effect on my computer's performance and are low
resource users.

=========================================================

Ok...I have E-Machine desktop T2482...which comes with an AMD processor, but
for whatever reason...Windows SP3 installed without any problems.
Anyway, my problem. I had Zone Alarm security suite, but today a nag screen
came on to tell me I had just 30 days to renew my subscription. I got ZA
through Trial Pay, so I didn't pay for it the first time, and I *thought* it
was forever. I guess I thought wrong. Well I copped that * I'll show them*
attitude and uninstalled it, (like they really care) and installed the
AOL/McAfee security suite. It too is free if you have an AOL email address.
My question ...is it anywhere near as good? I've read some not so nice
things about it, but those were reviews from posters I didn't
know...therefore I didn't put a lot of stock in what they said. Not saying I
know you guys, but I have lurked here long enough to know you guys know what
you're talking about, so unlike the other reviewers, to you I'll listen to
what you have to say. So, what do you think?

3rd party firewalls are a waste of time. Windows Firewall is quite capable.

Ramone