Vista Internet Security 2011

tesuhoha

Many thanks for this. It gives me a lot to think about. I like the sound of Malwarebytes in particular. If I got this would it work alongside the Firefox ad blocker as well? Can these measures all be run in conjunction or do I have to choose one of them togo with the antivirus?

debitcardmayhem

tesuhoha wrote: »

Many thanks for this. It gives me a lot to think about. I like the sound of Malwarebytes in particular. If I got this would it work alongside the Firefox ad blocker as well? Can these measures all be run in conjunction or do I have to choose one of them togo with the antivirus?

I would recommend spywareblaster as RussJK suggested, I would also recommend the Hosts File option (I use mvps hosts) and of course adblock too, but it is your choice, at the end of the day there is really nothing better than do I want to do this .....

RussJK

tesuhoha wrote: »

Many thanks for this. It gives me a lot to think about. I like the sound of Malwarebytes in particular. If I got this would it work alongside the Firefox ad blocker as well? Can these measures all be run in conjunction or do I have to choose one of them togo with the antivirus?

Yes, each category is a layer of defence you can use alongside each other, as well as with an antivirus.

Adblocking is probably the easiest method. It's good to use at least a few ways, even though they all can potentially block the same things in different ways; you just need one to update in time to block a new threat. I wouldn't use DNS servers as the first resort, and sandboxing takes some getting used to.

tesuhoha

RussJK wrote: »

Yes, each category is a layer of defence you can use alongside each other, as well as with an antivirus.

Adblocking is probably the easiest method. It's good to use at least a few way, even though they all can potentially block the same things in different ways; you just need one to update in time to block a new threat. I wouldn't use DNS servers as the first resort, and sandboxing takes some getting used to.

I've now installed Mozilla Firefox rather than Internet Explorer and have installed Adblocker Plus with the Malware Domains subscription.

I am hesitating about whether to pay for anti-virus software or not. My Virgin Media antivirus has switched itself off so now I am thinking it is a good time to change. I have looked at Avast 6 but the only free option seems to be anti virus only. Will carry on on looking

tesuhoha

Right - I tried to restore the Virgin Antivirus but could not then Windows Security Centre asked me if I wanted to go on line to choose an alternative anti virus programme. I took that option and have now installed Avast free antivirus. I have kept the rest of the Virgin Media security as it has a firewall and anti-malware, plus privacy protection etc. Do you think it is now safe to uninstall Rapport?

RussJK

tesuhoha wrote: »

I've now installed Mozilla Firefox rather than Internet Explorer and have installed Adblocker Plus with the Malware Domains subscription.

I am hesitating about whether to pay for anti-virus software or not. My Virgin Media antivirus has switched itself off so now I am thinking it is a good time to change. I have looked at Avast 6 but the only free option seems to be anti virus only. Will carry on on looking

Do you also have a subscription to something like Easylist with Adblock Plus? Hope you enjoy Firefox.

With Avast, it's just the way they are marketing it to make people want to pay the full version. Their free version is basically a full antivirus suite - minus identity management, firewall, and spam filter for email.

This is no problem as you can get far better spam filter programs and firewalls for free, and I'm sure most people can live without the identity stuff. Windows firewall will do, and if you really wanted a good free firewall then you'd be looking at Comodo or Online Armour.

tesuhoha

I have also just installed Spywareblaster

tesuhoha

RussJK wrote: »

Do you also have a subscription to something like Easylist with Adblock Plus? Hope you enjoy Firefox.

With Avast, it's just the way they are marketing it to make people want to pay the full version. Their free version is basically a full antivirus suite - minus identity management, firewall, and spam filter for email.

This is no problem as you can get far better spam filter programs and firewalls for free, and I'm sure most people can live without the identity stuff. Windows firewall will do, and if you really wanted a good free firewall then you'd be looking at Comodo or Online Armour.

Yes I have the Easylist.

In view of what you say here should I uninstall the Virgin Media Security now then and install the Windows firewall?

RussJK

tesuhoha wrote: »

Yes I have the Easylist.

In view of what you say here should I uninstall the Virgin Media Security now then and install the Windows firewall?

Yes remove Virgin Media Security. Instructions are here:
http://kb.virgin.freedom.net/index.php?ToDo=view&Frame=1&questId=580&catId=13

Windows Firewall should turn back on automatically, and if it doesn't the security centre will alert you anyway. At worst, just go into Start > Control Panel > Windows Firewall

tesuhoha

Many thanks Russ you have been a great help to me.

I have uninstalled Virgin Media Security and have checked Windows Firewall is on. Do I need to keep Hijacker Hunter installed? I have also still got the free Malwarebytes and have not decided yet whether to go for the full version. Are they slowing the computer down? I keep re-reading your advice and hopefully I now have adequate protection.