AntiVirus/ AntiSpyware

Makes for a nice read, with alot of common sense sprikled thoughout.

I think the important fact is to remember after you read this is that everyone does need to run anti-virus and anti spyware programs. You pick the programs you want, but do it, and get in the habit of scanning on a reqular basis.   

It's a good idea to test your online vulnerability at somewhere like Shields Up LINK

This is what I get... (NAT router and Zone Alarm)

Your system has achieved a perfect "TruStealth" rating. Not a single packet — solicited or otherwise — was received from your system as a result of our security probing tests. Your system ignored and refused to reply to repeated Pings (ICMP Echo Requests). From the standpoint of the passing probes of any hacker, this machine does not exist on the Internet. Some questionable personal security systems expose their users by attempting to "counter-probe the prober", thus revealing themselves. But your system wisely remained silent in every way. Very nice.

Hey Fuzzy, went to the link and unfortunately got confused. What are the steps I should take to run the test? :NOTSURE: 

Seems to reset the link each time it's used, I googled it and ran test, but can't post link as it's not found when check the link I just used.

Hmmm, go back to the home page, scroll down to 'Shields Up', click on that link, click on 'proceed'. That will take you to the test page. On the test page select any of the test options, such as File Sharing, Common Ports etc. The one above was from All Service Ports. 

Thanks Fuzzy, always looking for programs/services such as you link.  

(NOTE: all DSL and Cable modems are in fact a routing device)

That is false.  These "modems" are in fact layer 2 devices (much like a modem), not a layer 3 device (a router).  Some services do offer an all in one (Verizon has just started to package theirs that way), but just the cable "modem" or DSL "modem" offer no protection whatsoever.  Unless bundled (usually at a cost to the consumer of $70-120) with a true gateway/router.

Other than that, most of the rest of your post is good suggestions and good common sense.  I run both Spybot and Adaware, but do not like Windows Defender.  It does run in the background, but is a resource hog.  It also flags programs as trojans (VNC) that are clearly not.  I prefer the on demand ones like Spybot and Adaware.

And AV?  I prefer McAfee.  So far so good on that one, but I do not have any problems with Avast either from the people I have seen running it.

Thanks, good catch DR.Guy,

As far as the the NAT enabled devices are concerned your right, except they are closer to a Smart Switch then a Modem. Ther are in fact hard programed for very specific connection properties. If they have old "Modem" layer 2 devices, Most National Broadbamd providers now provide layer 3 devices with a limited routing cabability. I recemntly poled the Providers like Time Warner and Verizon, and others, they have all more or less went to layer 3 devices and Customers are being upgraded daily, Just call your Broadband provider and ask if yours is the newer layer 3 device or if not they will provide a personal Firewall or security package. They want you business.Time Warner and Verizon have a free Package of Apps for their subscribers. I was simply trying to provide some user's with limited funds a cheaper solution then spending alot of their bucks on 3rd party apps, I have customers that are just totally confused by most of the Geek hype

The antivirus app is a personal preference and I was only stating that the Ten plus years as a Security Specialist, Certified by Symantec and Microsoft, That I found McAfee failed to catch legitimate Trojans and Worm infections better then 30% of the time, to me that is to much of a Gamble. but there products are always improving.

Avast and AVG have been running neck and neck as far as their rankings as Personal Antivirus solutions for past several years.

MS Defender is not a resource hog at all, for an active AntiSyware tool, Sorry but your just wrong on that note, Especially compared to 3rd party active monitoring tools. and if it logs a known safe program or file as potentialy unsafe, and you know it is safe, just allow it permanently and your all set. Point is it's FREE!

In summary I was only wanting to share some of my realtime experiance with the "USERS" that would like to have some of this info from a Professional point of view.

Decent amount of tips and information (with clarifications) above.  Nice article.

I never had a prob with microsoft antispyware app slowing me down that goes for symantec antivirus too..lol..that don't mean it won't for others,i can't remember whether it was zonealarm firewall or the avast antivirus but one of em made a noticable difference in my surfing speed by slowing it down,it was like the phishing filter had been turned on..lol.. nowadays it's windows firewall & avg free,i quite often surf without antivirus & antispyware turned on,tho i can afford to i spose since i have a back up image just in case.

My fav free realtime spyware app is spywareterminator,if your looking to try something new give it a whirl.

WWW Link

Thanks to all who posted replies, I will in the future try to include links to things that can help you maintain your PC

Two words for you - Too Bloated...

McAfee and Norton suffer from similar problems. They both take over your pc, fill it with junk, and reduce system performance dramatically.

The only real way to get rid of either is to do a clean install.

Hey Fuzzy some just do not get it, their a bit thick ya know, and Cranky   

If you are interested in this kind of software one of the best websites to check out is this one WWW Link. They do frequent tests on all the top brands although you have to register to view the results but it's free and quite informative.

I have also tested out quite a few programs and Kaspersky and ESET are my favs on the AV front and Spybot (if you can put up with the frequent nagging of Teatimer which you can disable) and Adaware are good choices for Spyware etc. I'm not so sure about Windows Defender. My main concern is the infrequency of their update system.

For those of you who may not be aware if you use Norton any of their products the anti-virus, Norton 360, whatever, you can actually remove/uninstall with a tool that was released by Norton. I have used it several times and it works very well. If anybody would like it, just leave some feedback and I will apply a link directly to it...Happy Holidays you all !

There are pretty much weekly updates for Adaware and Spybot, they are again free, Teatimer can be a bit of a nusance So I turn it off myself, but if your an average Joe User web cruiser or email junkie they are good FREE choices and will do a pretty good job without expense. My main Goal in this posting was to focous on Minimal cost solutions for the Average user that wants some sense of Protection. All the input is Great! Thanks everyone, I am sure the people reading this post will find the Information usefull. I especially like the links some of you are providing to your favorite sites on these topics of Anti Virus and Anti Spyware. Hope everyones Holiday was awsome!  

I have been using comodo firewall..it seems to wok well .. cant figure how for it not to accept pigns tho..

One app every noob computer user should have installed & that includes you GURU *runs* ,is SECUNIA pc software inspector,it scans the computer for all installed software & lets you know what needs updating,what's no longer in service etc,it's free,that's "free" as in don't have to pay a cent.

One thing i'd avoid is having a security suite,basicly security ware all by the same company,the reason being if it gets a virus or whatever there's a good chance it could disable the lot including the firewall,basicly don't put all your eggs in one basket



WWW Link

HEY HG
what's a "pigns"

You need to edit that link xscorpx, one http: too many...takes you to an unwanted site :NOTSURE:

sorry "pings" .. typo!! hehe

ZDNET has these ten tools listed, Might be something there that can help keep your PC more secure.
WWW Link

Thanks xscorpx, but I prefer to monitor my PC, as these types of Apps usually take up CPU cycles and Resources to monitor your system, Also they tend to open ports on your PC to the WORLD WIDE WEB, But I will be looking at this improved version of Secunia PSI. The Personal Inspector, I do not care for the activeX online Scanners.   

One last Note on Secunia PSI, It is a Release canidate at this time (RC1) Not a Final release.   

That uninstaller can 'permanently' disable the Windows 'BIT' service...and is a bitch to recover from.  I'd seriously suggest you avoid it like the plague....hence NOrton AV likewise.

And please...it's 'you're' not 'your' so many times in this thread it hurts.... JAFOCHECK

Excuse Me Mr Engish Prof.   YOU'RE right, Bad habit, get in a hury Ya know what I mean Vern!