virus protection

Do you guys that use firefox also use an anti virus program such as norton or Mcafee with it? Or do you trust firefox that the program will block viruses. I wonder if it really works. When you are using firefox isn't internet explorer running in the background which could bring viruses in?

Don

 

You run Windows?...You need an Antivirus Program.
I, personaly, do not like Norton or McAfee


http://majorgeeks.com/Avast_Home_Edition_d1968.html

http://majorgeeks.com/AVG_Free_Edition_d886.html

http://majorgeeks.com/AntiVir_Personal_Edition_d955.html

All Good

 

Firefox advertises that it blocks viruses That is why I asked. And, also, may I ask why you don't like norton or mcafee?
I think I will try one of those you suggested.

Don

 

Firefox has some security features that are better then IE but they are nowhere near replacing Anti-virus software. The recommendations Toni_1947 made are good ones.

IE per say is not running in the background although IE is the core engine of WinXP. As a result Windows Explorer will at times try to access the internet but you can block it with a firewall. Here I recommend ZoneAlarm.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download388.html

 

Norton and McAfee are very bloated programs. Your computer will run alot slower, and starting your computer will be slow. Norton, and McAfee are not better than the suggestions in this thread.

So why bog down your computer? ; )

 

So if I download zone alarm and install I should (turn off my default firewall, or, uninstall it) which?

Don

 

Are you referring to Windows XP firewall?

 

You can just shut off the Windows firewall.

 

Yes you should sut off the windows firewall. It only protects you from incoming threats. It doesn't monitor or restrict programs on you computer from accessing the internet. ZoneAlarm does both.

 

Yes I was referring to windows xp firewall. But my norton program claims It manages the firewall so I guess somehow that needs to be shut off too.

Don

System-- Gateway FX400 Intel (R) Pentium D CPU 2.80 GHZ 512 ram 84% free space
Nvidea 6200 turbo cache 82.12 drivers
Windows xp pro media center edition version2002 service pack 2 Norton anti virus

 

Hi Syldon,

Just curious...why did you decide to use Norton?

Do you know how to turn off your Windows Firewall?

Have a great day!
K

 

www.eset.com
NO32 HANDS DOWN...I've used them all, this badboy is the best by far.
AVG too many false positives for my tastes.
If you want NOD32 support, check our www. wilderssecurity.com great forums for specific programs.

 

Usually 3rd party firewall programs will automatically turn off the firewall for you, like my ZoneAlarm(free version).
Go to start-settings-control panel - windows firewall, check there.

 

To answer your question regarding why I decided to use Norton, the answer is; I didn't decide anything. We have two computers and my wife did the whole deal and bought norton to install in multiple computers. So you see it was kinda decided for me . Good thing I guess because I didn't know the difference in any of them at that point.

If I try one of the ones that is recomended here I can leave norton in and just turn it off, right??

Don

 

I believe you would need to uninstall Norton in order to run a different full blown antivirus product...just having it turned off doesn't remove registry entries or any files that may cause conflicts on your computer.
It is not a good idea to have more than one(1) antivirus program at a time installed.
You could always reinstall Norton later if you have the CD and product code.

 

I would advise that you completely uninstall norton before try another antivirus program.

 

You should never have more than one antivirus program installed, regardless of whether or not it's turned on.

 

If you have a paid Norton why not use it? Im pretty sure it is the most sold AV program by far so may be not such a danger to computer health? I use Avast btw. and would only pay for NOD32 and Kaspersky but dont throw away subscription just because some give you the old Norton blows talk

Norton AV manage Windows Firewall? Or is it that you also have Norton Firewall? As said be very careful and sure to get rid of Norton AV, Firewall and what else there might be before testing other programs.

Firefox dont claim to replace Antivirus program and you should have one enabled. As long as you have no problems with Norton it will do nicely.

 

It's the most popular AV because Norton almost give it away, if they can.

As far as the "old Norton blows" talk, it's very relevant.

Norton is a POS, and causes a lot of problems.

Even if it was paid for, I'd throw it in the bin.

 

Amen!

 

Relevant for which version and to whom? I dont like Norton at all but may be slydon does - or at least have no problems with it. No reason to disturb computer karma at his place, he asked if he should use AV at all not which. If he feel at home with Norton he should keep it. To say Norton should be avoided at all cost is silly.

I just follow AV debates on forums, I stay with Avast but many people will say 2005 and 2006 versions are way better than old verisions. May be does not deserve such a general warning? http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=116783&highlight=norton+2006

Norton give away? Here it is one of the most expensive AVs available.

 

For every version and to everyone.

Norton isn't worth the risk, and even if it works OK, it still uses too much system resources, and the later versions are bloatware.

What's silly is to say give Norton a try in the hope it won't destroy your system.

It's also the most popular OEM, bundled and trial AV, with different offers on a monthly basis.

 

Too bad Im not going to pay so much for Norton - or you would soon get a detailed report from real life which might make your old rants sound like very old rants. May be you could just read what those people on for example Wilders are saying. You can use searchbox as well, Norton have been testet again and again. The long post on page 2 is definitely for you. You dont like Norton and neither do I but why make stupid claims and try to convince others they have made a mistake etc.

And Firefox rules and will bring back the web. IE is a security risk - as are Windows Firewall. Many such "truths" are available... Fanboys gets blind and only listen to one record

 

Don't tell me what to read, or that I'm a fanboy.

I've been using a PC probably before you were a twinkle in your father's eye.

I don't need 15 Y.O kids telling me how to use a PC.


I also don't need to visit Wilders. All the proof is here, from dozens of posts from Norton users asking for help.

 

How come I knew you would say something like that. You also did not read this post http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=682198&postcount=31

I wonder what your interest here is besides ranting and doing what must be the same old... That is fanboy to me, may be fanboy of your own rants and knowing better attitude? Cant be helping out or showing an interest for subject. Of course you dont need to know what you talk about, up to you...

How old should I be to make posts here and for how long should I have used a PC? You have rules for that? Be careful now, I can asure you Im not 15 and my first PC was IBM PC with tiny hd and big floppy Sad anti-forum comment to make.

 

Well I had a bit of a rant and brisk conversation over at "Wilders".

Needless to say I was shot down in flames,but I will stick to my guns!

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=117759&highlight=virtualisation

 

Dude, Insomniac is right, and the proof is available. If you don't believe him, why don't you try installing an evaluation copy. Check how much hard drive space you have before and after the installation. While its running, see how much processor time and memory its processes consume in task manager. Now, compare that to Avast! or AVG, etc. You'll see the evidence for his claims.

And as for problems, a quick search of this forum will reveal a disproportionate number of people complaining about the product. Not to mention that there are tools designed specifically to uninstall Norton from your system. This is a result of poorly designed uninstallation routines. The program should come with a way to remove it from your system, and norton misses that mark.

 

I received Nortons Security Crapage with my Dell. I used it for all of a week and then pitched it for Avast Freeware. Seriously slowed down my system. I use Zone Alarm's Security Suite now and I never know it is running.

 

I used to support Norton, and said so many times here.

But the last year, I've seen too many poor people have their system unususable or crippled from Norton.

I will never use nor support it again, regardless of what a know it all says.


BTW, who made Wilders god, I certainly didn't?

 

No one says Norton is light or perfect for slow computer - no one said anything positive about Norton. Ive not done that since Norton Utilities. But I said it is silly to making false claims that Norton will destroy computer and is a risk in itself - and was told I was 15 years old and didnt know a thing... Common sense against ranting. Cant do much about black and white thinking. Anyway, Slydon did not complain about Norton, may be should who knows, and yet he is told to uninstall and install other AV! - and please do read that post Ive talked about. You give too much credit to users and perhaps yourself. PC and advanced software like Norton is not a gamebox. Does not make Norton better or worse but post shows why you get these complaints and consensus Norton is crap. Also common sense, it is popular. Like Microsoft.

Allready testet Norton 2006 last hour. Dont see much problem with it. I dont like it but knew that. More options for tweaking than I thought. Can be tuned for speed as Avast. Most activity is actually optional as far as I can tell. Except the useless Protection Center but easy to kill. An Avast like setup eats about 20mb, more with protection menu, of WS Private memory, not a problem for all computers. Take up much space on hd, true - and that is reason to uninstall and get a refund? Anyway and back to the point, computer is still alive so when does it blow up? Where is the proof? Am I lucky? How long before I can get Avast back? Oh I cant cause Norton is permanently part of computer ! You sure? We will see. Could you be just a little bit wrong? Should I try Panda suite?, Trend Micro? What is the point? What cant allready be found out on the big internet?

I believe you Insominac, you will happily not move an inch regardless. Seek confirmation, avoid non believers and you will be free of doubt - perhaps not learn so much new but who needs it anyway. Interesting approach to PC life.

 

OMG
slydon must be thoroughly frustrated, possibly confused and at best highly amused by all this "bickering"

To each his own.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink....blah...blah...blah

Not saying you WILL have a problem removing Norton Bambo..but if you DO:

Removing your Norton program using SymNRT
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039


I had to use it when I tried to uninstall Norton.

PEACE!...

 

I allready had that link

Yeah, dont think I will use this. Would prefer Norton Corporate/Enterprise version instead anyway! But this is really a lot nicer than I thought. I like the many options. Create internet access rules for individual programs and such is nice. Dont know, may be if I had paid for Norton I would be really furious to see it flamed!

Most regular users will do fine with free AV. Most of them need anti-spyware and better practices a lot more than paid AV. Those who really need what you cant get for free will know why and what to get. Think free versions should be tried and advertised first - even if NOD32 has heuristic magic detection and Norton give most hd-bytes per $.

 

That shows your experience. A tiny hard drive and a big floppy! LMAO!

Only an amateur would use those terms.


And no one said Norton would destroy his computer. That's your version, not mine.

What I've repeatedly said is it's not worth the risk, especially when there are great free alternatives.

Anyway, I've made my point (and I've unsubscribed from this thread), and the rest is up to Slydon. Good luck.

 

Very convincing arguments about this "POS" software Insomiac. You seem to have problems communicating with people you dont agree with or buy your rants - may be because they know better, eeek! Looking for dirt and stupid comments - come easy to you I see. Strange how your type allways end up bragging about how much they know, how they dont need to listen etc. Subject is of no importance, same childish attitude. A bit sad really since you claim to be more than 15. I would probably give you a warning had I been moderator here.

 

As a precaution I would like to add the "SymNRT" tool has previously known to corrupt the "BITS" Background Intelligent Transfer Service causing you not to be able to get Automatic Updates. I believe this bug has been addressed in the newest release.

 

Question:
I used symNRT about 3 months ago and I have Windows Updates set to Notify me when updates are available and let me choose when to d/l and install them, but it doesn't work.
I just visit Microsoft Update once a week myself to check for updates.
Could the symNRT have messed up "BITS"?...and how can I tell?
It is listed in Services as Automatic and Remote Procedure Call is Manual
Should Remote Procedure Call be Automatic as well?
Thanks,
Toni

 

I don't know if this is true anymore and in fact I think this may have been addressed. If you try "LeakTest" from grc.com it specifically checks for this issue and it didn't find my firewall leaking (allowing unsolicitated outgoing traffic) as such. Either way I have recently installed Zone Alarm but I think MS may have addressed some issues with their FW.

As far as Norton goes I have to agree, my mum's sys became completely corrupted and the tech stated flat out it was due to Norton (I couldn't assess it as she lives 2,000 km's away). This is speculation but Norton may create probelms to create a need for the product!

 

MS has been know in the past to collect information from systems without the users knowledge and I personaly wouldn't trust them to police themselves.

 

Is the BITS service started? It should be Started and the startup type set to Automatic.

The "Remote Procedure Call (RPC)" service should be Started and and the startup type set to Automatic.

 

Thanks!
BITS is running and is Automatic
RPC was not running and was set to Manual
Changed that and started the service.

 

Good deal, if you have a problem with updates let me know and I will give you the fix for it.

 

Yes, it has the smallest footprint and uses less resources than any other AV. It really isn't necessary to have pro unless you just want it, free edition just just as good IMO.

 

I have been gone for a couple days. I didn't realize I would start this much controversy but, anyway, thanks for all the responses.

Don