Sallie:

Usually, buying a newer version of NAV is cheaper than renewing the subscription, so shop around. Regarding Ad-Aware, keep in mind this is not a firewall program. It's only for identifying problem programs that are already on your system, usually loaded inadvertantly by the user. A firewall, like NIS, keeps hackers out of your system altogether (if operating properly). Do some looking around for firewall programs. NIS is only one option, but there are many good firewall programs that are free, such as Zone Alarm (also provided by CA with the EZ Armor program suite).

If you get DSL, you absolutely must use a firewall. Some ISPs will provide one for free or at a reduced price, so talk to your DSL provider about this.

Hi Sallie,

Here are some of the best (spyware/privacy/security) tools for your consideration ...

Ad-Aware (powerful detection and removal application that scans memory, registry, hard drives, removable drives and optical drives for datamining, advertising, parasites, scumware, keyloggers, trojans, dialers, malware, browser hijackers, and tracking components

AVG (the best antivirus application that money can't buy - includes a resident shield, email scanner, shell extension and more)

BHODemon (detects and optionally disables Browser Helper Objects in the registry)

FireEyes (reveals ports and IP addresses that make a connection to your PC)

MRU-Blaster (detects and cleans over 25,000 MRU (most recently used) lists and other stores of hidden information)

PestPatrol (powerful privacy and security application that blocks and removes cookies, removes keyloggers and deletes or quarantines more than 62,000 non-virus "pests" (malicious scripts, trojans, adware, spyware, hacker tools, password crackers, remote access and network sniffer tools and denial of service agents) - capability to delete or quarantine found "pests" is disabled in the trial version)

Script Sentry (with configurable file associations and scripting permissions, a set it and forget it script interceptor that complements your anti-virus application by circumventing malicious scripting activity)

SECRETMAKER (privacy/security application that includes several powerful tools (Worm Hunter, Spam Fighter, Banner Blocker, PopUp Killer,
Cookie Eraser, History Cleaner, Privacy Protector - some tools are currently in development) - Privacy Protector is a "cloaking device" for the web surfer that ensures anonymity by changing the internet user's computer IP address to phantom's, effectively counteracting tracking and profiling mechanisms

Spy Chaser (database comprised of more than 900 known spyware programs searchable by program name)

SpyBot (powerful privacy and security "Search & Destroy" application that detects and eliminates trojans, adbots, dialers, start page hijackers, key loggers, usage tracks and specific invalid registry entries (missing help files and DLLs, invalid uninstall information and application paths, broken desktop links) - includes an assortment of useful tools)

SpySites (with a database of over 1,500 known spyware websites, a tool that assists the user in the process of incorporating websites into Internet Explorer's Restricted Sites Zone to prevent intrusive operations that would compromise a user's privacy and/or security - effectively prevents installion and/or running of ActiveX controls, Java applets, JavaScript, Cookies, download and installtion of desktop items, use of a user's email address as an anonymous FTP password, home page and/or search page hijacking and concealed installation of malicious "scumware")

SpyStopper (anti-spyware application (personal webserver) that makes use of the Windows hosts file to map known spyware servers hosts to your own IP address (localhost - 127.0.0.1) in order to block ads, web bugs, cookies, profiling scripts, network worms and prevent spyware programs from transmitting tracking information)

WebWasher (highly configurable local proxy server application that filters scripts, animation, web bugs, cookies, popups, etc., ensuring a more private, more secure, and faster browsing experience)

ZoneAlarm (arguably, the defacto standard of firewalls)

Here's are some excellent spyware/privacy/security website resources to assist you in learning more ... cexx.org and www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/main-nf.htm, and you'll find many more freeware tools here ... www.wilders.org/free_tools.htm and www.mnsi.net/~jhlavac/freeware/security.htm

Jim McNamara

Message Edited by jimmymac_4 on 06-04-2004 03:40 PM

---

@jimmymac_4 wrote:

Hi Sallie,

Here are some of the best (spyware/privacy/security) tools for your consideration ...

Ad-Aware (powerful detection and removal application that scans memory, registry, hard drives, removable drives and optical drives for datamining, advertising, parasites, scumware, keyloggers, trojans, dialers, malware, browser hijackers, and tracking components

AVG (the best antivirus application that money can't buy - includes a resident shield, email scanner, shell extension and more)

BHODemon (detects and optionally disables Browser Helper Objects in the registry)

FireEyes (reveals ports and IP addresses that make a connection to your PC)

MRU-Blaster (detects and cleans over 25,000 MRU (most recently used) lists and other stores of hidden information)

PestPatrol (powerful privacy and security application that blocks and removes cookies, removes keyloggers and deletes or quarantines more than 62,000 non-virus "pests" (malicious scripts, trojans, adware, spyware, hacker tools, password crackers, remote access and network sniffer tools and denial of service agents) - capability to delete or quarantine found "pests" is disabled in the trial version)

Script Sentry (with configurable file associations and scripting permissions, a set it and forget it script interceptor that complements your anti-virus application by circumventing malicious scripting activity)

SECRETMAKER (privacy/security application that includes several powerful tools (Worm Hunter, Spam Fighter, Banner Blocker, PopUp Killer,
Cookie Eraser, History Cleaner, Privacy Protector - some tools are currently in development) - Privacy Protector is a "cloaking device" for the web surfer that ensures anonymity by changing the internet user's computer IP address to phantom's, effectively counteracting tracking and profiling mechanisms

Spy Chaser (database comprised of more than 900 known spyware programs searchable by program name)

SpyBot (powerful privacy and security "Search & Destroy" application that detects and eliminates trojans, adbots, dialers, start page hijackers, key loggers, usage tracks and specific invalid registry entries (missing help files and DLLs, invalid uninstall information and application paths, broken desktop links) - includes an assortment of useful tools)

SpySites (with a database of over 1,500 known spyware websites, a tool that assists the user in the process of incorporating websites into Internet Explorer's Restricted Sites Zone to prevent intrusive operations that would compromise a user's privacy and/or security - effectively prevents installion and/or running of ActiveX controls, Java applets, JavaScript, Cookies, download and installtion of desktop items, use of a user's email address as an anonymous FTP password, home page and/or search page hijacking and concealed installation of malicious "scumware")

SpyStopper (anti-spyware application (personal webserver) that makes use of the Windows hosts file to map known spyware servers hosts to your own IP address (localhost - 127.0.0.1) in order to block ads, web bugs, cookies, profiling scripts, network worms and prevent spyware programs from transmitting tracking information)

WebWasher (highly configurable local proxy server application that filters scripts, animation, web bugs, cookies, popups, etc., ensuring a more private, more secure, and faster browsing experience)

ZoneAlarm (arguably, the defacto standard of firewalls)

Here's are some excellent spyware/privacy/security website resources to assist you in learning more ... cexx.org and www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/main-nf.htm, and you'll find many more freeware tools here ... www.wilders.org/free_tools.htm and www.mnsi.net/~jhlavac/freeware/security.htm

Jim McNamara

Message Edited by jimmymac_4 on 06-04-2004 03:40 PM

---

I am now debating the following options.
I now have NAV 2003 and I have the free version of Lavasoft Ad-aware
I am thinking of getting Norton Internet Security
I am also thinking of getting Zone Alarm Security

Which would you prefer?

I assume I would also want to keep Lavasoft Ad-aware but would I be much better off getting the Lavasoft Ad-aware Plus to have things actually monitored or wouldn't I need it if I have NIS or Zone Alarm Security suite?

Or would I be much better off to get AVG (antivirus)and Zone Alarm (free) and just keep Lavasoft Ad-aware or get the Plus version along with AVG and Zone Alarm?

I am familiar with Norton so NIS may be easiest selection, but you suggested AVG and Zone Alarm (were you referring to the firewall only or to the suite also?).

From reading posts, some like NIS, others do not. Some say Zone Alarm is harder to configure. Does Zone Alarm offer any help for its free version? for its Zone Alarm Suite.

If I get NIS how much runs at startup (%)
If I get Zone Alarm Suite how much runs at startup (%)
If I were to get AVG, Zone Alarm Free and Lavasoft Plus. (%)

I have Win 98SE, have 128 MB RAM, my computer is over three years old, I do not have DSL or cable at the present time.

I know this is a tall order but would appreciate anything you could add.

Thank you for all your help. I checked out your hyperlinks.

---

@Sallie wrote:

---

@jimmymac_4 wrote:

Hi Sallie,

Here are some of the best (spyware/privacy/security) tools for your consideration ...

Ad-Aware (powerful detection and removal application that scans memory, registry, hard drives, removable drives and optical drives for datamining, advertising, parasites, scumware, keyloggers, trojans, dialers, malware, browser hijackers, and tracking components

AVG (the best antivirus application that money can't buy - includes a resident shield, email scanner, shell extension and more)

BHODemon (detects and optionally disables Browser Helper Objects in the registry)

FireEyes (reveals ports and IP addresses that make a connection to your PC)

MRU-Blaster (detects and cleans over 25,000 MRU (most recently used) lists and other stores of hidden information)

PestPatrol (powerful privacy and security application that blocks and removes cookies, removes keyloggers and deletes or quarantines more than 62,000 non-virus "pests" (malicious scripts, trojans, adware, spyware, hacker tools, password crackers, remote access and network sniffer tools and denial of service agents) - capability to delete or quarantine found "pests" is disabled in the trial version)

Script Sentry (with configurable file associations and scripting permissions, a set it and forget it script interceptor that complements your anti-virus application by circumventing malicious scripting activity)

SECRETMAKER (privacy/security application that includes several powerful tools (Worm Hunter, Spam Fighter, Banner Blocker, PopUp Killer,
Cookie Eraser, History Cleaner, Privacy Protector - some tools are currently in development) - Privacy Protector is a "cloaking device" for the web surfer that ensures anonymity by changing the internet user's computer IP address to phantom's, effectively counteracting tracking and profiling mechanisms

Spy Chaser (database comprised of more than 900 known spyware programs searchable by program name)

SpyBot (powerful privacy and security "Search & Destroy" application that detects and eliminates trojans, adbots, dialers, start page hijackers, key loggers, usage tracks and specific invalid registry entries (missing help files and DLLs, invalid uninstall information and application paths, broken desktop links) - includes an assortment of useful tools)

SpySites (with a database of over 1,500 known spyware websites, a tool that assists the user in the process of incorporating websites into Internet Explorer's Restricted Sites Zone to prevent intrusive operations that would compromise a user's privacy and/or security - effectively prevents installion and/or running of ActiveX controls, Java applets, JavaScript, Cookies, download and installtion of desktop items, use of a user's email address as an anonymous FTP password, home page and/or search page hijacking and concealed installation of malicious "scumware")

SpyStopper (anti-spyware application (personal webserver) that makes use of the Windows hosts file to map known spyware servers hosts to your own IP address (localhost - 127.0.0.1) in order to block ads, web bugs, cookies, profiling scripts, network worms and prevent spyware programs from transmitting tracking information)

WebWasher (highly configurable local proxy server application that filters scripts, animation, web bugs, cookies, popups, etc., ensuring a more private, more secure, and faster browsing experience)

ZoneAlarm (arguably, the defacto standard of firewalls)

Here's are some excellent spyware/privacy/security website resources to assist you in learning more ... cexx.org and www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/main-nf.htm, and you'll find many more freeware tools here ... www.wilders.org/free_tools.htm and www.mnsi.net/~jhlavac/freeware/security.htm

Jim McNamara

Message Edited by jimmymac_4 on 06-04-2004 03:40 PM

---

I am now debating the following options.
I now have NAV 2003 and I have the free version of Lavasoft Ad-aware
I am thinking of getting Norton Internet Security
I am also thinking of getting Zone Alarm Security

Which would you prefer?

I assume I would also want to keep Lavasoft Ad-aware but would I be much better off getting the Lavasoft Ad-aware Plus to have things actually monitored or wouldn't I need it if I have NIS or Zone Alarm Security suite?

Or would I be much better off to get AVG (antivirus)and Zone Alarm (free) and just keep Lavasoft Ad-aware or get the Plus version along with AVG and Zone Alarm?

I am familiar with Norton so NIS may be easiest selection, but you suggested AVG and Zone Alarm (were you referring to the firewall only or to the suite also?).

From reading posts, some like NIS, others do not. Some say Zone Alarm is harder to configure. Does Zone Alarm offer any help for its free version? for its Zone Alarm Suite.

If I get NIS how much runs at startup (%)
If I get Zone Alarm Suite how much runs at startup (%)
If I were to get AVG, Zone Alarm Free and Lavasoft Plus. (%)

I have Win 98SE, have 128 MB RAM, my computer is over three years old, I do not have DSL or cable at the present time.

I know this is a tall order but would appreciate anything you could add.

Thank you for all your help. I checked out your hyperlinks.

---

In addition to my first reply to this post, I have decided to download the free CA EZ Armor Suite (available until June 30) My A 2003 expires 7-1-04. I will download this to my zip drive to keep until I decide whether or to download the NIS program. At present, I do not have DSL (can I still use the EZ Armor Suite?)

Sallie,

You sure ask a lot of questions.  My preferences are the FREE versions of Ad-Aware, Zone Alarm and AVG, but don't overlook SpyBot Search & Destroy either.  I don't think you will nee the plus versions of Ad-Aware.  I've had far too much trouble with several generations of NAV bloatware and their tech support is poor at best.  ZoneAlarm has technical support for the FREE version, but their technical support is as bad as NAV.  Together, they offer the worst tech support that I have ever had the displeasure to encounter.  I am a retired IT person and was a PC tech support staff member and I know good from bad.  I don't know what you mean by % that runs at startup, but most of these types of programs are resource intensive, but I have removed ZoneAlarm from my startup and only invoke it (via a shortcut) when I intend to connect to the internet.  For the record, if you were to ask if 128MB were sufficient memory for Win98SE, you would find that those who respond will recommend that you up that to at least 256MB, which is generally recognized as the "sweet spot".  You computer will run faster because it will have more physical memory that can be used in lieu of virtual memory (your hard disk which is far slower) ... just a thought.

Jim McNamara

Woops accidental double post ... deleted.  Sorry ...  Jim McNamara

Message Edited by jimmymac_4 on 06-11-2004 03:15 PM

Sallie,

Just addendum and word of caution ... ZoneAlarm release 5.0 is definitely not ready for prime time.  The internet is abuzz with uncomplimentary reports concerning ZoneLabs recent release.  ZoneLabs has frankly admitted that their latest release has many incompatibilities with other applications, especially privacy, security and anti-virus apps.  ZoneLabs is feverishly at work to correct the problems associated with the many complaints that have been registered.  I learned that ZoneLabs was bought by another company about two months ago and since then, what was once a relatively straightforward firewall app is now rapidly becoming bloatware with "suite" aspirations and an inevitable assortment of associated problems.  Unfortunately, I installed 5.0 before I knew all this.  Suddenly, my internet browsing slowed to a crawl, a common complaint.  Regardless of your operating system of choice, completely uninstalling ZoneAlarm is a bit of a chore.  I managed to find a few instruction sets including ZoneLabs' own on their website.  I downloaded the previous release and I also have the one just prior on my hard disk.  I installed 4.5.594.000, the release immediately preceding 5.0, and things are again back to running normal and far faster that with the 5.0 slug.  I think I'll be in a "holding pattern for the time being if not permanently.  If it works why fix it?

Jim McNamara

Message Edited by jimmymac_4 on 06-11-2004 03:16 PM

Thank you for all your help.

I had read something re Zone 5 in another post and was looking for it to read again.