Any opinions on Webroot SecureAnywhere?

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It’s a security suite which claims to deal with viruses, spyware, and rootkits AND be a “firewall and network connection monitor.” Not sure what the latter item does, but I assume it means I’d still need a software firewall (in addition to my router, which provides a hardware firewall).

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I should add, since I originally came here asking about my Windows XP system, that I am considering Webroots SecureAnywhere for my Windows 7 laptop. I have done some research, and it is compatible with Windows Firewall running at the same time. I might start out that way and then add Armour Online later to replace Windows Fireweal, which also is reported to work with Webroots SecureAnywhere without conflict. The third piece I’m considering is either Emisoft Anti-Malware or Malwarebytes. I’m not sure whether one of these could run in real time with the Webroots and whatever firewall I choose in the end or whether they will just be there for on-demand scanning and cleaning.

While I’m at it, does anyone have suggestion for software to prevent popups and other ads? Again, I’m thinking of what to get for my Windows 7 laptop, as well as the Windows XP system when I get it back.

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The built in Win 7 Tracking Protection lists have Pop-Up blocking, Ad Blocking capabilities. Also Win 7 does have a built in Pop-Up blocker.

31858-TrackingProtection

I have never used or heard any reviews of WebRoot. I am presently trying the AVG 2013 beta suite (Win 8) that includes AV/AM and F/W. The AVG 2012 suite (released version) is reported to be very good for Win 7.

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I have read several positive reviews, and found a few online. The TechRadar folks like it, as well as PC Magazine.

I changed from Norton to AVG many years ago. Then AVG seemed less good than WebRoot, based on various reviews. I now have a license for WebRoot SecureANywhere on six PCs on my network. It is very small, very fast at scanning, and sits in the background unobtrusively. It no longer slows down your system when Windows starts up – which was my only compaint about the older WebRoot products.

Most of the PCs are running Windows 7, and I feel no need for additional firewall protection beyond the Windows 7 default (and my router).

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Thanks for the replies. I’m (reluctantly) allowing the Geek Squad to install my programs for me on my new Windows 7 computer, partly because that’s what the client who actually bought me that computer wanted to do and partly because I am so backed up on work that I need to be working on some projects and not agonizing over each step along the way in setting up my computer. I am very aware of my limitations, so it always takes me a long time to get my computer set up properly because I research everything and move slowly. This will be the first computer I haven’t set up myself. I will set up my XP sytem whenever it gets back.

(As a side note, Geek Squad didn’t want to partition my HD, stating that I would be sorry. When I insisted that I DID want to do so and that I had been very happy with that arrangement for many years, they finally relented.)

Anyway, I decided to go ahead and have Webroot SecureAnywhere installed on my computer. I really don’t have either the time or money to do further research and buy something else right now. If it doesn’t work out for some reason, I can replace it later.

Medico, I’ll give the Win 7 popup blocker a try. Does the “tracking protection” mean that it prevents other sites from knowing where I’m surfing online? On the one hand, I don’t have anything to hide in that regard, but on the other hand, it’s kind of creepy when, after I’ve searched online for lamps, random ads for lamps start appearing on my screen when I’m doing something else. And, I guess, I’m thinking if they can get that information from my computer, just from my browsing online, what other information—that I might not want them to have—might they be able to obtain? (I’ll try to keep my paranoia at bay.)

rgrosz—-I know what you mean about Webroot slowing down your computer. Many years ago I used their antispyware (called Spysweeper, I think), which I liked very much, but over time it started consuming too many resources and virtually brought my computer to a halt. At that point, I reluctantly turned off the real time protection and a short time later uninstalled it.

PS—Any thoughts on Anti-Malware versus Malwarebytes? For now, I’m going to put Malwarebytes’ free program on for on-demand scanning and cleaning, if necessary. If it can run in real time with Webroot SecureAnytime, I’ll do that. Mostly, I’ve chosen that because I think it’s a good program and don’t want to spend anymore money for a while. I’d still be interested in thoughts on Anti-Malware for either on-demand or runing concurrently with SecureAnytime.

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Emsisoft keeps a record of the comparatives done with their products. Check it and draw your own conclusions: http://www.anti-malware-reviews.com/

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Thanks for the link,ruirib. Glad to see they’re both so highly rated.

Another question about Webroot SecureAnywhere. Would it be okay for an XP system, as well? I suppose I’d have to get another firewall, as I’m assuming (just from what I’ve read, not personal experience) that the XP built-in firewall wouldn’t be enough? I just got word that the eBay seller is ready to return my XP laptop. As suspected, the brand new HD failed and needed to be replaced. And, of course, I was almost finished tweaking the computer and planning to back up vital files, but didn’t get it done. Thankfully, my most important info was copied to online storage, but there was some other stuff that sure would have made my life easier if I’d had it copied.

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WebRoot SecureAnywhere runs fine on my older Windows XP systems. I am also running the built-in Windows XP firewall, even though it is not as good as that for Windows 7. I am placing some faith in the hardware-based firewall protection of my router.

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I would not recommend any Webroot product ever again. Not only did it not detect a trojan that even the basic Windows defender detected on my Win7 machine, but it caused a blue screen that required my entire PC to be reset and all my data to be lost. There are a number of free products and if you install a couple to use one always-on and one on-demand, you’re good to go. My current config is Windows Defender always on and malwarebytes on-demand.

Good luck with your search, but stay away from WebRot.

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I had Webroot. my desktop started running slow, and just was not responsive. I took the CPU to my computer shop, where they found “1273 items related to malware and used combofix to remove another 20 items”

Now I use Malware Bytes, the best I have found to date. I also have MS Defender. They seem to play nice together.

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