OT discussion of security online

16 years ago

We don't have a conversations link here, so I don't think there is a problem with posting my question since it is on Oklahoma question.

We have Cox Cable, and we also have Windows Vista. Ours is a new computer that we bought with Vista rather than an upgrade, so we have not had the usual problem with it.It has Norton's and Webroot Spy Sweeper. They are ok, but expensive.

Cox Cable has a free security suite that we have used in the past, and I am considering switching to it again. I can find no discussions or forums about it, and do not know how good it is. Windows has a "defender" for spyware, but I would like to know about the protection of the Cox Security. I think most of it comes from Authentium. This does not seem to be rated on the forum you go to for the ratings, and I would hate to delete the ones we have, download the Cox Security Suite and discover that it has some flaws that I don't want to deal with.

I would love to have any opinions from any of you who have used it. (I am asking here because Cox is in many cities, but I cannot find much information about them. I won't get very far asking them to critique themselves.)

Thanks

Sammy

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Comments (5)

Okiedawn OK Zone 7
16 years ago
I asked my son, the more computer savy of the family and here is what he told me:

Webroot is a very good program, however it is expensive and is has been proven to miss more than its share of malware programs.

Windows Defender for Vista, is actually a pretty good program. Microsoft finally got a program right, it is recommended to always keep it running in addition to the other protective software you use.

AVG has the best free antivirus software and has beaten Norton and Mcafee in many tests. They also have an anti-spyware program that has also proven itself. They are both available from http://free.grisoft.com/

Having not used or heard of the Cox Security program, I can not give a recommendation on it. I would have to ask other Cox users for their opinions.

If it was me: Delete Norton (for MANY reasons), Delete Webroot, download and install AVG Free Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware,and run Windows Defender. I would set both AVG programs to update and perform a system scan each morning before you use the computer.
sammy zone 7 Tulsa
Original Author
16 years ago
Dawn, thank you so much. I also thank your son.
We use Cox Cable - they are our provider for the internet, televisions, and telephones. Their security system is free to those who use them, and it is call Authentium, but I cannot find any discussion groups or forums that discuss them.

Nortons and Webroot are expensive, and Webroot interferes with my running the computer.

When we bought our new computer, we had Circuit City install everything for us, and they installed these programs too. The guy there said that I should never put anything free on the computer because nothing is ever free. He said that few people read the small print during the installation process, that they just keep clicking continue or ok. But in the small print, you agree to allow them to give or sell your name to others. That is why you get many programs coming to you that you don't want.

Has you son ever mentioned that? I know many people who use the free programs, and nobody else seems to be aware that they sell information if you subscribe to the free stuff.

Sammy
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Okiedawn OK Zone 7
16 years ago
He said:

If you want to remain safe on the internet never use any of your private information on the computer or internet. Don't use your real first or last name. Your real address. Your real birthdate. Anything. You dont have to register AVG to use it, personally just enter random data if you need to. I cant remember if you have to give any information to get the program or updates, but simply don't use your real information. If you submit any type of information to any company, you have a 'connection' to them and they are able to contact you/ sell your information. Hence we have the Do Not Call list. So, basically... just dont use your real info on the net and you are good.
Okiedawn OK Zone 7
16 years ago
Well, I hope his answers helped.

I know NOTHING about using a computer....he does all the hard stuff for me.

Dawn
sammy zone 7 Tulsa
Original Author
16 years ago
Dawn, this is very very helpful. Is your son majoring in computers in college or working in the area? He seems to be very knowledgeable. Some people are just able to pick it up, and others need to study and study.

I often study and study, and still don't get it.
I hope you tell him thank you and I wish him the best.

Sammy

OT discussion of security online

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Comments (5)

Okiedawn OK Zone 7

sammy zone 7 TulsaOriginal Author

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Okiedawn OK Zone 7

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