security expiring soon

[333rocky333]

Sorry bit slow with computers knowledge.

Had free norton security when laptop was new, but now get message, it expires in 2 days.

Can I simply replace this with a new free version, and if so can anyone advise what to go for,and if it is easy to do.

See free AVG and wondered if ok, am I right to think I have to remove the old norton first.

Also the windows firewall keeps turning off, should I be concerned about that.

Many thanks

 

[TheOriginalTonkaToy]

Yes, uninstall norton.

Free anti-virus software; AVG is good, so is Avast.

Free personal firewalls; Sunbelt (Kerio), or Comodo are both good.

Free anti-spyware; Spybot and/or Adaware.

You should only ever install one anti-virus product and one firewall, but you can install both anti-spyware packages if you want to.

 

[333rocky333]

Yes, uninstall norton.

Free anti-virus software; AVG is good,.

Thanks
Sorry to be naive
I think I will go with this, can I keep the windows firewall as it is.
Is the spyware thing something I need to add seperate , ie after the AVG
Thanks

 

[TheOriginalTonkaToy]

I'd recommend that you disable the Windows firewall and install either Comodo or Sunbelt. The standard Windows firewall is seriously flawed.

You will need separate anti-spyware software, and you should run this regularly (weekly is probably enough).

Both the anti-virus and the anti-spyware software should be updated regularly. AVG will do this for you, Spybot or Adaware will need you to update it each time you run it.

 

[disinfo]

I'd recommend that you disable the Windows firewall and install either Comodo or Sunbelt. The standard Windows firewall is seriously flawed.

Hi there,

What are the serious flaws in the windows firewall, assuming that i've run all the windows updates?

 

[TheOriginalTonkaToy]

I'd recommend that you disable the Windows firewall and install either Comodo or Sunbelt. The standard Windows firewall is seriously flawed.

Hi there,

What are the serious flaws in the windows firewall, assuming that i've run all the windows updates?

The Windows firewall does only half the job of a normal firewall in that it only controls inbound traffic, it does not control outbound. As well as this, it is not application aware - it simply controls network ports. If you've been unfortunate to have picked up something nasty like a keylogger, then you're going to want something that blocks outbound ports and better still, is aware that an application is not authorised to access the network.

 

[georgesmith]

Most software firewalls are not great. If you are worried about internet safety you should look at a hardware firewall.

At the end of the day as long as you scan your hard drive for virus's, keyloggers and trojans you should be ok with the standard firewall.

If you keep yourself to legitimate sites do not download programs that you are unsure of, do not open attachments like exe, vbs even if they have come from a close member of the family, you should be ok.

 

[TheOriginalTonkaToy]

Most software firewalls are not great. If you are worried about internet safety you should look at a hardware firewall.

A hardware firewall is a good idea and most good ADSL routers will have one as standard that will provide stateful inspection. However, unless you spend fortunes on a professional model it won't be application aware, whereas a decent software firewall will be. Software firewalls have moved on a lot from the early days of zone alarm and the like, they provide real protection if they are allowed to do their job. Saying they're not great is misleading - they provide another layer of protection to your systems.

At the end of the day as long as you scan your hard drive for virus's, keyloggers and trojans you should be ok with the standard firewall.

Sorry, but this just isn't true. The Windows firewall provides inbound packet control only, and this is a serious shortcoming. You can never be 100% certain that any anti-virus or anti-spyware product is going to pick up all problems. Why? Well because malware (the generic name for viruses, trojans, spyware, etc) evolves quickly and the protection doesn't always keep up. A good software firewall should provide inbound and outbound protection with both stateful capability (more or less meaning it will only allow your computer to respond to connections originated by you) and application awareness (It knows what applications are permitted and whether they've been altered by rogue code).

If you keep yourself to legitimate sites do not download programs that you are unsure of, do not open attachments like exe, vbs even if they have come from a close member of the family, you should be ok.

Sound advice but not sufficient in itself. It makes too many assumptions. For example, that legitimate site that you visit regularly that has just been hacked and is pushing malware at you. Good security is layered. Start by ensuring that you auto-update your operating system, protect your perimeter with a good hardware firewall, add a good software firewall on all the machines behind the firewall (this will also protect your machines from each other - essential if you have kids), use decent anti-virus and anti-spyware applications and keep them updated regularly. Don't open unsolicited email attachments, don't follow links that are sent to you unless you specifically asked for them, and keep away from porn/warez type sites.
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[Space cat]

For example, that legitimate site that you visit regularly that has just been hacked and is pushing malware at you.

I can confirm that. I've had malware from BTopenworld and Microsoft. Also, three people I know were spammed on a grand scale within days of giving their email addresses to HBOS.