Re: [nukkad] Virus protection--suggestions Reviewed

[Manoj Pai <>]

Am glad that we have several well informed tech nerds
around in this list. Let me fill in the gaps, which
have escaped the attention of the majority. Instead of
covering just virus protection, I put forward some of
the internet security options available for Win
platform. We can discuss the other OS platform in
another thread.

Anti Virus:-

Mean Drake, I am afraid, Comodo Anti-virus, though
free does not qualify to be included even in the top
10 anti-virus list. Sai, several USB worms escaped
being detected by AVG Free. Older version of McAfee
(2003 versions) Anti-virus could detect these worms,
while the latest version AVG could not. Even the
latest Beta Version of AVG 8 failed to identify
several worms that spread through pen drive as well as
VPN connections. 

Here is where Avast Home versions of Anti-virus
performs well, which many in the list have already
recommended. Bit defender and Kaspersky are better,
but are commercial ones. So Avast should qualify here.

Firewall:-

The latest version of Comodo Personal Firewall beats
the rest hands down. Even the nearest contenders is
miles behind. If you are on Win 98 platform, I would
recommend Zonealarm. 

Anti-Spyware :-

Pravin has rightly recommended Spybot Search &
Destroy. Its excellent. You might also like to
activate the resident monitor - "Teatimer" in Spybot
S&D. Spybot S&D also takes care of browser hijacker
and other malwares.  In addition to Spybot S&D you can
also download and install Spywareblaster and
Spywareguard, especially if you use IE. Both are free
and easy to use. AdAware 2007 from LavasoftUSA comes a
close second.

Browsers :-

It was kind of Maloy to recommend Firefox, but one may
note that some of the recent worms like Orkut worm,
Hate Mozilla worm etc. had attacked Firefox and
Mozilla browsers. Opera was also under severe attack
of the virulent kind, not long ago. Which ever browser
you use, make sure that you install all of the above -
Anti virus, Firewall, Anti spyware and anti browser
hijacker programs.

Also do switch over to the latest version like IE7,
Firefox 2, Opera 9 and so on. All these browsers have
anti-phishing tools. 

Anti-Rootkit :-

Here is one that has escaped the attention of our
nukkad members. Though this is a tiny program provided
free by almost all vendors, AVG performs well here.

There are other security tools too like anti-spam ware
and others. May I recommend that you buy the latest
issue of Digit magazine. The February 2008 issue, have
included a demi sized Fast Track booklet which gives a
detailed information on the web essentials including
security. Costing Rs.125/- with free DVD etc. cannot
possibly burn a hole in your pocket.

While we have discussed most of the free wares, why
dont you try some of the commercially available
security softwares. Especially the good ones. The
Kaspersky Internet Security is excellent and offers
all of the above. It costs less than 1K. The Beta
Version of AVG 8 is free and also offers all security
features including the web shield and anti-root kit.
Currently its free for use till 1st of March. 

Best wishes

Manoj Pai
--- "Dr.M.C. Gupta"  wrote:

> Request to members--
> 
> My Norton antivirus program is expired. I need to
> instal an antivirus
> program with the following characteristics--
> 
> 1. Free
> 
> 2. Available for long term [3 months trial versions
> are a headache in
> themselves]
> 
> 3. Preferably with firewall
> 
> 4. Easy to install
> 
> Please send suggestions / recommendations,
> especially if you have tried it.
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> M C Gupta
> 



      
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