Security software recommendations, and safe downloading? XP

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@KathiMR wrote:

1.  I see the list of the free security software

 

2.  That was one thing that I liked about Norton

 

3.  And is there a way to selectively block pop ups?

 

4.   I'm hearing AVG anti-virus mentioned a lot.

 

5.  someone else recommended the XP firewall.

 

6.  Also a long time ago someone (a CompUSA salesman) suggested getting a router and using it as a firewall or something to that effect.

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1. is it specifically free software you want?

 

2. although i wouldn't specifically recommend norton (never used it), if you are comfortable with a certain program and know how to use it, thats a plus point.

 

3. in IE7 under tools>pop-up blocker>pop-up blocker settings ,you can add sites you trust.

 

4. Experienced forum members are no longer using AVG, some have switched to avast!.

 

5. windows firewall offers no outbound protection.(see answer 6 also) the one i use currently considered one of the best free firewalls is  tall emu's online armor

http://www.tallemu.com/free-firewall-protection-software.html

 

6. see joe53's reply here:

 http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=si_virus&message.id=67916&query.id=291079#M67916

1. No, it doesn't have to be free. I mainly want something that will work well and not take up too many resources, etc. I've been using commercial software, but have heard the free stuff reccomended, so free is nice if it works well.

 

2. There were other things I didn't like, like the way that it changed firewall rules on its own sometimes, which Norton finally caught on to enough to finally include that in the FAQs or other troubleshooting help--this was months after I first had the problem-- blocking email or web access and I didn't know why and they didn't have any help posted. In fact at that time their tech support gave other suggestions and not starting with the simplest first either. They wasted way too much of my time with this. It happened several times, far enough apart that I had forgotten the solution in between and they still didn't know. I'm not spending my money on software where they care so little about my time that they do stuff like that.

 

And CA has done a bit of the same. Oh and I think its their firewall that for some reason blocked parts of some commercial web sites, making it difficult to compare products online since key info wouldn't display. 

 

3. As noted in the footer with system info, I use Firefox. And the problem was as I recall that a link too me to the log in which was in a pop up window so I didn't know the url to enter.

 

4. Is there a particular reason that some are switching to Avast from AVG as I'm still hearing people recommend it?

 

5. OK, not that trusting of Windows or Microsoft anyway so it would normally not be my first choice for stuff like this. (I'm even trying out Open Office to see how it compares with MS Office that I have been using forever.)  I don't think I had heard much of this firewall, I think I did see it among a list with no info about it.

 

Didn't check on 6. yet. Will check the link later.

 

I know that different people like different programs for various reasons, some just because its what they are used to. And some are more knowledgeable than others and have tried more programs.  So, hearing why someone likes or dislikes a program helps me to evaluate whether those reasons apply to my situation.

 

Every program seems to have its quirks and glitches, the only advice i can give is use the help feature built in and learn to configure it to best suit your needs, the beauty of using free programs is that if you can't get along with a program then you can uninstall it and try something else. many major companies offer free trials of their paid versions, some times up to 3 months. again, if after that time you have your doubt's , try something else. 

a point to note though,   A lot of the free programs are for personal use only and not for business/corporate use.

 

sorry, didn't notice you used firefox. Is there no similar option? (never used it myself)

 

regarding avg see this thread:

http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=si_virus&thread.id=67776&view=by_date_ascending&page=1

 

 

 

 

We list reliable programs, but leave the choice up to the individual.

Here are some recent reviews that include the free products:
http://www.dozleng.com/updates/index.php?showtopic=18279&hl=

http://www.av-comparatives.org/seiten/ergebnisse_2007_02.php

** AV-Comparatives is expected to have an updated review published in June.

Yes, I think that Firefox has a similar option but the problem was that a link took me from one site to what I recall as a log in screen, but it was in a pop up window--thus no url showing and it was a different company so I couldn't find any url to enter.  I think I did somehow contact tech support for our co or the other one we do business with and got a url or something.  Just don't want to have to deal with it.

 

I'll check out the link you provided and the other links for the reviews which was going to be my next step.

 

And while its nice to be able to try out programs, my life is so busy these days that I just want to quickly find software that will work and not have to mess around with it--especially critical software like this which I understand can be a bit tricky to install if the previous software isn't removed or whatever first, but instead just use the computer. 

 

I'll repeat another question, also noted in the heading. (I realize it was long so easy to miss.)  I am currently using CA.  When I previously tried to download the new versions of I think Adaware and another program from a recommended site, they downloaded with a suffix of .ewf and I wasn't able to open them or anything.  A local tech support person indicated that CA had changed it so that it had that suffix.

 

He said to download the software after removing CA.  But is it safe to go out to download software without a firewall to protect the computer while I'm getting to the download site or whatever? 

 

Of course if I go out and buy a program on CD that wouldn't be an issue, but if I decide on a firewall to get by download--either free or purchased, I don't want to have this weird suffix added and have it changed so it doesn't work, but do want to keep the computer protected in the mean time.  Or should I remove CA, figure out how to turn on the  Windows firewall while downloading, and then install the programs? 

Yes, go to Windows Security Center via the Control Panel. Enable the Windows Firewall for the interim.

Thanks.

 

Note on the links listed. the first link seems to cover how well the programs detect rogue anti-malware programs (which I understand to be programs that purport to protect against malware but are in fact some type of malware themselves). I'm not too concerned about that since I'm pretty careful about what I install, not just installing something because one person recommends it. I look for multiple recommendations like here. So I don't think I'm much at risk for those kinds of things unless I'm overlooking something--let me know if I am.

 

But I didn't see, maybe I overlooked something, a listing of how the programs do against other more common kinds of malware.

 

The 2nd link doesn't work. It says Only links to our main site are allowed. So if you could give the path to follow, or what tabs or links to follow from the main site, that would be helpful. And are those links reviews of the main types of security software including firewall and antivirus which I understand to be the primary type of protection?

 

Also, I guess I've removed all the anti-malware programs I had installed due to problems with them updating their software requiring updating to a new version that didn't work. Last time I did scan with Adaware though they hadn't found any nor with Spybot. And I used to have Spyware Blaster installed, partially because of real time protection. Again, with Firefox (and usually careful browsing, etc)it didn't seem to find infections. And I want to keep it that way.

 

So once I decide on programs, is there a particular order that I should install them in? I understand 1 anti-virus and 1 firewall, but multiple anti-malware programs should be installed.

 

Thanks for the help including the answer about firewall during download. I'll be back in a few hours to check for additional responses and I may be checking pc magazines reviews also.

 

Also, did something change about screen width for these? I'm having to scroll a little now to see the full width which I didn't use to have to do. I'm using Inspiron 5160 laptop which has an ok screen but not as wide as I guess most desktops.  i can deal with this, but just wondering if it changed or if there is a setting I should change so I don't have to scroll as much. 

 

They must have changed that page for the June version.
Try the main page:
http://www.av-comparatives.org/

 

Reviews in PC magazines may not be completely accurate if the magazines' advertisers of software are being reviewed. ;) That's why the regulars on this board like the independent reviews.

 

 

"I'm not too concerned about that since I'm pretty careful about what I install, not just installing something because one person recommends it. I look for multiple recommendations like here. So I don't think I'm much at risk for those kinds of things unless I'm overlooking something--let me know if I am."
Some of this malware has been installed simply by visiting legitimate webpages that had banners with malware code embedded.
Some interesting reading here:
http://msmvps.com/blogs/spywaresucks/Default.aspx

Order: As long as you are going to use the SP2 Windows firewall temporarily, you can get your anti-virus and anti-spyware installed, then your other firewall. Even though people keep saying that it is a fault that the Windows firewall is only one-way to prevent malware from entering, if you do not have an infection on the computer, there is no malware trying to get out.

Scrolling: I have a Dell laptop with a 17" inch screen and still have to scroll once in a while if somebody posts a "wide" reply. I don't think the format of the forums has been changed.

another tip, once you've decided on the software, create temporary shortcuts directly to the download site on your desktop.

then when you've removed CA and enabled windows firewall you can go straight to the download without having to go site to site. As Bubatter pointed out, if you've no malware currently on your pc trying to phone home then windows Firewall will help protect you from inbound threats.

 

I've got 19" and still have to scroll! 

I don't know for sure whether I have any malware currently on my computer or not. As mentioned earlier, the former anti-malware software that I had got deleted when it said I had to update to a new version. So I do not know for sure that I don't have any of that.

 

I ran a bunch of tests of my system a month or so ago and even repaired XP at the direction of Dell tech support as it seemed slow and also the chimes on the Windows welcome screen have a broken sound--that is the sound breaks up a bit.

 

Also do any of you have any comments about magicJack VoIP hardware/software? (this is a nifty little device that plugs into a usb2 port to a high speed internet connection with a regular phone plugging into the other side and then you can make free phone calls for a year all over the US and Canada, as well as receiving calls. And it can even be taken overseas to phone home using a high speed internet connection to make free calls.

 

It is a nifty little device but a review by someone objected to it being a bit intrusive. It does seem to take over a bit and does not allow my Inspiron 5160 to go into snooze.

 

Also, one of the links mentioned her had a strong warning about Adobe Flash player that scared me until I checked uisng Belarc Advisor and I don't have that, just Macromedica Flash Player so I guess I'm ok.

 

One additional question.  I have been using an integrated internet security program, previously Norton's and now CA's that includes firewall and anti-virus. I'm using my isp's spam blocker which seems to work adequately.  These recommendations all would seem to have separate firewall and anti-virus in addition to the anti malware softwares.  I haven't read any reports of conflicts so I'm guessing that isn't an issue generally, although I know that certain programs didn't allow other anti-spyware programs.

 

Also, for downloading, do the mentioned programs all need to be downloaded at their producer's sites or are they also available at one of the reputable download sites which is where i have previously downloaded free security anti-spyware software? 

Thanks for all the helpful info.  I did note that in the AV Comparatives reports they apparently used the paid forms of some software, like Avast in particular, did not notice whether the others were free or paid versions. I downloaded copies of the Feb and May reports to diguest further.

 

One big question would be about ease of use for non-techies.  Is there info out there somewhere about that?  They did mention that as a factor to consider but I did not see info on that aspect which is important to me, since what may serve well for those of you who understand all this stuff, I do not [BTW, not sure what is going on.  Whenever I try to hit the apostrophe or single quote it moves the cursor somewhere else.  So I guess I can not use contractions. Or maybe I accidentally hit some key that changed a setting.]

 

Also one of the reports mentioned HIPS (I think those were the letters). What is that?  I know that I think it was CA firewall blocked parts of some sites and it said something about HIPS.  It was annoying as I was shopping for clothing and they were links to info on specific garments on certain sites so I was not able to get the info I wanted.  Or maybe they did not like Firefox or something.

 

That is another thing.  I want to be able to control what is being blocked.  I know that one of the reports mentioned false positives as being an issue.  I noticed that Avast did not do so well on that.

 

And I think I prefer a firewall where it allows me to go to sites and if it thinks they are suspicious, asks me if I trust it.  I am a home user, but I do go to our company s website and upload and download--exchange info which I guess could be considered suspicioius, although I control it by selecting when I want the interactive updates to take place.

 

I guess tomorrow, I will go over this stuff and any further info and see if I can come to some conclusions

 

Thanks again for all the helpful suggestions and info. 

Macromedia Flash Player was taken over by Adobe some time ago. I suggest that you update.

It is always best to download programs from the vendor's web site, but to answer your question, other sites do host the software.

I don't use MagicJack, but have read about it. Skype has an option to use telephone hardware as well.

As far as suites, many of the regulars here prefer not to use or recommend them. Users tend to get a false sense of security, and there is no one company that is good at everything it does. It is also easier for malware writers to disable all software from one company, than that from several vendors.

your questions are long and plentiful... i doubt i can answer all, but will try to answer some:

 

1) according to this thread:

http://www.fileinfo.net/extension/efw

CA Security Center renames downloaded .EXE and .ZIP files to have an ".efw" extension.   It does not say how an uninformed user is to determine whether the original filetype was .exe or .zip... but if you can somehow determine which one it was supposed to be, by renaming the extension back to the original, the file should then be accessed as was intended.  

in the case of Ad-Aware, i believe the current installation file is named aaw2008.exe ; so presumably, your CA presented you with aaw2008.ewf --- if so, try to rename aaw2008.ewf back to aaw2008.exe , and then [taking the link above to be accurate --- and I have no first-hand guarantee to offer you] you should then be able to run/install ad-aware.

 

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2a)  you wrote:  "I think I prefer a firewall where it allows me to go to sites and if it thinks they are suspicious, asks me if I trust it."

 

I think there's a major point of confusion here:   A firewall, in and of itself, does NOT choose/determine which websites you're allowed to access.   rather, a firewall determines which PROGRAMS are to have access to the internet.   for example, a firewall can be told to allow INTERNET EXPLORER, FIREFOX, OUTLOOK, OUTLOOK EXPRESS, your particular anti-virus program, &etc. to be allowed [or denied] access to the internet.   if you deny IE [or firefox] access, then you won't be able to use it/them at all.  but if you allow IE/firefox access, then, so far as your firewall is concerned, each will have unlimited/unrestricted access to the internet.

 

so if you're finding that only some particular sites are being blocked, it's because of some other security aspect [and not by the firewall restricting you].   I'll speak about IE, since that's where I'm most familiar:   in IE, there are several "security zones":  Restricted sites (highest security level, many restrictions apply), Trusted sites (lowest security level, minimal restrictions apply), and the Internet (medium security level, "average" restrictions apply).   You can manually place bad sites into the restricted zone, and [if necessary], your business sites into the trusted zone.   By default, all other sites fall into the Internet zone.

 

IE7 also offers a Phishing Filter, which helps prevent you from being tricked by known fraudulent websites.

 

I don't know if firefox does it the same way.

 

but there are other programs that can impact your internet access.   to give a few examples [and I don't know whether you mentioned it somewhere in this long thread], SpywareBlaster will automatically place a large group of known "bad" sites into your restricted zone.  And FireTrust's SiteHound will try to block access to sites it believes to be bad.  [McAfee's SiteAdvisor, and TrendProtect, will suggest you avoid (but not try to restrict) your access to "bad" sites].

 

also, since you spoke of Norton and CA --- which offer security suites, including anti-virus and anti-malware protection,  it's quite likely that these anti-malware aspects [rather than their firewall components] are blocking particular web sites.

 

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2b) HIPS stands for HOSTS-based Intrusion Prevention System.   Basically, this is a method of analyzing programs for "suspicious" behavior --- if HIPS believes [based on its detection algorithm] that something just doesn't "feel right", it will intercept the "offender" and prevent it from completing its task.

 

HIPS has come into prominence more recently, as both Comodo firewall and Online Armor firewall each added a HIPS module to their [basic] firewall.   HIPS is an extension of the [basic] firewall.   I know that in Comodo, it can be disabled if desired. 

the "extension" of firewalls to include HIPS has clouded the issue... I still contend that a basic firewall will not block particular websites... but I guess it's conceivable that a HIPS-enhanced firewall might restrict downloading/installing "suspicious" programs [including, perhaps, Active-X controls required to view that site] from a particular website.

 

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3) what popup blocker are you using?  if you specify, then someone might be able to tell you how to permit the particular sites you wish to allow.

as an example, I use the Yahoo! popup blocker [one of many reasons why I'm happy with the Yahoo toolbar].

anytime it attempts to block a popup, it will alert me [visibly and audibly], and will allow me the option to add this site to a permitted list.

also, it provides an "override" key [in the case of Yahoo, the CTRL key] which can be pressed/held if I know/expect a popup is to be issued by a particular site I'm visiting.

BB,

 

Actually, I'm still away on vacation... and should be for about another two weeks.   But at my current location, I have more internet access than I had over the past two weeks, so I'm dropping-in a bit... but just as a "visitor".   Meaning I don't know that I'll be able to continue replying here to Kathi's many questions.

 

So stay around V/S, and keep the ship afloat.

Kudos as well to Joe, Melboy, Beversol & RedDawn [hope i didn't overlooked anyone] for picking up my "slack".

I thought ky331 was on vacation. I guess it's time for me to return to the other forums. Carry on ky331. :)