What is the best virus protection?

[Kurt]

I am still using my free Norton from when I got my laptop.

I like norton, but it expires in 27 days, and it costs $59.99 for a year of it. I will pay it if I find nothing else, but it is expensive.

What do other people use, what is the best?

Kurt :D

[DesDownunder]

I am still using my free Norton from when I got my laptop.

I like norton, but it expires in 27 days, and it costs $59.99 for a year of it. I will pay it if I find nothing else, but it is expensive.

What do other people use, what is the best?

Kurt :D

There are some references to Norton and Mcafee Anti-Virus and the problems that they have been thought to cause at:

http://www.awesomedude.com/adboard/index.php?showtopic=1920

I am using the Free version of AVG. see above topic.

Hope this helps.

[JamesSavik]

While a lot of people like to talk smack abhout Norton, I have to say that I've never had any problems with it. I've used it since windows 3.1.

I use Norton Internet Security which has anti-virus, firewall and email protection and haven't had any problems with it.

As far as costs go, if you shop around, you can get it fairly cheap. I got the latest version on e-bray for $25.

IF you do end up using Norton, remove the preinstalled version and do a fresh install.

[The Pecman]

I think both Norton and McAffy (particularly the full-blown suites) are incredibly intrusive and slow down computers somethin' awful.

The best thing I've found so far is Microsoft Windows Live OneCare. It doesn't get in the way too much, plus it's cheap. We got a package that will run on three PCs for under $50, and it covers viruses, spyware, and adware. [Note that even Macs can get Windows viruses, if you're running Windows XP on a Mac!]

I also think running IE7 does a lot to repair security holes, though the best bet (to me) is to use a very simple browser like Mozilla. That, plus being very careful what you download. Another good rule is to avoid receiving HTML email, and whatever you do, don't ever click on a Web link in a suspicious email! Lotta nasty crap out there.

[Adam Donaldson Powell]

AVG is quite good ... and for those who will pay a few bucks I can recommend Norton 360.

[Cole Parker]

I was having a virus problem that Norton seemed unable to notice, let alone fix. As my subscription was running out, I took some advice and paid for AVG. As soon as I installed it, it found and fixed the virus.

Then I started having compatability problems, and discovered, after some fudging around, that remnants of Norton remained on my computer. It took an arm and a leg and much cussing, along with installing a clean-up prorgam, to get rid of it, but once I did, the problems stopped.

My experience with AVG has generally been good, but I do have a problem with their firewall. It slows down some internet operations to the extent that I almost always turn it off and the MS firewall that came with Vista back on. That seems to do the trick.

I find AVG is MUCH better than Norton was.

C

[DesDownunder]

Since my last reply (above) I switched to Avast free (home) version. I prefer the interface and updates to the AVG.

Norton and McAfee were resource hogs the last time I tried them and very invasive. I would not recommend them.

To thoroughly remove the remnants of Norton it is necessary to run their Removal tool. I found it necessary to run it six times before it found nothing else to remove. Even then there were items left in the Symantec folder related to Norton anti-virus.

As for firewalls, Zone Alarm has become almost as invasive as Norton at my last use of the program.

As I now use a (broadband) router with a hardware firewall, I no longer use a software fire wall including the windows firewall. Well worth the few dollars extra.

It is not considered a good idea to run a software and a hardware firewall at the same time, I believe, from the reports I have seen.

My computer is now faster and more responsive.

My computer appears as running in Full Stealth mode on the ShieldsUp test site. This is considered to be uncommon for a Windows based PC.

Also please be aware that some spam have a Zip file that is in fact a Trojan virus which seems to be eluding nearly all the Anti-virus software.

<<<< me in Steath mode.

[rick]

Des, thanks for the Shields Up link. I ran the tests and the only issue identified was that the system is still responding to Ping requests, everything else is operating in stealth mode. Does anyone know how to shut Ping response down in ZoneAlarm?

Rick

[Tanuki Racoon]

Des, you are correct. Running two firewalls at the same time is bad. They slow each other down. It's counter-productive. Your hardware firewall included with most BUT NOT ALL routers will kick the ass of any software solution in both security and speed. If your router has a firewall please DISABLE your software firewall.

If you have a laptop you don't have much choice. You need something Norton (PC) or Mac (Built-in).

[Cole Parker]

If your router has a firewall please DISABLE your software firewall.

How does one know if their router has a firewall.

C - the computer illiterate one

[Tanuki Racoon]

How does one know if their router has a firewall.

C - the computer illiterate one

First, please note we are referring to the firewall that prevents people coming IN to your computer. This differs from a corporate model which prevents inbound *AND* outbound traffic. (Though some routers allow you to control that as well...)

A. The manual will say.

B. Or go to your router control panel ( http://192.168.1.1 for most routers) and look for settings to enable/disable it or at least to acknowledge it's there

C. Or check the mfr's website.

D. Or ask Google. Google knows everything.

E. Read this: http://ask-leo.com/does_my_router_have_a_f...all_or_not.html

Or send me the Mfr and model# of your router and I'll look it up for you.

[Cole Parker]

Thanks! I'll use option F when I can get to it.

C

[colinian]

First, please note we are referring to the firewall that prevents people coming IN to your computer. This differs from a corporate model which prevents inbound *AND* outbound traffic. (Though some routers allow you to control that as well...)

A. The manual will say.

B. Or go to your router control panel ( http://192.168.1.1 for most routers) and look for settings to enable/disable it or at least to acknowledge it's there

C. Or check the mfr's website.

D. Or ask Google. Google knows everything.

E. Read this: http://ask-leo.com/does_my_router_have_a_f...all_or_not.html

Or send me the Mfr and model# of your router and I'll look it up for you.

Another way to tell is that a router with a hardware (really, it's firmware) firewall is almost always more expen$ive than one without that feature.

Colin

[The Pecman]

Another way to tell is that a router with a hardware (really, it's firmware) firewall is almost always more expen$ive than one without that feature.

Jeez, even the cheap $35 Linksys routers I see all have firewalls. You're saying there are new routers out there without firewalls? Why would they do that?

[colinian]

Jeez, even the cheap $35 Linksys routers I see all have firewalls. You're saying there are new routers out there without firewalls? Why would they do that?

Here's a link (http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30336/229/) to a good explanation of the difference between firewall features in routers, and why the $70 and cheaper router/firewalls don't offer strong protection. They may be good enough for casual users who turn of their internet connection when they aren't using it (power down the computer, or turn off the broadband modem), but if you leave your computer on and connected to the internet for extended periods of time or all the time) you will be more vulnerable to attack. We have an "expensive" firewall/router at home, one that cost about $270.00 U.S. It provides DPI, IPS, and IDS. At home my dad has a server in his office with eight PCs (when Chris and I are home with our laptops it's ten PCs) connected to the network, and a DSL connection to the internet. The server is on 24x7, so we need a real firewall to protect both the server and the PCs.

Colin

[Adam Donaldson Powell]

I was having a virus problem that Norton seemed unable to notice, let alone fix. As my subscription was running out, I took some advice and paid for AVG. As soon as I installed it, it found and fixed the virus.

Then I started having compatability problems, and discovered, after some fudging around, that remnants of Norton remained on my computer. It took an arm and a leg and much cussing, along with installing a clean-up prorgam, to get rid of it, but once I did, the problems stopped.

My experience with AVG has generally been good, but I do have a problem with their firewall. It slows down some internet operations to the extent that I almost always turn it off and the MS firewall that came with Vista back on. That seems to do the trick.

I find AVG is MUCH better than Norton was.

C

Sorry to come in so late, Cole. I have been busy with arranging the international literature festival, and did not see your comment before now. But I just wanted to say "ditto" in regards to problems getting rid of Norton. I had the same problem and had to get consultant help to remove it because there was an error in the system that prevented regular removal. However, Norton consultants do have a program that takes care of such but you have to contact a technician and ask for it. As regards AVG, I like it but there are constant upgrades -- it is almost too good in other words. Do not confuse regular Norton (often free with internet subscriptions) with Norton 360 (which costs a bit). Norton 360 is quite good and cannot be compared with regular Norton (which is a piece of xxxx).

BTW, does anyone know of several newer free photo-editing program that permit / enable pixel reduction of files? Many of the new ones do not give that option.

[DesDownunder]

Sorry to come in so late, Cole. I have been busy with arranging the international literature festival, and did not see your comment before now. But I just wanted to say "ditto" in regards to problems getting rid of Norton. I had the same problem and had to get consultant help to remove it because there was an error in the system that prevented regular removal. However, Norton consultants do have a program that takes care of such but you have to contact a technician and ask for it. As regards AVG, I like it but there are constant upgrades -- it is almost too good in other words. Do not confuse regular Norton (often free with internet subscriptions) with Norton 360 (which costs a bit). Norton 360 is quite good and cannot be compared with regular Norton (which is a piece of xxxx).

BTW, does anyone know of several newer free photo-editing program that permit / enable pixel reduction of files? Many of the new ones do not give that option.

The Norton removal tool web page, referred to in my above post includes Norton 360. The removal tools for their programs are available (free) on that page. Personally My experience with Norton has deteriated to a point where I would be hard pressed to trust their products again, but that's just me.

If Norton 360 is an improvement over their previous efforts then I can only say it is too late for me, whilst Avast and AVG are doing such a good job.

[Adam Donaldson Powell]

Hi D.!

Just to keep the record straight, my problems with Norton removal were not regular - but due to a systemic problem caused by a flaw in the regular Norton program that had made compatibility problems over a longer time, and which finally wreaked havoc. The regular removal program did not function because of that flaw and I needed direct help from the Norton provider to remove it. It was successful and the service was quite good. As regards Norton 360, it is a comprehensive maintenance system that is very effective and a good quality product. (no, I do not work there)

But everyone must figure out what is best for them, and which programs go together - just like with everything else in life when one uses many different specialists, medications, computer programs, browsers etc.

AVG is quite good - even the free version.

[DesDownunder]

Thanks Adam

I was more concerned that access to the Norton removal tools, as distinct from their regular uninstall programs, was well known.

I am pleased the Norton provider was able to be helpful for you. Also it is good to know that Norton 360 is more than just another version of their anti-virus programs.

I agree that each of us must find a satisfactory working relationship with our software. Heaven knows it is difficult enough to get the hardware to be compatible in any relationship.

[Cole Parker]

At your age, I'm a bit surprised you have your hardware working at all. Perhaps this is why you're now so able to wax poetic about software.

C

[The Pecman]

What do other people use, what is the best?

IMHO, Norton's fat, bloated, and too expensive.

Go to this link and read Leo Laporte's advice:

http://techguylabs.com/radio/Main/Tips

Read the sections on Anti-Spyware, Anti-Virus, and "Stop Spam." If you're on a tight budget, check out the section on Free Anti-Spyware. Microsoft Defender is a decent anti-adware program, and it's free, too.

I look on what Leo says as Gospel, at least when it comes to Windows. Note that Adware has become as pernicious and predatory as Viruses these days, to the point where there's almost no difference between them. There's some nasty stuff out there. I've only had one virus on all my machines in ten years, and it was Adware that drove me nuts. I wound up wiping and restoring -- and then made sure I installed Nod32, which is what Laporte recommends.

If I had to buy a single package, I'd go for Microsoft's Windows Live OneCare, because it's not too invasive, and it's cheap (often on-sale for $39.95, which covers three PCs). It's much cheaper and less bloated that the Norton or McAffee suites.

[colinian]

Personally My experience with Norton has deteriated to a point where I would be hard pressed to trust their products again, but that's just me. If Norton 360 is an improvement over their previous efforts then I can only say it is too late for me, whilst Avast and AVG are doing such a good job.

It's me too, Des. The removal tool does not remove all of Norton's (including 360) tendrils in the registry. They can cause further problems unless excised. I've used RegSupreme on my own and relative's and friend's PCs to successfully clean the registry of Norton crud.

Colin

[Richard Norway]

I?ve used Avast and Spybot for 5 years without any problems. They?re both free, although with Avast, you have to re-register every year. But it?s still free. They?ve seemed to keep my PC clean....so far.