recommend a security suite?

Ken Blake, MVP wrote:
On Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:14:39 -0700 (PDT), timOleary
wrote:

We have been using Veriaon Internet Security Suite for a few years,
but the tech support is aweful and the PC Checkup feature crashes my
computer during POST. Besides for our two PCs, it isn't such a great
bargain.
Any suggestions for a third party product. I see a few on line, but
there doesn't seem to be a clear winner


I think using *any* security suite is a very poor practice. It's far
better to choose each individual piece of software based on its
qualities as compared to the competing products. The company that
makes the best anti-virus program doesn't necessarily also make the
best anti-spyware program, so I recommend staying away from suites
that force you into making such an assumption

In fact, I think the same thing about almost any kind of suite of
software, including an Office suite. I, for example, use WordPerfect
in preference to Microsoft Word, but Excel in preference to Quattro
Pro.

Great job of going off topic and not answering the question that was
asked.

Ken Blake, MVP wrote:
On Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:14:39 -0700 (PDT), timOleary
wrote:

We have been using Veriaon Internet Security Suite for a few years,
but the tech support is aweful and the PC Checkup feature crashes my
computer during POST. Besides for our two PCs, it isn't such a great
bargain.
Any suggestions for a third party product. I see a few on line, but
there doesn't seem to be a clear winner


I think using *any* security suite is a very poor practice. It's far
better to choose each individual piece of software based on its
qualities as compared to the competing products. The company that
makes the best anti-virus program doesn't necessarily also make the
best anti-spyware program, so I recommend staying away from suites
that force you into making such an assumption

In fact, I think the same thing about almost any kind of suite of
software, including an Office suite. I, for example, use WordPerfect
in preference to Microsoft Word, but Excel in preference to Quattro
Pro.

Great job of going off topic and not answering the question that was
asked.

philo wrote:
timOleary wrote:
We have been using Veriaon Internet Security Suite for a few years,
but the tech support is aweful and the PC Checkup feature crashes my
computer during POST. Besides for our two PCs, it isn't such a great
bargain.
Any suggestions for a third party product. I see a few on line, but
there doesn't seem to be a clear winner




I recommend Avast for anti-virus software...
it's very good and it's freeware.

At one time I also used Comodo firewall and found it to be a good
one... \free also


At the present time , I understand that Comodo has a combined
firewall/ anti-virus package...but I do not know how the Comodo AV
software compares to Avast...but I believe you get the option to
install one or the other (or both)

Maybe someone else will comment

Does ZoneAlarm still have a free firewall? They used to be very
effective.

Twayne

philo wrote:
timOleary wrote:
We have been using Veriaon Internet Security Suite for a few years,
but the tech support is aweful and the PC Checkup feature crashes my
computer during POST. Besides for our two PCs, it isn't such a great
bargain.
Any suggestions for a third party product. I see a few on line, but
there doesn't seem to be a clear winner




I recommend Avast for anti-virus software...
it's very good and it's freeware.

At one time I also used Comodo firewall and found it to be a good
one... \free also


At the present time , I understand that Comodo has a combined
firewall/ anti-virus package...but I do not know how the Comodo AV
software compares to Avast...but I believe you get the option to
install one or the other (or both)

Maybe someone else will comment

Does ZoneAlarm still have a free firewall? They used to be very
effective.

Twayne

timOleary wrote:
On Apr 17, 9:32 pm, "Raymond J. Johnson, Jr." wrote:
Malke wrote:
Dirk T. Verbeek wrote:

Malke schreef:

The Windows firewall is next to useless, it is not configurable,
does not control outgoing traffic and has a whole bunch of
(Microsoft?) undocumented exceptions.
Any free firewall is much better, Zone alarm is probably the
easiest, Comodo is more configurable.

Sorry, I completely disagree with you. However, you are certainly
entitled to your opinion and to run whatever applications you like
on your machines. As am I.

Malke

You *completely* disagree? Then you believe the XP firewall *does*
monitor outgoing traffic??

lol, I couldn't have said it better myself!


Yes to using separate products rather than suites. Both me and my wife
are not disciplined enough to keep our virus definitions up to date,
so I need to think about that some more.

Most of the good products will auto-update themselves on a schedule you
decide. The ones I have that don't update themselves, I just got into
the habit of checking for upgrades everytime I get ready to use them.
Actually I often check for updates on any of them, just in case it
hasn't gotten to the update time yet, espeicially if I think I have a
problem.
I also put them on a schedule and let them scan overnight too, right
after the incremental backups complete.

What is the value of an
outgoing firewall? Protect others from something I might be
unknowingly sending them?

Yes. It's fairly easy to pick up malware (virus, trojan, worm, etc.) and
not yet realize you are using it. Especially if it came into your
computer on something legitimate you downloaded, not knowing it was
there. It's a large subject but there are quite a few different ways to
end up with malware on your computer. Then there are other uses too,
like if you should want to use Real's software but don't want it calling
home all the time, things like that. Even Microsoft admits that their
firewall isn't complete and really only exists so you can start doing
updates with a new install without fear of intrusions. I'd give you a
link on that but I can't find it at the moment.

Besides the Verizon Internet Security Suite,
I have SUPERAntispyware 4.26.1000 running.
Is this good?

I don't use it but I've heard good things about it and little negative.
It appears to be good. It isn't perfect though: you should still have
an arsenal of another 2 or 3 spyware scanners. Adaware and Spybot are
popular as are several other newer programs.

Maybe I can shut down the Verizon Anti-spyware module.

IF they are monitoring in real time, you should only have one running.
If they are just scanners and do nothing until you call them up, then
it's fine to have as many as you wish.

I like free software, but am also willing to pay if a product has a
distinct advantage, for example if it automatically updates or
presents a minimal load on my system as was mentioned.

Look for the ones that will auto-update themselves, and also get in the
habit of checking for updates just before you use them. It only takes a
few moments and insures you have the most current protection.

Then I am anticipating the uninstall process for the Verizon Internet
Security Suite. Has it woven itself inextricably into my registry
Or can I just disable it and forgetaboutit.

That depends on whose it is. If it's Norton, you should go to the
Symantec site and download the remover tool for it; makes it a lot
easier.


BTW: I do not understand the following and would like to learn:
"Absolutely!
And those able to read headers know how I stay safe, you may cal it
the
ultimate suite "

No idea; some sort of ego thing I guess. I saw what might be some
forgeries in it, and possibly his real address but nothing of any
special importance. Headers won't typically show you much about a
user's security situation.
In general you shouldn't use your real email address in newsgroups as
spammers have bots to crawl through the groups and scrape out the email
addresses for their spam lists. It increases your spam in the Inbox.


Also: what does "schreef:" mean?
thanks to all for the thoughtful replies and advice.

Who knows? Probably something he made up.

Twayne

timOleary wrote:
On Apr 17, 9:32 pm, "Raymond J. Johnson, Jr." wrote:
Malke wrote:
Dirk T. Verbeek wrote:

Malke schreef:

The Windows firewall is next to useless, it is not configurable,
does not control outgoing traffic and has a whole bunch of
(Microsoft?) undocumented exceptions.
Any free firewall is much better, Zone alarm is probably the
easiest, Comodo is more configurable.

Sorry, I completely disagree with you. However, you are certainly
entitled to your opinion and to run whatever applications you like
on your machines. As am I.

Malke

You *completely* disagree? Then you believe the XP firewall *does*
monitor outgoing traffic??

lol, I couldn't have said it better myself!


Yes to using separate products rather than suites. Both me and my wife
are not disciplined enough to keep our virus definitions up to date,
so I need to think about that some more.

Most of the good products will auto-update themselves on a schedule you
decide. The ones I have that don't update themselves, I just got into
the habit of checking for upgrades everytime I get ready to use them.
Actually I often check for updates on any of them, just in case it
hasn't gotten to the update time yet, espeicially if I think I have a
problem.
I also put them on a schedule and let them scan overnight too, right
after the incremental backups complete.

What is the value of an
outgoing firewall? Protect others from something I might be
unknowingly sending them?

Yes. It's fairly easy to pick up malware (virus, trojan, worm, etc.) and
not yet realize you are using it. Especially if it came into your
computer on something legitimate you downloaded, not knowing it was
there. It's a large subject but there are quite a few different ways to
end up with malware on your computer. Then there are other uses too,
like if you should want to use Real's software but don't want it calling
home all the time, things like that. Even Microsoft admits that their
firewall isn't complete and really only exists so you can start doing
updates with a new install without fear of intrusions. I'd give you a
link on that but I can't find it at the moment.

Besides the Verizon Internet Security Suite,
I have SUPERAntispyware 4.26.1000 running.
Is this good?

I don't use it but I've heard good things about it and little negative.
It appears to be good. It isn't perfect though: you should still have
an arsenal of another 2 or 3 spyware scanners. Adaware and Spybot are
popular as are several other newer programs.

Maybe I can shut down the Verizon Anti-spyware module.

IF they are monitoring in real time, you should only have one running.
If they are just scanners and do nothing until you call them up, then
it's fine to have as many as you wish.

I like free software, but am also willing to pay if a product has a
distinct advantage, for example if it automatically updates or
presents a minimal load on my system as was mentioned.

Look for the ones that will auto-update themselves, and also get in the
habit of checking for updates just before you use them. It only takes a
few moments and insures you have the most current protection.

Then I am anticipating the uninstall process for the Verizon Internet
Security Suite. Has it woven itself inextricably into my registry
Or can I just disable it and forgetaboutit.

That depends on whose it is. If it's Norton, you should go to the
Symantec site and download the remover tool for it; makes it a lot
easier.


BTW: I do not understand the following and would like to learn:
"Absolutely!
And those able to read headers know how I stay safe, you may cal it
the
ultimate suite "

No idea; some sort of ego thing I guess. I saw what might be some
forgeries in it, and possibly his real address but nothing of any
special importance. Headers won't typically show you much about a
user's security situation.
In general you shouldn't use your real email address in newsgroups as
spammers have bots to crawl through the groups and scrape out the email
addresses for their spam lists. It increases your spam in the Inbox.


Also: what does "schreef:" mean?
thanks to all for the thoughtful replies and advice.

Who knows? Probably something he made up.

Twayne

"timOleary" wrote in message
:

On Apr 17, 9:32*pm, "Raymond J. Johnson, Jr." wrote:
Malke wrote:
Dirk T. Verbeek wrote:

Malke schreef:

The Windows firewall is next to useless, it is not configurable, does
not control outgoing traffic and has a whole bunch of (Microsoft?)
undocumented exceptions.
Any free firewall is much better, Zone alarm is probably the easiest,
Comodo is more configurable.

Sorry, I completely disagree with you. However, you are certainly entitled
to your opinion and to run whatever applications you like on your machines.
As am I.

Malke

You *completely* disagree? Then you believe the XP firewall *does*
monitor outgoing traffic??

Yes to using separate products rather than suites. Both me and my wife
are not disciplined enough to keep our virus definitions up to date,
so I need to think about that some more. What is the value of an
outgoing firewall? Protect others from something I might be
unknowingly sending them? Besides the Verizon Internet Security Suite,
I have SUPERAntispyware 4.26.1000 running.
Is this good?
Maybe I can shut down the Verizon Anti-spyware module.
I like free software, but am also willing to pay if a product has a
distinct advantage, for example if it automatically updates or
presents a minimal load on my system as was mentioned.
Then I am anticipating the uninstall process for the Verizon Internet
Security Suite. Has it woven itself inextricably into my registry
Or can I just disable it and forgetaboutit.

BTW: I do not understand the following and would like to learn:
"Absolutely!
And those able to read headers know how I stay safe, you may cal it
the
ultimate suite "

Also: what does "schreef:" mean?
thanks to all for the thoughtful replies and advice.

"Schreef" is Dutch for "Wrote".
--
Jan Kuipers

"timOleary" wrote in message
:

On Apr 17, 9:32*pm, "Raymond J. Johnson, Jr." wrote:
Malke wrote:
Dirk T. Verbeek wrote:

Malke schreef:

The Windows firewall is next to useless, it is not configurable, does
not control outgoing traffic and has a whole bunch of (Microsoft?)
undocumented exceptions.
Any free firewall is much better, Zone alarm is probably the easiest,
Comodo is more configurable.

Sorry, I completely disagree with you. However, you are certainly entitled
to your opinion and to run whatever applications you like on your machines.
As am I.

Malke

You *completely* disagree? Then you believe the XP firewall *does*
monitor outgoing traffic??

Yes to using separate products rather than suites. Both me and my wife
are not disciplined enough to keep our virus definitions up to date,
so I need to think about that some more. What is the value of an
outgoing firewall? Protect others from something I might be
unknowingly sending them? Besides the Verizon Internet Security Suite,
I have SUPERAntispyware 4.26.1000 running.
Is this good?
Maybe I can shut down the Verizon Anti-spyware module.
I like free software, but am also willing to pay if a product has a
distinct advantage, for example if it automatically updates or
presents a minimal load on my system as was mentioned.
Then I am anticipating the uninstall process for the Verizon Internet
Security Suite. Has it woven itself inextricably into my registry
Or can I just disable it and forgetaboutit.

BTW: I do not understand the following and would like to learn:
"Absolutely!
And those able to read headers know how I stay safe, you may cal it
the
ultimate suite "

Also: what does "schreef:" mean?
thanks to all for the thoughtful replies and advice.

"Schreef" is Dutch for "Wrote".
--
Jan Kuipers

Avoid Norton and Macafee. They tend to be very large and slow and tend to
think they know better in all cases (i.e., lack of easy user over-rides or
controls).

I prefer individual security products, rather than suites. With that in
mind, I have:

AVG antivirus (paid version, although their free is also reported to be
good). Good defaults, but also easy to adjust, including CPU utilization,
making exceptions to virus scans, when/how/what to scan, automatic updates,
etc.

Zone Alaram Firewall (free). Fairly easy to use.

SpyBot Search & Destroy (free). Easy to use, update, etc.

host files via http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm. "hosts" can be
used to block ad popups, and prevent ever going to dangerous/unwanted
websites. SpyBot also comes with a hosts file of its own.


"timOleary" wrote in message
...
We have been using Veriaon Internet Security Suite for a few years,
but the tech support is aweful and the PC Checkup feature crashes my
computer during POST. Besides for our two PCs, it isn't such a great
bargain.
Any suggestions for a third party product. I see a few on line, but
there doesn't seem to be a clear winner

Avoid Norton and Macafee. They tend to be very large and slow and tend to
think they know better in all cases (i.e., lack of easy user over-rides or
controls).

I prefer individual security products, rather than suites. With that in
mind, I have:

AVG antivirus (paid version, although their free is also reported to be
good). Good defaults, but also easy to adjust, including CPU utilization,
making exceptions to virus scans, when/how/what to scan, automatic updates,
etc.

Zone Alaram Firewall (free). Fairly easy to use.

SpyBot Search & Destroy (free). Easy to use, update, etc.

host files via http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm. "hosts" can be
used to block ad popups, and prevent ever going to dangerous/unwanted
websites. SpyBot also comes with a hosts file of its own.


"timOleary" wrote in message
...
We have been using Veriaon Internet Security Suite for a few years,
but the tech support is aweful and the PC Checkup feature crashes my
computer during POST. Besides for our two PCs, it isn't such a great
bargain.
Any suggestions for a third party product. I see a few on line, but
there doesn't seem to be a clear winner

"timOleary" wrote in message
...
We have been using Veriaon Internet Security Suite for a few years,
but the tech support is aweful and the PC Checkup feature crashes my
computer during POST. Besides for our two PCs, it isn't such a great
bargain.
Any suggestions for a third party product. I see a few on line, but
there doesn't seem to be a clear winner


Kaspersky.

"timOleary" wrote in message
...
We have been using Veriaon Internet Security Suite for a few years,
but the tech support is aweful and the PC Checkup feature crashes my
computer during POST. Besides for our two PCs, it isn't such a great
bargain.
Any suggestions for a third party product. I see a few on line, but
there doesn't seem to be a clear winner


Kaspersky.

timOleary schreef:


BTW: I do not understand the following and would like to learn:
"Absolutely!
I agree with the human component being a weak link in the whole security
game.
Viruses/ trojans and worms don't only come in through the net, these
days they are especially spread via USB drives etc, when you do get
infected an outgoing firewall can save you grief with your ISP!
As a matter of fact, a good fire wall will prevent unauthorised access
to system files like the Windows Registry.
And those able to read headers know how I stay safe, you may cal it
the
ultimate suite "

Headers are the bit of a post or mail that is generally not shown by the
news client (program). I see in your headers you are posting with
Firefox via google but would you use Thunderbird you could see them by
pressing CTRL+U.

In my headers you can see I don't use Microsoft but a variety of Linux.
Things can change but presently there are no 'out in the wild' viruses
that can attack it.

Also: what does "schreef:" mean?
As another cloggy reported "Schreef" is Dutch for "Wrote".
thanks to all for the thoughtful replies and advice.

On my Windows machines I use either Zone Alarm or Comodo as fire walls,
the first one is quite easy to set up, the second takes a bit of
knowledge to 'train'.

For anti virus I use Avast and Comodo, the first has a good reputation,
the last is still new on the scene.

All is free as gratis.

timOleary schreef:


BTW: I do not understand the following and would like to learn:
"Absolutely!
I agree with the human component being a weak link in the whole security
game.
Viruses/ trojans and worms don't only come in through the net, these
days they are especially spread via USB drives etc, when you do get
infected an outgoing firewall can save you grief with your ISP!
As a matter of fact, a good fire wall will prevent unauthorised access
to system files like the Windows Registry.
And those able to read headers know how I stay safe, you may cal it
the
ultimate suite "

Headers are the bit of a post or mail that is generally not shown by the
news client (program). I see in your headers you are posting with
Firefox via google but would you use Thunderbird you could see them by
pressing CTRL+U.

In my headers you can see I don't use Microsoft but a variety of Linux.
Things can change but presently there are no 'out in the wild' viruses
that can attack it.

Also: what does "schreef:" mean?
As another cloggy reported "Schreef" is Dutch for "Wrote".
thanks to all for the thoughtful replies and advice.

On my Windows machines I use either Zone Alarm or Comodo as fire walls,
the first one is quite easy to set up, the second takes a bit of
knowledge to 'train'.

For anti virus I use Avast and Comodo, the first has a good reputation,
the last is still new on the scene.

All is free as gratis.

Twayne schreef:


Does ZoneAlarm still have a free firewall? They used to be very
effective.

Yes they do but during some updates it will now show a pop up advert.
Avast anti virus does the same.
Twayne