Internet security

slojo

I am about to connect to internet via broadband (talktalk) shortly, having used dial-up for a number of years. Because I didn't use the internet that much and when I did it was basically for browsing rather than downloading I haven't really got any security on my system. I had Norton 2002 but never renewed it when it expired.

When I start with broadband it is likely I will use the internet more and may download applications etc.

I am running Windows XP without any service packs but intend to download the service packs from Microsoft when my broadband starts. I understand that the service packs include some kind of built-in security.

What other (preferably free) security applications would you recommend? I have heard of anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall. Is there anything else? Do I need to uninstall Norton?

Many thanks
slojo

malolo

AVG do a free edition of their anti-virus and Sygate do a free firewall... I use both of these and have never had any problems with incoming attacks.

I also use Bazooka and Spybot - Seach and Destroy for spyware, although a lot of people seem happy enough with Adaware.

Joe_Bloggs

There is a sticky thread near the top of the page FAQ Techie Q's & A's
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=25780
The first item addresses computer security.
J_B.

Browntoa

I'd recommend the same 2 as Mololo

AVG from here http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php

Sygate from here http://smb.sygate.com/products/spf_standard.htm

BOTH FREE !!!!! :j

mickmg

AVG for virus protection and Zone alarm work fine for me and both are free

Joe_Bloggs

I concur with the previous poster and also use Ad-Aware SE to prove that nothing has got through.
J_B.

Whitefiver

Joe_Bloggs wrote:

I concur with the previous poster and also use Ad-Aware SE to prove that nothing has got through.
J_B.

Me too, but back up the malware detection with Spybot, also free. (Or try the free Microsoft AntiSpyware application - currently in beta.)

Whatever you do, get protected. I spent a fair chunk of Easter removing assorted viruses, trojans and other malware from my sister-in-laws PC!

Regards,

White

:beer:

rogue_element

I would throughly recommend getting a PROPER firewall as suggested above.
The windows firewall has great holes in it and only works one way.

Tiny firewall is a good one, I am sure you can get it from https://www.download.com

I have a copy of this software::
http://www.bitdefender.com/index.php

They supply an ISO which is written to a CD and can recover your system:
http://www.bitdefender.com/bd/site/products.php?p_id=40

JayCeeEll

* * * S T O P * * *

Before you connect via broadband make sure you have done these things...

1. Installed XP Service Pack 2 and all subsequent hotfixes via windows update.

2. Installed a decent firewall (software or hardware)

Sorry to be negative about this but if you connect via broadband without this necessary protection your PC WILL be infected in minutes.

At the very least install the free version of zone alarm BEFORE installing broadband then once you are connected repeatedly visit windows update until there are 0 (ZERO) Critical Updates and Service Packs left to install

m00nie

JayCeeEll wrote:

* * * S T O P * * *

Before you connect via broadband make sure you have done these things...

1. Installed XP Service Pack 2 and all subsequent hotfixes via windows update.

2. Installed a decent firewall (software or hardware)

Sorry to be negative about this but if you connect via broadband without this necessary protection your PC WILL be infected in minutes.

At the very least install the free version of zone alarm BEFORE installing broadband then once you are connected repeatedly visit windows update until there are 0 (ZERO) Critical Updates and Service Packs left to install

LOL... what WILL the computer be infected with in minutes ?

Rex_Mundi

I can't find the article, but I read a report that stated that a brand new out of the box computer if connected to the net with no security. Would on average last 20 minutes before it picked up its first virus/trojan/malware.

The net is getting worse as time goes on and it would be a fool that ignored all security advice and chanced their luck on the net with no protection.