best computer security software?

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In your opinion what is the best security software against viruses, worms, trojans, malware, spyware, phishing and DDOS attacks?

i used to use McAfee but i thought it was crap because it failed to prevent several malware and scamware infections. One of which required a re-install of Windows. I am now trying out Kapersky after reading good reviews.

I once knew a programmer who said it is better to use no such software because it creates too many 'backdoors' for malicious programs to enter the computer. Is there any validity behind this claim?

I've been using Windows 8 since May, 2012. That's 9 months of solid virus/malware protection from Defender. Coupled with the built in firewall, my system feels robust and impenetrable so far.

thanks for your feedback but i'm not enthusiastic about changing my operating system.

Should mention i'm using Windows 7 with this particular machine.

My computer science teacher in 2005 recommended Zone Alarm. I've been using it ever since and am happy with it. Currently I am using Zone Alarm and a hardware router as my main lines of defense. I too use Win7.

I use nothing. Honestly, most security software is just a ploy for money. I've used security software in the past and I've never seen an instance in which it helped. The only useful software is removal tools, in my opinion. I've been infected in the past and each time I've had anti-virus and anti-malware software installed. The prevention software proved to be quite useless as I got infected regardless. The best security system is to be smart. Don't download sketchy files. Don't click on links unless you trust the source. As long as you don't do anything stupid, there really isn't much reason to worry. I haven't used security software for about 4 years now and I've yet to have any problems.

I use a good HOSTS file... It cost me nothing, and has worked better than anything else I've tried. No, it isn't perfect. Never assume you can go anywhere and do anything and be safe. You have to avoid anything risky. Don't click on links in strange e-mails, that sort of thing. But my HOSTS file has kept me incredibly well protected - the trick is to get a reliable list of the dodgy sites, and keep it updated.

If you do that, you'll see a lot fewer ads, too. There seems to be lot of crossover between ad servers and one that will infect your computer. What a pity.

I don't work at MS but I wanted to give my observation about W8. Yes, in the past, I've been known to frequent sites I shouldn't so I left myself open to malware/adware/blackware/eraseware/takeoverware, etc. I've used Kaspersky, Norton, Panda, AVG, Zone Alarm and Bit Defender. These were also supplemented by my use of PC tools like Registry Mechanic and my favourite, TuneUp Utilities. At one point I also had Malwarebyes installed. With W8 I've eschewed all these things and use nothing but what is built in. My internet surfing so far has been like a dream - no crazy pop-ups, no "phantom" ads I can't see but just hear, no unexplained opening and closing of files, and no losing control of my mouse like has happened in the past. I don't know how much malware was trapped by Defender. I didn't check. It did alert me to some keygens and other questionable executables, but those were altered files I had requested. I'll probably be eating these words some time in the future, but for now, everything's fine.

I use BitDefender Total Security 2013. It comes out on top in a lot of tests, often beating heavy-hitters like Kaspersky and Norton.

However, It *did* miss 2 potential major threats in late 2012 - a Virtumonde derivative, even! (deflected by Norton, btw), so I'm not going to continue my license on a reflex only.

And against some threats, you still have to bring out the good old Malwarebytes. Many paid security suites *still* cannot compete against specialized free software. I lost track of the number of times when I was hit by malware/virus, and the first advice I find is "Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware".

God yes, absolutely. McAfee has become bloated to the point of being an invasive, parasitic OS.
I recently scraped it off my sister's PC after it successfully auto-updated itself with the result that nothing could be accessed.