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General discussion

need an antivirus.

by godundastandzme Mar 14, 2005 12:55AM PST

i'm very new to computers, and have Norton antivirus(it has given me a few problems)but it is only a trial. can anyone recomend another one. i would like something thats free. i have windows xp. also my friend bought the norton AV, if she installed it on her PC, can i install it on mine too? she said i could use it. if anyone knows of another AV, like i said, i wouls like it to be free, and easy to use.
also, i have the windows firewall on my computer, but i havent used it, should i start? and can you use it with an Anti virus?. SORRY about the dumb questions, but i realy have NO clue when it comes to computers. thanks Lizzie

Discussion is locked

7 Posts
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Try This...
by Larry38 Mar 14, 2005 2:12AM PST
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Link to some good information..
by Larry38 Mar 14, 2005 2:18AM PST
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Firewall...
by Larry38 Mar 14, 2005 2:49AM PST

Lizzie,
The only dumb questions are the ones that never get ask. That is what these forums are for.
Please turn on your firewall! Also here is a link to a good free firewall, that is better than the XP firewall.
Yes, you can use AV and a Firewall togeather. If you download the Zone Alarm firewall, you can turn the XP firewall back off. Link to Firewall.
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?lid=nav_za
Also anytime you download a security program, be sure you update it before useing it.
Hope this Helps.
Please post back if you need more help, and someone will be glad to help you.
Larry

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to-Larry 38
by godundastandzme Mar 15, 2005 1:10AM PST

thank you for your help, this is lizzie. i'm going to take your advise, one quick question. I had the norton firewall, and maybe i did it wrong, but after i installed it i could not access the internet (IE). i seem to have the same problems with Norton AV. is there s.thing i need to do to prevent this???

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A slight warning. . .
by Coryphaeus Mar 14, 2005 2:34PM PST

All the regulars here know my opinion on free AV programs. I have documented proof that a free AV program is worth what you pay for it. Durning a test, AVG allowed 14 of 16 test AV intrusions into my email box. Norton stopped them all.

Do as you wish. My computer system is worth more than a free AV program.

Good luck,

Click here to see the CNet faces, learn a little about internet
connections and data, and download free software.
In keeping with the protest against censorship of the Net, I am wearing a Black suit and this page has also been turned Black. If your monitor is still displaying it with various colors and text, a real-time Black-effect simulation can be achieved by pushing the OFF switch on your computer.

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I agree ...
by Cache22 Mar 15, 2005 12:21PM PST

I believe you're 100% correct, in fact you may actually be understating the case. These AV programs are actually worth LESS than nothing, because they offer a false sense of security. Spy Bot, Ad-Aware, AVG7, Spy Sweeper, etc., etc are simply overmatched by the broadness of the recent malware cocktails being thrown at computers. Spy Doctor and Avast are now actually being targeted for attack by some of the new virus types, because they were somewhat effective and perceived as a threat by the creeps who come up with this scumware.

Problem is, most of the AV stuff you pay for is way less than completely effective as well. Maybe this approach to the problem is not the way we need to go?

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Just to Elaborate
by Powlaz Mar 16, 2005 4:15AM PST

I agree with Cache22, the programs used to fight the malware have been outpaced. That is why most forums and experts advise that a combination of tools is necessary to stay clean. I run a suite of tools to check for spyware/adware/malware, trojan horses and worms. It would be great if an "Anti-Parasite" suite is created saving me the effort of running upwards of 11 programs to keep my PC safe.

As for free anti-virus (or other free software for that matter) not being worth their purchase price I have these thoughts:

Spyware S&D and Ad-Aware are the most highly regarded Anti-Spy programs on the market. . . they're free!
Google Toolbar - Best pop-up blocker I've ever used . . . it's free
Avast! cleaned up 5 viruses on my computer and a combination of 16 viruses and trojans on a PC I worked on. Both PC's were protected by the burdening NAV with the heuristics set to their highest level of protection, automatic updates on and running, and active scanning set to deep scan. And Avast! (and it's AWESOME boot time scanner) . . . are free!

I'm new to the forums but not to PCs. I use a combination of pay and free tools to keep my PC clean. The greater good is to work towards an UBER TOOL that cleans temp files, temp internet files, cache, internet tracks, all forms of usage tracks (with plugins for 3rd party programs), top of class anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-trojan, anti-worm, an excellent suite of system tools and . . .

Well the list goes on and on. Perhaps that's why no such tool exists. But an Anti-Parasite (anti-spy, anti-virus, anti-trojan, anti-worm) tool would be a good start!

Don't give up on the Freebies! Pay or Free amass an army of tools. The good guys are losing the battle.

Po

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