Safe computing - Always use protection.

[thebullettrain]

I am going to install AVG anti virus, which is free from the net, together with Norton Anti Virus.

I'm also looking at getting some sort of a (free) firewall and ad and spyware blockers.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[nick heppinstall]

2 antivirus progs does not a happy machine make..... Sometimes.

[thebullettrain]

Oh think I may use AVG then – I do think it is better.

[Plotloss]

Norton is the AOL of anti-virus.

Bloody horrible, nasty, hard to remove hooks right down in the OS.

[pdV6]

Use one AV only (AVG seems to work just fine)
ZoneAlarm do a free firewall.
If you're using IE, Google does a pop-up blocker as part of the Googlebar.
Otherwise, switch to Firefox (you know you want to!) and that has a pop-up blocker built in.

[thebullettrain]

At the expense of sounding dense I don't know what firefox is but I have heard of it.

[Plotloss]

Its an alternative browser to Internet Explorer.

Most web hacks are designed to take advantage of IE so if you dont use IE you are generally less susceptible...

[FourWheelDrift]

Avast is another anti-virus program to consider (not a free one though).

www.avast.com/

[docevi1]

AntiVi is the one I use, very good it is to for free.

>> Edited by docevi1 on Wednesday 23 March 13:07

[thebullettrain]

Thanks.

Looking at the Firefox site I've come across Thunderbird email. Is it any good and is it compatible with MSN?

[pdV6]

thebullettrain said:

Thanks. Looking at the Firefox site I've come across Thunderbird email. Is it any good and is it compatible with MSN?

1. Yes
2. Pass

[thebullettrain]

To go off on a slight tangent PD - I guess you've an Alfa GT? I am thinking of getting a 2.0 T reg, which are going for around 5k once I sell my 53 plate Clio.

However I am slight concerned about it's reliability. How are you finding yours?

[ErnestM]

Plotloss said:

Norton is the AOL of anti-virus. Bloody horrible, nasty, hard to remove hooks right down in the OS.

Absolutely positively agree. On the other hand, Symantec also make the excellent Symantec anti-virus client and admin server for corporate use which are very nice. Just too bad they can't be a little more thin on the consumer side.

ErnestM

[Alex]

FourWheelDrift said:

Avast is another anti-virus program to consider (not a free one though). www.avast.com/

The home edition is free, although you have to re-register every so often.

[pdV6]

thebullettrain said:

To go off on a slight tangent PD - I guess you've an Alfa GT? I am thinking of getting a 2.0 T reg, which are going for around 5k once I sell my 53 plate Clio. However I am slight concerned about it's reliability. How are you finding yours?

I assume you mean GTV rather than GT!

Basically, its been the most reliable car I've ever owned. Doesn't even use any oil!

The V6 is a bit tougher than the TS, but if looked after they'll treat you well. Full history of my car can be seen via my profile.

[Jinx]

On my own laptop (as opposed to the works ones which the IT dept. would have to save) I use AVG, Spywareblaster, spybot, Adaware and zone alarm - all free and updated regularly (plus have hijack this incase). As yet I haven't fallen foul of any nasties (this is through a broadband connection) and I have visited some dodgy sites in my time online (purely for academic research you inderstand).

[havoc]

For the last 7/8 months I have used the following:-

AVG free edition
Zonealarm firewall
Ad-aware

...and the only time I've had a virus was when I forgot to update AVG.

Firefox...second time i've heard that mentioned...think I'll give it a go. From what I hear the only downside is you can't access MS websites, as they log the browser and deliberately send you errors!

[Plotloss]

havoc said:

Firefox...second time i've heard that mentioned...think I'll give it a go. From what I hear the only downside is you can't access MS websites, as they log the browser and deliberately send you errors!

Urban myth.

[havoc]

Cheers plotloss!

[arcturus]

Plotloss said:

Urban myth.

Well sort of. I have never successfully used the Office update site whilst using Firefox. I always have to switch to IE in order to make the downloads available.