Choosing a browser?

BandJB

sindersoot wrote: »

We are using microsoft security essentials, so should we get another antivirus on top of MSE?

No. Get another AV instead of MSE. It has a low detection rating compared to many others - even some free ones. Never try to run two lots of AV software on the same computer, they'll interfere with each other.

Interestingly, MSE doesn't do as well as several other products even with Windows-specific vuruses (virii?). Keep an eye on it for the future, though. Microsoft is a relatively new kid on the block and has a track record of steadily improving its software over time - but it ain't there yet.

BandJB

dave2 wrote: »

If you're paranoid use Fedora LiveUSB Creator to make Ubuntu bootable from a USB stick (use a fast one) and browse with that (Firefox installed by default on Ubuntu). I used one temporarily and was very surprised how it all just worked... On a modern PC, older ones don't let you boot from USB.

Thanks for the suggestion, but I've never been a fan of Unix since I had a Xenix-based system back in the 1980's. I ended up having to get a CP/M system and write my own port drivers just to get enough speed to be able to ink-jet-print tax demand envelopes for HM Inland Revenue. Keep the Unix flag flying though: it keeps Microsoft on its toes!

23n1th

I recommend Avast over any other free AV's. Nothing wrong with free AV's never paid for security and never had any problems.

BandJB I think the way you do things is a bit OTT, if you're that paranoid use a sandbox or VM.

DVardysShadow

BandJB wrote: »

Thanks for the suggestion, but I've never been a fan of Unix since I had a Xenix-based system back in the 1980's. I ended up having to get a CP/M system and write my own port drivers just to get enough speed to be able to ink-jet-print tax demand envelopes for HM Inland Revenue. Keep the Unix flag flying though: it keeps Microsoft on its toes!

To fight shy of Linux and Unix now based on your experience of Xenix is about like saying you wouldn't give Windows 7 a try, because of your experience of DOS 6.

BandJB

23n1th wrote: »

I recommend Avast over any other free AV's. Nothing wrong with free AV's never paid for security and never had any problems.

BandJB I think the way you do things is a bit OTT, if you're that paranoid use a sandbox or VM.

Avast is a good choice, overall. Much better than AVG for instance. According to the tests, Avast will catch 97.3% of known threats as at February 10th 2010 - its the other 2.7% and the (then) unknown ones that just might get through, though.

As for being OTT, that's as maybe. It happens to suit the way I work and it's quick and convenient for the odd time I need it. As I noted in an earlier post, a PC is just that - personal. And a sandbox is software: if it's software, it can be cracked. Same goes for VM. It's only a matter of time...

DCFC79

BandJB wrote: »

No. Get another AV instead of MSE. It has a low detection rating compared to many others - even some free ones. Never try to run two lots of AV software on the same computer, they'll interfere with each other.

Interestingly, MSE doesn't do as well as several other products even with Windows-specific vuruses (virii?). Keep an eye on it for the future, though. Microsoft is a relatively new kid on the block and has a track record of steadily improving its software over time - but it ain't there yet.

i use mse and have done for 6 months at least, no issues so far,

23n1th

BandJB wrote: »

Avast is a good choice, overall. Much better than AVG for instance. According to the tests, Avast will catch 97.3% of known threats as at February 10th 2010 - its the other 2.7% and the (then) unknown ones that just might get through, though.

As for being OTT, that's as maybe. It happens to suit the way I work and it's quick and convenient for the odd time I need it. As I noted in an earlier post, a PC is just that - personal. And a sandbox is software: if it's software, it can be cracked. Same goes for VM. It's only a matter of time...

You could say that about anything including your security suite and the way you use your browsers included. You should read up on VM. If it gets infected you just delete the image.

Better still use something far less likely to get infected linux for free osx if you can afford it.

BandJB

DVardysShadow wrote: »

To fight shy of Linux and Unix now based on your experience of Xenix is about like saying you wouldn't give Windows 7 a try, because of your experience of DOS 6.

DOS 6 was a pain. It was always the odd numbered versions which were OK. I wouldn't go near Windows 7 at the moment. It's too 'young' and the upgrade from XP is virtually non-existent. I've got better things to do than fight Microsoft bugs and oversights, but I'm very appreciative of those do it on my behalf. Maybe in 2011?

Back in the 1960s and '70s I'd have leapt at the chance to play with Unix-style systems, but then I got tired of watching the same old problems raising their heads and needing to be re-solved with every new 'magic bullet' that appeared on the computer scene. Computers are a commodity these days and, like most people, I just want it to do my bidding without kicking me in the teeth or needing to know all the ins and outs of the way it works (or doesn't). To the great majority, a computer is just a clever TV and they should no more need to 'take the back off and fiddle with its innards' than they do with their TV, but the software industry has massively failed them in that respect.

[ Apologies to all for wandering off topic ]

BandJB

DCFC79 wrote: »

i use mse and have done for 6 months at least, no issues so far,

The only thing that proves is that you've been lucky so far. (Maybe you should change your sig?)

All software is inherently vulnerable to hacking, whether it's Windows or Linux/Unix, a browser, a VM manager or the AV software which is meant to guard you from attack. If it's a valuable enough target then the bad guys will target it and - at first - they'll get through. The best you can do is employ the most effective AV available and hope you don't get caught when the attack happens.

The facts on AV software are out there. Ignore them at your peril. And dont' forget, as they say in the financial adverts: "Past performance is no guarantee..." - so keep checking the AV test reports.

[ Enough. Time for bed. ]

olly300

BandJB wrote: »

No. It's not the job of a browser to defend against virus attacks and the like. Any frills and tweaks offered as such are, at best, just a form of tokenism.

Get a GOOD anti-virus program and keep it up to date (if it doesn't do it itself - which it should!). The freebie AV programs are mediocre at best. Go to the 'av-comparatives.org' web site; read the reports and make our own mind up based on the facts - not just other people's opinions (including mine).

Don't think you can get away with a lesser AV product because you 'never visit dodgy web sites'. Sooner or later you'll find one by accident. Two examples from the last couple of weeks:
1. Son types in a URL for a cycle accessory site and accidentally keys '.com' instead of '.co.uk'. Ends up on a virus-ridden Indian web site.
2. Wife Googles for a fireplace and clicks on a likely link to a UK company which has been similarly infected.
Both of these were perfectly innocent companies who simply didn't know enough to protect their sites properly. It's anarchy out there, so protect yourself and don't expect others to do it for you for free: they simply don't have the resources. Go to viruslist.com (or similar sites) and see how active the bad guys are, then make sure you're not going to end up as one of the statistics.

(Sits back and waits for the reaction from the Freebies Fan Club...)

OK I will bite.

Work PCs and laptops have paid for AV from a well respected name. I have worked in places where people have opened up dodgy websites and got infected.

I who use, both linux and windows os, has then had to find out what they have infected themselves with and remove it.