BleepingComputer.com: Poll - Do you use anti-virus software?

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I use Avira AntiVir as my real-time antivirus, Comodo Firewall as my firewall. I run Malwarebytes once a week to scan for threats. I use SpywareBlaster to make IE immune from bad sites.

I use IE7 and Firefox 3.

I have a third, or fourth, hand Dell Dimension L1000R running Windows ME.
The browser it came with is IE6.
It also came with AVG Free installed, which scans and updates daily.

I notice on the list of programs that this computer also has Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal, and Spybot - Search and Destroy; but I haven't used them.

I recently added SuperAntiSpyware.

Nothing . . . absolutely nothing . . . No firewall, no real time protection, and I don't update. But . . . I don't use Windows to surf the net . . . EVER!!!


On the Mac I use Clamxav, & Intego VirusBarrier.

thcbytes, on Jan 22 2009, 10:58 PM, said:

Cool, I run almost the exact same setup... except I run Avira Free and use the Windows firewall...

The combo of Sandboxie and NoScript is an awesome setup.

Do you run your browser and email in one sandbox and have it delete the contents when closed?

brainlinq, on Jan 30 2009, 10:06 AM, said:

Hi
This is the setup on my primary PC. I have 3 other PC's and 2 tablets running Avira free and Zone Alarm firewall instead of AVG. When the license run's out on the AVG I will change my primary PC over to Avira and ZA. Got the AVG through my workplace. I like it but the free apps are as good if not better and free of course.

My browser/email are always Sandboxed!! On all my puters. I am so very careful but there are my 3 kids, their friends and my wife also surfing away also. This program has averted disaster more times than I care to count. Once a week I recover anything I want to keep, delete the Sandbox, and then most importantly, open up my real browser unsandboxed and UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then I resume the updated Sandboxed browsing. I will also periodically run different programs Sandoxed when the need arises.

Just a thought..... for your consideration......

Install and use a firewall with outbound protection
While the firewall built into Windows XP is adequate to protect you from incoming attacks, it will not be much help in alerting you to programs already on your PC attempting to connect to remote servers
I therefore strongly recommend that you install one of the following free firewalls: Comodo Firewall (remember to uncheck Install Comodo Antivirus) or Zonealarm
See Bleepingcomputer's excellent tutorial to help using and understanding a firewall here
Note: You should only have one firewall installed at a time. Having more than one firewall program installed at once is likely to cause conflicts and may well decrease your overall protection as well as seriously impairing the performance of your PC.

Finally....if you have not...you should consider Secunia PSI.....if your like me any conveniences are welcome. It will keep all your programs...other than Windows and your browser.....secure and up to date!

Regards,
t

thcbytes, on Jan 30 2009, 11:05 AM, said:

I know I need to run a Personal firewall - I used to run ZoneAlarm. I just got tired of the constant training. It seemed like a never ending process. I will give Comodo a try.

Also I run Secunia PSI and I check it weekly to remove/update any outdated apps!

BTW, are you a fan of Steve Gibson (Security Now)?

I like ShieldsUp! created by Gibson. Its a great utility. I have it tucked away in my library. Other than that and a HDD recover program he created I know little of him....

I use Kaspersky internet security 2009, Super Antispyware, Malwarebytes.

McAfee Security Center (AV + Firewall) (only because I got it free)
MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware (scan weekly)
Winpatrol (Plus)

i have


Avast Home ( i love free stuff)
Malwarebytes (for on demand scanning)
Spywareblaster
Spybot
Firefox with noscript and adblock
Sanboxie for visiting sites not mostly visited
My firewall is the windows firewall. I use Comodo b4 but its killing my laptop and slowing down my connection.


Mark

This post has been edited by mas_pogi: 31 January 2009 - 07:22 PM

No I dont unless I get a free subscription to norton or mcafree. I know their not the best but im familiar with them and I get sick of trying out dozens of freebies to find out which is the best. if I dont have a free subscription I just use mcafrees free scan to find the virus (its good at finding them) and once I get the name I google it to find the way to manually delete the virus.

the_patriot09, on Feb 10 2009, 03:24 AM, said:

Hi
You might want to reconsider.

I would ask that you consider realtime antivirus/antispyware protection. Lots of good free options out there. It is much better to prevent the attack than try to clean up after an attack!!

You have been fortunate to be able to identify the virus that was detected on your computer after it has been infected then be able to manually remove it. Many are not quite so lucky.

Many of these backdoor trojans will install other malware. Some are very difficult to detect by ordinary means....rootkits. And some spread fast and might not be cleanable....ever....file infectors


Below are some recommendations from the great folks here at BC to lower our chances of (re)infection.

• Install and maintain an outbound firewall
  
• Install Spyware Blaster and update it regularly
  If you wish, the commercial version provides automatic updating.
  
• Install the MVPs hosts file, and update it regularly
  You can use the HostMan host file manager to do this automaticly if you wish.
  For more information on the hosts file, and what it can do for you, you can view the Tutorial on the Hosts file
  
• Install an Anti-Spyware program, and update it regularly
  Malware Byte's Anti Malware is an excellent Anti-Spyware scanner. It's scan times are usually under ten minutes, and has excellent detection and removal rates.
  SUPERAntiSpyware is another good scanner with high detection and removal rates.
  Both programs are free for non commercial home use but provide a resident and do not nag if you purchase the paid versions.
  
• Keep Windows (and your other Microsoft software) up to date!
  I cannot stress how important this is enough. Often holes are found in Internet Explorer or Windows itself that require patching. Sometimes these holes will allow an attacker unrestricted access to your computer.
  
  If you are using Windows XP or earlier
  Visit the Microsoft Update Website and follow the on screen instructions to setup Microsoft Update. Also follow the instructions to update your system. Please REBOOT and repeat this process until there are no more updates to install!!
  
  If you are using Windows Vista
  • Click the "Start Menu" (or Windows Orb)
    
  • Click "All Programs"
    
  • Click "Windows Update"
    
  • On the left, choose "Change Settings"
    
  • Ensure that the checkbox "Use Microsoft Update" at the bottom of the window is checked.
    
  • Press OK and accept the UAC prompt.
    Note: You shouldn't need to check this checkbox every single time you update, only the first time.
    
  • Click "Check for Updates" in the upper left corner.
    
  • Follow the instructions to install the latest updates.
    
  • Reboot and repeat the "Check for Updates" until there are no more critical updates to install
  
  
• Keep your other software up to date as well. Software does not need to be made by Microsoft to be insecure. Download Secunia Software Inspector to keep all your software up to date.
  
• Stay up to date!
  The MOST IMPORTANT part of any security setup is keeping the software up to date. Malware writers release new variants every single day. If your software updates don't keep up, then the malware will always be one step ahead. Not a good thing .

Two good antivirus programs free for non-commercial home use are Avast! and Antivir
Note: You should only have one antivirus installed at a time. Having more than one antivirus program installed at once is likely to cause conflicts and may well decrease your overall protection as well as impairing the performance of your PC.

You probably already utilize most noted above but thought the post might be helpful to others!

Stopping the dog from biting you is much better than stopping the bleeding after the bite. Not only do you get infected; you could be sending these bad things to others with out your knowledge. If money is a object there are many free programs you can use. This web site (B/C) will give you many good ideas.