Security

JasX

Gosh the idiots are all out this morning.

"Avira", "Avast" or "Microsoft Security Essentials" are all free and offer amongst the best anti virus protection you'll get, if you'd like to see some data from independent tests go look here

http://www.av-comparatives.org/

DO also make sure you are automatically updating microsoft security patches as published vulnerabilities can be exploited by viruses found in the wild within days or shorter timeframes the vulnerability and security patch being announced

I'd suggest you ignore advice above suggesting you don't need antivirus software.

I'd also suggest you ignore suggestions that because they're free they are not as good as the paid for anti viruses, actually in independant tests they preform better.

Both Norton and McAfee are particular poor examples of AV and use excessive PC resources (ie slow down your PC) and deliver 'not very good' virus protection I'd strongly recommend replacing both (weather you've paid for them in the past or not) with one of the 3 above.

cit_k

sho_me_da_money wrote: »

AV's are for amateurs. However, if you need one, get Eset Nod 32.

The best security can be achieved without any software. Start at the router and then configure your windows.

The best way is to unplug your network cable and disconnect from wireless network if used. Then remove your cv/dvd drives, and disconnect your usb ports internally. Also you should remove your keyboard and disconnect the keyboard port if anyone else has access to the computer.

macman

cit_k wrote: »

The best way is to unplug your network cable and disconnect from wireless network if used. Then remove your cv/dvd drives, and disconnect your usb ports internally. Also you should remove your keyboard and disconnect the keyboard port if anyone else has access to the computer.

And then maybe apply a coat of black paint to the screen of your monitor, just to be 100% sure...;)

notbritishgas

cit_k wrote: »

The best way is to unplug your network cable and disconnect from wireless network if used. Then remove your cv/dvd drives, and disconnect your usb ports internally. Also you should remove your keyboard and disconnect the keyboard port if anyone else has access to the computer.

Right I have done all of that but I also have a floppy drive. Is it OK to leave that connected?

cit_k

notbritishgas wrote: »

Right I have done all of that but I also have a floppy drive. Is it OK to leave that connected?

Darn knew I had forgotten something

spud17

Don't go down the Free AV route. They're just not up to the job and, for about £6 a year per machine, it's simply not worth the risk.

See below for result of a Free Avira scan after managing to remove the paid for McAfee.

I've seen some long Malwarebytes and Combofix logs on here, but this is my record for Avira detections.

End of the scan: 07 March 2010 14:14
Used time: 1:10:02 Hour(s)

The scan has been done completely.

3366 Scanned directories
252592 Files were scanned
370 Viruses and/or unwanted programs were found
0 Files were classified as suspicious
0 files were deleted
0 Viruses and unwanted programs were repaired
358 Files were moved to quarantine
0 Files were renamed
2 Files cannot be scanned
252220 Files not concerned
6697 Archives were scanned
4 Warnings
362 Notes
40656 Objects were scanned with rootkit scan
0 Hidden objects were found

DCFC79

Jeez some people on the forums are having a laugh, theres nothing wrong with using the free versions of anti virus, ive used avast, avira before and currently im uisng mse and they have all done a good job, you dont need to pay for anti virus but its your choice if you want to