OT: Question

mamav

mamav

Joined
Apr 23, 2003
Messages
1,413
Could someone explain in computer illiterate language what firewall software and anti-virus software are, do, etc. What is the best to get and where do you get them? I've had Norton and am confused on if that is the same as a firewall or not.

Thanks :confused:
 
if you have windows xp you cna go to the windows update page and they can turn on your firewall for you and recommend other protective steps.
 
Ginger you can go here... http://www.zonelabs.com ... and pick up their Free firewall. It's as good as any. You can also purchase a firewall from Norton if you want, but with the Windows XP firewall along with the Zonealarms I don't think it's needed.

As to the virus stuff I don't know of any free places but I have Norton. You can subscribe online for a year, or more I think, at a time. You get free updates when you subscribe. McAfee is alright as well, mostly a personal preference I believe.

I'll try to send you a list of other goodies that help to keep your computer running smoothly with no spyware or adware.:)
 
A firewall and antivirus software are two different things, and in this day and age you really do need both. Antivirus software detects and eliminates viruses that somehow get onto your computer, either through the internet or a disk. A firewall helps to prevent viruses and other nasty stuff from getting on there in the first place. It also helps to keep people from hacking onto your system. Yvsa is right on with the ZoneAlarm recommendation, and you're already covered for antivirus software if you have Norton. Norton does make a firewall, and I use it since I got it cheap, but I wouldn't recommend paying too much for it. Here's a good free antivirus program you may want to consider when your Norton subscription runs out http://www.grisoft.com . I plan to go with them when my subscription runs out.
 
In a perfect world Anti-Virus software will protect your computer from getting a known virus,worm etc. A firewall should prevent a hacker or script kiddie from exploiting your computer. You need both. XP does come with a pre-installed firewall & trial version anti-virus (McAvee). I've read that the MS firewall is adequate & no one I know likes McAvee. I recommend, prefer & use Norton firewall & anti-virus.
 
OK...Thanks so much. I know what I need to do, but will wait until I get DSL hooked back up next week. Otherwise I may never use the phone again as slow as dial-up is :rolleyes:

I take it that the firewall is probably there since I have windows xp and the computer is only 1 year old? I can't seem to find where it actually says anything about it being or not being.

Thanks again :D
 
There are basically three Norton packages, the bottom one and cheapest does not have a firewall, I beleive, while the other two do.


You should visit Nortons site.



munk
 
I would recommend using same-maker anti-virus and firewall programs to avoid compatatbility issues. I used to run BlackIce firewall and Norton AV, and there were a few minor but annoying problems. Uninstalling one of those buggers can be a chore, too. I now run Norton everything, just to keep it simple. If you have any doubts about your need for a firewall, just turn on the "reporting" feature of one when you install it. After seeing how many attacks and probes hit your PC in just a short time, you'll be sold. :eek:

You asked for an explanation of what they two programs do, and the simplest way I can put it is: Anti Virus programsprotect your computer from things that will break it. A Firewall protects your computer from things that will break into it. ;)
 
Highly recommend going here:

http://www.komando.com/

and subscribing to Kim Komando's weekly newsletter and daily tips. ;)

I really like the Zone Alarm -You will not believe the number of places trying to install tracking bugs on your open ports. Zone Alarm blocks these boogers.

I also recommend the free install:ad-aware 6.0.
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
It scans your computer isolates any bugs and data miners that manage to slip through and zaps them.

My all-time favorite --just can't do without--- free download is Naviscope:
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,6674,00.asp
 
MAMAV try this: goto control panel click on internet options
internet properties dialogue box should open click
connections
click on set up
click next
then click connect to internet
then click set up connection manually
click next
select a connection & you should then enable firewall
 
I confess... I was a dedicated Windows user since way back in the Win 3.1 days. Clunky though it was, Windows seemed to be the OS of the future. I thought Mac users were a weird cult. When my wife received an iMac as a gift, and I spent a few hours exploring it. I am now a Mac convert.
There are virtually NO Mac viruses in the wild, and the latest operating system ( OS-X ) is based on UNIX code and is rock-solid. Mac OS is intuitive, easy to learn, and safe.
Why spend $400 for Microsoft Office when a perfectly compatible suite with all the same apps comes FREE with Mac OS X?
It's too bad that Apple is focussing its advertising on iPod and iMusic recently. The latest OS X release "Panther" is awesome.
 
I use a hardware firewall to keep stuff from coming in and zonealarm to keep stuff from going out. Zonealarm is easy to use and if you press a couple of buttons you can see the spyware programs trying to get out. Then you can "zap" em' with ad aware or the like.
 
In control panel, find your internet connection, it will usually be the name of your ISP, mine for example is Bright.net. Right click on it, and select the Advanced tab at the top. You should be able to select something like "protect my computer by limiting access... . Check that and you will be somewhat more protected than you were.

As for antivirus, it is highly recomended. I get mine with my college tuition, but there are some free ones.

Also, run Windows update weekly to check for security patches.

From here down is a quote from my ISPs monthly newsletter.
"
If you don't have an anti-virus or a Spyware scanning program, below are links that you can use to download a free version of an anti-virus and/or Spyware software and provide helpful information.


AVG Anti-VirusAVG Anti –Virus: www.grisoft.com
AdAwareAdAware: http://download.com.com/3000-8022-10214379.html?tag=lst-0-5
SpyBotSpyBot: http://download.com.com/3000-8022-10194058.html?tag=lst-0-4


"
 
Bill the Cat?

May the coughing of hair balls only give you satisfaction.

Thank you.

Kis
 
I've found all this interesting and have even made sure the firewall is on. I tried to update my Norton but will have to wait until Monday and call on the land line. Hassles of letting things expire I suppose.

Thanks again for all the help. You guys really are great.
 
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