Slicksuit
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 239
- Location
- Suburban Detroit, Michigan
I agree with the other posts that Norton Antivirus is a piece of crap. The program is bloated and hogs system resources (memory, CPU cycles). Norton isn't even the best-in-class software for the job - independent tests prove that. I personally run AVG and have never had problems with it. NOD32 is also a recommendation that I can give for paid software (about $35 last time I checked).
While antivirus software is good, it is even better to follow some guidelines to prevent infection in the first place
a good defense is a good offense)
1. Run a hardware router if using DSL/Cable: Hardware firewalls are the best, in that they drop unsolicited data packets that come to your computer, without any dent on system resources. Routers can be found for under $40, and can be one of the best investments you could ever make. A plus is that it allows sharing your internet connection with multiple computers. Running without a firewall leaves you particularly vulnerable to internet worms, which can affect a vulnerable computer within minutes of being connected online.
2. Install Microsoft's Service Pack 2: improves Windows' firewall and adds security features. Make sure to update Windows regularly, or turn on automatic updates.
3. Use Firefox, instead of Internet Explorer: Firefox is an alternative browser to IE (and better, in my opinion). Firefox doesn't natively run Active X controls, thus websites you visit cannot install progams without your permission. So use Firefox for your everyday browsing and leave IE for Windows updates and sites you trust. Firefox is free at Mozilla.org.
4. Don't open email attachments that you're not expecting, from people that you don't know. That's how most viruses spread. If you don't expect hot, sexy pictures of Anna Konorkova, don't open the attachment.
5. Don't run as administrator in Windows for everyday funtionality: Doing so will prevent unsolicited programs from installing without express permission. Run a limited user account for everyday browsing and email. Use the administrative account for installing programs and maintenance only.
Software firewalls can easily be turned off by viruses and spyware. In fact, many viruses check for the presence of popular programs (Norton, McAfee,ZoneAlarm) and turn them off prior to executing. Going with a lesser-known, but good program improves the scenario.
Spyware is actually a greater threat nowadays, if you ask me. The above recommendations are also preventative against spyware, but I'd add three antispyware programs:
Microsoft's antispyware program
Ad-Aware Personal SE
Spybot Search-and-Destroy
All 3 are free, and highly recommended. Please note that anitvirus is different than antispyware. Having more than one AV can cause problems, but having several AntiSpyware programs is actually recommended, as no single one detects over 60% of all possible infections.
While antivirus software is good, it is even better to follow some guidelines to prevent infection in the first place
a good defense is a good offense)1. Run a hardware router if using DSL/Cable: Hardware firewalls are the best, in that they drop unsolicited data packets that come to your computer, without any dent on system resources. Routers can be found for under $40, and can be one of the best investments you could ever make. A plus is that it allows sharing your internet connection with multiple computers. Running without a firewall leaves you particularly vulnerable to internet worms, which can affect a vulnerable computer within minutes of being connected online.
2. Install Microsoft's Service Pack 2: improves Windows' firewall and adds security features. Make sure to update Windows regularly, or turn on automatic updates.
3. Use Firefox, instead of Internet Explorer: Firefox is an alternative browser to IE (and better, in my opinion). Firefox doesn't natively run Active X controls, thus websites you visit cannot install progams without your permission. So use Firefox for your everyday browsing and leave IE for Windows updates and sites you trust. Firefox is free at Mozilla.org.
4. Don't open email attachments that you're not expecting, from people that you don't know. That's how most viruses spread. If you don't expect hot, sexy pictures of Anna Konorkova, don't open the attachment.
5. Don't run as administrator in Windows for everyday funtionality: Doing so will prevent unsolicited programs from installing without express permission. Run a limited user account for everyday browsing and email. Use the administrative account for installing programs and maintenance only.
Software firewalls can easily be turned off by viruses and spyware. In fact, many viruses check for the presence of popular programs (Norton, McAfee,ZoneAlarm) and turn them off prior to executing. Going with a lesser-known, but good program improves the scenario.
Spyware is actually a greater threat nowadays, if you ask me. The above recommendations are also preventative against spyware, but I'd add three antispyware programs:
Microsoft's antispyware program
Ad-Aware Personal SE
Spybot Search-and-Destroy
All 3 are free, and highly recommended. Please note that anitvirus is different than antispyware. Having more than one AV can cause problems, but having several AntiSpyware programs is actually recommended, as no single one detects over 60% of all possible infections.
