Virus and security

sarah_id1

I have been using windows from last 15 years. Virus and security has always been a concern especially while using online banking etc. My kids are growing and have started using the system I am more concerned as they end up on sites which looks or redirects them to a dodgy sites.

In terms of virus or external threat what the best solution?
>Buy Mac? expensive but safety from virus?
>Install Linux? cheap? Safety from virus?

How about security for my kids to shield them from getting redirected to dodgy sites.

gonzo127

or option number 3, use user accounts not admin accounts and teach children about online security and the dangers of just blindly clicking on something just because it looks interesting.

as two your other two options I would say if security is your primary concern then Linux is a better option, for one its totally free, can be duel booted easily with windows and as mac is becoming more popular it is being targeted more by virus writers

WTFH

Option 3/4 - install antivirus software with parental shields. Along with setting up user accounts.

Buying a mac just for security is a waste of money., and they are not exempt from virus attacks. Linux would be an option, but if you are dual booting to windows, then there's no advantage.

closed

virus scanner, disk image backup, don't worry.

bluesnake

Non of the above would be my choice.

there is security, and there is usability. Providing you have a decent spec PC, install linux for yourself, 2 login accounts (me & kids). Install virtual box. install a virtual pc for each child and possibly one for yourself, if you are not a linux fan. Use the disk snapshot feature for each VM so you can quickly roll back and do not make their VM hard drives too big.

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install returnil on your pc and everytime they reboot, all their crud and reconfiguration is lost

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Partition the drives and use a boot loader. Each person gets his own bootable area, but Im sure you will encrypt yours.

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CD/USB stick containing puppy linux as a vm or boot from usb

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First solution is resource hungry.

Second solution is not bad, but a pita to take it out of secure mode and rebooting all the time, then reboot again to get back. Also the kids learn nothing about security and viruses.

Third method - can be subject to root kits and boot viruses

Fourth - not exactly windows compatible for school work? The kids learn nothing about security and viruses.

digp

or even better:

get WSA, six months free version available: http://anywhere.webrootcloudav.com/zerol/wsafbmpav.exe

on the router / pc or both change the DNS to opendns (family friendly option)

add safe search lock : http://www.safesearchlock.com/

and also provide kids with non admin accounts

Gillor

Try this:

http://www1.k9webprotection.com/aboutk9/protect-my-computer

A review here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWkkedc97a0