What Security do you use?

VincentVega

Software firewalls are not necessary when you have a hardware firewall, including one in a router. What possible advantages are there in using both? What does a software firewall offer that a hardware-based one doesn't? I have always used a hardware (router) firewall - never a software one.

Results (since 2001):

Spyware infections: 0.
Virus infections: 0.

nikongirl

I use a Mac.


(plus 'common sense' v10.4)

pennineman

VincentVega wrote:

Software firewalls are not necessary when you have a hardware firewall, including one in a router. What possible advantages are there in using both? What does a software firewall offer that a hardware-based one doesn't? I have always used a hardware (router) firewall - never a software one.

Results (since 2001):

Spyware infections: 0.
Virus infections: 0.

A software firewall should alert you to changed programs trying to send material over the Net. And asks your permission. Hardware firewall wouldn't pickup changed programs? Although hardware is excellent at preventing progs getting into your PC it is less good at stopping progs sending out from your PC un-noticed.

Not just good for viruses etc either but picks up "legitimate" progs accessing the Net for their own reasons . . . .??

superscaper

VincentVega wrote:

Software firewalls are not necessary when you have a hardware firewall, including one in a router. What possible advantages are there in using both? What does a software firewall offer that a hardware-based one doesn't? I have always used a hardware (router) firewall - never a software one.

Results (since 2001):

Spyware infections: 0.
Virus infections: 0.

Not true at all, they serve different purposes. Pennineman is right. Hardware firewalls are ok for protecting against direct attacks through specific ports but in terms of port allowances on the desktop you have (especially outgoing data) a hardware firewall is pretty useless unless you are manually configuring it to give specific permissions to every program on your pc (of course even that wouldn't work if you have more than one pc). Also nobody in the world can claim zero infections, only that they haven't detected any which isn't the same thing, and most zombie machines's owners don't even realise there's anything wrong with their pc at all.

harmzz

noroton

tamzin2006

In Martins latest newletter he mentions secretmaker as being the best free all in one. anyone any good or bad experiences?

Art_2

tamzin2006 wrote:

In Martins latest newletter he mentions secretmaker as being the best free all in one. anyone any good or bad experiences?

It's got some good write-ups in the trade press. Have a look at some of the reviews at:

http://www.secretmaker.com/

Regards,
Art.

superscaper

Art wrote:

It's got some good write-ups in the trade press. Have a look at some of the reviews at:

http://www.secretmaker.com/

Regards,
Art.

Although, I'd look around a google search, their own website will by definition be a self selected sample and will not be representative. If possible always look for bad reviews to get an idea of people's niggles with the software. You may disagree with the reviewers but at least you'll get worst case perspective and are more likely to get a better idea while searching for bad reviews how many good ones there are in proportion.

security_101

Hi there,

McAfee Anti Virus 2007
This version is a stand-alone software. The 3-in-1 is good enough and does not slow down my lowest Pentium 2ghz. Use the same ID logon when it is already registered and is for one-user only.

I can finally get my computer to quit virus-scanning all my network folders.

Other security resources:

Antivirus software review
PC World - Antivirus 2007

I hope this helps.
Sophia

mikeD

superscaper wrote:

Although, I'd look around a google search, their own website will by definition be a self selected sample and will not be representative. If possible always look for bad reviews to get an idea of people's niggles with the software. You may disagree with the reviewers but at least you'll get worst case perspective and are more likely to get a better idea while searching for bad reviews how many good ones there are in proportion.

Have just downloaded "Secretmaker". Will let you all know how I get on with it in due course. :eek:

Not sure where to look for "Bad reviews" as I don't buy any of the computer magazines.