Virus Protection

[Chris C]

At the risk of starting a Great Debate.............. ...............I'd like for all you computer gurus to share your opinions about freeware anti-virus programs. I used to use AVG, but am now using avast. Which of the two is better, and if there is a better one yet out there, I'd appreciate hearing about it.

[madjack]

Chris, I am still using AVG...it seems to be working since I haven't caught the flu(knock on wood), It updates nightly and I run a full system scan once a week and go to Trend Micro once a month and have them do a deep scan...consistently turns up nothing...AVG also scans all POP email incoming and outgoing...One program which I think everyone should have is "Spyware Blaster", it is freeware, and sets a kill bit for spyware, trojans, dialers and other nasties so they cannot load in the first place...at present there are around 5000 item in their database...it works with IE and Mozilla products...I also use Spybot Search and Destroy and AdAware SE...
madjack

[Chris C]

I've got Spyware Blaster also. Like it. My avast updates every time I turn on my computer. I run a "start-up" and "thorough" scan once a week, which takes about 4 hours............but I have to remember to do it. I start it and go away. As I mentioned, I used to use AVG, but my cousin (who is a techie) had me delete it and download avast. But I was just wondering if there was anything else out there being highly recommended. I'm definately a "freeware" user..........not enough $ to spare for this sort of thing.

[Sonetpro]

I never much trusted freeware programs. A few years ago I tried one and it installed spyware on my computer. Ironically that was what I was trying to get rid of. I do use Ad Aware as well as spybot though. I use Norton internet security and I have a hard firewall router. I have had no problems since using these in conjunction.

[BufordT]

Easiest and best one to use is none at all. That's what I do with the mac I have. Don't have to worry about such thngs as this. One less thing in life to worry about. One less gray hair.

Bufordt

[Sonetpro]

Easiest and best one to use is none at all. That's what I do with the mac I have. Don't have to worry about such thngs as this. One less thing in life to worry about. One less gray hair.

Bufordt

Or another option is LINUX I have a computer that is on all the time and that's what it runs. Makes you virtually invisible on the internet.

[Chris C]

I knew you used MAC Bufordt...........that's why I didn't ask you.

[BufordT]

See we just trying to help you out there Chris.

Either Mac or Linux. That's the way to go. I know it ain't what you asked. I was just trying to give you the very best answer out there. It's best to use none if you can. Won't slow down your system and will save you time in the long run.

Wasn't doing it to be ugly. Just doing it to be helpful.

Bufordt

[purplepickup]

While we're talking about PC internet security, how about free firewalls? My computer is very secure because I work from home at times so I've got all the company's goodies. The reason I'm asking is that I'm getting a cheap Dell PC for my mom and it doesn't come with any security software unless you opt for a subscription. We can do that but I'm thinking that if the free stuff is good it would probably be ok for her.

She has picked up a few bugs in the past because she and her friends forward all sorts of junk via email. She has clicked on .exe links in emails that gave her viruses and especially hard to remove spyware like Winfixer. Their spyware slows your computer and locks it up then they bombard you with popups that tell you that your computer is infected and you need their software to fix it.

She's on a dialup connection but I think a firewall would give her a little more protection once I set some filters up.

Mom is 80 years old and she's lost without her email. Her 7 year old Windows 98 machine isn't worth fixing....at least it's beyond my capabilities.

I've used ZoneAlarm in the past but I see there are others now.

[BufordT]

George,

How cheap is cheap on the dell computer. If all your Mom does is read her e-mail I'd just get her one of the mini-mac's and not have to worry about any firewall protection.

Bufordt

[Geron]

I have a hard router and run a firewall. Virtually invisible on the internet. Bit the bullet and use Norton's Anti-Virus. Run's a deep scan once a week Friday at midnight. So far, no problems at all.

Never went for the freeware. Like someone said, the ones I did try required me to clean up my computer afterwards. Got really paranoid with them.

JMTC.

G

[DestinDave]

Speaking of LINUX, is there a good source of information that I can understand? Am I correct in saying it can be installed to run on any PC in place of Windows? Or can both be installed where I can opt to run either LINUX or Windows? Will IE run under the LINUX OS?

Dave

[Jiminsav]

Chris,
I've used avast for at least 3 years now with nary a problem..never had a bug..I also use the free microsoft anti-spyware till it not free no more, but so far, nary a spy..don't know what else is out there free, but i'll vouch for avast.

as for a firewall..windows XP comes with a built in fire wall thats turned on by default, so have no worries there.

[purplepickup]

George,

How cheap is cheap on the dell computer. If all your Mom does is read her e-mail I'd just get her one of the mini-mac's and not have to worry about any firewall protection.

Bufordt

It's the $299 Dimension B110. She doesn't even feel comfortable switching from Windows 98 to XP so I know I could never get her to change to a Mac. She knows a smidge above nothing about how to use a computer. She keeps her church financials on a spreadsheet I made for her, has a greeting card program, and does email. Once in a while she surfs a little. I've tried to teach her how to save the cards she creates but she doesn't want to learn file management. She's pretty set in her ways and that's fine. She's happy.

Basic, cheap, and simple (meaning no changes) is just what she wants. I just need basic security that will give her decent protection and let me make some settings that will help protect her from herself.

Edit: Jim thanks for the reminder about the XP firewall. I've had mine turned off so long that I forgot it was there...duh!

[madjack]

PP. I have been using Sygate Personal Firewall and have good results...unfortunately they have been bought out by Symantic(Norton) and it is being phased out...I used Zone Alarm for a long time but started having problems with it and dropped it. Microsoft is supposed to be coming out with a full and comprehensive security suite...they are supposed to be charging for it to avoid anti-trusters but supposedly it will be minimal...included witht the suite will be a comprehensive firewall that will be available for free( nice of MS to sell us a faulty OS and then sell us something to protect it)...the firewall that comes with XPsp2 is supposed to be pretty good but it is only one way and does not do much in the way of logging threats...Kerio Personal Firewall is supposed to be pretty good also, although I don't think it is free...a lot of the tech people I know use Avast antivirus and Kerio together...
madjack