Trying to make the decision on what to replace my CA Suite with. I"ve already disabled the firewall and replaced it with the Windows firewall, but I think will replace that with Zone Alarm.
So between AVG - Avast - Avira.....what would be the best choice for me?
pastywhitegurl,
Either of them try them both out, both are as good as each other so it would be down to personal choice.
GR@PH;<'S :Hammys pint:
both? I have 3 choices there. :shock:
I read some things where Zone Alarm might not be compatible with AVG Is that a concern?
Or maybe I don't need to replace CA antivirus/antispyware/antispam....just the firewall?
I'm still ambivalent on all of this.....as you can see.
Hey gurl!
I personally am really liking AVAST on my windows boxes, have tried AVG in the past but now use AVAST. I really like that I can set up the screen saver scan so that when my pc is sitting idle the AVAST screen saver scanner comes on and scans, stops when I use pc and restarts where it left off next time, no need to schedule scans either.
I still use an older version of zonealarm pro on my windows, note that the new zone alarm free will try to install those dreaded "extras" we do not want, and make sure you are actually getting the free basic firewall not the free trial one, they are making it harder and harder to find the actual free basic firewall on their pages these days, just today there was an article on windows secrets about that in the paid version.
The decision is yours of course so do what you feel will be right for you.
here is what the article had to say
Quote:
"Playing 'Where's Waldo?' with ZoneAlarm Free
Frank Foster wrote in to tell me he thinks the ZoneAlarm firewall program is no longer free. After checking the vendor's site, I was able to find the download link for the version of ZoneAlarm that's free for noncommercial use, but doing so wasn't easy.
If you go to the ZoneAlarm Free Firewall page
, you'll find it says "free" in several places and even lists the conditions (individual, not-for-profit) under which you can use the free version. If you click the Download Now button, however, you're taken to a page where you're presented with a 15-day trial of the ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite with TrialPay. Clicking that option signs you up for TrialPay, under which you view ads rather than pay cash for the ZoneAlarm suite.
Instead, click the download button in the right pane under Get Basic PC Protection: Basic Firewall Only. You can download the program without having to jump through hoops by visiting the product page
at Download.com or the equivalent page
on Softpedia.com.
I installed the free version, and have been using it on a test VM for several days. It works like it's supposed to. It does invite you to upgrade to a trial or pay version with more functionality at every opportunity though, including when you're just updating the free program."
end Quote:
That sounds good, R-C. :) I like that the idea that Avast will run on it's own.
I downloaded the free ZoneAlarm 8.0.065 firewall from cnet.com....they give these assurances:
# License:Free
# Editor's Rating: 5.0 stars
# Operating Systems:Windows Vista, Windows 2000, Windows XP
# Additional Requirements:No additional requirements
# Limitations:No limitations
So I think I got the right one...haven't installed it yet, but will today sometime.
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! (http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/2007/12/beware-of-zonealarm.html).
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 (http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/2009/06/microsoft-security-essentials-makes.html).
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 (http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-Live-OneCare-Bests-Kaspersky-Symantec-McAfee-Nod32-BitDefender-113055.shtml). 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.
I tend to say Avira, or Avast if it's a system with low RAM. In my experience AVG seems to be getting bigger and resource-hungry more and more.
^^^ He's one of the experts I would listen to. :)
If you want a truly independent opinion try this link (http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/ondret/avc_report22.pdf). Mind you, that is already out of date as Avira is now on version 9.x having been updated since the version used (8.x) in that report.
I did install the free ZoneAlarm firewall. The editors at CNET.com gave it a 5 star rating, so I felt good about that...I did have to uninstall the ask.com toolbar that came with it, but that was not a big deal...there was an uninstall link right on the toolbar itself.
Other than a little glitch with the Windows firewall not turning off for some reason that prevented my messenger from connecting, on a second reboot all is well. It's already 100 times friendlier than the CA firewall and simple to configure. Once I allowed my frequent programs, it is not bothering me with alerts or anything. From what I've read, it is better than the Windows firewall, which doesn't stop outgoing information, only incoming.
Thanks for the tip on the MSE though..I will watch for that to come out and switch when it does.
I'll check out all the links y'all posted and get back after I digest some of that.
I have 2GB of RAM, so maybe the Avira is the one to look at, but I'll check out Avast too. AVG just got eliminated.
I was liking Zone Alarm, but DH said that it was preventing him from accessing our network sharing folder. So I unintalled and turned the Windows firewall back on.
I also (as you can see in my computer specs link) have installed the free Avira antivirus program.
I have two problems now. One is that he still can't see the sharing folder. And 2 the Avira umbrella is closed and doesn't open. When I check the console, it says the guard is on. So who do I believe? the umbrella or the control panel?
The scans seem to be running at the appointed times, and avguard.exe and avg.net are active in the task manager.
Should I make a separate post in the computer help section about the sharing folder issue?
I had the same problem a few days ago, it seem to sort its self out after a definition update but! I can't be sure. Right-click the umbrella on your system try is it showing
A tick next to AntieVire Guard enable ? also try updating the definition files manually
To do this do the same as above only selecting > Start Update. Also close all open windows before you up-date and after you up-date reboot the computer and see if the problem is fixed.
I never did find out why mine was doing the same as yours .. :thud:
Paddy..
Could you expand on just what you mean by "network sharing folder"? Is this a Windows shared folder on this machine or it a folder on a second machine or server?
If the former please do the following:
Click "Start | Run"
in the Run command type cmd
A command prompt window will open, at the flashing cursor type net share
All the shared folders will be listed. Right click in the Command Prompt window and from the menu select "Mark" (or "Edit | Mark"), drag the cursor to highlight the net share results in white.
Press the "Enter" key to copy the results to your clipboard and paste them in to your next reply.
At the flashing cursor type exit and hit the return key to close the command prompt window.
My husband has our two computers set up to network. They are both running windows XP. We have a file called Sharing File that we can each access to add or copy files. (We have RoadRunner cable. My machine is the second computer on it, but I have a hard connection, not a wireless one.) He also has a Linux/Ubuntu laptop that he wants to be able to access that sharing folder from, but hasn't been successful yet.
I couldn't highlight and copy for some reason, so here is a screenie of what I saw. There is no other information below what shows on the image..it's all there.
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/9637/07052009144811.png
Ok, thanks for the screenshot. Now, is the folder that hubby can't get to shown in that image?
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.
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.
Yes, I had Zone Alarm for a bit, then went back to Windows Firewall.
What Windows firewall settings should I look at?
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! (http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/2007/12/beware-of-zonealarm.html).
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 (http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/2009/06/microsoft-security-essentials-makes.html).
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 (http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-Live-OneCare-Bests-Kaspersky-Symantec-McAfee-Nod32-BitDefender-113055.shtml). 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
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.
(https://www.landzdown.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dharwadkar.com%2Fimages%2Ffirewall_options&hash=6753967c19b9621ddae0daad3f0f7d95a3aaad72)
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.
(https://www.landzdown.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dharwadkar.com%2Fimages%2Fenable_445&hash=69e18a0b9b4f0fd3bdbef72e5265a881d21fd014)
6. Click OK until you get out ... does this solve the problem?
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?
:thud:
I think you might want to try uploading the image again.
Cute blonde in the link, but the reply is from July ... :D
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.
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:
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.