acthetroll

[kazdek]

what free programes do you use for your comp protection. i have COMODO for firewall,AVG for antspy and antvirus ,AD-WARE. could i improve on this or is that fine .COMODO is a bit annoying popping up all the time when downloading.

[Potatoman]

Firstly, i didnt get on with Comodo at all. I must say i prefer Kerio Firewall. Once you download it, its a trial for 30 days, then it automatically 'downgrades' to the free version (basically, you dont get free tech support anymore...)
http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Home-Home-Offi ce/Sunbelt-Personal-Firewall/Download/

Then, i used to use AVG like you say. Then, i cured all my security worries is one go by buying an iMac!

[ACtheTROLL]

an expensive solution spud ... and a fallacy that macs (and linux) aren't vulnerable
http://blogs.technet.com/security/archive/2007 /08/16/july-2007-operating-system-vulnerabilit y-scorecard.aspx.
perhaps just not as well publicised.
and for windows ... updates are free (unlike macs)

Kaz
I don't use the free progs -
the big difference is that free progs rely on you doing the scanning and updating...

bought progs tend to provide real time protection ... and update themselves.
Kaspersky security suite is my choice ... plus ad-aware and spybot. reasonable ... but not free

however for a freebie
... the security experts and pc mags all say
Avira is the best free virus scanner
http://www.free-av.com/
( ... avg isn't really rated at the moment)

for adware use both
ad-aware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_f ree.php
and spybot
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/ind ex.html

and firewall
my favourite is ZoneAlarm
http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/dotzone /freeDownloads.jsp

[Mac70]

Comodo firewall is a pain, especially when trying to install programs. Im currently using Ashampoo's firewall which does a decent job on my test pc.
Comodo anti-virus does a decnt job too, but it is still in beta form.

Avira wasnt that good in my estimation. It let too much through when I forgot to turn it off while infecting myself.
Avast has been good on my other pc.

Adaware has gone downhill, but Spybot S&D still does a decent job.
To back up Spybot I would install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. The free version doesnt give you real-time protection though.
WinPatrol is a good addition too.

[ACtheTROLL]

mac - you sound a bit of an expert ....
I'm intrigued - actually infecting your test machine with live viruses? impressive.

I tend just to rely on the recomendations of the professional security guys - the trades and the more serious mags
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/labs/155/antivirus-soft ware/products.html
not my own eperience

just one question .... none of the mainstream free virus scanners provide real time scanning .... their only detection method is manual scanning .... so why would you need to turn Avira off when you infected yourself?

[Mac70]

Hi Ace

Yes most of my day is spent on the security forums cleaning up the unfortunate, I come to AB for a break.
I infect myself purely to familiarise myself with the tools I would be asking people to use, and to get to know the malware we are up against.

Back to topic, I should say Im no expert on what is actually the best programs out there, I dont have the resources to check them all thoroughly.

I think you will find the free anti-virus's do have real-time monitoring, though I think you are talking about auto or scheduled scanning, so I may have crossed wires.

And Ive just noticed the question was addressed to you, so apologise for butting in. =)

[cris r]

windows fire wall is fine as long as you are updating your windows softwear regularly. Zone alarm is good but you have to pay for it AVG is good virus softwear

[kazdek]

thankyou everyone for your answers .it is good that there is people out there willing to help less comp savvy like me
kazdek