eTrust EZ Armor 2005

Anytime I've tested another brand, my computer and productivity has suffered. This is ONE company that is getting the AV software right.

Automatic updates CONTINUOUSLY - so when something new is developed, you get it. When I run THIS software even on cabled networks and hotel networks, well, I feel secure that CA is doing what I've paid them to do - to keep my computer virus free.

I also like the updates for detecting potential NEW threats using their new engines.

I've had CA on several of my computers for YEARS. To keep me working smoothly, I continue CA on my computers.

Note that this software is customizable - so you can turn off protection you don't want - Anti-Spam, Personal Firewall and/or Anti-Spyware. I tend to run another firewall and know how to protect against spyware. I also run an optimization program which catches what the anti-spyware programs don't.

So using any option outside of the Antivirus (which does look for viruses in email, downloads, webpages and graphics) is a personal choice.

Here's a PLUS - I was able to put this on a computer OVER Norton - then scan my system making sure everything was copacetic, deactivate Norton's for a few days before removing it from my computer without a problem. MANY other AV makers REQUIRE you remove another product FIRST before you put yours on.

And EVEN if it seems like there is nothing that other program has failed to kill apparent, the act of getting rid of it can load something it quietly sequestered/suppressed that you did not see...

I should know...this happened to me about 18 months ago when I was testing PC Cillin over Norton. It cost me several years of data (due to a computer doctor mishap)...a lesson I will always remember.

Thanks, Computer Associates, for developing such a fine product. I just added the 2007 version to one of my rebuilt computers and it is running beautifully.

I've had this program for as long as I've had my current desktop. I've found the interface easy to use and I like that it allows me to take control on what programs access the internet. I also like that it informs me of any dubious attempts to connect to my computer, lets me know where in the world the attempt was made from, and then reports the attempt back to the owner of the IP. HOWEVER, this program has an element called True Vector that wreaks all kinds of havok on Windows systems, causing every kind of system failure imaginable. If you use your computer to play video games or watch DVDs or edit video footage then you do not want this product. You can search for "true vector" online and you will see the widespread problem that it is. I don't know why they haven't attempted to fix it, but it renders the EZArmor program worthless. And the only suggestion I recieved from Tech Support was the usual "uninstall and reinstall" after which they sent me an email saying they considered the problem resolved...even though my computer is still crashing every few minutes.

This is fabulous easy to use security software. And unlike the disastrous installation problems of the 2006 CA Internet Security Suite, this easily installs in just a few minutes, even if you're offline.

This also has IM security, and IM blocks, as well as a password setting to keep others from tampering with your blocks and settings...great in offices. :)

I just finished writing a review for eTrust's Internet Security package after I saw the unbelievable amount of negative responses. I will not go back to Norton or Mcafee unless the mimic CA's design and usefullness. I am on my second year with this program and have nothing but wonderful things to say about it. It is does not bog my system down like the "other" two nor did it take a lot of space (space was not a issue for me but it helps keep the system running smoothly). Again, this program is great and I definitly recommmend it!

The anti-virus software, I think, is pretty much flawless, and absolutely terrific in terms of user-friendliness.

However, the firewall is clunky and frustrating. There's no telling when or how it's going to react, and I wouldn't use it over better and cheaper spyware protection. I would say that the firewall really slows performance, but the anti-virus saves is lightning fast, so it's a give and take.

Overall it's worth giving a try, but I recommend just getting the free subscription for a year off CA's website...you might be pleasantly surprised.