Security

**Mark T.** · Nov 27, 2001, 06:49

I decided I want to build some defence around my pc, since I have not even a virus scanner installed. I am thinking about setting up a firewall and installing a virus scanner. Any recommendations?

**redemption** · Nov 27, 2001, 10:46

i've heard great things about zonealarm as a personal firewall... though i've no experience in using it at home

**pinki** · Nov 27, 2001, 11:15

Zone Alarm is excellent but can conflict with a number of programs. I'm about to try BlackICE Defender within the next couple of days to see how I get on with that. On the subject of Antivirus software, I don't think you can beat Norton and it just so happens I will be installing Antivirus 2001 in the next couple of days as well. I am currently running 2000 and it has never let me down.

**allie** · Nov 27, 2001, 12:16

I run ZoneAlarm on a Windows 98se system with the full compliment of Office Software, PSP, as well as other software and have not had the first problem with it.

Have run Norton Antivirus of various versions for years with no problems.

**Maelstrom** · Nov 27, 2001, 12:35

I will give a hands up for zonealarm. It rocks. I have been using it for 2 months and had many sniffers and nothing else could get near me.

Worth every penny...

its free

**Maelstrom** · Nov 27, 2001, 12:36

Originally posted by pinki
Zone Alarm is excellent but can conflict with a number of programs. I'm about to try BlackICE Defender within the next couple of days to see how I get on with that. On the subject of Antivirus software, I don't think you can beat Norton and it just so happens I will be installing Antivirus 2001 in the next couple of days as well. I am currently running 2000 and it has never let me down.

The one problem with black ice is it doesn't protect well vs bots and such...sorry drew a blank. It has (maybe had) a rather large weakness as I have just currently read. Zone Alarm works against everything.

**Mark T.** · Nov 27, 2001, 12:37

Just installed ZoneAlarm, and I really like it after the first few minutes. Right now, I am in the process of finding my dad's Norton AntiVirus. Ah, found it, let the installing and rebooting begin again

.

**Technosailor** · Nov 27, 2001, 13:08

stick with Norton's...it's the best. I have the NAV 2002 with the Norton's Personal Firewall 2002 and I feel quite secure.

Sketch

**Maelstrom** · Nov 27, 2001, 14:14

Originally posted by Sketch
stick with Norton's...it's the best. I have the NAV 2002 with the Norton's Personal Firewall 2002 and I feel quite secure.

Sketch

I always forget about norton because of the cost.

**isotope235** · Nov 27, 2001, 17:06

A good read w/ some info on the weaknesses of Black Ice (thanks to whoever posted this link originally):

Here

Stick w/ Zone Alarm

**qslack** · Nov 27, 2001, 17:20

Take anything GRC (Steve Gibson) says with a grain of salt. He's a self-professed security professional - see http://www.grcsucks.com/ .

BlackIce is an intrusion detection system, not a firewall.

But anyways, I use ZoneAlarm (just for app-based filtering) even though I'm behind NAT. I love it!

**mjames** · Nov 27, 2001, 21:07

I have to agree with most of you here and say go for Norton and ZoneAlarm products. I have been using the two side-by-side to keep my computer protected and running smoothly for years now.

**redemption** · Nov 27, 2001, 23:15

yes i had previously saved the GRC attacks story and slogged thru it recently... zonealarm vs. blackICE is pretty much summed up near the bottom of the page...

go for zonealarm

it's free too!

**Defender1** · Nov 28, 2001, 04:20

I'm just curious why you want a firewall installed when your on a dialup connection in which you have a dynamic ip?

**redemption** · Nov 28, 2001, 09:35

Mark T. you're on dialup?? hmm... i don't think it's absolutely neccessary to get a firewall on a dialup... but it may help detect any zombies you may have hiding in you pc though

**Mark T.** · Nov 28, 2001, 10:51

Nope, not that I know off

.

I am on cable, 256K (will be upgraded to 512 as per January 2002).

**MissingArrow** · Nov 28, 2001, 20:04

I want to thank Mark T. for starting this thread. When I left school last year I turned off Zone Alarm since I wasn't going to be connected to a network. Well I forgot to when I got back. I just turned it back on and in 10 minutes I have had 5 attempts to access my machine. I have to love college networks...

Thanks again,
Dan

**matiefert** · Nov 28, 2001, 22:52

Originally posted by Defender1
I'm just curious why you want a firewall installed when your on a dialup connection in which you have a dynamic ip?

FWIW - when I was on a dialup and the SirCam attack was at its first peak - ZoneAlarm was sometimes blocking 1 intrusion attempt every minute. It seemed to depend on which dialup number I was using, but I don't know if that was just a matter of chance or if it depended on whether the other end of the connection originally belonged to Sprint or MindSpring or EarthLink.

cheers,

Marj

**Technosailor** · Nov 28, 2001, 22:55

Even on a dialup with dynamic IP, you are still vulnerable to attack. The likelihood is significantly reduced, but you can still be attacked.

Sketch

**Mark T.** · Nov 29, 2001, 09:01

No problem Dan, I am glad I brought this to your mind again. Five attempts in ten minutes, man, you must have a really cosy network there

!

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