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General discussion

Security Software

Dec 10, 2003 10:09AM PST

I am using a personal comp with no firewall, etc. A friend told me I should install something like the Norton Systemware (about 4 different things) to keep my e-mail and system safe. I don't pay bills online, or purchase very many things. I use it to check my bank to see if a deposit has been made, and to check my investments for my retirement money. My system is Win98SE, HP Pavillion, and I have about 6 GB left on my hard drive (started with 10). Any suggestions as to what I should do? Thanks guys, Tom....

Discussion is locked

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Re:Security Software
Dec 10, 2003 10:47AM PST

Frankly, unless a Windows 95, 98 or ME box is severely misconfigured with a share or an outdated UPNP patch, the box can't be hacked into unless you run some server software or a virus/trojan/parasite is installed. This hasn't been true with Windows NT, 2000, XP or 2003.

The problem is that with Windows 9x/ME boxes, you have to proceed with care in that you are running a memory limited OS (read the Memory Article at http://www.aumha.org/articles.htm) that may become less stable as you add firewalls and pop-up stoppers.

Another problem is the 2004 version of the product you have noted is getting less than glowing user reviews. The last I read was some over 80% plus were less than happy with this product.

What to do is YOUR CHOICE. I would install a current antivirus since thousands of "bad people" are writing nasty software all the time. I would also make a pass with the Anti-Parasite Suite I note at http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6132-0.html?forumID=32&threadID=1313&start=0

It's also my choice to forgo Java, disable Javasript and use almost any other browser (I'll give Mozilla a nod here.)

Best of luck,

Bob

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Re:Re:Security Software
Dec 10, 2003 11:05AM PST

Many thanks for the fast reply. You gave me the answer I was looking for. It helps to have an expert answer your questions, instead of depending on the advice (?) of a friend. Have a nice holiday season. Tom...

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NAV 2004 AntiVirus
Dec 11, 2003 12:29PM PST

Dec 2, 2003
"Security software maker Symantec has fixed a problem in the company's product activation technology that was causing its Norton family of security applications to fail."
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1105-5112771.html

Some previous info:
Oct 30, 2003
"Some of the 1.2 million customers that have installed software maker Symantec's latest Norton PC security package have been unable to use the software because of new antipiracy technology, the company confirmed Thursday."
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104-5068370.html

Aug 26,2003
"Security software and service company Symantec has added a controversial type of antipiracy technology to the new version of its main virus-zapping program."
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104-5068370.html

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Link correction....
Dec 11, 2003 1:24PM PST
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Re:Link correction....
Dec 12, 2003 2:27AM PST

Thanks, John. I really appreciate the help and advice.Have a happy holiday season. Tom...

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A little more info required...
Dec 13, 2003 4:14PM PST

I would recommend a firewall if you have a high-speed (always on) connection. For dialup, I wouldn't.

This thread discussed what security programs were required on your PC.

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Re:A little more info required...For dialup, I do--and it helps
Dec 14, 2003 4:59AM PST

Although I try to be careful how and where I surf the Net Sygate Personal Firewall quite regularly blocks incomming attempts to scan my computer (last time just 3 minutes ago in fact). And occasionally an attempted Hack attempt.


It also allows me to backtrace the sources revealing the IP Addresses and URL's so I can block them from my browser and email client.