PC Protection software 1

[TimTDP]

I am concerned about spyware and virus's. I use the following software:
Zone Alarm Security Suite
PC Tools Spyware Doctor
Nod32

The latest versions of Zone Alarm including anti spyware & virus options.
Spyware doctor includes anti virus

Is it important to run all 3? don't they clash with each other? does ruunning all 3 effect the PC's performance?

What is the best strategy to adopt to prevent my PC from being effected?

 

[SirBlack]

You didn’t mention what OS you’re running but here are a few suggestions. First, there’s no such thing as too much protection. I’m currently running both Norton AV as well as AVG (a free download @ grisoft.com, they also offer an excellent, & also free, spyware program) with no conflict. Your system will slow down drastically only if all three try updating or scanning @ the same time. Another free AV that I’ve recently installed & testing is Avast but it only works with XP & Vista. If it continues working as well, I won’t be renewing my subscription with Norton.

ZoneAlarm has the best (in my opinion) firewall protection available but that too can be downloaded free from their web site. There are many free & very good AntiSpyware programs that can be downloaded; even MS offers a good one with Windows Defender (again only XP & Vista). Check out Ad-Aware SE, SpywareBlaster and Spybot S & D. If you download any of these,
1. download & install any updates
2. read the tutorials on them

The best protection is maintenance. Be sure you’re running the latest versions so check for updates (even if you scheduled for Auto-updates … not all programs update instantly, even MS has scheduled times for updates for different regions) and run these programs on a regular basis. If you’re using IE as your browser, update it to the 7.0 version. It’s much more secure than the earlier versions or look into Mozilla’s Firefox as it’s always been more secure than IE (you’ll still have to maintain/update IE though). Check your Security settings in IE & tighten them if needed. Block ‘Cookies’ (I only want those I can eat). If the site, like my banks, needs it to sign in, set it to med-high & after logging off, reset to Block All & then delete all Cookies. Clear out your Temp Internet files too.

If you want to download a file off the net, save it to a floppy, CD or DVD & scan it with your AV program before installing it on your HD. Also, scan down the EULA. Nobody understands what it’s saying but many spyware programs come piggy-back on files you’re downloading because a check was already put in saying ‘Yes, I want this junk too!’ at the bottom of the EULA.

Hope this is a help! SirBlack

 

[Grenage]

Well the world would be a dull place if we all agreed with each other.

I could never recommend Norton, since I find that their products are generally bloated beyond belief. It uses up so many resources, and can bugger things like e-mail so often, you might as well have the virus - plus that would be free. AVG is a decent scanner, low resource usage and reliable updates.

ZoneAlarm I also do not like, I've seen that bugger up an internet connection countless times, too. There are better free alternatives out there. I personally just stick to XP SP2 firewall, if using Windows.

Regularly scan for spyware using tools such as Adaware/Spybot.

The best defense is simply using common sense. Don't download junk from a site that has 100 porn popups, turn off javascript if you don't use it, don't install controls when you don't know what they do or you don't trust the website, etc.

You can also use a sandbox when browsing the web or running applications you have downloaded. This is basically an application that stops any application you run from writing to the machine. They're easy to set up, and free. You can look at one here:

http://www.sandboxie.com/

Take care.

Carlsberg don't run I.T departments, but if they did they'd probably be more fun.

 

[Ed2020]

I'd agree with Grenage about Norton products. The latest ZoneAlarm has given me a lot of problems so I now use:

Firewall - Sunbelt Kerio
Anti-virus - Avast! and AVG.
Adware/Spyware - AdAware and AVG.

Ed Metcalfe.

Please do not feed the trolls.....

 

[SirBlack]

Well, as Grenage states,Norton AV uses a lot of system resources. It came free with the new system & decided to run it while I checked out Avast, but thanks for the info. I'll be running Avast & AVG & uninstall Norton (MacAfee really messed up my OS ... worse than Norton). I really liked Avast for all it offers. I will check out
Sunbelt Kerio. I've never had a problem after telling ZoneAlarm what to allow in or out. I know my wife didn't like ZoneAlarm because she had to reset her settings once more since I built her a new computer. But I'm back in good graces now that I slaved her old HD to the new one. I'm not a fan of XP's firewall since it only blocks (at best)incoming but not outgoing.
There are many good & free downloads available on the Internet (even Bill Gates suprisingly offers a lot @ MS.com). I was only offering suggestions, not recommendations.
Again, 'Thanks for your input!' SirBlack

 

[Grenage]

My post was not meant to criticize you, we all have our own opinion

While the rules on ZoneAlarm have always been fine, for me, I've seen many cases where it would randomly block all network traffic (even after being uninstalled). Many people like and swear by Norton, I just don't think it's very good (it's definitions are fine).

I've not tried Sunbelt Kerio, but I did use Kerio's personal free firewall, a few years ago. I am assuming they are similar, if not the same!

Carlsberg don't run I.T departments, but if they did they'd probably be more fun.

 

[SirBlack]

Sorry Grenage,
Good friend passed away so I was more than a bit sensitive when I replied. I plan on unstillalling Norton soon as I prefer Avast but will still run AVG as back up. Not a real fan of Windows products but they do offer some excellent (& free) Power Tool downloads.
Thanks for your input & safe surfing! SirBlack