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?
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Just in case you haven't seen these threads....
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Countdown to Conficker activation begins ( A superbotnet will rise )
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Three million hit by Windows worm ( known as Conficker, Downadup, or Kido )
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US Army Research Offices BotHunter ( Malware detector)
Growth of Anti-Botnet Startups Points to AV Deficiencies
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MUCH MORE available via
If you are a Comcast customer, McAfee is free.
We use NOD32 at the company I work for. 500 seats. No problems this past year. The NOD32 is not the best at spyware detection but I’m told their smart security is more designed for that. Small footprint...
Pinging others as we seem to be turning up useful information...
This Malware Game keeps changing....what was good last year seems to be an alsorun this year....
We have a company doing some kind of certification:
April 9, 2008 - ICSA Labs Introduces Formal Testing of Anti-Spam Products |
ICSA Labs, an independent division of Verizon Business, today announced at the RSA security show that it has certified six anti-spam products under the new testing program. Read the full announcement: Press Release on our site (pdf) |
*************************Advertising Info:
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Ignore the apparent Links....they will return 404's...
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Alisa Shevchenko presents an overview of protection bypassing techniques found in current Windows-targeting malware.
The object-oriented programming language Python can be used for many kinds of software development potentially including malware development. Aleksander Czarnowski believes in being prepared and here he provides a brief overview of how to reverse engineer a Python module.
By the addition of a relocation table, Vista executables can be configured to use a dynamic image base. That essentially turns them into executable DLLs. Now a virus has come along that has made a breakthrough by infecting these executables - or it would be a breakthrough if it werent for the fact that relocatable executables have been supported since Windows 2000. Peter Ferrie takes an indepth look at the buggy W32/Truvel.
The VB testing team put MicroWorld Technologies eScan Internet Security Suite through its paces and find a top-class level of protection with much to offer.
Articles marked with the logo are only accessible to Virus Bulletin subscribers.
Virus Bulletin online magazine and website provide users with all the information they need to stay current with the latest developments in the anti-malware and anti-spam field.
In short, VB is an invaluable resource.
Now we know why Microsoft is slow to fix it's exposure to Malware....there is a huge industry out there making money off of the Vulnerabilities
Are they planned or innocent mistakes....?
Linux and Apple's OSX are a HUGE THREAT to the Gravy Train.!!!!
“Test your firewall with Gibson Researchs free scan.”
I’ve done this before. The test shows that the computers attached to the router are invisible to the internet. That is why I assume a software firewall is redundant and possible counter-productive.
Nevermind....I figured out that CA Referred to Computer Associates....
I would suggest that you re-think that decision. While ZA might have its problems, it also monitors outgoing traffic, something that the built-in Windows Firewall does not do to any great extent. Once a program on your machine establishes an open port, your hardware firewall will permit communication.
I have been using it and it seems ok. Not intrusive and not a resource hog. But, how do I know it's working.
Self ping for later
Also, good info here on all things digital:
http://www.komando.com/downloads/categories.aspx?cat=Security
AARP????
Recommend Nod32 from Eset.
Oh, for God's sake! LOL I kept seeing the banner ad at the top and for some reason thought that's the site I was on. Don't mind me. I was spaced out. Even the lack of caffeine is not an excuse.
LOL...no problem .
That’s also often been noted as the reason for such widespread availability of the peecee hardware — despite the (sometimes) lower price, retailers, dealers, resellers, OEMs, make money on support, upgrades, fixes, recoveries, repairs, etc. Linux is for users who can provide pretty much any support they need themselves; OS X is for users who don’t want to need it. :’)
The amount of time people waste trying to protect Windows is ridiculous. Those anti-virus/anti-spyware utilities are absolute garbage.
Get a Mac and stop worrying about it.
I apologize for not replying to posts sooner, but I was busy researching the ideas and recommendations many of you made.
What I’ve decided to do for the moment os to get the 30 day free trial of NOD32 for an AV app and the free version of Online Armour for the firewall app.
Then, after I see that the two are working for me and not driving me crazy, then I’ll purchase the $$$ versions of each. I’d go ahead and purchase now, but I’ll be doing this for 3 PCs, and that would be something like $150.
Thanks, everybody - great thread.
Thanks for the ping. I may look into some of the mentioned products in this post. I am some what limited since I am still using Windows ME. So I have been postponing the issue.
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