I'm "Defaulting" to this (Software) Forum

PC barely two (2!) weeks out of the box - and I "seem" to be having problems (though most-likely, some being "self-induced"!).

I feel like THIS Forum ("Software" - right?) is where I am going to get the most help with my issues, for a number of reasons. Mainly though because, as it occurs to me, that, "Hardware", "Security", "Internet", etc., etc., are what I'm going to refer to as "generally static" (they "are what they are" - i.e., I have a Dell Inspiron 531 (that is a "HARD" physical fact), with Windows Vista Home Basic (my "HARD" OS), with only so much hard drive (a Hard Part), so much CPU [processor] speed/capability - HARD FACT), only so much memory, various "cards" (hard physical parts), whatever Security I have is "limited", aside from dowloaded updates, and the www/net is STILL "out to get me" :eek etc., etc - (*sure, it ALL "can" or, I "may" change, or have it changed/replaced for me, whatever - - but I just bought it - why would I do that any time soon??? "Generally", we (regular people) are NOT going to do that - right?? And in my case, I absolutely do NOT wish to crack-open the case on this Dell, except for the one instance of maybe adding or "upping" the RAM. I got what I bought and, "I got what I got" - for now ...). And besides - I'm broke.

"Software" seems to me as more "fluid" - comes/goes (can be downloaded/uninstalled), turned off or on, updated - whatever (though I am probably wrong about all of this "theory" of mine, already - right rolleyescryo ???!!!???).

Now, finally, the long-winded question(s): I "think" I've backed-up my registry (per the sticky listed in one of the forums here - I forget EXACTLY which one at the moment) - but to what end I do NOT know (???). Not sure of the purpose, what circumstances I would use (utilize) it under - and besides, IF it is "backed-up" ON my PC, and the PC "crashes" ("fries/burns/dies/fails" - what the hell-ever it's called) - what then????????????????????????????? Won't it be "impossible", or the next "best" (worst) thing to being POINTLESS & USELESS to me if I can not access it??? I have CD's (no, not "Certificates of Deposit"), that came with this Dell a couple weeks ago - IS THIS NOT ENOUGH (are they not enough?) IF ONE OF THOSE BAD THINGS HAPPENS, AND THIS PC IS RENDERED INOPERABLE???

I'm really confused here folks (pretty clear/obvious - huh?) - perhaps it is that I don't know exactly what it is that I want - but actually, I do, and it's simple (I believe): (and I DO also UNDERSTAND VERY WELL, THAT THIS WILL REQUIRE "PERIODIC MAINTENANCE" of me, from me, BY me - THOUGH AS IT STANDS - I'M DOING THIS STUFF DAILY ALREADY - OUT OF FEAR/FRUSTRATION/SLOW-DOWN'S/FREEZE'S/ETC.) I CAN NOT EMPHASIZE THIS FIRST POINT ENOUGH: "I NEED/MUST/HAVE TO HAVE SOLID SECURITY" (my feeling is a 'slow' `puter is better than a "NO" `puter - get it ??). I'd "like" my PC to operate at PEAK/NEAR PEAK efficiency most of the time. When it s-l-o-w-s, I can scan/delete/uninstall/clean/defraf... - right?

I "need" to get set here folks. I "need" this because I have become disabled recently (NOT UN-abled) - I need to earn my living off of this machine for awhile - at least until I figure-out something else I can do ... or die - whichever come first.

Please - where do I start gang?

Any takers?

Thx,
g ...

PS - I admittedly am a "wannabe" GEEK. I AIN'T one. I'm a 48 (almost ... next month) yr-old guy who is running-out of options in life. As an aside, a real nice guy from the UK (from here) helped me with my folks PC about a year ago - a 5 yr-old Dell that had to be COMPLETELY wiped-out/re-formatted whatever it's called. We got `er dun - but I can't ... can NOT, go through that anytime soon with this brand-new machine.

 

Sorry Steve - and thank you!

I suppose that my three (3) biggest problem(s) are:

1. This Silly/Great (?) "McAfee Security Center" (Suite) that came pre-installed on the machine. I like parts of it, but I suspect other parts are causing slow-downs/freezes (?).

2. "Browser illiteracy" on my part - is IE7 good enough or should I look to Firefox or something else (I fear as it is, I am double and even tripled "covered" [protected] in some areas of security - and not sure if adding another browser is only going to add to problems/take more space/become more confusing/etc?

3. "Downloading Programs". For instance, I have added this "Sun/Java/Runtime 6 Update 4" (or Runtime 4 Update 6?)"THING" (???) - it takes-up A LOT of space, and orginally came with some sort of "Developer Kit" thing which then took-up A LOT more space (though I have since UN-installed that [the Developer Kit]). Should I just look to Microsoft for EVERTHING I "need" (though my gut says "HELL NO"!!!)? Where should I "draw the line" with downloads to "improve" Quality & Performance? I am "pretty sure" I have programs I don't need - but not "certain". If I uninstall something, I'll be "S.O.L" - right? And what if things change, and I end-up actually "needing" them at a later date?

Thanks again in advance Steve.

 

Thank you - 'calm' & 'methodical' are very important here - "ordered", I think, is the basic, vital/crucial, fundamental "KEY" that I seek. Thanks again.

Ok - so, #1 - Should I: Download (all new Security) "first", so that after downloaded, I can: #2: shut down the internet and then #3: install new firewall/anti-virus/&anti-spy/malware - in that "order"?

Then, when I get back on the internet, I should only "browse/surf" whatever, from a secondary "User" account - correct? What about when I wish to run scans/clean/defrag/etc. - the OS demands I do it as an "admin." , ok, so when I PERFORM/DO these "clean/free-up space" maintenance/duty-things, from admin, does this effect (cover) all or any other "limited" - user(s)?

 

Ok, I will WRITE-DOWN a Step-by-Step Check-List - EXCELLENT suggestion!

One last (Prefaced) question for now: I understand about having ONLY ONE AV program, and I will be looking for one that is small ("Anti-Vir or Avast"?), and likewise, I can only have ONE Firewall and I would like a small "space-saver" there also, HOWEVER I would like it to protect both IN-bound as well as OUT-Bound transmissions. I know Zone Alarm (free) does this, but it's rather large (39 MB I think) - Is there a SMALL FIREWALL that protects both IN & OUT-bound actions?

 

great. just thought of two more questions, and forgotten one of them in the time it took for this page to load.

1. When I "DOWNLOAD" (TO my desktop/wherever), I've already clicked on "Download" from Author's Site/MajorGeeks.com (TX/FL-wherever) - DO I THEN SELECT "Open" (run) or "Open Folder" or what - considering, at this point, I ALREADY HAVE McAfee "RUNNING"??? Same question with NEW Firewall Download/Install/Open-Run/Open Folder ... McAfee Firewall WILL be in effect/running after I download - do I Open/Run it BEFORE OR AFTER UNISTALLING THE New Program Please???

 

and this - here - now - is/has been my fear with this all along - some one is working with you (me) - and then, all of a sudden, "disappears" ("has a Life", I understand - but I'm now left hanging).

Wonderful "thing", this (cyber ... "VIRTUAL") world, ain't it (rhetorical question).

 

Honestly Glen, how many viruses did you get after we set your last PC up properly?

 

Hi Eric - none, that I know of. I'm not sure that I'm following your question here my friend?

 

I just think you are perhaps worrying a tad too much. In my opinion

The Vista firewall is perfectly adequate

Vista itself is much more secure than XP.

Yes use a second lower priviledge account for surfing and indeed all normal activity.
(In Vista this is called a standard account - used to be called limited user in XP)

You surely only need to administrate the pc once a month or so particularly if you are not installing Comodo.

You are better served using a modem/router with a built in hadware firewall. It require no updates and can't be subverted in the same way as software ones.

As a general principle I try to avoid installing programs that are designed to interfere in some way with the workings of Windows. All firewalls, Anti Virus and other security software does this, for instance. Many so called enhancement programs also do this and eventually lead their owner to Major Geeks etc.

Of course it is OK to install stuff that is designed to work with Windows such as wordprocessors, video editors etc etc.

 

Steve, I don't see Comodo "Professional" (which doesn't sound "free") - did you mean Comodo "Personal"??

 

Thanks Eric as always - and yes, of course I'm worrying too much (and more than "just a tad"!) - cause I just seem to do it sooooo well! Thanks for your patience and all the clarification(s) - it (you all) helps a great deal. And yes, I wish I could just consider this PC as "setted" & "forgetted" - and I was REALLY hoping the McAfee "Suite" that came with it (pre-installed) would work fairly well - but it doesn't seem to. It seems so "complete" as far as security goes, but I suppose there is no way to keep the parts I like, and lose the rest - it's all or nothing - right? It would be refreshing to have this PC running on the "lite" side - with very little in the way of "extra's" - as it is, I needed to download some sort of Word Processing program, as it came without "MS Word" (I chose OpenOffice.org Writer, which seems to be quite large [?]).

I don't do well on computer matters without very concise & precise instruction ... just occurs to me to be faaaaaaaaar too much room for misunderstanding/error.

Thanks again,
glenn

 

Oh, Eric, are you familiar with a utility ("tester") from grc.com called "Leak Test"? I tested my Vista Firewall with it, and it didn't seem to pass (just as XP's did not) - as opposed to the McAfee Firewall, which did (as does Zone Alarm's which I have, and tested, on my parents XP system.

Oh, and also, I'll certainly invest in a Router (for Firewall Protection ... and this will be more "new" territory for me - I'm a "router virgin"!) whenst I am able - not working at the moment - having a very hard time with some health issues.

 

Get a modem router with an ethernet connection to the pc, not one with a USB connection. Most of these have built in preset firewalls.

Yes Gibson Research tests are well respected. However

I rest my case M' lud !

Steve was on most of today but has obviously gone to polish his ball. I suggest your best questions of Steve would be to ask how to set up Windows Defender and process control properly.

You will then be thoroughly secure.

Hope all the family troubles are now behind you.

I'm just about to have a long bath with Gerald Seymour's latest writings.

cheers.

 

See, here we go ...

I started to download AVGFreeAV (and then Vista prompted me for my Admin password and downloaded it - supposedly - to my standard user acct [me]) and then "Saved" it, or Saved it "AS" , then, just in case I decide to go with the Comodo Firewall, I attempted to download it from the standard acct, but it didn't seem to work - sooooo, I switched back over to the Admin acct, downloaded it again. But to where EXACTLY, either of these programs were actually downloaded TO - I haven't a clue. I recall with Firefox I was "asked" - prompted, where to put them. I "think" I have these two (or, perhaps three now!) programs on my PC - but I don't know where?

This stuff, switching back & forth - to & fro - from "accounts" or "users" or whatever - is EXTREMELY confusing.

 

I wasn't aware group policy editor was available in Vista home basic. Is it?

 

Let me give an analogy

Glen has had this new PC an new Operating System for only a couple of weeks.
No one could assimilate Vista in that time.

Suppose you bought a new car with an economy control that worked by restricting the gasoline supply to the motor. Adding extra complications to Vista is like leaving the car on default economy and installing a turbocharger to 'speed things up'. It would just make the thing more complicated, not better or faster.

 

Steve, there's no need to take umbrage. You seem to be a pretty clued up guy.

I also agree with most of what you are suggesting, especially dumping Mcafee.

But one of the great strengths of Major Geeks is the opportunity to air alternative views and strategies. The user then has the final choice.

We can also learn a great deal that way, heaven knows I have.

So don't 'bow out' just yet.

To extend my car analogy, you wouldn't start to modify you new car before you had learned at least the principal controls the manufacturer had provided. In particular you wouldn't fit the turbocharger without knowing about the switch on the dash which reads
economy, standard, boost would you?

 

As to recommending security software, the pack leader changes frequently these days.

I saw the first version of Panda stop pcs dead in their tracks. Then they brought out an improved version and in 20003/4/5 it was easily the best value around although you had to pay it had extra features over AVG. Then in 2006 they brought out the new suite, again to wreak havock with many pcs and I stopped recommending Panda.

AVG caught up and became very popular but the were major problems at the beginning of 2007 with the then new version, causing many Blue screens and pc failures. They seem to have it sorted now so who knows.

Zone alarm had a well liked and stable firewall but when they brought out their suite again things fell apart for them and they are still recovering.

Of the 'heavyweights'
Norton and Mcafee seem to be have had the most trouble adapting to the new regime with sufficient angst being caused for many to ditch them, even in the corporate world.

Kaspersky is very secure but in a small percentage of cases things do go wrong and it really screws up the pc when this happens. Nod is the same. we have seen (and fixed) some here at Major Geeks.

AntiVir and Sophos seem to be pretty benign. They are used by quite large numbers in certain sectors (education); neither are as secure as Kaspesky or Nod but do not seem to lead to problems either. We do not get much comment about either here.

As to freeware versus paying again an automotive analogy

When you have your car serviced, do you save money by saying to the garage
'Don't put antifreeze in the radiator, just water' ?

By looking round you can get good cover at very small cost, or even free,

 

Eric, I agree with you on the "debating" .... the back & forth (even if it is a bit "spirited" - that, to me, just shows some passion and/or concern). That said, I'm leaning to disagree with you on the built-in Windows Firewalls (XP and now Vista). You mentioned Gibson Research being 'well-known/respected', but then suggested that because I had not come-down with any virus on the PC (running XP) you helped me set-up (nearly a year ago - March/April, I believe it was), that the Windows PC was "adequate". I'm thankful that I've had no virus, but I am not at all convinced that my OUT-bound transmissions are NOT "Leaking" (per the grc.com "Leak-Test").

That said, I am not yet happy with the Comodo FW that Steve suggested either. I readily admit that I really don't know much about this stuff at all - that is EXACTLY why I am here, on this site, looking for suggestions/advice/help - but looking into my "Program's" list, the combination of Comodo FW & AVG AV appears to be occupying TWICE the MB as the now removed "McAfee Security Center" (though Steve mentioned - something to the effect - of there being a difference between 'occupying' or 'taking-up' space, and 'using' or draining space/resources - not sure I understand that - but I'd like to). Additionally, all of the initial alerts, to me any way, so far, are NOT very user friendly. Lots of choices/options (which can certainly be a good thing - IF one is deciding on, say, ice cream flavors - but not with internet security - IMHO).

Lastly for now, Eric - I really liked the way you drew a little history of the various security/protection programs, but was surprised there was no mention of "Avast", which you had recommended to me just the other day (?).

Oh well, I suppose "...the beat goes on ..."

Thanks ....

 

Yes I'm still recommending Avast, just haven't tested it long enough to find any faults yet. And it runs well with Vista, but you seem to have chosen AVG, which I know works with Vista these days.

There are several others I use but didn't mention such as Reanimator and Rootkitno and Xoftspy.

The idea of the twin accounts is not to need such things.
Incidentally the two account system has been official Microsoft policy, since XP and is far from 'eccentric'

Also the Vista firewall will block outbound as well as inbound, unlike the XP one.
However the outbound is not enabled by default.

type wf.msc in the search box (hit enter)

click firewall properties

select tab for your profile, you probably only have one

Under the 'state' section, locate outbound

set it to block

click OK

As I recall one of your queries was not about security at all. It was about loss of resources.

Now Windows Defender (Vista style) contains a program called Software Explorer which is ideal for both security and removing unwanted stuff. It is vastly more powerful than msconfig - so much so that it will even prevent msconfig from

For Comodo questions, over to you Steve.

 

Eric, I really appreciate the help as usual, however, as often seems to be the case with MS/Windows, when I go to "Windows Firewall w/Advanced Security" (run/search>"wf.msc">etc.), it looks a bit different than you described.

I attempted to produce a "screenshot", but not really certain how (copy/paste won't work, nor did emailing it to myself - I mean, it emailed, but not sure how to open/view it from that point [?]). I may still have your email addy, if I do, I'll take a shot and email it to you, if I can. I'd really like to use it for several reasons - mainly for SIMPLICITY (as you've pointed-out), additionally I think it will save me "space" by using what I have, as opposed to lumping more stuff in on this PC.

Thanks,
glenn

 

WOW Steve, can't thank you enough! The info you provide is very thorough (detailed!) which is a good (GREAT!) thing - it's just going to take me awhile to work my way through it - carefully, which is the way it is - and probably, the way it should be.

Thank you again - I'll stay in touch,
glenn ...

 

It actually did not (at all) come as a surprise to me that there is a Malware program attached to the Comodo Firewall install - they all seem to be Divinely Inspired & Blessed these days - perhaps it's always been that way - read: "Capitalism" - the answer to everyones prayers ... though don't get me wrong - I'm sure it's a very good program! (and though I saw it on their website, I didn't actually see it (haven't yet come across it) in the installed end-use software product. It seems there are two (2) different programs to that end, one called "BOcleaner" (or some such name I think it is?) - not so sure where I noticed that - perhaps in one of your posts (?), and then, on the website, some other malware preventer/scanner/cleaner - I forget what it was called on the website (I seem to recall "Mal..." something or other).

As far as reading everything, well, it doesn't seem much different than the other Firewall/Security products I've seen - alerts/balloons/bubbles/warnings/etc. - the main difference to me (though I know I'm over-simplifying it) has mainly been the graphic display (Pop-Up Box/Window) itself and wording of the "alerts" or the info within the displays. They all seem to incorporate some sort of "Smart Defense" that has to be "Trained" initially, or can be set to "default", whereby they work off of their own Black/White "Lists" which update on a regular basis (either manually or automatically - often decided by whether or not you purchase or upgrade the product). That said - I DO NEED TO READ MORE THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLY - Granted.

Please do not misconstrue my reply here - I know I come-off as a "smart-@$$" sometimes - it's not you, at all - it IS me - I'm apparently just hard-wired to be either the "nicest guy on the planet" - or some sort of "spawn of Satan" - incarnate ... doesn't seem to be much middle-ground for me ...

I'll been in touch my friend!
glenn ...

 

Ok you want screenshots?

The first is a result of typing wf.msc into the search box (bottom left if you click on the swirly ball there)

The pink circle shows you where to click for properties


The second picture is labelled 1, 2 and 3

1 shows the profile you need (private)

2 shows the outbound box as allow by default

3 shows where to click to learn more about which profile to choose. Only one is active at a time.

 

It occurs to me that this is what Eric ("studioT") was getting at, either because he "knows" me (has worked with me before), or, just because his senses towards "newbies" are fine-tuned. That said ...

I appreciate the simple approach best - I really do - I'm pretty sure I do more than the "average" person & I KNOW more than the average "geek". My problem is that I am a worry-wart - though I'm TRYING to recover from that. Now, THAT said ...

1. I have the Comodo Firewall Pro (ACTIVE/ENABLED - and Windows/Vista FW turned "Off"), though am leaning toward going-back to the one supplied/provided by Vista - I did not know I could further configure it (to block "outbound" material from being intercepted).

2. I have (active/enabled) AVG (*Free*) AV - have used it before, and am relatively "happy" (feel basically secure) with it (I also "currently" have "a-squared" Free - perhaps overkill??).

3. I currently have SEVERAL Anti-Spy/Anti-Malware programs (SpywareBlaster [from JavaCool] makes me feel particularly warm & fuzzy) - I have "Advanced WindowsCare v2 Personal" (iObit) and it appears to be one heck of a tool - seems to do a lot, for it being just ONE program. I would LIKE to have a couple or three more "hanging-around" (SpyBot S&D at the top of the list I suppose) - JUST IN CASE - I have more than once seen an anti-spy or anti-malware program "catch" something that the other(S) had missed.

Not sure if any of the AS/A-MAL that I have is "real-time" - I most assuredly should have one of those though - huh?

Do you care to opine on this - so far - or do you still feel that I am missing your point(s)?

Thx,
g

 

Re: I'm "Defaulting" to this (Software) Forum for my FW

Hello. Can anyone help me with creating an outbound rule that enables Group Policy to work? (I THINK that is what I want to do??) When I simply "Block" Outbound connections on the "Private" profile (mine??), I am not able to access the internet. I think this is the profile that matters the most as far as protecting me - but I don't know for sure (and yes, I have "READ" the knowledge base from MS Windows on this - but still do not understand it all ... actually, I don't understand hardly any of it).

I have (currently) Blocked the Outbound Connections on the Domain & Public Profiles (though I am not certain if that makes any difference for me, protection-wise??). In fact, I am afraid that Blocking the Domain Profile make cause me problems in conecting with my ISP (??), but so far, it seems to be working, to allow me internet access.

 

Hello. Can anyone help me with creating an outbound rule that enables Group Policy to work? (I THINK that is what I want to do??) When I simply "Block" Outbound connections on the "Private" profile (mine??), I am not able to access the internet. I think this is the profile that matters most as far as protecting me - but I don't know for sure (and yes, I have "READ" the knowledge base from MS Windows on this - but still do not understand it all ... actually, I don't understand hardly any of it).

I have (currently) Blocked the Outbound Connections on the Domain & Public Profiles (though I am not certain if that makes any difference for me, protection-wise??). In fact, I am afraid that Blocking the Domain Profile make cause me problems in conecting with my ISP (??), but so far, it seems to be working, and allowing me internet access.

 

Thank you.

I really like Zone Labs/Zone Alarm FW (and use it on an XP OS I "try" to admin for), but was unable to get it to work with my Vista OS (direct download from CheckPoint/Zone Labs). Afterwards, I did a search, and saw that others have had the same problem.

Any (more) suggestions?

Thanks again.