Software you just must have

Quincy_3

masonic wrote:

Better safe than sorry, eh. Running more system-level software does pose a small risk in itself, though, doesn't it? I suppose it depends whether the benefits are worth it. To be honest, I don't know. Any comments?

I would say a router is a good option as you say but only if needed, I mean I dont want or need one so I went with Sygate its a very reliable (if out of date) bit of freeware.

wolfman

Strength in depth I think is the key.

A hardware firewall makes a great first line of defence as far as port blocking is concerned.

A software firewall makes a great second line of defence as it works on a per application basis and can also block outgoing connections.

Hence I'd always have both, as they combine very well.

masonic

wolfman wrote:

...as it works on a per application basis...

Yes, I suppose that can be pretty useful. I must admit, having never had anything nasty get onto my system and try to dial home, I'd not really thought much about it, but I guess a s/w firewall is probably in a much better position to deal with that kind of attack.

virgo17

wolfman wrote:

There are a few applications that I think are worth paying for:
- Acronis TrueImage v8 (£15) - Cheaper and better (in my opinion) than Norton Ghost. If you go for v9 it's £30, but you can also backup Linux partitions.

I have to say that I completely agree about Acronis True Image. So much better than Ghost and has saved my life on numerous occasions.

V.

IvanOpinion

Just don't fall intot he trap of having two software firewalls .. they will spend all day fighting with each other. On a similar veing do not install more than one virus detector since they often detect each others signatures and you get the impression that you have a virus when you do not.

Ivan

wolfman

virgo17 wrote:

I have to say that I completely agree about Acronis True Image. So much better than Ghost and has saved my life on numerous occasions.

Got my pricing wrong too. v9 of TrueImage is £17 on Amazon.