Freeware replacements for Norton Internet Security?

Tx2 · External Since: Feb 23, 2007 Posts: 4

This message is not archived

Ron · External Since: Apr 10, 2007 Posts: 4

On Apr 10, 5:26 pm, Tx2 <this.is.an.....TakeThisOut@lid.address.u.know.com> wrote:
> A friend of mine has Norton Internet Security 2006 on her PC, the
> subscription of which has now expired.
>
> I am personally not a fan of NIS in any form, and have suggested she
> look for an alternative solution to her Internet 'protection'.
>
> Her financial situation means she is not in a position to spend money on
> this, and nor is she particularly proficient on the PC, so I have
> suggested a combination of the following for both ease of use, and zero
> cost:
>
> Antivir, Spybot S&D, SpywareBlaster, ZoneAlarm, WinPatrol, and an MVP
> HOSTS file.
>
> Is this a fair level of 'security' utilities to install on her PC in
> place of NIS?
>
> My only concern is ZoneAlarm, as I do read some folks experience issues
> with it. I would alternatively consider perhaps Comodo Firewall?
>
> She connects to the Internet via a USB ADSL modem, so doesn't have the
> protection a router would otherwise offer, so needs 'uncomplicated'
> programs that will 'look after' her in the event of a security warning,
> that is, give her a recommended course of action to take.
>
> Comments.

My father has 4 computers, and uses nothing but, AVG anti-virus, and
Ad-Aware anti-spyware with Windows XP which has it's own firewall.

He has never had a problem.

Even after I sent him a copy of Spy Sweeper (commercial ware) the
sweep turned up negative. (tracking cookies only)

IMO, Spybot and any firewall except for Kerio, is not for
"beginners".

I agree with using Spyware Blaster since basically it just keeps
"bugs" away.

I also like Spyware Terminator as a easy to use program, with it's
"shields" off.

This is a really good site for freeware http://www.techsupportalert.com/best_46_free_utilities.htm

Ron · External Since: Apr 10, 2007 Posts: 4

On Apr 10, 6:11 pm, "Ron" <BigELil... DeleteThis @msn.com> wrote:
> On Apr 10, 5:26 pm, Tx2 <this.is.an.... DeleteThis @lid.address.u.know.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > A friend of mine has Norton Internet Security 2006 on her PC, the
> > subscription of which has now expired.
>
> > I am personally not a fan of NIS in any form, and have suggested she
> > look for an alternative solution to her Internet 'protection'.
>
> > Her financial situation means she is not in a position to spend money on
> > this, and nor is she particularly proficient on the PC, so I have
> > suggested a combination of the following for both ease of use, and zero
> > cost:
>
> > Antivir, Spybot S&D, SpywareBlaster, ZoneAlarm, WinPatrol, and an MVP
> > HOSTS file.
>
> > Is this a fair level of 'security' utilities to install on her PC in
> > place of NIS?
>
> > My only concern is ZoneAlarm, as I do read some folks experience issues
> > with it. I would alternatively consider perhaps Comodo Firewall?
>
> > She connects to the Internet via a USB ADSL modem, so doesn't have the
> > protection a router would otherwise offer, so needs 'uncomplicated'
> > programs that will 'look after' her in the event of a security warning,
> > that is, give her a recommended course of action to take.
>
> > Comments.
>
> My father has 4 computers, and uses nothing but, AVG anti-virus, and
> Ad-Aware anti-spyware with Windows XP which has it's own firewall.
>
> He has never had a problem.
>
> Even after I sent him a copy of Spy Sweeper (commercial ware) the
> sweep turned up negative. (tracking cookies only)
>
> IMO, Spybot and any firewall except for Kerio, is not for
> "beginners".
>
> I agree with using Spyware Blaster since basically it just keeps
> "bugs" away.
>
> I also like Spyware Terminator as a easy to use program, with it's
> "shields" off.
>
> This is a really good site for freewarehttp://www.techsupportalert.com/best_46_free_utilities.htm

I meant to add, that McAfee Site Advisor is a very good tool to keep
from downloading adware / spyware.

Victek · External Since: Mar 02, 2007 Posts: 7

"Tx2" <this.is.an.inv.DeleteThis@lid.address.u.know.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.20861157839ad00d9896a6@News.Individual.NET...
>
> A friend of mine has Norton Internet Security 2006 on her PC, the
> subscription of which has now expired.
>
> I am personally not a fan of NIS in any form, and have suggested she
> look for an alternative solution to her Internet 'protection'.
>
> Her financial situation means she is not in a position to spend money on
> this, and nor is she particularly proficient on the PC, so I have
> suggested a combination of the following for both ease of use, and zero
> cost:
>
> Antivir, Spybot S&D, SpywareBlaster, ZoneAlarm, WinPatrol, and an MVP
> HOSTS file.
>
> Is this a fair level of 'security' utilities to install on her PC in
> place of NIS?
>
> My only concern is ZoneAlarm, as I do read some folks experience issues
> with it. I would alternatively consider perhaps Comodo Firewall?
>
> She connects to the Internet via a USB ADSL modem, so doesn't have the
> protection a router would otherwise offer, so needs 'uncomplicated'
> programs that will 'look after' her in the event of a security warning,
> that is, give her a recommended course of action to take.
>
I think your selections are good. I would add an antispyware application
with a resident shield. Currently I'm using Spyware Terminator and like it
a lot. During installation it offers the user different configurations
based on skill level, such as Beginner, Advanced, Expert, with descriptions
of how it will work for each level. If you install it for your friend and
do a complete scan you can classify all of the software it doesn't initially
recognize. That minimizes the pop-ups later on. I also suggest keeping the
HIPS feature off as it demands a lot of user interaction which might
overwhelm your friend.

FWIW, an inexpensive router could be installed between the ADSL modem and
the computer for the added security it would provide. I just saw one on
www.newegg.com for under $20.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2000400028...4093&bo

www.spywareterminator.com

Bullseye · External Since: Mar 10, 2007 Posts: 28

On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:26:19 +0100, Tx2 wrote:

> A friend of mine has Norton Internet Security 2006 on her PC, the
> subscription of which has now expired.
>
> I am personally not a fan of NIS in any form, and have suggested she
> look for an alternative solution to her Internet 'protection'.
>
> Her financial situation means she is not in a position to spend money on
> this, and nor is she particularly proficient on the PC, so I have
> suggested a combination of the following for both ease of use, and zero
> cost:
>
> Antivir, Spybot S&D, SpywareBlaster, ZoneAlarm, WinPatrol, and an MVP
> HOSTS file.
>
> Is this a fair level of 'security' utilities to install on her PC in
> place of NIS?
>
> My only concern is ZoneAlarm, as I do read some folks experience issues
> with it. I would alternatively consider perhaps Comodo Firewall?
>
> She connects to the Internet via a USB ADSL modem, so doesn't have the
> protection a router would otherwise offer, so needs 'uncomplicated'
> programs that will 'look after' her in the event of a security warning,
> that is, give her a recommended course of action to take.
>
> Comments.

I would agree with Spywareblaster, Winpatrol, MVPS HOSTS File. Zone Alarm
Free is a resource hog and not the best of firewals in the free category.
Since the user seems to be somewhat of a novice I won't suggest a HIPS,
although Neoava Guard is very effective & can be configured for beginners.
For the firewall, I think Comodo is much more difficult to master than the
newer versions of Kerio, which are basically set 'n forget. I used Kerio
when I knew absolutely nothing about firewalls. I would suggest
downloading Kerio 4.2.2 from filehippo.com, as it uses much less resources
than the newer Sunbelt versions (about 12-14 MB as compared to the current
version's 40 MB usage). I think Comodo, especially with its HIPS-like
features, would probably freak a newbie out. I have used Winpatrol to
monitor startups as well as changes to the HOSTS file. Spybot S&D is
pretty much outdated, although useful in some instances. A free AS app
like Superantispyware is a much better choice. With Antivir, you don't
need a resident antispyware app. However, the one concern I would have is
that Antivir produces a large amount of false positives, and the
possibility of a novice deleting a needed file is very real. Another AV
choice would be Active Virus Shield, which is essentially a free version of
Kaspersky AV (minus some features), and produces very few false positives.
Personally, that would be my choice if I decided not to pay for my NOD32.
I would also suggest something like HostsMan or eDexter to manage HOSTS
file and also speed up web-surfing.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

M.L. · External Since: Apr 11, 2007 Posts: 2

> My father has 4 computers, and uses nothing but, AVG anti-virus, and
> Ad-Aware anti-spyware with Windows XP which has it's own firewall.
>
> He has never had a problem.
>
> Even after I sent him a copy of Spy Sweeper (commercial ware) the
> sweep turned up negative. (tracking cookies only)
>
> IMO, Spybot and any firewall except for Kerio, is not for
> "beginners".
>
> I agree with using Spyware Blaster since basically it just keeps
> "bugs" away.
>
> I also like Spyware Terminator as a easy to use program, with it's
> "shields" off.
>
> This is a really good site for freeware
> http://www.techsupportalert.com/best_46_free_utilities.htm

For most of my customers I install AVG, Spyware Terminator and turn on
the Windows firewall. Although I think Outpost is the easiest firewall
to manage, I learned it was too much fuss for the average user.

RedForeman · External Since: Apr 13, 2007 Posts: 1

On Apr 10, 5:26 pm, Tx2 <this.is.an.... RemoveThis @lid.address.u.know.com> wrote:
> A friend of mine has Norton Internet Security 2006 on her PC, the
> subscription of which has now expired.
>
> I am personally not a fan of NIS in any form, and have suggested she
> look for an alternative solution to her Internet 'protection'.
>
> Her financial situation means she is not in a position to spend money on
> this, and nor is she particularly proficient on the PC, so I have
> suggested a combination of the following for both ease of use, and zero
> cost:
>
> Antivir, Spybot S&D, SpywareBlaster, ZoneAlarm, WinPatrol, and an MVP
> HOSTS file.
>
> Is this a fair level of 'security' utilities to install on her PC in
> place of NIS?
>
> My only concern is ZoneAlarm, as I do read some folks experience issues
> with it. I would alternatively consider perhaps Comodo Firewall?
>
> She connects to the Internet via a USB ADSL modem, so doesn't have the
> protection a router would otherwise offer, so needs 'uncomplicated'
> programs that will 'look after' her in the event of a security warning,
> that is, give her a recommended course of action to take.
>
> Comments.

First and foremost, run the Symantec tool to remove NIS from the
workstation. And then download one or all of the following

aVast home - register it and it'll be great.
FreeAVG - again, it's great.
Computer Associates EZAntiVirus - not as obvious, but still does a
great job.

As for a firewall, you probably don't need it if your internet
provider gave you a router, most routers do NAT, which hides you
behind the device, and the 'need' for a router is lessened by that...

M.L. · External Since: Apr 11, 2007 Posts: 2

> As for a firewall, you probably don't need it if your internet
> provider gave you a router, most routers do NAT, which hides you
> behind the device, and the 'need' for a router is lessened by that...

Like the Microsoft firewall, routers only provide inbound protection.

Ron · External Since: Apr 10, 2007 Posts: 4

On Apr 13, 11:29 am, "RedForeman" <RedFore... DeleteThis @gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 10, 5:26 pm, Tx2 <this.is.an.... DeleteThis @lid.address.u.know.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > A friend of mine has Norton Internet Security 2006 on her PC, the
> > subscription of which has now expired.
>
> > I am personally not a fan of NIS in any form, and have suggested she
> > look for an alternative solution to her Internet 'protection'.
>
> > Her financial situation means she is not in a position to spend money on
> > this, and nor is she particularly proficient on the PC, so I have
> > suggested a combination of the following for both ease of use, and zero
> > cost:
>
> > Antivir, Spybot S&D, SpywareBlaster, ZoneAlarm, WinPatrol, and an MVP
> > HOSTS file.
>
> > Is this a fair level of 'security' utilities to install on her PC in
> > place of NIS?
>
> > My only concern is ZoneAlarm, as I do read some folks experience issues
> > with it. I would alternatively consider perhaps Comodo Firewall?
>
> > She connects to the Internet via a USB ADSL modem, so doesn't have the
> > protection a router would otherwise offer, so needs 'uncomplicated'
> > programs that will 'look after' her in the event of a security warning,
> > that is, give her a recommended course of action to take.
>
> > Comments.
>
> First and foremost, run the Symantec tool to remove NIS from the
> workstation. And then download one or all of the following
>
> aVast home - register it and it'll be great.
> FreeAVG - again, it's great.
> Computer Associates EZAntiVirus - not as obvious, but still does a
> great job.
>
> As for a firewall, you probably don't need it if your internet
> provider gave you a router, most routers do NAT, which hides you
> behind the device, and the 'need' for a router is lessened by that...

Where can you get CA for free?

Ron · External Since: Apr 10, 2007 Posts: 4

On Apr 15, 1:22 am, "Heather" <nos....TakeThisOut@nospam.invalid> wrote:
> "Ron" <BigELil....TakeThisOut@msn.com> wrote in message
>
> news:1176613490.930411.304090@d57g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
>
> > On Apr 13, 11:29 am, "RedForeman" <RedFore....TakeThisOut@gmail.com> wrote:
> >> On Apr 10, 5:26 pm, Tx2 <this.is.an.....TakeThisOut@lid.address.u.know.com>
> >> wrote:
> > Where can you get CA for free?
>
> http://store.digitalriver.com/DRHM/Storefront/Company/caconsum/static...
>
> or use this snipped url one which is the same as above......http://snipurl.com/hh6r
>
> My usual link didn't have the freebie, so still had this one.
>
> Cheers.....Heather

So it's just a free trial version?

And for some reason it says 1 yr free trial, but when you click on
download, it says 90 days.

Heather · External Since: Nov 01, 2006 Posts: 50

"Ron" <BigELilE05 DeleteThis @msn.com> wrote in message
news:1176613490.930411.304090@d57g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
> On Apr 13, 11:29 am, "RedForeman" <RedFore... DeleteThis @gmail.com> wrote:
>> On Apr 10, 5:26 pm, Tx2 <this.is.an.... DeleteThis @lid.address.u.know.com>
>> wrote:

> Where can you get CA for free?

http://store.digitalriver.com/DRHM/Storefront/Company/caconsum/staticC...ent/PYP

or use this snipped url one which is the same as above......
http://snipurl.com/hh6r

My usual link didn't have the freebie, so still had this one.

Cheers.....Heather

MoiMoi · External Since: Aug 25, 2006 Posts: 53

In article <1176616351.860285.77940.RemoveThis@n76g2000hsh.googlegroups.com>,
BigELilE05.RemoveThis@msn.com says...
> On Apr 15, 1:22 am, "Heather" <nos....RemoveThis@nospam.invalid> wrote:
> > "Ron" <BigELil....RemoveThis@msn.com> wrote in message
> >
> > news:1176613490.930411.304090@d57g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
> >
> > > On Apr 13, 11:29 am, "RedForeman" <RedFore....RemoveThis@gmail.com> wrote:
> > >> On Apr 10, 5:26 pm, Tx2 <this.is.an.....RemoveThis@lid.address.u.know.com>
> > >> wrote:
> > > Where can you get CA for free?
> >
> > http://store.digitalriver.com/DRHM/Storefront/Company/caconsum/static...
> >
> > or use this snipped url one which is the same as above......http://snipurl.com/hh6r
> >
> > My usual link didn't have the freebie, so still had this one.
> >
> > Cheers.....Heather
>
> So it's just a free trial version?
>
> And for some reason it says 1 yr free trial, but when you click on
> download, it says 90 days.

I think that's an orphaned page on the Digital River site from a
previous CA offer where you really could get a year free.
Notice that the download link returns to CA site.

I might not even work at all, since the only CA AV now touted through
the main site entrance is the $50 CA AV 2007. There is a "trial" there
also, although it doesn't say how long it's for.

Btw, this is typical of CA: hit and miss, bait and switch.

MM

Heather · External Since: Nov 01, 2006 Posts: 50

"MoiMoi" <moimoi.TakeThisOut@example.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.208c0b9f50c90cd7989744@news.individual.net...
> In article <1176616351.860285.77940.TakeThisOut@n76g2000hsh.googlegroups.com>,
> BigELilE05.TakeThisOut@msn.com says...
>> So it's just a free trial version?
>>
>> And for some reason it says 1 yr free trial, but when you click on
>> download, it says 90 days.

OK....it was late and I didn't check further. Obviously Microsoft and
CA are no longer offering a free one year trial of EZ Trust. That is
the one I am using at the moment.
>
> Btw, this is typical of CA: hit and miss, bait and switch.
>
For shame, MiMi......CA would never bait and switch, lol. I honestly
have used it for some 7 or 8 years. Paid for it for a couple of them,
then switched over to the MS/CA freebie.

FiFi

ellis_jay · External Since: Apr 18, 2007 Posts: 1

Tx2 wrote:
> A friend of mine has Norton Internet Security 2006 on her PC, the
> subscription of which has now expired.
>
> I am personally not a fan of NIS in any form, and have suggested she
> look for an alternative solution to her Internet 'protection'.
>
> Her financial situation means she is not in a position to spend money
> on this, and nor is she particularly proficient on the PC, so I have
> suggested a combination of the following for both ease of use, and
> zero cost:
>
> Antivir, Spybot S&D, SpywareBlaster, ZoneAlarm, WinPatrol, and an MVP
> HOSTS file.
>
> Is this a fair level of 'security' utilities to install on her PC in
> place of NIS?
>
> My only concern is ZoneAlarm, as I do read some folks experience
> issues with it. I would alternatively consider perhaps Comodo
> Firewall?
>
> She connects to the Internet via a USB ADSL modem, so doesn't have the
> protection a router would otherwise offer, so needs 'uncomplicated'
> programs that will 'look after' her in the event of a security
> warning, that is, give her a recommended course of action to take.
>
> Comments.

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

--
When people are engaged in something they are not proud of, they do
not welcome witnesses. In fact, they come to believe the witness causes
the trouble. ___John Steinbeck

Ellis_Jay

Richard Steven Hack · External Since: May 20, 2004 Posts: 2

On Fri, 13 Apr 2007 08:29:41 -0700, RedForeman wrote:

> aVast home - register it and it'll be great.
> FreeAVG - again, it's great.
> Computer Associates EZAntiVirus - not as obvious, but still does a
> great job.

I'd add AOL Antivirus to that. Ignore the fact that it comes from AOL. It's
really a stripped down version of Kaspersky V6.0 AV which is one of the
top detectors.

> As for a firewall, you probably don't need it if your internet
> provider gave you a router, most routers do NAT, which hides you
> behind the device, and the 'need' for a router is lessened by that...

I recommend a software personal firewall even if you have a router,
although that's a personal choice. Comodo makes a decent free one which is
one of the better detectors of outbound leaks.