best free AV for XP Pro? AVG-Avast-Avira?

pastywhitegurl · July 06, 2009, 08:12:54 PM

No, not there.

File Path is My Computer\Shared Documents

Also to Paddy, updating the definitions appeared to do something. The Avira Umbrella is open now.

winchester73 · July 06, 2009, 11:22:08 PM

Forgive me butting in ... but weren't you playing with firewalls recently? The screenshot you posted shows your computer is sharing files, which makes me think that a firewall is blocking the IP address of the other network computer.

pastywhitegurl · July 07, 2009, 12:44:35 AM

Yes, I had Zone Alarm for a bit, then went back to Windows Firewall.

What Windows firewall settings should I look at?

JonPaulOnLine · July 07, 2009, 12:58:14 AM

Quote from: Corrine on June 25, 2009, 07:28:22 PM
Of course the choice is yours, pastywhitegurl. However, for another point of view, I stopped recommending ZoneAlarm a long time ago. See Beware of ZoneAlarm!.

In time, I think you will want to install Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE). However, it is still in Beta but based on initial evaluations, it looks to be a real winner -- and free too! Sorry for another blog link, but here's the preliminary evaluation: Microsoft Security Essentials Makes the Grade.

Taking that a step further, MSE is essentially based on WindowsLive OneCare, which came out on top in recent tests: Windows Live OneCare Bests Kaspersky, Symantec, McAfee, Nod32, BitDefender - But not Avira - Softpedia. Note that it was the professional version of Avira that came out ahead. Based on information I have obtained from various security folks, both Avira and Avast are good, but Avira does come out ahead.

If You are looking for Free:
I have to agree with Corrine, I have used all of them , but the free Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) is the best bet after it comes out of beta, based on the current AV rating of WLOC. I have several PC's and will install (MSE) late this year on 1 of the PC's.

I do run WLOC on 1 PC
Eset Security on another
avast! AV with the free Online-Armour FW and sometimes switch to Free Outpost 2009 FW.

I have never had a problem with virus on any of my PC's

winchester73 · July 07, 2009, 01:29:26 AM

Well, you also had CA before ZA ... :)

Are you getting any of the errors listed in this KB: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/840634

If memory serves, the XP firewall is designed to block File and Printer Sharing from any network and allow access only in the same subnet in its default configuration.

To allow file and print sharing on your computers from any network, follow the steps described below:

1. Click on Start --> Settings --> Control Panel. If you are using the Windows XP Start Menu, you can find the Control Panel on the right side of the start menu.
2. In the category view, click on the Security center and then on Windows Firewall to open the configuration window. In the Classic view, you will see the Windows Firewall icon.
3. Check that the "Do not Allow Exceptions" box is not checked on the General tab
4. Click on Exceptions tab and highlight File and Printer Sharing, and click on Edit to modify the settings. The file and printer sharing is done through port number 445.

5. Highlight the TCP 445 and click on Change Scope (or double click) to edit it. In the resulting screen, select whether you want to enable for any network, for just your network, or for a custom list of networks. In case you choose custom list of networks, you will have to manually enter each subnet you want to enable for it to work. I'd suggest you NOT select ANY network as anyone who can reach your network will be able to access the computer over the network.

6. Click OK until you get out ... does this solve the problem?

pastywhitegurl · July 23, 2009, 02:30:36 PM

Forgive the long delay in replying--life kind of got in the way. We still haven't managed to get the sharing files working. however.

http://aquate.us/u/LDscree5.png

Following your instructions, the above is the state of my windows firewall settings as I found them.

Do we need to use the custom list rather than "my network only" option?

Paddy · October 10, 2009, 12:30:43 AM

:thud:

Corrine · October 10, 2009, 01:31:41 PM

I think you might want to try uploading the image again.

winchester73 · October 10, 2009, 10:26:31 PM

Cute blonde in the link, but the reply is from July ... :D

pastywhitegurl · October 28, 2009, 02:36:20 PM

Quote from: Paddy on October 10, 2009, 12:30:43 AM
:thud:

Sorry..just checking this topic after a long time. Is this emoticon a comment on my incredible ineptness?

Not that it isn't deserved, but I really was trying to comply with the instructions. I think I might need more information about that... :)

We still haven't got the network connection functioning yet.

Paddy · October 30, 2009, 12:46:17 PM

Quote from: winchester73 on October 10, 2009, 10:26:31 PM
Cute blonde in the link, but the reply is from July ... :D

Thats what the emoticon was about when I clicked the link you had I got the same, a Cute blonde,tho the link seems to have been fixed since I last clicked on it..

it wasent a comment on incredible ineptness it was my way of seeing if you had gotten your problem sorted..

Paddy reminds himself not to butt in to a thread.. :confused:

pastywhitegurl · November 02, 2009, 05:21:31 AM

o..haha! Now I see what happened...the image host of my screen shot was offline for a while and you got the parking page......

no problem guys..... :D

It's too late tonight for me to try and figure out the next thing to do, so I'll post back again when I'm fresher and can regroup for my next question.