Security Software Question?

[HAN]

Norton Internet Security is an entire suite... antivirus, antispyware and 2-way firewall (along with email scanner, etc.) Microsoft Security Essentials is antivirus and antispyware only. No firewall. And if you run MSE, it removes Windows Defender by default, so running them together cannot happen.

IMO, MSE is ok. Not the best but not the worst either. But it's not a suite.

[Nacster]

Norton Internet Security is an entire suite... antivirus, antispyware and 2-way firewall (along with email scanner, etc.) Microsoft Security Essentials is antivirus and antispyware only. No firewall. And if you run MSE, it removes Windows Defender by default, so running them together cannot happen.

IMO, MSE is ok. Not the best but not the worst either. But it's not a suite.

Hey there HAN thanks once again for the help, and information..It's greatly appreciated..Also, sorry for the bother once again ..However, I was hoping u would give me some advice on the last question I asked U about IE 8 ..U will find more details below..Thanks again for your time and patience..Have a great day.

Thanks HAN for the heads up on the IE 6, I was actually in the process of upgrading to IE 8 for the exact same reasons that u mentioned..My only fear is that being a newbie with computers, and being accustomed to using IE 6 all these years..Will I have a difficult time using, and grasping the new interface of the IE 8.

[Nacster]

I want to thank jdc2000, jerryctx, HAN, Broni, Train, Welshjim, for all the time, effort, but most of all the patience..That all of U r contributing, with regards to helping me out with my computer question..Also please accept my deepest apologies on what I'm about to say..In no way do I wish to sound ungrateful, or offend anyone in any way..That's not my intentions here..If so, then please accept my deepest, and sincerest apologies..Unfortunately, I'm just as confused as I was before..I understand everyone has their own opinions on things, and I'm cool with that ..I guess it's like everything in life..We all have different likes, and dislikes when it comes to things like food, music, cars, etc. etc.

So, on that note..Lets start this thing over once again shall we ..How about I ask the question in a different way, or manner..Maybe that might make things easier for all u computer wizards out here on the Forum..Consider me one of those handy books, that u buy at a book store, "COMPUTERS FOR DUMMIES" ..What would be the best, and I don't mean 100%..We've been there, no need to discuss it again..What would be the best set up, or all around security protection program/suite for my computer..Also , please keep in mind I'm looking for something that would be the most basic, and easiest to use, and understandable for a "COMPUTERS FOR DUMMIES" like me. ..Again, I apologize for all the grief, and trouble that I'm putting everyone through..However, the help would be greatly appreciated..Thanking everyone in advance for their time and patience..Have a great day everyone.

[SpywareDr]

The basics:

1. Purchase and install a hardware firewall and make sure the Windows Firewall is On.
   
   Or, if you don't have the money for a hardware firewall, download, install, update and run Comodo (the Firewall only) and check to make sure the Windows Firewall is Off.
   
   http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/
   
   
   
2. Download, install, (reboot), and run !Avast:
   
   http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
   
   
   
3. Download, install, update and run Windows Defender:
   
   http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pro...r/default.mspx
   
   
   
4. Download, install, update and run SpywareBlaster:
   
   http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
   
   
   
5. Download and install WinPatrol:
   
   http://www.winpatrol.com/download.html
   
   
   
6. Download, install, update and run MalwareBytes:
   
   http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
   
   
   
7. Download, install, update and run SuperAntiSpyware:
   
   http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html
   
   
   
8. Download and install Internet Explorer (IE) version 8:
   
   http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...3-08cdecd8852b
   
   
   
9. Visit Windows Update to make sure you have at least ALL of the updates marked 'Critical'.
   
   http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/
   
   
   
10. Run Secunia's Online Software Inspector to make sure all of your common utility programs are up to date:
    
    http://secunia.com/software_inspector/

Note: With the exception of the Hardware Firewall, all of the above are Free.

[Le Boule]

Nacster,

Based upon your last post and the parameters you established in this post you might consider Avast (install and forget unless it finds a nasty and then it tells you what to do), Windows Defender (autoupdates through Microsoft updates), Spywareblaster (you must manually update it every week or two) and turn on the Windows Firewall which will give you inbound protection. ZA Free FW, Comodo FW or any other 3rd party firewalls will require additional interaction on your part. But I'm not near as knowledgable as some of the other folks who have given you advice so please wait until they offer their opinions before reaching a decision.

[Nacster]

The basics:

1. Purchase and install a hardware firewall and make sure the Windows Firewall is On.
   
   Or, if you don't have the money for a hardware firewall, download, install, update and run Comodo (the Firewall only) and check to make sure the Windows Firewall is Off.
   
   http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/
   
   
   
2. Download, install, (reboot), and run !Avast:
   
   http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
   
   
   
3. Download, install, update and run Windows Defender:
   
   http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pro...r/default.mspx
   
   
   
4. Download, install, update and run SpywareBlaster:
   
   http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
   
   
   
5. Download and install WinPatrol:
   
   http://www.winpatrol.com/download.html
   
   
   
6. Download, install, update and run MalwareBytes:
   
   http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
   
   
   
7. Download, install, update and run SuperAntiSpyware:
   
   http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html
   
   
   
8. Download and install Internet Explorer (IE) version 8:
   
   http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...3-08cdecd8852b
   
   
   
9. Visit Windows Update to make sure you have at least ALL of the updates marked 'Critical'.
   
   http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/
   
   
   
10. Run Secunia's Online Software Inspector to make sure all of your common utility programs are up to date:
    
    http://secunia.com/software_inspector/

Note: With the exception of the Hardware Firewall, all of the above are Free.

Hi SpywareDr..With regards to your time, effort, and the amount of information that u so kindly provided for me..I just want u to know..That It's greatly appreciated..I think I'm way in over my head on this topic ..However, once again I do appreciate all the time, effort, and help..That everyone has been giving me in regards to my situation on Virtual Dr Forums.

[Nacster]

Nacster,

Based upon your last post and the parameters you established in this post you might consider Avast (install and forget unless it finds a nasty and then it tells you what to do), Windows Defender (autoupdates through Microsoft updates), Spywareblaster (you must manually update it every week or two) and turn on the Windows Firewall which will give you inbound protection. ZA Free FW, Comodo FW or any other 3rd party firewalls will require additional interaction on your part. But I'm not near as knowledgable as some of the other folks who have given you advice so please wait until they offer their opinions before reaching a decision.

Hi Le Boule..Thank u so much for the information..To be honest with U..I'm still very confused, and somewhat lost on the subject..However, again I appreciate your time and patience..As with everyone else who has been trying to help me out with my post.

[HAN]

Thanks HAN for the heads up on the IE 6, I was actually in the process of upgrading to IE 8 for the exact same reasons that u mentioned..My only fear is that being a newbie with computers, and being accustomed to using IE 6 all these years..Will I have a difficult time using, and grasping the new interface of the IE 8.

While IE 8 is different looking, IMO, it's not difficult to use at all. Here are a couple links from MS that go over some of the changes...
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/int...es/faster.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/int...r/default.aspx

If you decide to switch to IE 8, I guess my thinking is that there are many of us here that already use it and can help you through any questions you might have. I think we can allay most of your concerns before you jump in...

[jerryctx]

Spyware Dr's prescription is better than any of the suites and will cost far less. But if it is more than you wish to handle install Norton's suite.

Whatever you choose:

• Keep it updated
• Keeo current backups
• Practice safe surf

[Nacster]

While IE 8 is different looking, IMO, it's not difficult to use at all. Here are a couple links from MS that go over some of the changes...
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/int...es/faster.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/int...r/default.aspx

If you decide to switch to IE 8, I guess my thinking is that there are many of us here that already use it and can help you through any questions you might have. I think we can allay most of your concerns before you jump in...

Hi HAN..Thanks once again for your time, and patience..With regards to answering my question about IE..It's greatly appreciated..I had just one last question about updating my IE 6 to IE 8..Sorry for the bother once again ..In regards to the update..I have available Microsoft IE 7, and IE 8..Do I have to install IE 7 first, before I can install IE 8..Or can I just click on, and update with IE 8, right off the bat

[fink]

You can go directly to version 8.

[Nacster]

Spyware Dr's prescription is better than any of the suites and will cost far less. But if it is more than you wish to handle install Norton's suite.

Whatever you choose:

• Keep it updated
• Keeo current backups
• Practice safe surf

Hey there jerryctx..I appreciate your feedback..Yah, I really appreciate all the help from everyone..Especially, all that information that SpywareDR provided for me..It's just, I'm nowhere near as knowledgeable as U geniuses r with computers..I'm afraid that territory is a little to advance for me.

The funny thing is..I have Norton Internet Security version 2006, and to be honest with u..It worked fine for me..However, it's expired..The thing that bugs me..Is I have no problem paying to update the program, but here's my logic..It's about $52.99 for one year renewal, yet on the other hand I could get Norton Internet Security 2010 right now for $39.99, becuase it's on sale..I guess it's a no brainer..However, why Norton does business in this fashion..Just doesn't seem fair, or make any sense to me, for that matter..Sorry don't mean to be rambling on here..My apologies jerryctx.

[Nacster]

You can go directly to version 8.

WoW..That was quick ..Thank u very much for the information fink..It's greatly appreciated..Will do..Have yourself a great day.

[jdc2000]

The funny thing is..I have Norton Internet Security version 2006, and to be honest with u..It worked fine for me..However, it's expired..The thing that bugs me..Is I have no problem paying to update the program, but here's my logic..It's about $52.99 for one year renewal, yet on the other hand I could get Norton Internet Security 2010 right now for $39.99, becuase it's on sale..I guess it's a no brainer..However, why Norton does business in this fashion..Just doesn't seem fair, or make any sense to me, for that matter..

This is typical for a number of vendors. You aren't the first one to complain about it. Most of us just accept it as a strategy designed by "Marketing Experts" to keep their high-paying and useless jobs. We just search for the best price and go with that option, whether it is an upgrade from the manufacturer or a new retail copy on sale at a discount. Note that with Norton 2010, there are 3 computer and 5 computer licensed versions available also.

[jerryctx]

why Norton does business in this fashion..Just doesn't seem fair, or make any sense to me,

When my Nod32 av subscription last expired, it was about one third cheaper to buy another CD, which included one year of updates, than a one year renewal.

Instead of just downloads, which cost the vendor virtually nothing, they were manufacturing, packaging, and distributing a CD, and sharing the price with the retail store. Go figure.