Advice on virus protection wanted, please

[Fljotsdale]

Hi, Ladyzeke! Just letting you know, as promised, that I finally got Norton Antivirus 2002. It seems pretty good, so far - certainly appears to be the best antivirus I have ever had, but since I've only had it installed a couple of days it is too early to really judge. I decided against the firewall. The agreement was so hedged around with disclaimers I thought it was hardly worth it.

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[Wulfere]

Fljotsdale...

I have used Norton for several years now. Since IBM chose them as their AV company. I generally run a full system scan every day at 3am. I have the Heuristics set at maximum. I also update my definitions once a week.
Otherwise I disable the backround virus scanning.

My Girlfriend has McCaffe and I find it has a clumsy interface and updating your definitions to be a pain in the bum. But, C/NET rated them the best at detection. Norton second best. Either way they are good programs.

I have not heard the same of their firewalls. I use Zonealarm 2.6 for my firewall. Since I am getting a cable modem soon I will be sure to have it running all the time.


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The line between good and evil is razor sharp. Be careful of misteps,
lest you find yourself spitted upon your own blade.

[Ramon de Ramon y Ramon]

I am not a computer expert by any means, so take my advice for it is worth:

the easiest measure to gain at least a certain degree of safety from viruses - even without or before installing any anti-virus programs and/or firewalls: don't use MS programs as your default browser and mail program. They have a really spotty record when it comes to safety and, probably more important, since they are the most frequently used programs around most viruses that come up seem to be geared at exploiting their specific safety holes ....

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So long !

R³ aka "The Ramonster"(thanks Sir Tainly) - proud to be the official spokesman for the most noble Lady Bilqis, Desert Rose of Ironworks - equally proud to be Moiraine's "permanent advocate" !

Btw, the cow is queuing in the slaughterhouse right now !

[DragonMage]

Originally posted by Ramon de Ramon y Ramon: I am not a computer expert by any means, so take my advice for it is worth: the easiest measure to gain at least a certain degree of safety from viruses - even without or before installing any anti-virus programs and/or firewalls: don't use MS programs as your default browser and mail program. They have a really spotty record when it comes to safety and, probably more important, since they are the most frequently used programs around most viruses that come up seem to be geared at exploiting their specific safety holes ....

AHA!!! There you are!

Thank you for your input. I've been trying to figure out what I should do with my own computer at home to properly protect it. I think I've gleaned enough information out of this thread now to properly ensure I won't get "hit" (until they come out with another 'bug', that is).


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The day we stop learning is the day we start dying!(c)

Owner/operator of the Evil Petting Zoo and devout member of the HADB clan.
Commander of the Dragon Fleet, IW Peacekeeping Force
Honored to be a member of the Illuminati - may the Light shine forever!
Mage extraordinair.
Occasional minion to Gwhanos the Fluffy

Hopeless Romantic *sigh*

"Allright! We'll call it a draw."