Firewall & AntiVirus

alpha · 06-15-2003, 07:56 AM

I just got a new laptop. I am wondering what everyone uses for a firewall and what everyone would recommend. I'm thinking of going with the free versions of Sygate or ZoneAlarm.

I use Norton Internet Security on my desktop. How do Sygate and ZoneAlarm compare? Is there an Ad Blocker feature such as Norton has?

Any other suggestions would be welcome.

Also, a recommended free antivirus program? How is AVG Anti-Virus (can be found at www.grisoft.com) ? I have Norton AV preinstalled, and I use it on my desktop, but I'm looking for a free alternative.

Thanks.

And no, I don't want to d/l from p2p.

alpha · 06-15-2003, 08:08 AM

ooh, and also, I haven't tried this before, but has anyone ran two firewalls?

alpha · 06-15-2003, 08:30 AM

It's XP Home. just in case you've heard of/experienced things not going well with XP. Thanks

Admin · 06-16-2003, 11:02 AM

ditch XP and use 2000. install ALL security updates/patches.

and if you are smart there will be no need for AV then.

use a hardware firewall (router or linux box)

M3GAPL3X · 06-16-2003, 12:07 PM

Quote:

ditch XP and use 2000

Ditto.

On my 2000 box (SP1), I use a combination of Zone Alarm and Nortan Antivirus

06-16-2003, 02:50 PM

Yup, replace XP with 2000. ZoneAlarm == teh suck, just use whatever firewall that drops all incoming connections

. Firewall: You don't really need one if you just use common sense but if you want Norton is probably the best for you.

DesertWolf · 06-20-2003, 06:11 AM

When I used a Windows based computer I used AVG for my antivirus and ZoneAlarm for my firewall, and had no problems. ( I was using Win2K).

Epsilon · 06-21-2003, 11:20 AM

I'm still using Windows Millennium (yes, I'm a lamer, but it works fine and I don't have the $$ yet for a new computer).

To answer the question, I've always had a preference for Norton. Their Internet Security 2003 comes with a great firewall and Anti-Virus. I tried Black Ice once, didn't like it. I don't know of any good free firewalls.

alpha · 06-23-2003, 04:54 PM

I don't really have money for Win2k, and I don't want to get a pirated version. Anyways, I decided to go with Sygate Personal Firewall and AVG Anti-virus. Thanks.

Admin · 06-24-2003, 06:40 AM

M$ offers downgrade rights. since W2K is older than XP you can install it.

boh!

Eyelfixit · 07-06-2003, 01:12 AM

Since your using a laptop your should be concerned with system resources. So I suggest that you get sygate or network ice for firewall.

Also to answer to another question, if your as paranoid as me about security yes you can run 2 firewalls at the same time. You'll need to be patient though because it will take some know how and research to allow permissions in the advanced rules. Once done thought it will seem liek you have no firewalls installed and if something does arise the bells and whistles will sound.

Also, by default XP has a so called firewall which comes with the OS, but it only shut down bad connections and attemps. It does not log any instances, scans attempts etc....

As for an anti virus for your laptop I recommend a sml resident prgm such as panda soft or stop sign from the same makes as network ice.

On your box, again, if your real paranoid run the best you can get. I got Symanted corporate installed (NOT recommended for a laptop because it spreads all over and is heavy in resource usage.

~SZ for spelling error, it's real late here. ~