Firewall/Anti-Virus Programs

[John E]

Well, I got the wife a loptop and it's connected to the cable modem via a Wi-Fi connection. What's your opinion on the current crop of Firewall/Anti-Virus Programs that's out there? Do you know of any that allow for multiple installations?

I believe the big one are McAfee and Norton. Does anyone have experience with the Black Ice products?

Any info/opinions would be appreciated.

[MrHunters]

antivirus
free, works great...
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

if your just going software based firewall... windows firewall is just fine... as long as its setup properly.

i assume you have a wirelss router inbetween the modem and your computer(s).. linksys?

[John E]

Yes, it's a linksys. The router the desktop PC are hooked into the modem via ethernet connections. I have the Windows firewall on and running a trial version of Norton Anti-Virus for the time being. The desktop has the Norton Internet Security Package Installed but it doesn't support multiple installations so I wanted to switch to something that will allow multiple installations.

[MrHunters]

imho the norton security pack is a bunch of crap loaded on your pc that you don't need. last time i used it, it was very resource hoggy.

go to the admin panel of your linksys router

http://192.168.1.1
username : blank
password: admin (change that)

Setup WPA or WEP
Don't broadcast your SSID

there are initial firewall settings on the router to block ICMP ect ect.

there's lots of stuff you can do (for free) to keep the bad people at bay. but these are the basics.... and smart internet browsing is a big plus too.

hope that helps..

look in the linksys help files and faq to get the wep or wpa right.

if buying the norton av gives you a better feeling of security thats fine too. alot of people go that route and it works just fine.
just giving you a free alternative that i've used with success
good luck

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by MrHunters

imho the norton security pack is a bunch of crap loaded on your pc that you don't need. last time i used it, it was very resource hoggy.

go to the admin panel of your linksys router

http://192.168.1.1
username : blank
password: admin (change that)

Setup WPA or WEP
Don't broadcast your SSID

there are initial firewall settings on the router to block ICMP ect ect.

there's lots of stuff you can do (for free) to keep the bad people at bay. but these are the basics.... and smart internet browsing is a big plus too.

hope that helps..

look in the linksys help files and faq to get the wep or wpa right.

if buying the norton av gives you a better feeling of security thats fine too. alot of people go that route and it works just fine.
just giving you a free alternative that i've used with success
good luck

I use the avast and grisoft FREE anti virus systems on my machines and they are WAY less resource piggy than norton - which I use for 800 or so machines at work....

Change the wireless router like he mentioned but first make sure you find the instructions that tells you how to reset your router if you screw up (happens)....

The funny thing is I was just reading this month that Geek Squad gets $150+ to go to your home to setup your wireless. I should do that and only charge $100

[John E]

Thanks for the info. Installed avast. Now to tighten up the security on the router.

[Young Salt]

i use antiVIR for anti-virus http://www.download.com/AntiVir-Pers...ml?tag=lst-0-1


zone alarm for firewall, http://www.download.com/ZoneAlarm/30...ml?tag=lst-0-7

both are free, and better -IMO- then the software that came with the computer.

[basswipe]

AntiVir Classic(free) is pretty buggy right now and has been for some time.Avast is the best of the freebies for an AV at the time.If AntiVir Classic(free) is ever fixed,it is the best.

Ewido is the by far the best antispyware out there.Adaware is a distant second.

[lurch]

I have been using black ice for a very long time and like it alot. Also when you have a router the built in NAT has a protection built in so no one on the internet can connect to you PC so with black ice and NAT you are all set.

[MrHunters]

Originally Posted by lurch

I have been using black ice for a very long time and like it alot. Also when you have a router the built in NAT has a protection built in so no one on the internet can connect to you PC so with black ice and NAT you are all set.

i wouldnt say that is entirely true...there are lots of ways to be compromised.
instant messenging, spam, adware, emails etc etc. you connect to lots of things all the time without your knowledge. once lines of communication are open...free game for the smart ones... just saying i wouldnt be putting all my eggs in a nat basket
this is the only safe place
http://endoftheinternet.com/

[Raven]

i made it to the end
now i'm starting over

[MrHunters]

Originally Posted by Raven

i made it to the end
now i'm starting over

let me know if there is anything new?

if you find the internets on your way i'd like to check them out too