Hi Gail,

Over the years, I've used Norton, McAfee, AVG, Trend Micro, Vipre, and others in various variations of Desktop/Stand-Alone vs. Corporate/Network versions and also variations with respect of Anti-Virus (AV) alone vs. Internet Security (IS) products which include not only AV but also Spyware, Firewall, and a host of other security components.

I really don't like to specifically recommend one over the other as I've had problems at one time or another with all of the above. That said, I've had the most serious problems (hurting system performance wise) with Norton... but I'm sure someone will post otherwise. We use AVG on a lot of our clients networks and while we've had some problems, overall I like the product ... but again I'm sure someone will have a horror story.

It would help to know if you are speaking in a stand-alone, peer-2-peer network or client/server network environment, as there are some different considerations for each. However, as I believe that most Adagio users work in a client/server network environment, that's what I'll assume you have and here are some general guidelines that I hope will be useful.

First, in today's world you should probably go with an IS (rather than just AV) type product.

Second, I would suggest you go with a Corporate (or true Network) version rather than "desktop/stand-alone" type version as the administration/deployment and monitoring tools are better.

Third (and very important), ensure that your product allows for "exceptions" to the background/real-time/on-access (or whatever your product calls it) scanning on the client and server PCs.

Fourth, I prefer those IS products that allow the components to be easily switched on/off if needed (helps with troubleshooting) and that this can be controlled in the security policies.

Regards, Pete