Re: Asking about anti-virus programs
From: Philip Herlihy (foof8500_at_REMOVEherlihy.eu.com)
Date: 09/10/03
- Next message: Philip Herlihy: "Re: Downloads"
- Previous message: _at_leJek: "Re: patch.exe email from security@microsoft.com"
- In reply to: DEBORAH ADOPT: "Asking about anti-virus programs"
- Next in thread: Philip Herlihy: "Re: Asking about anti-virus programs"
- Reply: Philip Herlihy: "Re: Asking about anti-virus programs"
- Reply: Deborah A.: "Re: Asking about anti-virus programs"
- Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ] [ subject ] [ author ] [ attachment ]
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 09:21:06 +0100
I think you're doing enough to keep reasonably secure (but see no 2 below).
The key elements of self-protection are:
1) Run a decent antivirus (McAfee is fine) but keep it updated, weekly or
so, with new DAT files. Check the "About" window occasionally to make sure
your updating process is working!
2) Run a firewall. (Crucial). You can either enable the one built-in to
XP (see Help) or download a free one (www.zonelabs.com or www.kerio.com).
Most home users don't need more than the free versions available, but these
days, everyone needs a firewall to prevent connections being made to your
machine from outside. You haven't mentioned this, so you should look into
it. You may have the McAfee one already on your machine?
3) Keep windows updated via www.microsoft.com/windowsupdate. Check once a
week. There are also security updates for Office at
http://office.microsoft.com/officeupdate - less critical (so far) but worth
doing.
4) Don't do anything daft, like open an attachment unless you're sure (and
noone can tell you how to be sure!) that it's safe. If in doubt, chuck it
out. They'll send it again if it's important!
That lot should keep you safe from all the main risks. I put a summary on
my own website (overdue for a revamp) at www.WalthamSoft.com/gn/security/
Apart from the major hazards of viruses and worms there is another
"nuisance" layer: spyware, popups, spams of various kinds. Those McAfee
popups are offering "protection" against things that are much less of a
problem, and most people don't need this sort of utility. McAfee are
infuriating in their aggressive selling methods so they may well be from
McAfee. Of the perils they describe, only ActiveX is really a potential
threat, and if you spend a bit of time studying the security settings in
Internet Explorer you'll see how to make IE ask you for permission before
downloading anything like that. Over time, you'll become more confident in
knowing what to accept or reject. If in doubt, chuck it out... If you want
an extra utility to help you understand what's going on, and give you a bit
more control, you might try www.PopUpCop.com, which I rather like. You
don't need it, though.
Anyway, good luck with the business, and sleep well!
-- ###################### ## PH, London ## ###################### DEBORAH ADOPT wrote: > Any experts out there that can answer security protection > for my hp? > > Does anyone know about the difference between which anti- > virus protection to have: McAfee or Norton? I'm getting > confused and I need to know what I'm doing if I'm planning > on opening an internet business. > > I purchased the Windows XP, hp pavilion 780n with the 950 > all-in-one priner, fax, scanner, and copier. Windows XP's > Hard drive came with McAfee.com, which I've heard > is "minimal security protection against worms and > viruses," as everyone knows of this last big hit with > the "Blaster Worm." However, since I bought the computer > package in Jan 2001, I figured McAfee was fine and that I > would just make sure that I kept my computer updated > through "windows update," like installing all those > security patches that came as no easy task, but rather, a > big challenge for me. I really had a hard time getting the > Fix-recovery patch and then just this last year there was > the "Class Action Suite, Dec 12,2002; Plaintiff Brian > Delre vs HEWLETT-PACKARD, involving the upgrading of HP > DVD 100i series to the HP200i series. > > Now, today I did purchase the online subscription for the > McAfee VirusScan 1-year plan of $24.95 because I followed > the 4 steps to inquire about this worm affecting my > computer. I did track my history of windows updating and I > did install the Microsoft Security MS03-026 within less > than the week the worm struck. However, after scanning > (using the subscription for McAfee) for updates and > scanning all files today, McAfee said "I was unprotected > and at risk for JavaScript, ActiveX, Web Bugs, Cookies and > JavaX," and McAfee offered me: "The Internet Security > Advisor" consisting of both Secure IE and Private IE > together as a package to protect my PC from security > leaks, and hacking attacks.(I thought all those elements > were covered under Windows Update) > > I decided to wait and closed the window, but a pop-up > window appeared and "McAfee Security Special Partner" > offered me another $10.00 off coupon, because "they didn't > want to loose as a customer." Then as I went for it,I read > their "purchase agreement," which said the software > is: "AS IS SALE," with all faults and no warranties, and > just basically AcAfee is not at all responsible or liable > for any damage the product might do to my system or other > programs. The total cost for me to have "Secure IE & > Private IE with a CD copy" would cost me about $39.99 > approximately, and that I need to "hurry because this > offer ends Sept 9, 2003, at 12Midnight." If I'm aware of > this software package, I believe I saw something similar > at Staples today, and if so, it was expensive...in the > ranges of approx $300 to $600. Now can someone out there > set me straight on securing one's computer? > > My questions to anyone who knows about this: Is "McAfee > Special Partner Offer" legitimate and true? Or am I > falling into a trap? Do I even need this, when I've been > updating Windows automatically? I feel confused and I have > some doubts. After I send this message, I'm going to talk > to hp instant support, or contact Microsoft to inquire > about this to see if I should buy and install this > software. Most of my friends say they like Norton better, > but they don't have the same computer I do. My Windows XP > came with McAfee already installed. > > Thanks for your help. Help, help, please? What is true, > and what is not? These computers can be risky and they are > not cheap! I'm feeling less confident and rather > cautious...am I being too insecure? I'd like to think I'm > wise to double check before I impulsively act, buy it, and > install it, especially if the software is not reliable > with no warranties, as number 1 states: "AS IS SALE," > and "WITH ALL FAULTS." > > Again, I really appreciate those who really know their > technology, and who are willing to educate me about what > action I should take. In closing, I would hope for tighter > security measures to be achieved, because life is already > so difficult without having to add fuel to the fire. > > I apologize for the long message. This is my first time to > ever write to a Newsgroup. If I've been out-of-line with > any contents of this letter, please accept my apology. Not > to try to gain any sympathy here, but I have missed lots > of sleep last night trying to figure this out, and missing > sleep is not good for my disability. > > Sincerely, > Deborah
- Next message: Philip Herlihy: "Re: Downloads"
- Previous message: _at_leJek: "Re: patch.exe email from security@microsoft.com"
- In reply to: DEBORAH ADOPT: "Asking about anti-virus programs"
- Next in thread: Philip Herlihy: "Re: Asking about anti-virus programs"
- Reply: Philip Herlihy: "Re: Asking about anti-virus programs"
- Reply: Deborah A.: "Re: Asking about anti-virus programs"
- Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ] [ subject ] [ author ] [ attachment ]
Relevant Pages
|
