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Need Advice on Anti Virus and Firewall Apps

Posted on 01/24/2009 4:17:17 AM PST by savedbygrace

I've used Semantec, Grisoft's AVG, and Panda AV apps. None of those have been satisfactory. They all tend to use too much system resources, or cause other problems.

Currently, I'm using Panda AV, but it is causing start up problems and it seems to have a mind of its own WRT running scans.

On the firewall front, I've used Zone Alarm Pro, but it slows my WinXP computer down. I've forgotten the names of the succession of other firewall apps I've used. Currently, the Panda AV app I'm using also provides a firewall.

I'm not defenseless even without a firewall app, because I have a hardware router.

So, bottom line: What anti virus and firewall apps would you recommend?


TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: botnet; getamac; ilovebillgates; iwanthim; iwanthimbad; malware; microsoftfanboys; trylinux
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To: savedbygrace; ShadowAce
So, I need to buy a NIC, I guess. Bummers.

If the activity lights on the NIC are on, then you probably have a software configuration issue. Maybe a piece of software you installed futzed some DLLs or the NIC driver.

You might not need to buy a new NIC.

101 posted on 01/28/2009 12:50:46 PM PST by rabscuttle385 ("If this be treason, then make the most of it!" —Patrick Henry)
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To: rabscuttle385

No light.


102 posted on 01/28/2009 12:58:29 PM PST by savedbygrace (You are only leading if someone follows. Otherwise, you just wandered off... [Smokin' Joe])
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To: savedbygrace
No light.

Ugh.

It's probably gone in that case.

103 posted on 01/28/2009 1:02:31 PM PST by rabscuttle385 ("If this be treason, then make the most of it!" —Patrick Henry)
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To: rabscuttle385

Hmmm, on closer examination, it seems there isn’t even a light next to the connector at all, no LEDs at all. So, there’s no way to tell.

What I thought was a non-illuminated LED is actually a part of the foil piece that closes up the connector section on the mobo. Those who’ve built their own computers know what I’m talking about.

I guess I still have to buy a new NIC in order to find out for sure. It’s only $22 or so, no big deal.


104 posted on 01/28/2009 1:13:32 PM PST by savedbygrace (You are only leading if someone follows. Otherwise, you just wandered off... [Smokin' Joe])
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To: savedbygrace
It’s only $22 or so, no big deal.

Psh. That's expensive for a NIC.

Try:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833156107

105 posted on 01/28/2009 1:15:21 PM PST by rabscuttle385 ("If this be treason, then make the most of it!" —Patrick Henry)
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To: rabscuttle385

I’ll be buying a name brand, like Linksys or Netgear.


106 posted on 01/28/2009 1:34:25 PM PST by savedbygrace (You are only leading if someone follows. Otherwise, you just wandered off... [Smokin' Joe])
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To: Poser
I run a router with no firewall on the computer.

Where did you get the router? It is unusual to run a straight router to connect your LAN to the internet. You might run a bare router inside your LAN, if it's complex enough to need one (e.g., a fair-sized corporate office).

All the cheap home routers I'm aware of include firewall software. By default they block all incoming ports. To unblock a port, you have to configure the router to forward that port to one of the computers on your LAN. And if you do that, you'd better make sure the app that is listening on that port is free of security holes.

107 posted on 01/28/2009 1:49:03 PM PST by cynwoody
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To: cynwoody

The computer has no firewall. The router seems to have a 100% effective firewall. When I run external programs that probe my system, they are unable to find anything.

I can see how that sentence could be confusing.


108 posted on 01/28/2009 2:06:45 PM PST by Poser (Willing to fight for oil)
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To: savedbygrace
I’ll be buying a name brand, like Linksys or Netgear.

Bleh

Nothing is more expensive than cheap hardware. Spend another $5 and get a real NIC from a real networking company.

Intel PWLA8391GT 10/100/1000Mbps PCI PRO/1000 GT Desktop Adapter - $27.49

109 posted on 01/28/2009 2:25:18 PM PST by Knitebane (Happily Microsoft free since 1999.)
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To: rabscuttle385; savedbygrace
you can get the Trendnet 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit PCI adapter at Fry's for 9.99.<

That is TEG-PCITXR HW:3.1R

110 posted on 01/28/2009 2:27:09 PM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach (No Burkas for my Grandaughters!)
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To: Knitebane

I was actually searching for that one, and it didn’t come up in a search. Maybe I typo’ed.


111 posted on 01/28/2009 2:31:48 PM PST by savedbygrace (You are only leading if someone follows. Otherwise, you just wandered off... [Smokin' Joe])
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To: Poser
I believe the routers do stop the open port attacks, however. Educate me if I am wrong on this.

I run a router with no firewall on the computer.

Routers shouldn't show any open ports(unless you open some fore VPN type access to your network from remote). Never the less, having a firewall on the PC as a secondary layer of defense is never a bad idea.

112 posted on 01/28/2009 3:20:43 PM PST by AFreeBird
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To: savedbygrace

replace your cable


113 posted on 01/28/2009 4:17:54 PM PST by driftdiver (I could eat it raw, but why do that when I have a fire.)
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To: savedbygrace

Just had the same thing happen to me two weeks ago. All of a sudden no connection through my LAN on the Motherboard. Luckily I had a spare LAN card and threw it in and off we go.

It sure sounds like the MB LAN is gone. What brand of MB do you have?


114 posted on 01/28/2009 6:28:45 PM PST by raybbr (It's going to get a lot worse now that the anchor babies are voting!)
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To: raybbr

An old Asus P4-533 something or other. 4 or 5 years old, IIRC.


115 posted on 01/28/2009 6:41:32 PM PST by savedbygrace (You are only leading if someone follows. Otherwise, you just wandered off... [Smokin' Joe])
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To: driftdiver

Cable tests good when I hooked up my MacBook to it this afternoon.


116 posted on 01/28/2009 6:42:11 PM PST by savedbygrace (You are only leading if someone follows. Otherwise, you just wandered off... [Smokin' Joe])
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To: savedbygrace

tests = tested


117 posted on 01/28/2009 6:42:33 PM PST by savedbygrace (You are only leading if someone follows. Otherwise, you just wandered off... [Smokin' Joe])
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