QUOTE (Slim30097 @ Mar 23 2005, 01:41 AM)
I use AVG 7.0 Free with Sygate Free for firewall protection & MS Anti-Spyware for main protection against spyware. I added ewido free for addtional trojan protecton (perhaps my member handle should be tightwad!). I have been using free security software for over a year with great success.
Please note that software can only do so much - it is the responsibility of the user to keep Windows and security software updated with proper configuration. Knowledge & common sense is your best defense against cyber-predators.
Stay safe,
Slim
Never better said!!
Last weeks CNET reader's question was about whether or not two anti-virus programs can occupy and operate on the same machine simultaneously, and which free anti-virus program is the best.Thousands of responses came in of which the editors selected 5 top answers, a best solution and honorable mentions.
What's amazing about this is one of the selcted honorable mentions was from someone with the exact same name as me. So I thought I would share it with everyone here...,
http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6130-0.html?f...tag=nl.e497>2 AntiVirus on the same machine..
Effective virus interdiction software titles are complex, multi-purpose applications containing voluminous coding. Doubled processes such as simultaneous deep scanning will overtax resources and cause systems to hang and crash. Disparity from conflicts can cause irreparable disk sector damage and may result in data lose. Additional or erroneous alerts are extremely time-consuming and the worst kind of nuisance. Most Antivirus programs can be disabled but are insistent and will re-enable without fail by timer or after system reboot. The best practice is to uninstall which ever Antivirus software you consider secondary.
Blended threats and layered defenses
Many different methods are in use to infect computers and computer networks. Blended threats contain a cocktail which combines the characteristics of viruses, worms, Trojan Horses, and hijacking agents. Malware is a general category of malicious software which includes of spyware, adware, and/or spam as well as viruses and other elements common to Blended Threats. On top of this there is also a grey area between a known signature and a zero-day virus which is a new or unknown virus that has no known signature. In response, several computer security product companies now include intrusion detection as part of the security package. Intrusion detection can restrict malicious intrusion through behavior analysis.
Antivirus protection alone is never 100% fool-proof. If you employ a multi-layer defense which includes antivirus software, antispyware, intrusion detection, and antispamware, you will have active scanning, on-the-fly detecting, signature recognizing, immunizing, logging, and behavior analyzing in your defenses. As long as the operating system, applications and components are kept up-to-date with security patches, hot-fixes, definitions and configuration improvements your system is completely secure. In a network environment, Network Access and Configuration Management tools are essential components for infrastructure security. In regards to data security ultimately cryptography will, at the least, create a barrier against surreptitious data retrieval.
Where are these threats coming from?
Threats come from any interface or media that connects to another system. E-mail, P2P networks, banners, Internet browsers, digital discs, wireless connections and Instant Messengers are typical means to transfer malware. The most common method of acquiring infectious script or code is through someone taking advantage of lapses in Physical Security or through Social Engineering tactics. Physical Security involves physical safety and the standard of access to the computer room, including fire and safety hazards, cable and wiring, the authentication and verification of other users, and biometrics. Social Engineering is the use of deception or over-load to exploit a user’s lack of knowledge or the lack of vigilance to gain the opportunity to intrude or deliver a destructive payload.
The Freeware solution!
In order for any antivirus program to be successful it must be effective by design, practical, not impair performance levels and be user friendly (meaning software that encourages consistent use by being easy to understand, compatible to other components, configurable, produces a minimum amount of false alarms and clearly describes message or instruction content). When combining applications what becomes important is how well you can stay optimally secure by integrating other applications without excessive over-lapping of functionality.
There are several excellent free programs combinations which fit the criteria for mutual compatibility, and are effective and friendly. One combination which approaches 100% protection includes the following and can be found on CNET:
1. AVG free antivirus,
2. PrevX for Intrusion Behavior Recognition,
3. Ewido anti-Trojan,
4. Microsoft Antispyware and
5. Bit Defender for IM Security.
6. Microsoft Baseline Security Scanner for Vulnerability Patching.
The above mentioned are all Free, full edition products verified to be harmonious with each other and used in concert create a secure environment for a computer which even the best of shareware will find hard to be more effective.
In conclusion, outstanding offerings, costing absolutely nothing can provide very adequate protection for your computer as long as the user is willing to do a little research on information which alerts and warnings carry. Of course there are other equally effective Layered Strategies so acceptance of design characteristics, such as the aesthetics of the user interface and ease of configuring the tools and options is paramount. These are areas where “the best” may vary from person to person.
Thanks, CNET, for all the great services and content.
Sincerely;
Submitted by: Chris M.
, and I had to restart win to make it work correctly.
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