Anti-virus/Firewall suggestions

Hallo Hallo al

Well...after a couple weeks of debating and weighing and researching
think I am finally going to go ahead and plop down the cash for Vist
64. Which is messed up since I just went to Vista 32 on a new PC
built 2 months ago...

RAM access is the deciding factor. I have 4GB of RAM installed, yet
because of the way 32bit works, I only have 1.5GB of it usable (an
Vista uses 40% of that just idling). That just doesn't cut it since
am a gamer

I have my ducks all in a row...seems the only extra cash I need t
spend is on a new wireless adapter, the one I have doesn't have 64bi
support....and a new av/firewall program

I am pretty sure I know which wireless I will be purchasing...though
am going to try the one I have before I spend the cash, just in case th
OS has a driver for it..

It's the av/firewall I need help with

I currently have PC Security Shield. IMO the best AV/Firewall ou
there. Daily updates, extremely MINIMAL system resource use--virtuall
invisible in the background, customer service support/tech support tha
has NO rival (actual native english speaking techs that not only answe
the phones virtually immediately but call back within an hour if yo
have to leave a message or email them--which they reply to btw--and it'
free support). The only issue is they do not have 64bit support
straight from a tech supports mouth, they currently do not offer a 64bi
av/firewall

Soooo

What do I use

What AV/Firewall combo has 64bit support

I want one as identical to PC Security Shield as possible. I'd say th
main selling point to an AV/Firewall that I would be looking for woul
be minimal system resource usage

Here is what I will NEVER use....Norton/Symantec, McAffee nor Tren
Micro.---resource hogs and not frequent enough updates, not to mentio
charged for any and every tech support incident and barely englis
speaking foreigners (well, with Norton on the foreigner part...persona
experience...not sure aobut McAffee or Trend

I haven't had a good experience with AVG either. My work PC has AVG o
it and it is a resource HOG....upon boot up I can't even use the work P
for a good 30-60 minutes until AVG finishes whatever the hell it i
doing...but it is a work PC and obviously I am not allowed to mess wit
it...

Soooo recommendations

I don't care about price, so whether it's free or costs $$ I don'
care. Just want a good one

--
legend0fthefall

Good Morning from Sydney, Australia LegendOfTheFall

Without question, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending for
your serious consideration ESET Software's Smart Security product.

Low on resources, excellent detection, excellent reputation, highly
regarded.

'http://www.eset.com/smartsecurity/index.php'
(http://www.eset.com/smartsecurity/index.php)

With Kindest Regards

Neil


--
Mr Smiley

- Asus P5W DH Deluxe MB (BIOS 2704)
- Intel Core2Duo E8500 3.16GHz CPU
- G-Skill DDR2 800 4GB RAM
- Seagate 2 x 320GB Sata HD
- Leadtek/Nvidia 7900 GT-TDH GPU
- Creative X-Fi Xtreme Music SC
- Logitech Z-5400 THX Digital 5.1
- Dell 2407WFP UltraSharp 24" LCD
- Antec 550W v2.0 PSU
- Antec P180 Case
- Logitech diNovo Edge KB
- Logitech G5 Laser Mouse
- Vista Ultimate x64 SP1

ANY all-in-one Security centre is bloated. They try to be everything to
everyone; and fail!

Below is what I use, and the AV is 32bit and 64bit Vista compatible

Vista’s Firewall is very good!

http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

Above is a link to Avast Free 4 Home Anti-Virus
It is low resource using, free and Vista 32bit and 64bit compatible.

--
Mick Murphy - Qld - Australia


"legend0fthefall" wrote:

>
> Hallo Hallo all
>
> Well...after a couple weeks of debating and weighing and researching I
> think I am finally going to go ahead and plop down the cash for Vista
> 64. Which is messed up since I just went to Vista 32 on a new PC I
> built 2 months ago....
>
> RAM access is the deciding factor. I have 4GB of RAM installed, yet,
> because of the way 32bit works, I only have 1.5GB of it usable (and
> Vista uses 40% of that just idling). That just doesn't cut it since I
> am a gamer.
>
> I have my ducks all in a row...seems the only extra cash I need to
> spend is on a new wireless adapter, the one I have doesn't have 64bit
> support....and a new av/firewall program.
>
> I am pretty sure I know which wireless I will be purchasing...though I
> am going to try the one I have before I spend the cash, just in case the
> OS has a driver for it...
>
> It's the av/firewall I need help with.
>
> I currently have PC Security Shield. IMO the best AV/Firewall out
> there. Daily updates, extremely MINIMAL system resource use--virtually
> invisible in the background, customer service support/tech support that
> has NO rival (actual native english speaking techs that not only answer
> the phones virtually immediately but call back within an hour if you
> have to leave a message or email them--which they reply to btw--and it's
> free support). The only issue is they do not have 64bit support,
> straight from a tech supports mouth, they currently do not offer a 64bit
> av/firewall.
>
> Sooooo
>
> What do I use?
>
> What AV/Firewall combo has 64bit support?
>
> I want one as identical to PC Security Shield as possible. I'd say the
> main selling point to an AV/Firewall that I would be looking for would
> be minimal system resource usage.
>
> Here is what I will NEVER use....Norton/Symantec, McAffee nor Trend
> Micro.---resource hogs and not frequent enough updates, not to mention
> charged for any and every tech support incident and barely english
> speaking foreigners (well, with Norton on the foreigner part...personal
> experience...not sure aobut McAffee or Trend)
>
> I haven't had a good experience with AVG either. My work PC has AVG on
> it and it is a resource HOG....upon boot up I can't even use the work PC
> for a good 30-60 minutes until AVG finishes whatever the hell it is
> doing...but it is a work PC and obviously I am not allowed to mess with
> it....
>
> Soooo recommendations?
>
> I don't care about price, so whether it's free or costs $$ I don't
> care. Just want a good one.
>
>
> --
> legend0fthefall
>

Avast


"legend0fthefall" <> wrote in message
news:...
>
> Hallo Hallo all
>
> Well...after a couple weeks of debating and weighing and researching I
> think I am finally going to go ahead and plop down the cash for Vista
> 64. Which is messed up since I just went to Vista 32 on a new PC I
> built 2 months ago....
>
> RAM access is the deciding factor. I have 4GB of RAM installed, yet,
> because of the way 32bit works, I only have 1.5GB of it usable (and
> Vista uses 40% of that just idling). That just doesn't cut it since I
> am a gamer.
>
> I have my ducks all in a row...seems the only extra cash I need to
> spend is on a new wireless adapter, the one I have doesn't have 64bit
> support....and a new av/firewall program.
>
> I am pretty sure I know which wireless I will be purchasing...though I
> am going to try the one I have before I spend the cash, just in case the
> OS has a driver for it...
>
> It's the av/firewall I need help with.
>
> I currently have PC Security Shield. IMO the best AV/Firewall out
> there. Daily updates, extremely MINIMAL system resource use--virtually
> invisible in the background, customer service support/tech support that
> has NO rival (actual native english speaking techs that not only answer
> the phones virtually immediately but call back within an hour if you
> have to leave a message or email them--which they reply to btw--and it's
> free support). The only issue is they do not have 64bit support,
> straight from a tech supports mouth, they currently do not offer a 64bit
> av/firewall.
>
> Sooooo
>
> What do I use?
>
> What AV/Firewall combo has 64bit support?
>
> I want one as identical to PC Security Shield as possible. I'd say the
> main selling point to an AV/Firewall that I would be looking for would
> be minimal system resource usage.
>
> Here is what I will NEVER use....Norton/Symantec, McAffee nor Trend
> Micro.---resource hogs and not frequent enough updates, not to mention
> charged for any and every tech support incident and barely english
> speaking foreigners (well, with Norton on the foreigner part...personal
> experience...not sure aobut McAffee or Trend)
>
> I haven't had a good experience with AVG either. My work PC has AVG on
> it and it is a resource HOG....upon boot up I can't even use the work PC
> for a good 30-60 minutes until AVG finishes whatever the hell it is
> doing...but it is a work PC and obviously I am not allowed to mess with
> it....
>
> Soooo recommendations?
>
> I don't care about price, so whether it's free or costs $$ I don't
> care. Just want a good one.
>
>
> --
> legend0fthefall

"legend0fthefall" <> wrote:

> Soooo recommendations?
>
> I don't care about price, so whether it's free or costs $$ I don't
> care. Just want a good one.

Here is a good one:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pro.../firewall.mspx

The Shield FW is apparently based on Comodo's firewall engine. The original
is free and supports 64-bit:
http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.c..._firewall.html

Eset NOD32, reputable anti-malware with a small footprint:
http://www.eset.com/products/index.php


Oh, and you should really reconsider PC Security Shield:

Rougue security software (search document for "pcsecurityshield.com"):
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
SiteAdvisor:
http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/pcsecurityshield.com
Scandoo (search for "pcsecurityshield.com"):
http://www.scandoo.com/

Charlie42

"Mr Smiley" <> wrote in message
news:...
>
> Good Morning from Sydney, Australia LegendOfTheFall
>
> Without question, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending for
> your serious consideration ESET Software's Smart Security product.
>
> Low on resources, excellent detection, excellent reputation, highly
> regarded.
>
> 'http://www.eset.com/smartsecurity/index.php'
> (http://www.eset.com/smartsecurity/index.php)

I'll second that suggestion...

ESET

"Charlie42" <> wrote in message
news:...
> "legend0fthefall" <> wrote:
>
>> Soooo recommendations?
>>
>> I don't care about price, so whether it's free or costs $$ I don't
>> care. Just want a good one.
>
> Here is a good one:
> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pro.../firewall.mspx
>
> The Shield FW is apparently based on Comodo's firewall engine. The
> original is free and supports 64-bit:
> http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.c..._firewall.html
>
> Eset NOD32, reputable anti-malware with a small footprint:
> http://www.eset.com/products/index.php
>
>
> Oh, and you should really reconsider PC Security Shield:
>
> Rougue security software (search document for "pcsecurityshield.com"):
> http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
> SiteAdvisor:
> http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/pcsecurityshield.com
> Scandoo (search for "pcsecurityshield.com"):
> http://www.scandoo.com/
>
> Charlie42

I love ESET but only use the AV, NOD32. I use the X64 Comodo, A-Squared
free, Spybot and SuperAntiSpyware. All on Ultimate X64. ESET make their
products in native X64 as well as X86. With a HW FW to boot you should
be fine.


--
joel406

On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:03:18 -0500, legend0fthefall wrote:

> Hallo Hallo all
>
> Well...after a couple weeks of debating and weighing and researching I
> think I am finally going to go ahead and plop down the cash for Vista
> 64. Which is messed up since I just went to Vista 32 on a new PC I
> built 2 months ago....
>
> RAM access is the deciding factor. I have 4GB of RAM installed, yet,
> because of the way 32bit works, I only have 1.5GB of it usable (and
> Vista uses 40% of that just idling). That just doesn't cut it since I
> am a gamer.
>
> I have my ducks all in a row...seems the only extra cash I need to
> spend is on a new wireless adapter, the one I have doesn't have 64bit
> support....and a new av/firewall program.
>
> I am pretty sure I know which wireless I will be purchasing...though I
> am going to try the one I have before I spend the cash, just in case the
> OS has a driver for it...
>
> It's the av/firewall I need help with.
>
> I currently have PC Security Shield. IMO the best AV/Firewall out
> there. Daily updates, extremely MINIMAL system resource use--virtually
> invisible in the background, customer service support/tech support that
> has NO rival (actual native english speaking techs that not only answer
> the phones virtually immediately but call back within an hour if you
> have to leave a message or email them--which they reply to btw--and it's
> free support). The only issue is they do not have 64bit support,
> straight from a tech supports mouth, they currently do not offer a 64bit
> av/firewall.
>
> Sooooo
>
> What do I use?
>
> What AV/Firewall combo has 64bit support?
>
> I want one as identical to PC Security Shield as possible. I'd say the
> main selling point to an AV/Firewall that I would be looking for would
> be minimal system resource usage.
>
> Here is what I will NEVER use....Norton/Symantec, McAffee nor Trend
> Micro.---resource hogs and not frequent enough updates, not to mention
> charged for any and every tech support incident and barely english
> speaking foreigners (well, with Norton on the foreigner part...personal
> experience...not sure aobut McAffee or Trend)
>
> I haven't had a good experience with AVG either. My work PC has AVG on
> it and it is a resource HOG....upon boot up I can't even use the work PC
> for a good 30-60 minutes until AVG finishes whatever the hell it is
> doing...but it is a work PC and obviously I am not allowed to mess with
> it....
>
> Soooo recommendations?
>
> I don't care about price, so whether it's free or costs $$ I don't
> care. Just want a good one.

You are not going to find anything better than the Vista FW and Vista in
itself due to the advanced features the FW and Vista are using.

"Personal Firewalls" are mostly snake-oil.
http://www.samspade.org/d/firewalls.html

Jesper's Blogs-
At Least This Snake Oil Is Free.
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...l-is-free.aspx
Windows Firewall: the best new security feature in Vista?
http://blogs.technet.com/jesper_joha...01/426921.aspx

Exploring The Windows Firewall.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tec...l/default.aspx
"If you try to block outbound connections from a computer that’s already
compromised, how can you be sure that the computer is really doing what you
ask? The answer: you can’t. Outbound protection is security theater—it’s a
gimmick that only gives the impression of improving your security without
doing anything that actually does improve your security. This is why
outbound protection didn’t exist in the Windows XP firewall and why it
doesn’t exist in the Windows Vista™ firewall."

Tap into the Vista firewall's advanced configuration features
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com...7-6098592.html
"...once you discover the secret of accessing its advanced configuration
settings via the MMC snap-in, you'll find it to be far more configurable
and functional. At last, Windows comes with a sophisticated personal
firewall that can be used to set up outbound rules as well as inbound, with
the ability to customize rules to fit your precise needs."
Or
Configure Vista Firewall to support outbound packet filtering
http://searchwindowssecurity.techtar...247138,00.html
Or
Vista Firewall Control (Free versions available).
Protects your applications from undesirable network incoming and outgoing
activity, controls applications internet access.
http://sphinx-soft.com/Vista/

There are many good free AV applications available, and almost everyone has
his favorite. Most of the users are emotionally attached to their av
application and will have excellent reasons for not recommending any other
brand.
The most important thing here is that all of the available choices listed
here are better in some respects than in others, and which choice is better
for *you* depends on what you do, how you work, and which features you use.
The way you use your PC is different from others.
Have a look at this:
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
and be guided accordingly.
Good info can be obtained here:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20
and here:
http://www.av-comparatives.org/

If the above is too deluging consider this:-
Real-time AV applications - for viral malware.
Do not utilize more than one (1) real-time anti-virus scanning engine!
Disable the e-mail scanning function during installation (Custom
Installation on some AV apps.) as it provides no additional protection.

Why You Don't Need Your Anti-Virus Program to Scan Your E-Mail
http://thundercloud.net/infoave/tuto...ning/index.htm

http://www.free-av.com/antivirus/allinonen.html
You may wish to consider removing the 'AntiVir Nagscreen'
http://www.elitekiller.com/files/dis...ntivir_nag.htm
or
Free antivirus - avast! 4 Home Edition
It includes ANTI-SPYWARE protection, certified by the West Coast Labs
Checkmark process, and ANTI-ROOTKIT DETECTION based on the best-in class
GMER technology.
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
(Choose Custom Installation and under Resident
Protection, uncheck: Internet Mail and Outlook/Exchange.)
or
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
http://free.grisoft.com/
(Choose custom install and untick the email scanner plugin.)
or
Kaspersky® Anti-Virus 7.0 - Not Free
http://www.kaspersky.com/homeuser
or
ESET NOD32 Antivirus - Not Free
http://www.eset.com/
and (optional)
On-demand AV application.
David H. Lipman's MULTI_AV.EXE from the URL:
http://www.pctipp.ch/ds/28400/28470/Multi_AV.exe
http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/dl/35905.asp
English:
http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/...irus-for-free/

A-S applications - for non-viral malware.
The effectiveness of an individual A-S scanners can be wide-ranging and
oftentimes a collection of scanners is best. There isn't one software that
cleans and immunizes you against everything. That's why you need multiple
products to do the job i.e. overlap their coverage - one may catch what
another may miss, (grab'em all).

SuperAntispyware - Free
http://www.superantispyware.com/supe...freevspro.html
and
Ad-Aware 2007 - Free
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_free.php
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html
and
Spybot Search & Destroy - Free
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
and
Windows Defender - Free (build-in in Vista)
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...e/default.mspx
WD monitors the start-registry and hooks registers/files to prevent spyware
and worms to install to the OS.
Interesting reading:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,136195/article.html
"...Windows Defender did excel in behavior-based protection, which detects
changes to key areas of the system without having to know anything about
the actual threat."

A clarification on the terminology: the word "malware" is short for
"malicious software." Most Anti-Virus applications detect many types of
malware such as viruses, worms, trojans, etc.
What AV applications usually don't detect is "non-viral" malware, and the
term "non-viral malware" is normally used to refer to things like spyware
and adware.

Some more useful applications:
SpywareBlaster - Free
"SpywareBlaster is not a scanner application. It blocks the installation of
most ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers and other
unwanted programs from the user's computer. SpywareBlaster works by
blacklisting the CLSID of known malware programs, effectively preventing
them from infecting a protected computer and also allows the user to
prevent privacy hazards such as tracking cookies."
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

GMER - is an application that detects and removes rootkits.
http://www.gmer.net/index.php
or
Rootkit Revealer - Free
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sys...tRevealer.mspx

CCleaner - Free
Cleans temporary internet files, cookies, history, recent urls, application
MRUs, etc. ...
http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/
If Windows Defender is utilized go to Applications, under Utilities
uncheck "Windows Defender".

CW Shredder - Free
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Interne...Shredder.shtml

Good luck

Kayman

That's a huge statement to say that LegendOfTheFall 'will not find a
better personal firewall than Vista's'. I'm sure you'd have many
members challenge you on that.

Also, as LOTF mentions, he/she is quite happy to invest in an effective
AV/PFW solution and doesn't appear to be comfortable in using a freebie
(I can relate to that).

Mick Murphy

My dear fellow Australian, like Kayman, how can you make a blanket
statement that "ANY all-in-one Security centre is bloated. They try to
be everything to everyone; and fail!"

What absolute hogwash Mick. Yes there are many that do I agree, but
not all. Have you ever used any of Nod32's products yourself?

I've purchased numerous AV/Security Suite/PFW programs over the last
couple of years (yes I'm stupid ... I've spent a fortune on them as
somewhat of an experiment to establish which is better), including
Kaspersky, McAfee, ZoneAlarm, TrendMicro, PC Tools and the list goes on.

I can only make my comments based on my own personal experience in
using most of them, and am yet to find any better for all-round benefits
than Nod32 AV or their "next generation" Smart Security" solution which
is NOT bloated and has NOT failed to date.

Warmest regards

Neil


--
Mr Smiley

- Asus P5W DH Deluxe MB (BIOS 2704)
- Intel Core2Duo E8500 3.16GHz CPU
- G-Skill DDR2 800 4GB RAM
- Seagate 2 x 320GB Sata HD (Intel Raid0)
- Leadtek/Nvidia 7900 GT-TDH GPU
- Asus MB Onboard HD Audio (SPDIF)
- Logitech Z-5400 THX Digital 5.1
- Dell 2407WFP UltraSharp 24" LCD
- Antec 550W v2.0 PSU
- Antec P180 Case
- Logitech diNovo Edge KB
- Logitech G5 Laser Mouse
- Vista Ultimate x64 SP1