Free Antivirus for Windows
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Righty. Thank you all so much for your invaluable help and advice.
Norton's now run out, so have uninstalled it using the Norton tool, and then did a search on my lappy for anything Norton, and deleted a couple of little notepads and word docs.
I then have literally just now installed Avast - all very smoothly and nicely - hopefully it'll do the job.
My next question is with my windows firewall switched on, do I need Zonealarm as well?
Or will I be okay with just Avast and Windows Firewall?
Norton's now run out, so have uninstalled it using the Norton tool, and then did a search on my lappy for anything Norton, and deleted a couple of little notepads and word docs.
I then have literally just now installed Avast - all very smoothly and nicely - hopefully it'll do the job.
My next question is with my windows firewall switched on, do I need Zonealarm as well?
Or will I be okay with just Avast and Windows Firewall?
Originally Posted by radar66
My next question is with my windows firewall switched on, do I need Zonealarm as well?
A different software firewall, such as ZoneAlarm, will give you control over outbound applications connecting to the net. Where the security element enters the equation, is that if a new app (loaded by something malicious) gets into the 'pooter and decides to phone home, as it were, the outbound control represents a chance to prevent that.
Before that happens, nasty new software has to have got past your own common sense and your antivirus, plus any browser safeguards that may be present or added.
In my experience, a poorly configured firewall - even an applications-based one (as opposed to a rules-based one, which needs reasonable expertise) is likely to be less secure than the Windows one out-of-the-box.
I would suggest turning the DEP control on, in the Windows firewall. Stands for data execution prevention, IIRC. I think it may be on by default.
Last edited by Tarq57; 25th Mar 2012 at 11:41. Reason: wrong quote title, fixed.
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My experience is that third party firewalls are more trouble than they are worth. Most people get confused by the plethora of warning message and often end up allowing things they shouldn't, or disabling the firewall altogether so leaving themselves unprotected
The windows firewall simply "just works"with no user input - so the chances of messing it up are much reduced
The windows firewall simply "just works"with no user input - so the chances of messing it up are much reduced
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Why's that vulcanised? More/better protection?
I think others have answered that pretty well by now. ZA will give you a further element of personal control (which I like) but the Windows utility is quite adequate.
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PS.... How do I see if the DEP is turned on, etc? 
So sorry about this - all this is new to me - couldn't see anything relating to DEP just a whole load of scary 'customise' buttons which I'm afraid to mess around with!
So sorry about this - all this is new to me - couldn't see anything relating to DEP just a whole load of scary 'customise' buttons which I'm afraid to mess around with!
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Radar66
Its not part of the firewall, and is "on" by default. No need to worry unless it gives problems
Its actually buried away under
control panel > system > advanced system settings > advanced > performance settings > data execution protection
Its not part of the firewall, and is "on" by default. No need to worry unless it gives problems
Its actually buried away under
control panel > system > advanced system settings > advanced > performance settings > data execution protection
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Just a slight divergence, but someone has just reminded of one circumstance where it IS worth installing ZoneAlarm or similar
That is if your PC is connected to the internet via a USB Broadband modem, rather than a a networked modem/router.
With a USB modem there is no hardware firewall or NATS between the PC and the internet, so the machine is fully exposed and you really do need that extra degree of security.
That is if your PC is connected to the internet via a USB Broadband modem, rather than a a networked modem/router.
With a USB modem there is no hardware firewall or NATS between the PC and the internet, so the machine is fully exposed and you really do need that extra degree of security.
Usual disclaimers apply!
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Glad to see that Steve is still around.
He first came to my attention with a brilliant screensaver, written in machine code, as I believe is all his software. Unfortunately, iirc, it doesn't run in Windoze, otherwise I would still be using it.
One of a very small number I would trust on the 'net.
He first came to my attention with a brilliant screensaver, written in machine code, as I believe is all his software. Unfortunately, iirc, it doesn't run in Windoze, otherwise I would still be using it.
One of a very small number I would trust on the 'net.
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Many years since I last spoke to Steve G
Brilliant at what he does, comes in for a lot of stick for pointing out unpleasant truths.
Be warned though - much of the stuff on his website is years out of date, he never culls old programs. However the Shields Up! and port scan can be an eyeopener, and SpinRite is a useful tool if you need to keep an old drive running for a while. But just remember - if you need to use SpinRite, its time to replace the drive
However - all that scan on his website does is check for open ports. It does not check for software vulnerabiities
Brilliant at what he does, comes in for a lot of stick for pointing out unpleasant truths.
Be warned though - much of the stuff on his website is years out of date, he never culls old programs. However the Shields Up! and port scan can be an eyeopener, and SpinRite is a useful tool if you need to keep an old drive running for a while. But just remember - if you need to use SpinRite, its time to replace the drive
However - all that scan on his website does is check for open ports. It does not check for software vulnerabiities
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Rads. Avast is great. Even their daily pop-ups are acceptable because they keep you informed. I had a crash recently and have put back the Avast freebie, which is going along nicely. I have found that Norton is a mess and 'controls' the computer. OK for them but I like being in control. 
