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General discussion

Microsoft anti-spyware

Jun 4, 2005 3:45AM PDT

Hi - I just installed the beta version of Microsoft anti-spyware and disabled Norton which seemingly caused the comp to freeze frequently (see my thread called "freeze" on the XP forum). Is it adequate, and can I continue not to use the Norton AV? By the way, the ZoneAlarm firewall recommended by most is not applicable to my case, because it blocks my ISP and their thechies do not have a solution. Thanks for any suggestion and comment. Amos.

Discussion is locked

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RE: MS Antispyware
Jun 4, 2005 5:36AM PDT

Microsoft Antispyware is just a spyware blocker...it is not designed to act as antivirus software. While it does pick up the occasional virus/trojan, you really should have some other AV protection...Norton, McAfee, etc. However, you could always opt to use a free online scanner from one of those companies. While you'll be missing "on-demand" protection/scanning, you'll still be able to remove any viruses you've picked up.

But, you NEED a firewall, otherwise you are an open book...a hacker could send you a virus, copy your files, read your e-mails, steal your personal info, etc. An AV program is like a second line of defense, and antispyware a third...without a firewall you're ignoring the most glaring hole. You can download a free trial of firewalls from each of the major companies (McAfee, Norton, TrendMicro, ZoneLabs, etc), but finding one that works with your ISP should be your number one priority.

Hope this helps,
John

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RE: Microsoft anti-spyware
Jun 4, 2005 8:57AM PDT

If Norton AV bogged down your system by all means try a different AV. anti-spyware is not designed to block viruses.

If one firewall won't work with your ISP deffinately try another. It's necessary.

BTW, I'm curious. Why didn't ZA work with your ISP. Never heard heard that one before.

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anti-spy
Jun 5, 2005 1:16AM PDT

Thanks for the info. I did reactivate the windows firewall but understand that it is not in the same league as ZA and the others. As to the ISP conflict: I do not know. When I installed ZA I simply could not get through, and when I asked their support unit the reply was that they knew about it and I should disable ZA when on the Web. Which sounds like having the disable the air conditioning when the weather gets hot... So there's a new one for you. Amos.

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What?
Jun 5, 2005 8:20AM PDT

I'm amazed that ZA won't work with your ISP. I got a trial version of EZ Armor delivered unannounced with a MS update disc (i.e. 2 disks), and have stayed with it as I soon realised CA,EZ and ZA are all same package, and I already had ZA. Also I was fed up with Antivir, all Nortons and Macafees.
I have paid the sub now and had trouble free experiences for 9 months. I would have thought that if MS are sending out a disk with protection, they would have tested it for all contingencies. No beta or anything like that. Perhaps you should try the CA support site (Computer Associates).

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RE: windows firewall...
Jun 5, 2005 1:59PM PDT

Will block outgoing traffic but not incomming traffic (what you need to block in the first place, go figure!).

An other good free firewall you might try is Sygate Personal Firewall. The default settings work fine. You might check Applications from time to time. They also have a free Support Forum.

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caktus
Jun 5, 2005 11:59PM PDT

hello - will sygate block both incoming and outgoing traffic? Since this is the main weak feature on windows firewall, this is what I should look for, is it not? Tks, Amos

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Uh, backward. . .
Jun 6, 2005 1:02AM PDT

XP firewall blocks incoming, not outgoing, that's why it's pretty much useless.

Zone Alarm (free and pay) blocks both, or rather will ask your permission on an outgoing request. Naturally, email, browsers, etc. needs to be let out. Anything else trying to get out needs some scrutiny.

I've used the free ZA for a long time with zero problems.

Good luck,

Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach that person to
use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks.

Click here to see the CNet faces, learn a little about telephones, internet
connections and data, and download free software.

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Back to the original question. . .
Jun 6, 2005 1:07AM PDT
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OK but
Jun 6, 2005 1:34AM PDT

what about sygate, since apparently Zonelarm conflicts with something on my ISP? Does it block both ways? Amos

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(NT) (NT) Yes, but its a little pricy ($40) for just the firewall
Jun 6, 2005 3:16AM PDT
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(NT) (NT) Sygate Personal (not Pro) Firewall is free & adaquit.
Jun 6, 2005 2:45PM PDT
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OK but. . .
Jun 6, 2005 3:18AM PDT

I've never used Sygate and have heard little about it. My concern would be why it had a conflict with my ISP. That's not normal. What is your ISP and what indication do you get when you try to access it?

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ISP
Jun 8, 2005 3:25AM PDT

You wouldn't know the ISP I use in this quaint corner of the world where I now work. But I have approached Check Point and asked them to take it up with the ISP directly. The message (or non-message) I got when trying to access the Web after I installed ZoneAlarm was simple: nothing, nada, just as if I had not pressed any button. Not even an error message. So I am for the present using the best protection that MS can provide, with the usual Spybot and AdAware additions and waiting for Check Point to sort it out with them. Tks, Amos.

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(NT) (NT) Oooops! :8}
Jun 6, 2005 2:41PM PDT
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Firewall?
Jun 8, 2005 10:13AM PDT

Why would you need a firewall anyway? If you already have the current windows security updates and anitvirus, then there should be any problems. All firewall does is disrupting traffic flow. Ones that doesn't disrupt traffic flow doesn't work because of just that.

Hackers don't try to crack your computer all day. They have better things to do. The world doesn't revolve around you. Frankly, I would be *very* flattered if anyone out there takes minutes out of their lives in order to hack my computer... ^_____^

People are so paranoid these days...

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firewall
Jun 9, 2005 5:56AM PDT

Sorry, but I have been hacked again and again, to bits. Maybe I'm more popular than you; fact is the worms and Trojans have got my scent. Statistics say that a new variety is put into the Web every nine minutes... that's why. Amos.

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The firewall issue has been well covered.
Jun 11, 2005 12:25PM PDT

Now on to AV software! I recommend that you download the free AVG from Grisoft. I only ran it for a week 2 years ago before I bought the full version. It is the cat's meow as far as I am concerned.