Security Programs: Norton vrs MacAfee vrs Microsoft Essentials

[swogden]

I use Norton Security on my desktop and have MacFee installed on my laptop (came with it).  I don't have any real problems with either, I think, but recently Microsoft Essentials was suggested as a free security system that was better than both.

Does anyone use Microsoft Essentials?  How happy are you with its ability to catch viruses and trojans before they get to your PC and/ remove them if they do pop up?

The issue arose when I was informed by Norton's security system that I had a Trojan on my desktop and it required manual intervention to be removed.  I was able to remove it with a FIXTDSs file that Norton gave me, but it has happened several times (don't know for sure what the source of the Trojan is or even that it is the same one) and it does slow down my PC to a standstill and makes cleaning it up a bit iffy.

[mx3madman]

IF this is a topic to decide witch security program to choose from the three of them pick Norton it has the best security Programs.

[swogden]

Have you used all 3?  Or is your conclusion based on material you've read about all 3 systems?

I use Norton on my desk top and MacAfee on my laptop.  Haven't had any problem with the security on the laptop, tho I can really tell what MacAfee is up to and it doesn't offer me many options -- except to upgrade my protection.

Even Norton's options are a lot less than they were 5 years ago -- maybe because everything is already incorporated.  I feel more comfortable with Norton, but it does cost $40+ to upgrade each year and if Microsoft Essential is just as good and FREE -- I might just change when my subscription expires.