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antivirus etc on new laptop

rach
rach Posts: 5,476 Forumite
1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
in Techie Stuff
I've just bought a new laptop, and am a bit scared about going online before being fully covered with AV & firewall. it comes (its a dell) with a free trial of mcafee, would people suggest i go online with this, or is there a way of removing it and putting AVG and Kerio on, which i use on my desktop? and is it ok to first go online with wireless, or should i hardwire connect the first time? sorry am a bit of a novice with lappys!

second question: i have NTL broadband connected through a USB connection, is this ok if i just buy a wireless router type thing, or do i have to change to ethernet?

thanks
Mum to gorgeous baby boy born Sept 2010:j

Comments

  • terryr
    terryr Posts: 60 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    I think you will be ok with whats on the laptop while you download your preferred Av and firewall because XP already comes with a firewall, I would suggest that one of the first things you do is go to windows update as there will probably be loads of security updates to download. With ref to NTL they used to recommend that you use an ethernet connection ( you should have had a cable with the modem) but I don't think it is essential. Just make sure that you buy a router for use with a cable modem. Hope this helps
  • -TangleFoot-
    -TangleFoot- Posts: 4,673 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Whilst Windows XP does include a basic firewall, you may need to switch it on manually if your system predates Service Pack 2.
  • rach
    rach Posts: 5,476 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    thanks. i'm pretty sure its Xp Sp2. will check it out. will do some research on wireless stuff
    Mum to gorgeous baby boy born Sept 2010:j
  • albertross_2
    albertross_2 Posts: 8,932 Forumite
    routers are normally ethernet, Netgears are good, but not the cheapest. Mcafee is better than AVG.. but you will have to pay for updates after the trial is over.
    Ever get the feeling you are wasting your time? :rolleyes:
  • skiddy2k
    skiddy2k Posts: 1,627 Forumite
    hardware firewakks are good, but less configurable than software firewalls... i recomend zonealarm firewall and Kaspersky Antivirus if you got a fast PC or NOD32 if you got a slow PC. i'm not sure about bit-defender... aparantly is good, but havent tried it out
  • peter_the_piper
    peter_the_piper Posts: 30,269 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    rach wrote:
    I've just bought a new laptop, and am a bit scared about going online before being fully covered with AV & firewall. it comes (its a dell) with a free trial of mcafee, would people suggest i go online with this, or is there a way of removing it and putting AVG and Kerio on, which i use on my desktop? and is it ok to first go online with wireless, or should i hardwire connect the first time? sorry am a bit of a novice with lappys!

    thanks
    I have just bought the Inspiron from Dell for my Daughter. As its got the free trial I've used this until time is up. Its no problem to download AVG and Kerio for use when time is up. We are on wireless and it was just a case of putting in the security code once the comp. had detected the connection. You are encrypted arn't you?
    I'd rather be an Optimist and be proved wrong than a Pessimist and be proved right.
  • opportunity_cost
    opportunity_cost Posts: 358 Forumite
    There's no need to pay for AV or other PC security programs. You can get top-notch protection with free software. I recommend:

    - Windows Update: SP1 (Keep SP2 if it works ok on your system) + all Security and Cumulative Updates
    - 3rd party security fixes: Script Defender, DCOMbobulator, UnPlug n' Pray
    - Firewall: Sygate Personal Firewall (If you like Kerio better, make sure that it does make all of your ports stealth - run a ShieldsUP! scan)
    - Anti-virus: avast
    - Anti-trojan: ewido
    - Spyware tools: SpywareBlaster, Spybot - Search & Destroy, CWShredder. SpywareGuard (optional) if you want real-time protection
    - Browser: Firefox
    The true cost of something is what you give up to get it.
  • skintel
    skintel Posts: 122 Forumite
    I use Sygate Firewall http://www.simtel.net/product.php?id=53687
    AVG Antivirus http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5
    Adaware http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

    And Ive never had a problem..

    Just remember tho that Sygate is now a discontinued firewall so no new versions
    will be released ever again thats why its prudent to use http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio.cfm
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