Firewall, AV installation advice?

Question

Well, the McAfee suite subscription that came installed on XPS 400 is expiring. I am definitely not renewing, so I have been trying to decide on security software. Based on what I've read here, I've decided to go with Comodo firewall and Avast AV. I was hoping that if someone was using this software, you could advise me as to any tips for installation or if there are any conflicts. I also use Ad-Aware, SpyBot and Superantispyware. My OS is XP-SP2 I have 1 gig of RAM. I am going to be uninstalling the McAfee (I hope) and installing the new software within two weeks. If anyone could offer any advice or info about conflicts,etc. I certainly would appreciate it. Thanks, Mary

maryam · Answer

Thanks so much ky331 and joe53! Believe me - I have every piece of info on uninstalling McAfee! I'll be printing out your posts also. I really want to thank you for all the info you give on this forum. I don't post often, but I read here everyday. Thanks to you and others like bugbatter, I feel very confident with the handling of security on my system. I knew if there were problems, you folks would know. I really appreciate the time, effort and knowledge that you give to this forum. Mary

ky331 · Answer

there should be no conflicts between the programs you've listed:

Comodo firewall, Avast AV, Ad-Aware, SpyBot and Superantispyware.

Assuming you're talking about the FREE versions of all of the above, the one area that you might still need to address is RESIDENT anti-MALWARE protection --- the only possible such protection in your list would be if you have enabled SpyBot's TEATIMER feature [which I don't know how many people use].

In terms of FREE resident anti-malware, the main alternative [or addition, as you deem fit] would be Windows Defender.

====================================

To uninstall your McAfee:

1) first, go to the security center, and DISABLE each of the running components: anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, and any others.

2) then, go to your control panel, Add/Remove Programs: locate mcafee, and UNinstall it.

3) hopefully, steps 1 and 2 will suffice. but if you run into any problems, download and run the McAfee Consumer Product Removal tool, MCPR, from http://www.majorgeeks.com/McAfee_Consumer_Product_Removal_Tool_d5420.html

This tool will remove ALL McAfee products (2005, 2006, 2007) --- you cannot "pick and choose" to remove some, but not all. As such, if there's anything McAfee you want to keep [e.g., SiteAdvisor], be sure you have a copy of that program available for reinstallation.

4) Reboot. (Not sure if this is absolutely required... but it certainly couldn't hurt)

Message Edited by ky331 on 11-10-2007 06:05 PM

joe53 · Answer

maryam:

You will want to be sure McAfee is uninstalled properly and completely:

http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=107083&lc=4105&partner=McAfee&type=TS&ia=1

After uninstalling the suite, make sure your Windows Firewall is enabled (it should do this automatically) until you install Comodo. Thereafter, make sure that only Comodo's is running.

Here is a good presentation on how to install Comodo FW Pro (FlashPlayer needed):
http://www.nordicnature.net/tutorials/index.html

Avast should have no conflicts with Comodo, and both play well with the other anti-spyware apps you list.

Installation instructions for avast:
http://download955.avast.com/files/eng/avast-professional-install-manual.pdf

Edit: Oops- sorry ky331 (slow typer)

Message Edited by joe53 on 11-10-2007 05:43 PM

ky331 · Answer

No prob Joe.... in fact, while there was some overlap, you included much that I didn't, in terms of the firewalls and avast.   P.S.   I checked both our links for MCPR, and they both generated version 2.0.117.14.   [I was actually looking for the McAfee link, but 'settled' for the MajorGeeks.]

ky331 · Answer

Mary,   Thanks for the kind words.... It's amazing how many people just 'grab' the advice and 'disappear'... without telling us whether or not things worked... or showing any appreciation for our efforts.   so it's nice to encounter people like you.   P.S.   I made some minor (fine-tuning) edits in my above post, so you might want to be sure you have the latest version.

maryam · Answer

Joe, in your instructions you said to enable the windows firewall until Comodo was installed. This is my first installation like this with DSL. I was planning to download the firewall and AV and the McAfee removal tool. Then I was going to disconnect from the net. I was then going to uninstall all the McAfee, install the firewall and AV, reconnect to net and look for updates. Is there a problem with installing that way? Mary

maryam · Answer

ky331, I did reprint just in case - better safe than sorry! Your comment about people just grabbing and running - it does amaze me when you spend a great deal of time giving directions, troubleshooting, asking questions, etc. and people don't respond. I have been so impressed with the info given here and the manner in which it is given. There is never a demeaning or condescending post from you regardless of the question. You have no idea how much I appreciate that. I am extremely thankful for this forum! Mary PS - Great looking pups!!!!

joe53 · Answer

maryam wrote:
Joe, in your instructions you said to enable the windows firewall until Comodo was installed. This is my first installation like this with DSL. I was planning to download the firewall and AV and the McAfee removal tool. Then I was going to disconnect from the net. I was then going to uninstall all the McAfee, install the firewall and AV, reconnect to net and look for updates. Is there a problem with installing that way? Mary

Mary:

There is no problem with installing that way - your approach is sound (and probably better than what I suggested).

With Comodo FW, be prepared for a lot of pop-up alerts it will generate during the learning phase. A careful read of each alert is needed before authorizing. Most will be benign, but even some legit apps will request permission to "phone home" (WMP springs to mind). Only you can determine which apps really need to connect to the net in order to work properly.

FWIW, I think you are making a good move. I'm not a fan of McAfee, nor of security suites in particular.

Best of luck!

maryam · Answer

Thanks, Joe, I do feel comfortable going this route. I did look at security suites, and I just wasn't satisfied with what I was finding. There was absolutely NO way I was keeping McAfee! When I finally get up my nerve, and I have the time to work with it, I'll start this new adventure. I had read about the Comodo pop-ups. I plan to just sit and play for a while! Thanks for those links. That tutorial for Comodo is great. I printed the Avast instructions - those will be very helpful. I'm the type who still needs the hard copy to read ahead of time. Thanks again, Mary

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