advice on how to protect my pc using broadband

[ricardouk]

hi everyone!

good news, my broadband connection will be up and running tomorrow.



CAN ANYONE RECOMEND SOME SPYWARE/ADWARE ETC DETECTING PROGRAMS?

I HAVE ADAWARE, NORTON AND AVG.

ANY SUGESTIONS?

[reboot]

A hardware router, with a built in firewall and NAT. Even if you don't have a LAN.
They're cheap now, at $50 or less.
Spyware Blaster.
Adaware (you have).
Spybot Search and Destroy.
and this: http://smb.sygate.com/products/spf_standard.htm

[hellbringer]

i would also suggest hijack this for when u get that sticky adware that won't go away but be very causios when using it, must know what your doing

[neomaine]

ricardouk,

First, dump everything Norton's now...

Then grab, as previously suggested, a router with firewall/nat. I've got one of these:

http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833122022

For software:

- Adaware (run manually once a week/as needed)
- Spybot search and destroy (run manually once a week/as needed. use immunize)
- AVG (set to automatic for updates. nice small footprint)

Haven't had a problem since I got rid of Norton's and went with this.

[shelbyGT]

I dont' have a router (no need for one computer setup, IMHO). I have
-zonealarm for firewall (free)
-AdAware and Spybot for malignant files (free)
-Symantec Corporate AntiVirus (free for me from my old college, but there are other free virus protection systems out there).

Going on a couple years now and haven't been infected but once, and that was a user error, not the softwares.

It isn't a BAD move to buy a router, but they aren't necessarily needed.

[reboot]

ZA sucks, unless you paid for the Pro version.
Sygate is MUCH better (check www.grc.com if you want to test firewalls).
Symantec is Norton, same shit, different pile. Bloated crashware
A hardware router is the first line of defense. If you're serious about using your computer online, get one. If you only check email once a week, go to the library, and save your money.

[shelbyGT]

say what you like, my track record speaks for itself.

[ViRaL1]

I know there's a lot of anti-M$ sentiment here (myself included) but I've been using M$ Anti-Spyware since it's been public and haven't had any complaints. It's free and easy, and active unlike AdAware, Spybot and many other freebies out there.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62...n&Hash=LBCVL37

[shelbyGT]

and I visited your GRC page... here are some screenies from them. So far, so good I'd say.

[rgs_uk]

I use AVG Anti-Virus anf Sygate firewall (both free) and have a modem router. No problems for two years

[redwudz]

With broadband, I use a hardware router (Definitely recommend), XP2 firewall, AVG antivirus (Free Version), SpyBot S&D, Spyware Blaster, along with Protowall (If you use P2P) and a proxy server. No problems.

[ricardouk]

thanks everyone for your advices.

at the moment my concern is wich firewall program should i use.
zone alarm or sygate like some of you said? or maybe the 2 running at the same time?

will my web navigation be affected if i install both of them(slowdon of web speed))

does anyone know any links on "how to" setup your firewall?

thanks everyone

(still waiting for my broadband activation)

[shelbyGT]

Don't install two at the same time. And as for installation, they pretty much walk you through it. No brain surgery here.

[BobV]

I use

1 a router
2 spybot
3 Norton AV corporate version
4 MS antispyware
5 adaware
6 and if all else fails Norton Ghost so I can restore my OS. i create restore points at least once a month and just before any major system change.

[studtrooper]

ZA sucks, unless you paid for the Pro version.
Sygate is MUCH better (check www.grc.com if you want to test firewalls).
Symantec is Norton, same shit, different pile. Bloated crashware
A hardware router is the first line of defense. If you're serious about using your computer online, get one. If you only check email once a week, go to the library, and save your money.

Hmm... I've used the free firewall from ZA for years and never had a problem. In fact, I passed every test on www.grc.com flawlessly with it. Guess it doesn't suck :P

[stiltman]

Cisco PIX, only use the best

[Poppa_Meth]

I agree that a hardware firewall/router isn't necessary but it certainly can't hurt. I've been running mine on broadband for two years with Kerio/AVG and no problems except for some very minor viruses due to crappy Java apps. I've recently tried Sygate and it is very nice as well. I'd still like a router with firewall at some point though.

[jakol]

hi,
hardware firewall (router) makes a difference, it would be your first line of defense, I'm running Norton Antivirus 2005 and Norton Internet security 2005(software firewall) + Ad Aware SE PRO...and seen no problem for a long long time

I didnt have the router firewall before and believe me, every day at least 30 intrusions attempt has been detected by Norton Internet security. Now Nada,no intrusions passes thru my router firewall.And even if someone does thats the purpose of Norton why its there.

They said Norton uses a lot of ur resources, but if you have fast PC, you cant even notice its running.And the good thing with Norton they update their virus definition very often.

My other PC uses Zone Alarm Pro instead of Norton Internet security and it works great too.