Internet Security and Saving

System

Hey debeastie,

From what you've said about astalavista, I think I'd rather trust Steve Gibson, et al. (But I might check it out for the porno pop-ups!!!) Yours is only the second negative comment I've ever heard about ZoneAlarm (freebie), everyone else (including every p.c. mag I've ever read) seems to rave about it. Check out https://www.grc.com to check firewalls for effectiveness. I've found Cookiewall from https://www.analogx.com stops most things from reaching lavasoft's adaware - it's very small and very quick - and free.

Mike

sra

Can either of you recomend a free history erazer (apparently there is some file in windows that is a system file & can't ever be deleted...but some of the erasers 'overwrite' with a string of 'oooooo's' or useless info?!).

As said before...our base units sometimes have to go back to have noew software put on ...etc..& one girl who's left the company is convinced that the rumour that she 'swings both ways' (!) was found from this file by the techincal bods when they 'cleared' her computer when it was sent back!

Cheap holidays for answers (!!)
Chris

Hi
I use Absolute Shield Internet Eraser Lite and it has an option to overwrite files 9 times (it points out that the US department of defence recommends seven).

I can't vouch for it as I only ever use the program as a quick way to get rid of cookies etc.

One major criicism is that the lite (free) version program does not erase temporary internet files - but you can fix this easily by using the IE setting Tools/Internet Options/Advanced and ticking 'empty trmporary internet fiels folder when my browser is closed'


Spybot also comes with a "secure shredder" but once again I have never used this

System

I use the free versions of ZoneAlarm, AVG, AdAware and Pest Patrol and find them all very good. But a knowledgeable friend has recommended to me that I change from ZoneAlarm to Sygate (which also has a free version), as he finds it slightly superior, and since I respect his advice I think I shall do this.

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onzey

I use the free version of Sygate and have found their forum to be very helpful. If you do change to it you might want to check the forum out a bit regarding removing all traces of ZoneAlarm before you install Sygate. I think some bits can get left behind and interfere with Sygates operation.

System

The initial post said that windows firewall is useless, is there an informed opinion of how good the McAfee firewall with aol broadband is? ???

yes i know everyone dislikes aol but its ok for me

thanks

System

Quote from Beeb on-line (16-04-04 @ 17:10 UK time):

"The average computer is packed with hidden software that can secretly spy on online habits, a study has found. The US net provider EarthLink said it uncovered an average of 28 spyware programs on each PC scanned during the first three months of the year."

For full report, check-out this link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3633167.stm

A report in today's Telegraph on-line reckons there's (yet another) new virus on the loose - try: http://news.telegraph.co.uk

Mike

System

Hi, Debeast--

Just to set the record straight, we don't do anything "odd" to the packets. And we don't contact our update servers unless you OK it in the program.

For years, there have been urban legends about ZoneAlarm or ZoneAlarm Pro being spyware. Never has been and never will be.

Thanks!

--Corey

Corey Bridges
Zone Labs, Inc.

Hi there

Google Fix

---

Not sure of any software that automatically clears the autotext field in google but you can turn it off and stop it remembering by going to
tools/internet options  
then Content
then hit autocomplete
then untick the forms box


ZoneAlarm

---

In response to the zone alarm query, all i'm saying is that ZA is doing something odd to the packets which are passing through it and it also uploads something to it's server. Read the articals on security at the link i've provided.

Just remember everyone thought worldcom was a reputable company. Just because the majority of ppl believe it doesn't make it true and vise versa

thats it.
hope this helps

Debeastie

System

Thanks Deb this was most useful and I use the Grisoft which has saved me from viruses when I read my e-mail on several occasions.

Do you know of any free downloads to prevent Spam Mail?

barneyboy

hello i use xp o/s and i have the firewall enabled ,should i disable this and use another,the first post says that xp firewall no good-is this the case

System

Barneyboy

XP firewall is OK for the price (at least it gives some protection, if switched on) but there are others (ZoneAlarm, Kerio, etc) which give far better protection for the same price (i.e., nowt). Hope the msg from Corey clears up any confusion (can't imagine why a site frequented by hackers would want to muddy the name of ZoneLabs?) Might be worth checking out the Microsoft security site?

Mike