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Need Help In Selecting Security Software

19 years ago

Hello, New to PCs and live in Northern VA. COX Communications provided free security software with cable/web service, but after many problems, I asked COX to delete and now need to install another security software. I would appreciate recommendations. Thanks, Mugs

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Comments (7)

bob414
19 years ago
Many people on this forum use and recommend free software inclucing:
Firewall: zone alarm or sygate
anti virus: AVG or avast
anti spyware: adaware, spybot s&d and spyware blaster (all three).
There are others I can't think of right now but these work well for most users. You can find any of them with google, or do a search in this forum and you will likely find a link.
owbist
19 years ago
If you are looking for anti virus programs these free programs are all worth considering - but only use one to avoid conflicts. Click any of these
AVG
Avast
Comodo A word of caution withComodo, it seems Microsoft does not see it on your computer and alert you. If you install, have confidence in it. I currently use it on my main confuser.

Free malwares, I use all 3 of these
AdAware
Spywareblaster
Spybot Search & Destroy

Free firewalls, be sure to turn off the Windows firewall if you use it currently
Zonealarm
Comodo

If you elect to use Zonealarm just pay attention during the install that you click the free version with lesser bells and whistles - unless you wish to buy of course.

There are many other probably equally as good but each of us decide what we use and those are my choices. If you are unsure just Google those you have questions on and see what their web pages say.

Be absolutely sure to immediately look for updates for the anti virus and malware programs.
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I really must respond to all of you who have made such good suggestions, but I have a mountain of papers to grade, and parent conferences coming up. I am beginning to hate the word "issues". Yes, Ann, not only do the computer people use it, but so does everyone else - especially high school kids. They have issues with me because I am so hard. They have issues because Spanish isn't fun like it was last year. We don't play games. (Do you know how big those 16 year olds are? No, we won't play games and let them run around like some of these kids did in the 7th grade.) How about a pinata --- and bat? Issues and issues. They cheat. They go to the counselor with their issues. I just had to comment on this word. Thanks everyone for the posts. I finally called Cox, and told them that we have the computer, TV's, telephones, and long distance with them. We have a right to computer protection if they advertise that they have it. They said my computer wasn't compatible. I said that it is unless they can find the "incompatability". They finally had me go to Microsoft and upgrade VB files from 5 to 6. Now it is working. I am not thrilled since it isn't great, but it is working for now. I want to write later, but must go. I am worried about Meredith and Joan on the Prairie. Sammy
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There is other software out there. Although I have a Viking sm and Viking software to go with it, lots of other people use a program call Embird. It's 3rd party software, at a reasonable price, way less than the proprietary software, which can digitize (which is what your daughter wants to do). I don't use it, so I can't testify to the ease of use personally, but lots of users on my sewing lists use it. It does appear to support the Futura, ie. Produces readable files for her sewing machine. In addition, it will produce files which almost any other brand of sewing machine can read if she decides to acquire other sewing machines. Helene Here is a link that might be useful: Embird
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mugnaini
Original Author
19 years ago
I truly appreciate the responses. My wife downloaded the free (15-day trial) zone alarm, BUT I did not know that we need others. I am not really sure what Zone Alarm "secures" against. Judging from your response, Zone Alarm provides "firewall" protection, while other companies provide virus protection and still others "Malware" protection (I don't know what that is!). Is there a service that provides all three?
marthapartha
19 years ago
Major Geeks. I believe Randy originally posted this, its their top freeware picks...it has been free for me.

Its pretty interesting darn good all round site. One stop shopping.

marf

Here is a link that might be useful: Major Geeks Top FreeWare Picks
owbist
19 years ago
Muds the firewall with the 15 days trial is not the free version. A firewall stops unwanted and unauthorised actions entering or leaving your computer.

Malware is pop up adverts and phone home spies who piggyback onto your computer along with legitimate things you download. Some freewares pay their bills by allowing this to happen. Those programs Bob and myself mentioned will assist in stopping this traffic. As freeware all of them except the anti virus need to be updated manually from time to time.

No, there is no free service providing protection against all three kinds of threats to my knowledge.

Basically no one should go on the internet without adequate protection. This is for your own benefit, it is easier to keep these things at bay than it is to remove them. As you state you are a newcomer to computers then it might be fair to say anything that goes wrong you will be paying to have repaired. So avoid those costs by using all the protection you can get. Unless of course you come here for help as you have done now, there are many knowledgeable people here to help you.

You also have an obligation to everyone on your address book to maintain a clean computer. If you run with no anti virus or an out of date anti virus and you become infected them everyone in your address book is at risk because these virii can and do send to everyone listed trying to infect them also.

That is not intended to frighten you but simply to let you see what is really needed. Simple maintenance needs mere minutes a week. Most anti virus update automatically and need nothing done unless you suspect things, then you run a scan. The malware programs need updating and running perhaps every 2 weeks or so, more if you visit doubtful sites. The firewall will inform you when there is an update.
jane__ny
19 years ago
If you are willing to pay, Microsoft offers One Care Live which has all three. Firewall, Antivirus and Anti Malware. It costs about $60.00 but is good for two computers.
I installed it on my older machine and find it very easy to live with. It updates and scans automatically and also checks your computer for any software problems.
Owbist, very good explanation of all three. I sent your post off to a few friends who don't take this stuff seriously.

Jane
mugnaini
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks to all of you for the great advice, which we will certainly follow. Mugs

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