OT: Computer assistance requested

[Hammerojustice]

All,

I know this is definitely off topic, but I would appreciate some guidance.

I need to get a new computer at home (our current one is over 6 years old and is giving us the blue screen of death…) so we pretty much have a laptop we’d like to get figured out, but there are other things to get with it, and that is where I could use some guidance.

Microsoft Office question:
Could you explain to me the difference between Microsoft Home and Student Office 2013 vs. Office 365 Home Premium?

I know the H&S 2013 does has neither Outlook, Publisher, nor Access, nor the cloud services that let you take Office with you (in the 365 package) & that Office 365 is a 1 year subscription... is H&S rights for the program outright or is there a length of time associated with it? For a personal computer, I don't anticipate using Outlook or Publisher at home... Definitely not Access, but still...


Internet Security vs. antivirus question:
I see programs listed that are labeled in the Internet Security category and there are others that are in the antivirus category. Is there a difference?


Internet Security options at Best Buy (I know there are other options and I can price compare later):
-Kaspersky Internet Security 2014 (3-Device) (1-Year Subscription) - $49.99
-Kaspersky PURE 3.0 Total Security (3 Users) (1-Year Subscription) - $49.99
-Kaspersky Antivirus 2014 (1-User) (1-Year Subscription) - $39.99
-Kaspersky Internet Security 2014 Multidevice (3-User) (1-Year Subscription) - $79.99 (What’s the difference here & the 1st one?
-Kaspersky Internet Security - 3-Device - 2 Year - Mac/Windows [Download] - $79.99
-Kaspersky Internet Security - 3-Device - 1 Year - Mac/Windows [Download] - $49.99
-Titanium Internet Security 2014 (3-Device) (1-Year Subscription) - $49.99
-Titanium Internet Security 2014 (1-Device) (1-Year Subscription) - $29.99
-Titanium Internet Security - 3-Device - 2 Year - Mac/Windows [Download] - $79.99
-Titanium Internet Security - 3-Device - 3 Year - Mac/Windows [Download] - $109.99
-Trend Micro - Titanium Internet Security 2012 - Complete Product - 3 User - $62.98
-Webroot Secure Anywhere - 3-Device - 1 Year - Mac/Windows [Download] - $49.99
-Webroot Secure Anywhere - 3-Device - 2 Year - Mac/Windows [Download] - $79.99
-Webroot Secure Anywhere Complete 5 User - Windows [Digital Download] - $79.99
-Webroot Secure Anywhere - 3-Device - 3 Year - Mac/Windows [Download] - $109.99
-Norton - 360 2013 - 3 PC in One Household - $29.99
-Norton - Internet Security 2013 - License - 1 User - $21.89
-Norton - AntiVirus 2013 - 1 User, 1 Device - $17.98
-Norton - 360 2013 Premium – License - $59.99
-Norton - 360 2014 - Subscription Package - 3 PC in One Household - $59.99
-Norton - Internet Security v.5.0 - Complete Product - 1 User - $74.24
-Norton - 360 2013 - License - 1 User - $37.99
-Norton - Antivirus 2013 - License - 1 User - $39.99
-Norton - AntiVirus 2013 - Complete Product - 3 User - $26.69
-Norton - AntiVirus 2013 - 1 User, 3 Device - $26.39
-Symantec - Ghost Solution Suite v.2.5 - Media Only - $27.72
-Symantec - Ghost Solution Suite v.2.5 - License and Media - 1 Device - $30.99
-Bitdefender Antivirus Plus (3-User) (2-Year Subscription) - $41.98
-Bitdefender Total Security (3-User) (1-Year Subscription) - $55.98
-McAfee - AntiVirus Plus 2014 - Subscription Package - 1 PC - $19.99
-McAfee - McAfee Total Protection 2014 (3-User) - $18.75
-McAfee - LiveSafe 2013 - Subscription Package - Unlimited Device - $74.99
-McAfee - AntiVirus 2013 Plus - 3 PC - $19.69
Etc. items like Panda by Encore, Ultimate Internet Security & Antivirus by Defender Pro, Prosoft, AVG, & FixitStick

Computer Security Software at Best Buy:
-Things listed above
-Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium - $29.99
-System Mechanic - $39.99
-System Mechanic Premium - $59.99
-Emsisoft Anti Malware - Windows [Digital Download] - $49.99
Etc.

I don't know where to begin as far as the internet security realm goes...

It will be only the one PC that we need to get the antivirus/antimalware/whatever for, so if the 1 PC is an option, I'll be doing that... aside from that though....

Any insights?

 

[Yankeefan5545]

The Microsoft Office software you speak of comes in 4 different packages each different in features and price. You are right on 365 it has the bells and whistles. To get the differences in internet security and anti virus simply type those terms and difference and it will bring you to E-how which will explain. My girl friends son is a software engineer and he tipped us off on F-secure for anti virus and it has worked well. Good luck with your purchase, six years, you are fortunate mine is approaching 3 and getting weird. Try to purchase your new one from the manufacturer rather than some retail outfit like Best Buy. Bought my girl a new computer from the Hewlett Packard Store for Christmas and the whole thing went smooth as silk. Good luck.

 

[yankeesince59]

...we have 2 PCs in the house but as far as my preference, I prefer my 2013 Macbook Pro (non retina)...I also prefer the Chrome web browser after being with Firefox for several years. You can get a pretty good PC laptop for about $300 nowadays and of course, depending on what you'll be needing your new computer for, you can spend more for more features. But it's like most things, you get what you pay for.
...I spent $850 for my Mac but I don't regret it one bit. The build quality is evident the minute you pick one up. Mine has a quad core processor, 8 gigs of ram, and I installed a 256GB SSD...it cold boots in about 15 seconds. OSX operating system...No annoying bloatware, no drivers to download, and the laptop automatically keeps itself clean.
...as far as internet security, between OSX and Chrome, you really have to do something dumb to get a virus. Not to say that you can't get a virus on a Mac but since there are so many PCs, most spammers, hackers, etc., target PC computers for that very reason. But on my PCs I would strongly recommend IObit Advanced System Care Ultimate 7; You can download the free version first to try it out. It works in the background without a bunch of annoying pop up notifications...if you want to purchase the full "real time" version it has a few more tweaks and tools. You can install it to protect 3 computers for a $29.95 a year.

http://www.iobit.com/advanced-systemcare-antivirus.php


...but again, for me, I'll never give up my Macbook and will never buy another PC...IMO, the difference in price is well worth it. People who consider price alone usually end up regretting it.

 

[yankeesince59]

...no offense, but MS Office sucks...try "Open Office"...it's free. https://www.openoffice.org/

 

[Yankeefan5545]

When they had Microsoft Works they had a damn good system that was free. Microsoft Office was just another way to make money. This computer has Microsoft 2010 and it took it a long time to run the way it's supposed to. Since I quit working in '12 I really no longer need it. I recently chucked the Smartphone saving about 400 bucks a year in the process. Girl friend and I argue over the rest but if I had my way I'd chuck cable and seriously downgrade internet.

 

[yankeesince59]

...I'm looking into doing away with cable and a land line...considering some of the streaming options offered by Chromecast, Roku, Amazon, etc.

 

[Yankeefan5545]

You Hockey Fans will remember the Buffalo Sabres once owned by John Rigas now a close roamer with Bernie Madhoff. I worked for a Cable TV Company in Orlando that was taken over by Adelphia in '95. Lots of changes were made and the new regime instituted a monthly breakfast. One morning I arrived early to open up the conference area and shortly after John Rigas himself walked in, recognizing him I stood up and gave him a greeting. He saw my Yankee hat and said how long have you been a Yankees fan young man. I laughed because at the time I was '53 and I said 43 years Mr. Rigas. He was a Dodger Fan back in the day so he and I ended up chatting of those Yankee Dodger Teams. Conversation was going well enough to cause the suits some concern. Couldn't have the owner chatting with the rank & file while they weren't around. He and his sons made hay I think they had embezzled a couple billion. I left there about a year and a half before they began serious investigations.

 

[Hammerojustice]

...I'm looking into doing away with cable and a land line...considering some of the streaming options offered by Chromecast, Roku, Amazon, etc.

We currently use Roku exclusively! Love it

 

[Hammerojustice]

...we have 2 PCs in the house but as far as my preference, I prefer my 2013 Macbook Pro (non retina)...I also prefer the Chrome web browser after being with Firefox for several years. You can get a pretty good PC laptop for about $300 nowadays and of course, depending on what you'll be needing your new computer for, you can spend more for more features. But it's like most things, you get what you pay for.
...I spent $850 for my Mac but I don't regret it one bit. The build quality is evident the minute you pick one up. Mine has a quad core processor, 8 gigs of ram, and I installed a 256GB SSD...it cold boots in about 15 seconds. OSX operating system...No annoying bloatware, no drivers to download, and the laptop automatically keeps itself clean.
...as far as internet security, between OSX and Chrome, you really have to do something dumb to get a virus. Not to say that you can't get a virus on a Mac but since there are so many PCs, most spammers, hackers, etc., target PC computers for that very reason. But on my PCs I would strongly recommend IObit Advanced System Care Ultimate 7; You can download the free version first to try it out. It works in the background without a bunch of annoying pop up notifications...if you want to purchase the full "real time" version it has a few more tweaks and tools. You can install it to protect 3 computers for a $29.95 a year.

http://www.iobit.com/advanced-systemcare-antivirus.php


...but again, for me, I'll never give up my Macbook and will never buy another PC...IMO, the difference in price is well worth it. People who consider price alone usually end up regretting it.

Thanks for the tip, but we'll NEVER own a mac product.... I'm surprised I actually have an iPod....

 

[Hammerojustice]

...no offense, but MS Office sucks...try "Open Office"...it's free. https://www.openoffice.org/

Can't do that as I need to use Word or Excel files at both home & work...

 

[yankeesince59]

Can't do that as I need to use Word or Excel files at both home & work...

...I believe that Open Office handles all of those files/tasks.

 

[totus44]

Student version usually doesn't have PowerPoint either which is a deal breaker for me. You also don't get all the templates. Fully loaded office does not suck, apple fucktards can't have a Microsoft opinion...sorry 59, you might as well root for the sox, I feel the same way about apple.

As for antivirus, do no get McAfee or Norton...they sucknup all your system resources. Kaspersky is the geeks choice.

 

[yankeesince59]

...what?...I already said "we have 2 PCs in the house".

...whatfuckingever.

 

[Hammerojustice]

Student version usually doesn't have PowerPoint either which is a deal breaker for me. You also don't get all the templates. Fully loaded office does not suck, apple fucktards can't have a Microsoft opinion...sorry 59, you might as well root for the sox, I feel the same way about apple.

As for antivirus, do no get McAfee or Norton...they sucknup all your system resources. Kaspersky is the geeks choice.

Actually, the Student version has Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote (no clue what that is) and does not have Outlook, Publisher, nor Access, nor the cloud services that let you take Office with you... I absolutely agree that apple people should not have an opinion on the matter of office.

Ok, so which Kaspersky? There were many options. Like I said in the initial post, we will only have the one computer... SO... I don't need the 3 pc options unless it is the only way to get the 2-year...
There's:
-Kaspersky Internet Security 2014 (3-Device) (1-Year Subscription) - $49.99
-Kaspersky PURE 3.0 Total Security (3 Users) (1-Year Subscription) - $49.99
-Kaspersky Antivirus 2014 (1-User) (1-Year Subscription) - $39.99
-Kaspersky Internet Security 2014 Multidevice (3-User) (1-Year Subscription) - $79.99 (What’s the difference here & the 1st one?
-Kaspersky Internet Security - 3-Device - 2 Year - Mac/Windows [Download] - $79.99
-Kaspersky Internet Security - 3-Device - 1 Year - Mac/Windows [Download] - $49.99

So it seems like the 1st, 4th, and 6th on this list are the same item, 1 is a downloadable version and I can't tell what the difference is between the 4th and the 1st or why it is $30.00 more than the 1st. These were all Internet Security 2014.

There is also the PURE 3.0 Total Security (2nd item) and the Antivirus 2014 (3rd item) and the Internet Security 2014 2 year downloadable version (5th).

This is where I get confused. Is there a difference between the Internet Security and the PURE 3.0 Total Security? If I get either of them, do I also need to get the Antivirus?

This is the product overview for the PURE 3.0 Total Security (4.5 rating out of 5 based on 198 Best Buy reviews):

Nothing is more important than keeping your family safe from harm. But the online world presents ever-evolving security threats, from identity theft to phishing scams. To maintain your guard against the constant dangers, you need comprehensive protection that doesn't sleep — you need Kaspersky PURE 3.0 Total Security. Covering up to three PCs for an entire year, this all-in-one software offers the latest, most efficient cloud-based and security technologies to deliver a fast, effective response to today's most pressing digital concerns. Build strong, encrypted passwords, exchange money confidently, keep your kids responsible online and ensure your entire home network remains PURE.

Kaspersky PURE 3.0 Total Security delivers award-winning protection against all Internet threats, including the very latest cybercriminal tactics. New Automatic Exploit Prevention halts the growing trend of hackers accessing application vulnerabilities, so you can use your favorite programs without the fear of data theft. With Safe Money technology, you can shop and bank online knowing you won't be tricked by fake or phishing sites, and with the Password Manager, you'll be assured that your identity stays secure. Your photos, music and financial records are important to you — Kaspersky PURE includes 2GB of Online Backup for safe storage and anytime access in the case of PC loss, theft or failure. It's incredibly simple to manage your entire home network when you use Kaspersky PURE to run scans, updates, backup tests, parental controls and all other security tasks from one PC. The threats are complex, but with Kaspersky PURE 3.0, Internet security doesn't have to be.
Product Features

Provides three users with a one-year subscription to award-winning Kaspersky comprehensive PC protection

Delivers a fast, effective response to ever-evolving Internet threats using real-time cloud capabilities and powerful security technologies

Keep hackers out thanks to the best-in-class, two-way firewall and new Automatic Exploit Prevention technology, which shields your most vulnerable applications

Safe Money technology secures your financial data during online shopping and banking, alerting you to phishing scams and opening Web sites in a special protected mode

Safeguard your digital identity and privacy with strong, encrypted passwords from the Password Manager, and sync them across multiple PCs using cloud technology

Back up your photos, music and financial documents in the event of loss or theft, and access them anywhere thanks to 2GB included Online Backup

Control your children's access to the Internet, applications, games, Web sites, online communication and file downloads, and block the transfer of phone and credit card numbers using Kaspersky's award-winning parental controls

Keep your system running smoothly with powerful PC clean-up tools

Easily manage multiple PCs, using one computer to run scans, updates, backup tests and all security tasks for the entire household

This is the product overview for the Internet Security 2014 (3-Device) (1-Year Subscription) (4.1 rating out of 5 based on 877 Best Buy reviews):

As Internet usage grows, so does the sophistication, complexity and volume of harmful threats that lurk around every corner of the Web. Malware can find its way onto your PC, Mac Android or iOS device in many different ways, whether it's through harmful links, bad Web sites, untrustworthy applications and more, so it's important to shield your computer and your information. Keep your identity, data and up to three of your family's devices safe with the protection of vigilant security solutions found in Kaspersky Internet Security 2014. From real-time analysis and monitoring of every site you visit to tools that help you out of tight spots when the worst happens and malware does infiltrate your device, Kaspersky is equipped with the features you need to shop, surf, bank, pay your pills and more on the Internet comfortably and freely.

With the prevalence of malware on the Web at an all-time high, Kaspersky comes packed with an arsenal of shields to keep you and your family's devices safe. Automatic exploit prevention locks down software vulnerabilities before you even get on the Web, while intelligent scanning and updates constantly ensure maximum protection and maximum performance. Antiphishing features keep your identity safe from sites that attempt to steal it and improved Safe Money safeguards tighten up security for online shopping, banking and other transactions. A virtual and secure keyboard thwarts keyloggers, and the antiblocker functionality frees up your device by stopping dangerous processes and launching necessary treatment procedures. In Trusted Applications mode, unauthorized files are not permitted to run on your PC, and ZETA Shield analyzes the files for suspicious malware activity. With Kaspersky, you receive the protection of an inclusive list of features without slowing down your device, so that you can use your computer and browse the Web in confidence, knowing that you are protected and safe.
Product Features

Prevent unauthorized files from damaging your system with the new Trusted Applications mode, which restricts the programs that are allowed to run on your device, and trust the new ZETA Shield to analyze files for activity characteristic of hidden malware

Keep malware from locking you out of your computer with new protection against screen lockers

Reverse harm that has been done to your PC with system rollback, and stop dangerous processes that block your PC with new antiblocker tools

Control what areas of the Internet your children have access to with improved parental controls that allow you to monitor, limit and block kids online activities

Shop, bank, pay your bills, transfer money and more with improved transaction protection to keep your money safe

Keep your identity safe with improved antiphishing features that protect it against sites that try to steal your information and a two-way firewall that blocks hacker attacks

Browse the Internet with confidence thanks to built-in Web protection that checks every site you visit to ensure that it is safe and free of malware

Shield your device from malware and other Internet threats with the power of Cloud technology, intelligent scanning and updates, automatic exploit prevention and real-time protection that blocks dangerous actions before they can cause harm

Protect your personal data from keyloggers and screen-capture malware that uses undetectable mouse clicks with the virtual and secure keyboard

Filter out unwanted e-mail with spam filters, and block annoying and intrusive ads with the antibanner feature

Get the protection of your device without slowing down your PCs performance

Mobile Device System Requirements: Android operating system 2.3 – 4.3, 320 x 480 screen resolution

This is the product overview for the Antivirus 2014 (1-User) (1-Year Subscription) (4.6 rating out of 5 based on 50 Best Buy reviews):

In the past, it was relatively easy to avoid getting viruses on your PC if you avoided visiting the Web sites that were known to cause them — often sites that had other illegal content on them. You could read your e-mail, do your social networking, catch up on some news, do your Christmas shopping and all of your other Internet tasks without really worrying that you were visiting a site that could potentially harm your computer. However, times have changed and so have the threats that lurk on the Web. Just being cautious and avoiding commonly known bad sites isn't enough — even innocent, trusted sites can unknowingly carry risks. Your friends can inadvertently pass along malware through e-mail or social networking sites. It's important to not just be vigilant about where you go on the Web, but to put powerful defenses on your PC, as well. Kaspersky Antivirus 2013 provides those defenses with comprehensive security features that help shield your computer from the threats that put you at risk.

With the prevalence of malware on the Web at an all-time high, now is the time to build a powerful defense. Automatic exploit prevention locks down vulnerabilities before you even get on the Web, while intelligent scanning and updates constantly ensure maximum protection and maximum performance. Antiphishing features keep your identity safe from sites that attempt to steal it, and ZETA Shield analyzes the files for suspicious malware activity. New protection against screen lockers stops malware from potentially locking you out of your PC, and system rollback allows you to reverse the harmful effects of malware activity. With Kaspersky, you receive the protection of an inclusive list of features without slowing down your PC, so that you can use your computer and browse the Web in confidence, knowing that you are protected and safe.
Product Features

Protect your PC with real-time combat against viruses, spyware and more

Trust the new ZETA Shield to analyze files for activity characteristics of hidden malware, and stop malware from potentially locking you out of your PC with new protection against screen lockers

Keep your identity safe with improved antiphishing features that safeguard against sites that try to steal your information

Get efficient protection without compromising your PC's processing speed with increased performance optimization

Shield your PC from malware and other Internet threats with the power of Cloud technology, intelligent scanning and updates and real-time blocks against new and emerging dangers before they can cause harm

Browse the Internet with confidence thanks to built-in Web protection that checks every site you visit to ensure that it is safe and free of malware

Reverse the effects of harmful activity that has been done to your PC with system rollback

Eliminate vulnerabilities on your PC with automatic exploit prevention that helps keep it safe from harmful attacks

 

[yankeesince59]

. I absolutely agree that apple people should not have an opinion on the matter of office.

...Jesus tap dancing Christ...how many freakin' times do I have to say it? I just recently switched and have only used a Mac for about 6 months now but prefer it to a PC.
...And again, I still "have 2 PCs in the house" and still use them. I don't care for "Microsoft Office" and have used "Open Office" instead for a few years now.
...FYI, Microsoft Office is also available for Macs and has been for several years...I simply don't care for it and prefer Open Office.


...but because I just recently purchased a Macbook, I'm not allowed to have an opinion?...gimme a f'n break.

 

[Hammerojustice]

Actually, the Student version has Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote (no clue what that is) and does not have Outlook, Publisher, nor Access, nor the cloud services that let you take Office with you... I absolutely agree that apple people should not have an opinion on the matter of office.

Ok, so which Kaspersky? There were many options. Like I said in the initial post, we will only have the one computer... SO... I don't need the 3 pc options unless it is the only way to get the 2-year...
There's:
-Kaspersky Internet Security 2014 (3-Device) (1-Year Subscription) - $49.99
-Kaspersky PURE 3.0 Total Security (3 Users) (1-Year Subscription) - $49.99
-Kaspersky Antivirus 2014 (1-User) (1-Year Subscription) - $39.99
-Kaspersky Internet Security 2014 Multidevice (3-User) (1-Year Subscription) - $79.99 (What’s the difference here & the 1st one?
-Kaspersky Internet Security - 3-Device - 2 Year - Mac/Windows [Download] - $79.99
-Kaspersky Internet Security - 3-Device - 1 Year - Mac/Windows [Download] - $49.99

So it seems like the 1st, 4th, and 6th on this list are the same item, 1 is a downloadable version and I can't tell what the difference is between the 4th and the 1st or why it is $30.00 more than the 1st. These were all Internet Security 2014.

There is also the PURE 3.0 Total Security (2nd item) and the Antivirus 2014 (3rd item) and the Internet Security 2014 2 year downloadable version (5th).

This is where I get confused. Is there a difference between the Internet Security and the PURE 3.0 Total Security? If I get either of them, do I also need to get the Antivirus?

This is the product overview for the PURE 3.0 Total Security (4.5 rating out of 5 based on 198 Best Buy reviews):


This is the product overview for the Internet Security 2014 (3-Device) (1-Year Subscription) (4.1 rating out of 5 based on 877 Best Buy reviews):


This is the product overview for the Antivirus 2014 (1-User) (1-Year Subscription) (4.6 rating out of 5 based on 50 Best Buy reviews):

...Jesus tap dancing Christ...how many freakin' times do I have to say it? I just recently switched and have only used a Mac for about 6 months now but prefer it to a PC.
...And again, I still "have 2 PCs in the house" and still use them. I don't care for "Microsoft Office" and have used "Open Office" instead for a few years now.
...FYI, Microsoft Office is also available for Macs and has been for several years.


...but because I just recently purchased a Macbook, I'm not allowed to have an opinion?...gimme a f'n break.

fair enough... My questions still remain... regarding which Kaspersky to get...

 

[totus44]

Pretty easy hammer....how many devices do you wasn't to cover? If its one, only one option.

 

[yankeesince59]

fair enough... My questions still remain... regarding which Kaspersky to get...

...you can get different opinions from different people hammer...I prefer IObit, but that's just me...been using it for years, never had any sort of problem...in fact, considering all the links I have clicked over the last 15 years I've never gotten a virus or bug or screen of death, etc.
...the full versions of many of the "protection" software are annoying as hell with pop ups and notifications that can drive you dippy and can bog down your systems...some of the free versions are nearly as good...try IObit ASC Free and Malwarebytes free...they both work well.