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General discussion

New to DSL, Security Questions?

Dec 10, 2004 4:03AM PST

Wireless Router renamed, 128 bit WEP and MAC enabled.

Machine 1
Ethernet connection
Windows xp home, Trial NAV, Trial Norton Firewall, Windows xp Firewall and Webroot Spysweeper.
Machine runs great. Should I stick with Norton Products or mix and match as below ie Zone Alarm?

Machine 2
Linksys WUSB54G
Windows 98se, Norton systemworks 2004, Spybot S&D 1.3 and Zone Alarm Firewall. I have paid for Spysweeper and am licensed to put it on this machine with conditions - Should I use it instead of S&D 1.3?

All suggestions for improved security appreciated.

Discussion is locked

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Re: New to DSL, Security Questions?
Dec 10, 2004 5:50AM PST

The bloke, in Germany, who created Spybot, did it and keeps doing out of a pure desire to help - tho' he doesn't mind getting donations to cover costs.

This means that he has no conflict of interest and it also happens to be the case that his product is about the most downloaded and trusted stuff of it's kind in the world.

Spysweeper, for all I know, may be just as good as Spybot, but it would be a very bad idea to delete Spybot ... well that is my opinion.

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Re: New to DSL, Security Questions?
Dec 10, 2004 3:49PM PST

Why not use them both? I have Spybot S&D, Adaware personal, Spyware Blaster, and Bazooka.
And so far none of the 4 have complained about the other 3 being there.
The more protection the better!

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John, Use What Works !
Dec 10, 2004 10:18AM PST

Both your machines should work "securely" just as they are....as long as the machines connect and run smoothly with the chosen software. I recommend one thing only...I WOULD NOT engage BOTH firewalls on "Machine 1". One firewall at a time is best. It's your choice as to which one to use but recognize that the XP firewall only blocks "incoming" intrusion attempts, NOT "outgoing" attempts by spyware to "phone home". The Norton Firewall or ZoneAlarm will notify you of BOTH types of attempts.

In regards to Spysweeper and Spybot,,,use BOTH and more..such as the two below:

Ad-Aware">http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/]Ad-Aware

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Re: John, Use What Works !
Dec 11, 2004 3:29AM PST

I would disable the Windows firewall and uninstall the Norton products since you haven't had to pay for them yet. I have been using Norton AV for years, so I can say this honestly. AVG has a good personal anti-virus program. Also, as noted, Zone Alarm(or my favorite, Sygate) has a good firewall. Good luck. chuck