Computer Firewall Protection Question(Removing Norton)

1-7-08 | Red_Devil 232

[Red_Devil 232]

I currently have Norton as a firewall and the subscription runs out in 3 days. I will not be renewing it. I have downloaded a program called Comodo Firewall Pro but have not run the install yet. Comodo is a free and completely functional version of the product. I will also want to install the free version of AVG. I also run Spybot Search & Destroy regularly. My OS is Win XP.

I have a couple of questions:

1. Can I run AVG with a firewall that also includes virus protection?

2. How do I completely delete the Norton product?

3. Does anyone have any experience running Comodo? Good? Fair? Bad?

Here is a link to an overview of Comodo: Comodo Firewall

[Red_Devil 232]

Any help would be appreciated.

[kingu]

Three steps to computer security:

Step 1: Go to http://everythingisnt.com/hosts.html, install the simple text file that blocks the majority of ad servers and malicious websites on the web.

Step 2: Download and install Mozilla Firefox from http://www.mozilla.com/firefox. Make sure you also goto http://noscript.net and install the No Script Firefox add-on, which blocks many of the scripts and metalinks that cause malicious software to be installed on your computer.

Step 3: You’re done. I advocate using a web based e-mail system like gmail or yahoo mail to deal with spam e-mails or e-mail borne viruses. Unless you specifically permit it, there’s little manner for someone to break into your system using the above two steps.

If you’re worried about people accessing your computer (hacking it) and seek defenses; odds are you already have it. It’s called your ‘router’ - there’s many websites on the net about how to secure your router, but the vast majority already prevent almost all intrusion into your computer. Your ‘interaction’ with the internet is where you should have the most concern, and Firefox with Noscript, as well as Mike’s Ad Host blocking file, does an incredible job of blocking most of the trash from coming to your door.

[jdm]

Spybot was decent 3 or 4 years ago, but is no longer powerful enough, IMO.

For anti-virus, consider AntiVir.

For anti-spyware, I recommend SuperAntiSpyware.

Comodo is a good firewall. It's what I use.

[jdm]

Oops, almost forgot:

How To Completely Remove Norton Security Products

[kingu]

As for completely deleting Norton - only way to do that is with a vanilla from CD install of Windows XP; it’s likely already contaminated in your computer manufacturer’s variation of Windows XP. Nothing you can do about that; make sure you run the program update for Norton, it will install the latest de-installer program, which will remove about 90% of the software. But nothing short of re-installing windows from the generic purchased CD will get rid of everything.

There are websites that will walk you through how to delete more of it, how to try to find the cab files on your ‘restore’ disc (or partition), but it’s more trouble than it’s worth.

Finally on AVG, etc. If your computer is being run in such a way that it’s likely to be compromised (mostly from software downloaded and installed from the Internet), no anti-virus solution will ever work 100%. It’s honestly a waste of resources to try to do it. Just don’t download and install software, use Firefox with NoScript, use the host file from Mike’s, and stay away from sites likely to cause problems (adult ‘entertainment’, hacking, illegal file sharing, etc.)

[Ancient Drive]

AVG is really good. I’ve been using it for years now.

[Red_Devil 232]

I forgot, I do have and run Super Anti Spyware also. Thanks for the comment on Comodo. I had doubts about Comodo since it is completely free.

[CedarDave]

Ping!

[JamesP81]

1. Can I run AVG with a firewall that also includes virus protection?

Probably, but the only way to know for sure is to try it and see if it causes problems. If both AV programs use some kind of realtime file scanning it really slow the system down.

2. How do I completely delete the Norton product?

Good luck. Formatting the hard drive works good. Short of that, use the uninstaller and then delete any Norton folders from the Program Files. This probably won't get every last registry entry, but it'll get rid of Norton.

3. Does anyone have any experience running Comodo? Good? Fair? Bad?

Never tried it.

Other notes. If you're using a 3rd party firewall, make sure your windows firewall is also turned off. Running two firewalls simulatenously usually causes headaches. Also, you may not really need a firewall, depending on your internet connection. If you connect your computer to a router, which is then connected to your cable / dsl modem, then you're already firewalled. Honestly, a router is probably a superior firewall to any software solution you're going to run on your machine.

I would add another thing: be careful what you click on. I don't use a firewall (other than my router) or AV software because both bog down the system. And I don't get my machine junked up. I've got an old machine that I ran on the same installation of XP for four years and it's still speedy (at least for a 4 year old machine, anyway).

Using Firefox isn't a bad idea, although it's not as secure as most would have you believe. There is less spyware written for it than IE, so it is generally safer though.

[Log]

Go to Kim Komando’s website. She has a link to the software to remove Norton.

[Red_Devil 232]

I do use a Linksys Wireless-G router. I have it cabled to my computer and my wife uses the wireless to connect to her computer in her sewing room up stairs. You are saying that this router is an effective firewall in itself?

[ShadowAce]

[Kolb]

1. Can I run AVG with a firewall that also includes virus protection?

I would not- doubling up on AV programs usually eats up system resources and causes very slow performance.

2. How do I completely delete the Norton product?

Get the Norton removal tool here:

Norton AV

3. Does anyone have any experience running Comodo? Good? Fair? Bad?

Sorry, never heard of this one. Sounds good, but you get what you pay for. I'd be suspicious there is a hole built into it to for reporting your browsing habits (marketing). If your computer is behind a router with a correctly configured firewall you don't need more than the windows firewall.

[AmericaUnited]

Comodo is a good firewall. It's what I use.

I used to use that too but it kept making parts fall off of my car...

[AmericaUnited]

Are you behind a cable or DSL router with a firewall? Also, why not just the XP firewall?

[pctech]

1. Can I run AVG with a firewall that also includes virus protection?

Yes, I have AVG Antivirus and Firewall and it runs great. It's been the best combo I've ever used.

2. How do I completely delete the Norton product?

You have to uninstall the product through the Add/Remove Programs feature in the Control Panel. Make sure you everything! Norton is such a bloated creature that it's counterproductive to what you want to achieve. Also run the MSConfig and ensure there are no start-ups for Norton listed under the Startup Tab.

3. Does anyone have any experience running Comodo? Good? Fair? Bad?

I've heard some folks say it's good, some are indifferent. AVG Antivirus and Firewall will do the trick for you. Go with that and nothing else. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[pctech]

AVG Antivirus and Firewall combo runs very smoothly with no hang ups. I’ve been using it for over 18 months and it’s the best combo I’ve ever used. I’m even thinking of upgrading and adding the Spam control as well.

[Red_Devil 232]

I have cable with a Linksys router. I don’t think the Linksys has a firewall. But I could be wrong.

[tubebender]

I have a older Linksys wired router/firewall combo. Check with Linksys for your specs...

[JamesP81]

You are saying that this router is an effective firewall in itself?

Routers are generally configured from the factory to block nearly any connection except common ones; such as HTTP (for web browsing). It's not 100% bulletproof by any sttretch, but neither is Windows Firewall or any other firewall. Software firewalls are fine to use, but they're only really important if you don't have a router between your machine and your internet connection. In your situation, AV software and anti-spyware software are going to be far more important than a firewall.