Internet Security Programs
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive September 2006:
Internet Security Programs
What software are you using?
I was using Norton up until just recently but it was a pain to remove the old software and to upgrade every year. My IT guy installed Trend Micro PC which I hate as it does not block pop-ups and I have to reboot to get rid of them and my email inbox is now full of spam. At least the Norton caught 80% of the spam and threw it into a spam folder.
Any recommendations?
I use Zone Alarm for a firewall (free), and Norton Anti Virus 2006. For anti-spyware, I use Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy. I had been using Webroot SpySweeper as well, but the latest program update has caused some conflicts with Norton, so I uninstalled it and am waiting to see when they get that cleared up. I have looked on Kim Komando's website and on the message boards the support team from Webroot has been participating in the discussions and has said that they hope to have the problems fixed soon. I hope so, because it's a very good spyware defense program.
For spam, Kim suggests mailwasher.
We use the McAfee Security Suite...Firewall, Spamkiller, Privacy, and Virus. We renew our subscription every year and it automatically installs itself when needed and is automatically charged to our credit card. We've been happy with it, although I think the Spamkiller is difficult to use and has some kinks. I have Spamkiller disabled all the time now. I think the whole deal is around $70/year.
We use Spybot for spyware, but formerly had a McAfee Spyware program that we really liked. We got a special on it and then it came time to renew we thought it was too expensive so we didn't do it. We probably should get something new for Spyware but haven't.
We use Zone Alarm for our firewall and AVG for our antivirus.
For Spyware, we use AdAware.
Thanks everyone.
Ugh, isn't there just one software that covers it all????
I believe that Zone Alarm has one.
Zone Alarm Internet Security Suite
Consumer Reports September 2006 has a lengthy article about internet and computer security. Unfortunately, I loaned it to a son. When I get it back I'll try to post what CR recommends.
I use Norton Internet Security, which is anti-virus, firewall, anti-spam, popup blocker and ad blocker. I don't upgrade every time they have an upgrade, but do keep up the subscription to update the virus definitions, etc. faithfully. I have had it 2 years and will upgrade in another year. I find it easy to use, and generally prefer Norton.
Spybot's spyware/malware free program is not rated very high. But the AdAware spyware/malware free program is highly rated. (Be careful - there is also a program called "AdWare", which is, actually, spyware. And, AdAware also has a paid program, but the free program works just fine and can be updated for definitions at no cost.)
The ZoneAlarm free firewall is good. But, if you are using Windows XP and some other Windows programs with a firewall, you will have to turn off the Windows firewall to turn on the firewall from ZoneAlarm, Norton, etc. Which is OK, because the Windows firewall only blocks incoming stuff, but ZoneAlarm and the others also block outgoing stuff, so if a program on your computer wants to communicate with the outside world you will be notified and can make a decision.
PCWorld is a nice, safe site from which to download the free AdAware program. I think you have to go to ZoneAlarm directly to get their program. PCWorld
If you have DSL or cable connection for your computer, your DSL or cable may have a firewall. Ask them, because (a) it might conflict with another firewall and (b) it may not be very good for protecting your individual computer.
CR rates Spysweeper best for stopping spyware/malware. It is a paid program with an annual subscription fee. I just got it, and I'll let you know.
One way to stop a lot of spyware is to set your cookies so that cookies are not downloaded on your computer without your permission. Go to Tools\Internet Options\Privacy\Advanced. Click the box for Override automatic cookie handling, under First and Third Party Cookies click prompt, and click Allow Session Cookies (like the Momsview cookie that puts your username and password in automatically when you want to post). When you do this, every time a site wants to put a cookie on your computer you will get a popup window that asks if you want to Allow or Block, and a box to click to make that selection permanent for that site. As you make decisions for sites, the frequency of getting this selection window decreases, but you will get a lot in the first week or two. If you visit a site where you want to make a purchase or view something where a cookie is required and you have already clicked "Block", you can change your selection by going to Tools\Internet Options\Privacy, and click on the button marked Sites. In the blank at the top of the next window, type the first few letters of the site you want to allow and it will come up in the window. You can then click Allow, and cookies from that site will be allowed. You may have to leave and re-enter the site before this takes effect.
Since I started actively controlling the downloading of cookies, my incidence of spyware (per AdAware and SpySweeper) has been cut by about 98%.
I haven't had any conflicts with Webroot Spysweeper and Norton - but maybe it is because my version of Norton is a couple of years old.
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