New pc

Mimmi · November 10, 2008, 01:35:23 PM

Hi in here! :)

I've got a new pc and would like an update.
As I know that you are the best experts :flowers: I want to ask you to be save on the net:

Which is the best freeware at the moment?
Which programs are the most important to have?
With is the best to install first?
Is there something else I have to think of before I connect?
Maybe something more that is important?

Also, Norton wants to "help" me protect my pc, is that a good option now, or is there some freeware that is better to have? (How to uninstall?)

thanks for now/Mimmi

Corrine · November 10, 2008, 02:51:21 PM

Hej Mimmi!

Congratulations on the new computer. :rose:

It would be helpful to have additional information on your new machine.

Considering the timing, am I correct in that it is a Windows Vista operating system?
Is Norton a trial package or full subscription?
What settings do you have for Windows Update? (Assuming Windows Vista, has it been updated to SP1?)
Again, assuming Windows Vista, did you leave UAC (User Account Control) turned on?

A favorite security program I use is WinPatrol. It is one of the first programs I installed when I moved to Windows Vista. WinPatrol includes the features described at http://www.winpatrol.com/features.html

Mimmi · November 10, 2008, 05:56:23 PM

Yes, Vista it is :)

About Norton, I don't know if it is freeware or full subscription. I acctually don't know how to check it up. :(
It just keep on asking me if I want to register it.

Windows update. Haven't done any settings yet.
Is it ok to get online before I know exactly what kind of protection to install?
Or is it most important to get it updated to SP1 first?

The UAC is turned on.

Tnx again/Mimmi

Mimmi · November 10, 2008, 06:31:10 PM

I found Norton and it is a 60 day ... thing. Is it named trial? /Mimmi

R-C · November 10, 2008, 07:49:04 PM

mimmi is it Norton suite containing firewall also or just the Antivirus? and is sounds like you have not yet activated it? or have you? do you show any Norton icons down in the systray by the clock that you could click on and see?

Corrine · November 10, 2008, 07:57:41 PM

Yes, that does mean that Norton is only a 60 day trial. If you are going to purchase an anti-virus software, you might prefer a different product. My choice for purchase would be ESET Nod32. Of the free anti-virus programs that are free for personal use, I would recommend either Avast or Avira. Both are linked from this list that I compiled: http://vistabookmarks.blogspot.com/2007/02/vista-compatible-antivirus-software.html

(There are some other links in Windows Vista Bookmarks that you may find helpful as well.)

Windows Vista has a two-way firewall. Although turned on by default on Windows Vista, you should first check the firewall settings. These documents may be helpful:

If you are going to change to a different anti-virus solution and you have access to a second computer, which it appears you do, I would suggest downloading the software from the second computer and installing it on the new machine.

Because there are pre-requisites that need to be installed on the computer before SP1, I would suggest making certain Microsoft Update is turned on. See http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/2007/12/understanding-microsoft-updates.html for an explanation of the various settings.

Mimmi · November 27, 2008, 02:40:42 PM

Hi again!

Please don't close the thread yet, I just have some problems understanding the English terms. :(
I also get confused when I have to do many things at the same time, like checking this and doing that. (Not only about computers, everything)
I'm trying anyway. :)
Lets see....Iv'e got Vista sp1, is there a firewall not connected to Norton or is Norton the only option at the moment?
Is it correct that I have to start having the firewall turned on by default? The way it is set from the beginning?

Let's take this for the moment.

Tanks/Mimmi

Corrine · November 27, 2008, 07:19:41 PM

Hi, Mimmi.

We will keep this thread open for you. Take your time and ask all the questions you need to. If need be, we can always send a message to Malou for help in Swedish.

We need to know more about what version of Norton is installed on your computer. Is it Norton Internet Security 2009 or Norton AntiVirus 2009?

Click Start > Control Panel > Under "Security Center" click "Check this computer's security status".
You should see that the firewall is "On" and showing green.

Click Firewall. There should be an indication of the software that is "actively protecting your computer".

Mimmi · November 28, 2008, 09:20:48 AM

Oh no, I uninstalled Norton....
I feel so embarrassed and stupid!
Now I only have windows firewalll and no virusprotection and no antispyware... :oops: :oops:
Can I download Avast or Avira on a cd on my husbands pc and then install it on my one?
And if so, is that the first I have to do now?

Want to do this with myself :smash: /Mimmi

Corrine · November 28, 2008, 02:04:13 PM

Ok, Mimmi, don't worry.

The Windows Firewall will protect you going to Avast or Avira to download. You can do that from your new PC or your husband's PC.

avast! 4 Home Edition
Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic

For anti-spyware, Windows Defender is included with Windows Vista computers. However, I highly recommend Malwarebytes as well. It is excellent. http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Temmu · November 28, 2008, 04:39:33 PM

hi, mimmi,

uninstalling norton is not a bad thing.
v8 and prior inhales vigorously.
it prevents, hinders, your computer from working properly.

i've heard from a few well versed others that norton 9 is different,
it is light-weight, hence fast, and actually works without hindering you from using your pc.

and take corrine's advice, it's rock solid.

Mimmi · December 20, 2008, 11:26:04 AM

Hej hej!

I've installed Avira and Malwarebytes, updated them and scanned the pc. (Nothing found)
Even though I've got the Swe versionof Avira, I don't understand what I have to do on the last one: "More Tools".
Is it important for me to know how to use?

Is there something else I have to do, exept installing those two programs, to protect my computer ?
I used Spyware Blaster, ATF, Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D on my old pc. Maybe I don't have to use these when I've got Avira and Malwarebytes?

Thanks for your help so long / Mimmi

Eric the Red · December 20, 2008, 11:46:32 AM

Quote from: Mimmi on December 20, 2008, 11:26:04 AM

Even though I've got the Swe versionof Avira, I don't understand what I have to do on the last one: "More Tools".
Is it important for me to know how to use?

Hi Mimmi,

Please would you tell us where you are seeing "More Tools"?

Thanks,

EtR

Paddy · December 20, 2008, 03:40:04 PM

Eric I think they are seeing "More Tools" in Malwarebytes, Because its not an option with Avira I've got Avira here on this box ..

Paddy... :thumbsup:

Eric the Red · December 20, 2008, 05:30:52 PM

Ah, I see.

Mimmi,

The "More tools" page of MBAM contains the following add ons:

"Collect information" is a tool to capture basic information about your system such as the folder where you have installed MBAM, the database version and some system variables. It collates that information into a text file that can be provided to the experts when they are investigating a problem. It will not harm your system if you click on that button.

"Report Bug" and "Report False Positive" will take you directly to the Malwarebytes website where you can log an issue with their support system. Again this is not harmful.

"FileAssassin" can delete locked malware files on your system. It uses advanced techniques to unload modules, close remote handles, and terminate processes to allow the removal of the file. This should only be used under the direction of a competent person.

Does this help? More questions about MBAM should be asked at their support forum - http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?