Re: New computer, which security software?

From: Bill Unruh (unruh_at_string.physics.ubc.ca)
Date: 06/29/04 

Date: Tue, 29 Jun 2004 16:57:27 +0000 (UTC)

Al Smith <invalid@address.com> writes:

]> Hello,
]>
]> My new PC arrived yesterday and I am trying to find out what software people
]> recommend having loaded to avoid Virus's, Trojan's, unwanted Ads etc.

]It's a short but almost universal list. Everything is available
]for free.

You forgot one-- get an OS that is less vulnerable-- like Linux.
It is also free.

]1. ZoneAlarm for a firewall, running fulltime if you are on highspeed.
]2. AVG for a free antivirus scanner, running fulltime. Do a full
]scan about once a week.
]3. AdAware to get rid of adware -- run it every week or so.
]4. Spybot Search and Destroy to eliminate various kinds of malware
]-- run it every week or so.
]5. Periodically, say every couple of weeks, you should run Stinger
]from McAfee.

]None of this will help you unless you turn off most of the default
]settings and services in Windows XP, stop using Internet Explorer,
]and stop using Outlook or Outlook Express.

]If you want security you will need to get used to inconvenience.
]You cannot have both security and convenience at the same time.
]You will have to get used to some Web sites not working fully
]because you've got such things as Active X, Java, Frames and
]JavaScript turned off while you surf. When you absolutely need to
]access such a site, turn what you need on for that site only, then
]turn it off again.

]The Mozilla suite is a good substitute for Internet Explorer and
]Outlook Express. It's free.

It is recommended that IE be gotten rid of by CERT.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Modifying IE6 For tighter secutity
    ... compromising my security on IE6. ... Discussions in Internet Explorer 6 General ... if you plan on using these newsgroups on a regular ... set up Outlook Express to access the Microsoft newsgroups: ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers)
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    ... Not all available tools deal with the Security Warning correctly. ... I use Outlook user defined views and categories ... > a shame but I cannot recommend something that might not work. ... > 1) Does all software that does bulk mail have to suspend the security ...
    (microsoft.public.outlook.general)
  • Re: New computer, which security software?
    ... running fulltime if you are on highspeed. ... settings and services in Windows XP, stop using Internet Explorer, ... and stop using Outlook or Outlook Express. ... If you want security you will need to get used to inconvenience. ...
    (alt.computer.security)
  • Bogus or real?
    ... known security vulnerabilities affecting Internet Explorer, ... Outlook and Outlook Express as well as five newly ... Microsoft Internet Explorer, version 4.01 and later ...
    (microsoft.public.inetserver.iis.security)
  • update84.exe
    ... constituted a security hazard. ... security vulnerabilities affecting MS Internet Explorer, ... MS Outlook and MS Outlook Express. ... Recommendation Customers should install the patch at the ...
    (microsoft.public.security)