Anti-Virus

[bluemicrobyte]

I used to use McAfee with my old computer, and it worked great. My friends dad (who is a computer guy) recomends and uses McAfee, but a lot of other people I know say Norton is way beter. My new computer came with Norton, and now I am trying to decide weather I should stay with McAfee or switch to Norton. I am a "power user" and would like optimal firewall and anti-virus protection.

I would like to know everyones opinion on McAfee and Norton anti-virus and firewall software. You must support your opinion. Basically this is a debate between McAfee and Norton.

[Dark_Viper]

if you have an extra old computer and a couple network cards... install a Smoothwall firewall on it.. nothing beats a smoothwall.. and i use Norton for an antivirus.. but i havn't used McAfee so i cannot say one beats the other...

[bluemicrobyte]

Why would I need extra network cards and an old computer?

[Dark_Viper]

because smoothwall doesnt operate on an os(at least i dont think so) all the smoothwalls ive seen and the one that im using is on a seperate machine set up between the internet and your main computer.

[bluemicrobyte]

oh that makes sense.


So where do you people stand on this McAfee vs Norton? lots of people have voted for Norton, but I don't see any supporting reasons!
(ya know, I think this should be in the debate sub forum)

[Neo]

Fairly niether are better... That is unless you dish out the money to keep subscribed.

In my experience though, I find that Norton was MUCH MUCH more useful then McAfee.

Anyways If your going to spend money, I would suggest Norton. McAfee is a good option, but both do keep up to date on every virus so its not really that big a deal IMO.

Hell, I myself just use AVG the free virus scanner.

Norton, McAfee, TrendMicro stuff, its all upto you.

But honestly, just use common sense and you wont get a virus.

-Neo

[bluemicrobyte]

Lets narrow down the debate. We are not comparing cost, or anything else that doesn't affect your computers protection. That leaves us with the programs ability to detect and remove viruses. It also leaves us with the firewalls ability to block hackers and stop other potentially dangerous stuff.

I did some reaserch on the two and found out that a guy did a test with both (McAfee 8.1 and Norton 2004) and found out that both can detect and remove known viruses. Both can detect a test string (a file that anti virus programs identify as a virus, but the file doesn't actually do anything) BUT, Norton was unable to detect an unknown virus. McAfee did detect the unknown virus though.

[WeekendLazyness]

I use McAfee VirusScan and Zonalarm Firewall. I have McAfee Internet Security installed and it's just awful.

[bluemicrobyte]

I use McAfee VirusScan and Zonalarm Firewall. I have McAfee Internet Security installed and it's just awful.Why is McAfee internet security awfull????

[XTERMIN8OR1]

I have Norton Antivirus, Norton Firewall and Norton Internet Security. I never used something else, so I can't actually compare. But I do think all these Norton products are quite good. Although Norton sometimes have problems with updating. But no real big problem.

[bluemicrobyte]

I have Norton Antivirus, Norton Firewall and Norton Internet Security. I never used something else, so I can't actually compare. But I do think all these Norton products are quite good. Although Norton sometimes have problems with updating. But no real big problem.In all your years with Norton have you ever had any problems with viruses, trojans, spyware, etc? (ps whats ur operating system and internet connection type?)

[XTERMIN8OR1]

I'm on the internet since February this year...
Windows XP Home Edition and an LAN connection.

[bluemicrobyte]

I'm on the internet since February this year...
Windows XP Home Edition and an LAN connection.So about four months. Well if anything happens tell me. I've used McAfee v7 on my old computer for about a year and it was fine.

[Whiteknight]

This is my virus protection! ^_^

http://www.petech.ac.za/aids/images/Virus_protection2.jpg

[bluemicrobyte]

hardy har har

[Dark_Viper]

i have XP pro and a 2mbps Cable

firewall examples:

Software firewall: ZoneAlarm,Norton Firewall,XP firewall,ect. :
These are only as good as the OS that they are running on... if the OS has a flaw/hole, the firewall has that same flaw/hole:
NOT recomended but better than nothing.

Hardware Firewall: D-link,ect. A.K.A. Router:
These are much beter since they are a separate piece of hardware that stands in between your computer and the internet:
Recomended if you dont have any other old computers laying around.

Smoothwall: Smoothwall:
This is currently the best and most popular firewall out there and its FREE!
Verry recomended, all you need is a pentium with 64MB RAM and 1GB of space.


ive meen on the net for 2 years roughly and i've had many frpblems with viruses but norton allways kills it off be4 it gets installed.

[Modred]

As for anti-virus, I give Norton the better grade because its update service works better from my experiences. I have Norton anti-virus (and XP firewall) on the computer I'm using now. So far, Norton has caught all viruses and adware I have managed to get on my computer, although deleting the adware requried a far more hands on approach than simply telling Norton to delete the files.

McAffee is on my old computer, and while it seems to do a good job of virus scanning, I have had problems with its update feature. Example: It downloads an update then doesn't intall it. Or, it downloads an update, installs it, the redownloads it again.

[bluemicrobyte]

As for anti-virus, I give Norton the better grade because its update service works better from my experiences. I have Norton anti-virus (and XP firewall) on the computer I'm using now. So far, Norton has caught all viruses and adware I have managed to get on my computer, although deleting the adware requried a far more hands on approach than simply telling Norton to delete the files.

McAffee is on my old computer, and while it seems to do a good job of virus scanning, I have had problems with its update feature. Example: It downloads an update then doesn't intall it. Or, it downloads an update, installs it, the redownloads it again.What version McAfee is that? I've had no trouble with the McAfee 7.1 updater.

[Exedore]

I personally find anti-virus programs to be stupid, too intrusive into the OS, and too demanding of system resources. To protect yourself from viruses/spyware, all you need to do is:
1. Don't use Internet Explorer.
2. Don't use Outlook/Outlook Express.
3. Don't be dumb and open executable attachments in emails.
4. Keep your operating system up to date with security patches.
5. Use a firewall of some sort - even a NAT firewall provided by a router is fine.

For firewalls, what Dark_Viper listed was fine.

[Neo]

Dude stop pushing Smoothwall.

Holy hell it is not the end all firewall solution. Smoothwall is nice, granted, but not many people have these magical extra computers to run it on. And if I am going to run my Internet Connection through something its going to be through a NAT Router or actual phsyical hardware firewall.

Dude, JUST PICK ONE. If you keep the virus definitions up to date for either McAffee or Norton they will catach any virus. If the AV program doesnt know to look for this virus here becuase you dont keep it updated then its your own fault.

And just like Exedore mentioned, you shouldnt have ANY problems with trojans or virii as long as you use some common sense. Ive used Interent Explorer and Outlook Express for 5+ years and have NEVER EVER gotten a virus or trojan on my computer.

Here are my experiences:

In the past McAffee on my mothers computer missed a basic and old keylogger and didnt do anything about it.

Recently my grandparents have Norton on a 1 year~ old computer and its unable to even remove the most simple of viruses.

In my opinion both are a bunch of bullshit, but they DO work most of the time.

-Neo

EDIT: Oh and FYI: Norton and Mcaffe AV software is/are not FIrewalls. Just so you know. They are AV software. They dont do a DAMNED thing firewall wise. If you want a good Firewall get Zonealarm. (though at this point I would suggest dishing out the money for Zone Alarm Pro, since ZA is becoming more and more restrictive... It still works just fine. Want security? go here: grc.com tell you everything youd ever want to know.

[bluemicrobyte]

I personally find anti-virus programs to be stupid, too intrusive into the OS, and too demanding of system resources. To protect yourself from viruses/spyware, all you need to do is:
1. Don't use Internet Explorer.
2. Don't use Outlook/Outlook Express.
3. Don't be dumb and open executable attachments in emails.
4. Keep your operating system up to date with security patches.
5. Use a firewall of some sort - even a NAT firewall provided by a router is fine.

For firewalls, what Dark_Viper listed was fine.HOW CAN YOU LIVE WITHOUT INTERNET EXPLOERER AND OUTLOOK???

Yes, common sense is good, but there are still those viruses that install when you simple connect to the internet.

Dude stop pushing Smoothwall.

Holy hell it is not the end all firewall solution. Smoothwall is nice, granted, but not many people have these magical extra computers to run it on. And if I am going to run my Internet Connection through something its going to be through a NAT Router or actual phsyical hardware firewall.

Dude, JUST PICK ONE. If you keep the virus definitions up to date for either McAffee or Norton they will catach any virus. If the AV program doesnt know to look for this virus here becuase you dont keep it updated then its your own fault.

And just like Exedore mentioned, you shouldnt have ANY problems with trojans or virii as long as you use some common sense. Ive used Interent Explorer and Outlook Express for 5+ years and have NEVER EVER gotten a virus or trojan on my computer.

Here are my experiences:

In the past McAffee on my mothers computer missed a basic and old keylogger and didnt do anything about it.

Recently my grandparents have Norton on a 1 year~ old computer and its unable to even remove the most simple of viruses.

In my opinion both are a bunch of bullshit, but they DO work most of the time.

-Neo

EDIT: Oh and FYI: Norton and Mcaffe AV software is/are not FIrewalls. Just so you know. They are AV software. They dont do a DAMNED thing firewall wise. If you want a good Firewall get Zonealarm. (though at this point I would suggest dishing out the money for Zone Alarm Pro, since ZA is becoming more and more restrictive... It still works just fine. Want security? go here: grc.com (http://grc.com/) tell you everything youd ever want to know.1) They actually do not detect the same things, as they both use a different scan engine. McAfee can detect unknown viruses, which Norton can't.

2) Yes, recently Antivirus software did not include a firewall, but, in the past firewalls have been packaged with anti-virus software, until the companies realized that they could charge us more by selling them seperately. (McAfee v7 came with a firewall)

[Neo]

HOW CAN YOU LIVE WITHOUT INTERNET EXPLOERER AND OUTLOOK???

Yes, common sense is good, but there are still those viruses that install when you simple connect to the internet.

That is not possible. A Virus or trojan cannot "automatically" run themselves. You can even go and download a virus at some site, even unzip it if you want. But as soon as you "execute" it, or tell it to run, or open it in word (for macro viruses), etc... then it "infects" your computer.

Contrary to most peoples beliefs its not possible to get infected by simply recieving a virus (ie: through an attachment) but IF you use Outlook Express and dont keep things updated, and dont have settings right, Emails can exploit certain security holes in IE/OE to run a file/virus/trojan thingy.

1) They actually do not detect the same things, as they both use a different scan engine. McAfee can detect unknown viruses, which Norton can't.

Every AV software i know of, Norton, Trend Stuff, Mcaffee and oh that funky named one I forget what its called, all have a "heiuristics" type scanning. Just becuase McAFfee picked up ONE that Norton may NOT have, does not mean automatically McAfee is better.

Most problems a normal computer user will run into are the popular viruses, or hijacks, that are sent through email, or they pick up at Porn sites/similarly unsavory sites. Or from things like Kazaa.

For these people all youd neeed is an up to date AV software, whether its Norton, McAfee or otherwise it doesnt matter.

Most files that are "infected" arent that complicated, people simply attach the firus to it, so that when a person opens it, they get infected. Most popular, or new viruses dont exist for very long before Norton and/or McAffee and/or any other AV company have definitions or removals for it...

Basically, niether are better. Both have Pros, Both have Cons. If you truly want to examine the two, find a mostly unbiased article about them and there you have it.

2) Yes, recently Antivirus software did not include a firewall, but, in the past firewalls have been packaged with anti-virus software, until the companies realized that they could charge us more by selling them seperately. (McAfee v7 came with a firewall)

Thats why, here in the present, firewalls are better bought. ZoneAlarm Pro is highly rated, I might also suggest Blackice, but it isnt as user friendly as ZA is. Ive used both though, and was satisfied.

Also the point of firewalls becomes a moot one if your on dial up, Ive never really seen the use for it on dial up. When you have broad band its almost required that you use a firewall, but otherwise, get a NAT Router or something and be done with it.

-Neo

PS: In fact, I would even recommend using AVG. Whats the point? AVG protects against the same viruses that Norten and McAfee do and its free for home use... Lol. And mine has actually cuaght viruses. Which is more then I can say for my familys computers, whether they have Norton or McAfee both have caused problems.

[Dark_Viper]

Thats why, here in the present, firewalls are better bought. ZoneAlarm Pro is highly rated, I might also suggest Blackice, but it isnt as user friendly as ZA is. Ive used both though, and was satisfied.

i still wouldn't recommend you using a software firewall like ZoneAlarm for reasons that they are the easiest firewall to bypass.. one of my friends which is a grey area hacker can pas through zonealarm with ease via a hole in windows.

at least try to get a hardware firewall for cheap.

[bluemicrobyte]

KupaNeo:
True, most viruses do come from doing dumb things online, but lately there have been "self infecting" viruses that are programmed to scan the internet for vounerable computers, and infect them.

You are right, Norton does have heiuristic scanning. I checked that out today. (McAfee has this too) and Norton may do a very good job of detecting unknown viruses. But the questions still remains: which is actually the beter software?

Dark_Viper:
ZoneAlarm lite is easily hacked through. I havnt used pro, but Ive heard its good. Try hacking through McAfee or Norton!

[Neo]

i still wouldn't recommend you using a software firewall like ZoneAlarm for reasons that they are the easiest firewall to bypass.. one of my friends which is a grey area hacker can pas through zonealarm with ease via a hole in windows.

at least try to get a hardware firewall for cheap.

This is a lie, still.

You cant "hack into" a computer like most people claim you can. And self infecting viruses arent that, you need a backdoor on your computer already for you to be effected bye that. (Or technically Worms, but these happen more on computers that run servers and the like)

Zonealarm is one of the best rated firewalls becuase not only does it block incoming stuff, it can, and does, block OUTGOING stuff unless you allow it.

Even if a trojan installs itself on my computer its not going to be communicating online.

But then I have fallen inlove with TCPView, so not only can I see what is connecting ot the internet, I can stop it from there, or block it with ZA.

IF you keep your windows update... err updated your fine.

-Neo

EDIT: Addition, ZA is updated to. Keep both updated, and your fine. Grey are hackers regardless, its all bullshit. www.grc.com ... err again. Check it out.

[Exedore]

HOW CAN YOU LIVE WITHOUT INTERNET EXPLOERER AND OUTLOOK???

Mozilla (http://www.mozilla.org)

Yes, common sense is good, but there are still those viruses that install when you simple connect to the internet.

As Neo said nothing can install itself, unless it's exploiting a flaw in software that you may be running, such as Internet Explorer and Outlook. Also, there are still flaws in both those programs that Microsoft hasn't fixed for months that allow automatic execution of any file, and the flaws are public knowledge.

i still wouldn't recommend you using a software firewall like ZoneAlarm for reasons that they are the easiest firewall to bypass.. one of my friends which is a grey area hacker can pas through zonealarm with ease via a hole in windows.

I know there was a hole in Zone Alarm a while back, but I'm pretty sure that it was patched. Your friend is probably using another legitamate program (probably IE) as a mechanism to install his trojan. After that, it's just a simple matter to mess around with Zone Alarm's settings to enable it to access the network/internet.

[bluemicrobyte]

W32/Sasser.worm.a

This self-executing worm spreads by exploiting a Microsoft Windows vulnerability [MS04-011 vulnerability (CAN-2003-0533)]
The worm spreads with the file name: avserve.exe . Unlike many recent worms, this virus does not spread via email. No user intervention is required to become infected or propagate the virus further. The worm works by instructing vulnerable systems to download and execute the viral code.

==========================================
The virus copies itself to the Windows directory as avserve.exe and creates a registry run key to load itself at startup


HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
CurrentVersion\Run "avserve.exe" = C:\WINDOWS\avserve.exe
As the worm scans random ip addresses it listens on successive TCP ports starting at 1068. It also acts as an FTP server on TCP port 5554, and creates a remote shell on TCP port 9996.

A file named win.log is created on the root of the C: drive. This file contains the IP address of the localhost.

Copies of the worm are created in the Windows System directory as #_up.exe.

Examples



c:\WINDOWS\system32\11583_up.exe
c:\WINDOWS\system32\16913_up.exe
c:\WINDOWS\system32\29739_up.exe

This McAfee (a reliable source) article on the Sasser worm indicates that your computer can become infected just by being connected to the internet. (read the line in red)

[CODEZERO]

i use norton 2004 and my firewall is shaw fire wall

[bluemicrobyte]

i use norton 2004 and my firewall is shaw fire wallwhats a shaw firewall?

[Seal]

Software firewall: ZoneAlarm,Norton Firewall,XP firewall,ect. :
These are only as good as the OS that they are running on... if the OS has a flaw/hole, the firewall has that same flaw/hole:
NOT recomended but better than nothing. za pro has kept my unupgraded winxp free of exploits for pretty long time (nowadays formatted the comp, but there was no problems in the OS...). you're wrong =)

[Exedore]

This McAfee (a reliable source) article on the Sasser worm indicates that your computer can become infected just by being connected to the internet. (read the line in red)

Because it exploits a flaw in a windows process (lsass.exe) that is running on all Windows XP, 2000, and NT machines. If you have a firewall, it can't exploit the flaw, because the firewall blocks incoming traffic. Also, the sasser worm didn't come out until over a week after microsoft released a critical security patch for that and many other exploits.

[Neo]

This McAfee (a reliable source) article on the Sasser worm indicates that your computer can become infected just by being connected to the internet. (read the line in red)

Read:

You cant "hack into" a computer like most people claim you can. And self infecting viruses arent that, you need a backdoor on your computer already for you to be effected bye that. (Or technically Worms, but these happen more on computers that run servers and the like)

Did you miss that perchance? The sasser, as exedore said, is a worm. And it was blocked bye any decent firewall.

Most "worms" nowadays actually seem to come out after microsofts releases security patches. And people who suffer are the idiots who dont update.

As I said... Earlier...

Use common sense, dont except attachements, keep your Windows Updated, as well as your AV and Firewall software, and TADA, youll be fine. It does not matter WHICH you use, it just matters HOW you use it.

-Neo

[bluemicrobyte]

za pro has kept my unupgraded winxp free of exploits for pretty long time (nowadays formatted the comp, but there was no problems in the OS...). you're wrong =)hes right, a software firewall can be good

[Carnage]

Norton suits me pretty well. Sometimes I forgot to update the definitions though and then I got problems. :P

[Dark_Warhawk]

Ok here my thoughts. First off everyone should have some kind of anti-virus you can get them form other places aside from e-mail you know. Which one I really don’t think it matters but I am so not a fan of Mcafee because an old clan member had it and it had nothing but troubles. Norton is ok, I guess and I guess it would run crappy on older computer but them the breaks. Also Norton can detect unknown virus supposedly. At least 2004, they added that bloodhound technology. I also tried there corporate version and it a lot lighter, however I got some false positives on that the other day. Said there some kind of Trojan, keyloger in my teamspeak program of course TS cried because it was missing a .dll. I looked it up and there was no sign of this at all in my registry so I guess it was false. That’s when I went and got 2004 then I learned I download some dialers I was so unaware of, but lucky for me I never installed it lol.

As for the firewall thing, show me a full proof firewall, ya that’s what I thought, that friend probably 1. Did this to an old version and I know they software firewalls use to have problems. If you go to that grc site you will find a program called leak test and if you renamed to something that had access to the internet it would go though, was a big problem with Blackice also worked on ZA but like 2.6. the latest Zone Alarm I would so not recommend, I installed the silly thing not only would it let windows scan disk but would not even let me go into safe mode, I swear, there beta testers suck, in fact I wonder if they do any testing at all. I had enough of there crap so I went to kerio. As for which is better the answer is none, for residential firewalls anyway. In fact even if you have hardware I would still get software firewall because they monitor outgoing traffic while the latter does not.

[bluemicrobyte]

keylogger is a spyware program. KILL THE KEYLOGGER!!!

Is the corporate version of norton much better?

[Neo]

the latest Zone Alarm I would so not recommend, I installed the silly thing not only would it let windows scan disk but would not even let me go into safe mode, I swear, there beta testers suck, in fact I wonder if they do any testing at all. I had enough of there crap so I went to kerio. As for which is better the answer is none, for residential firewalls anyway. In fact even if you have hardware I would still get software firewall because they monitor outgoing traffic while the latter does not.

What the hell does this mean?

Why in the hell would ZA stop Scan Disk? And do you even know HOW ZA works? I use the latest ZA actually, and I have run Safe Mode a few times recently to keep the disk defraged (its old poor thing) and ive never had problems.

NATs or Hardware Firewalls (NATs are like routers, not really a firewall, but does a damn good job of pretending to be one ;P) will stop damn near everything. ZA Blackice, etc... are more Monotoring programs, and since ZA has you choose whether to allow a program access to the internet or not, its also pretty good. I mean if you keep it updated.

Norton's Corporate Version is more for a network type situation, I believe, and it installs client scanners on the workstations with a master norton installation on a main server and what not, something like that. It works well, but is a bit unneeded for the home enviroment.

-Neo

[bluemicrobyte]

How about Norton vs Norton Proffesional? any big difference there?

[Dark_Viper]

I have just finished Cleaning my computer up from a self excecuting Trojan... calls itself taskngr.exe on the system... discising itself as taskmgr.exe, it intstalled about 30 programs on my system with out me touching anything...

so don't tell me that there is no such thing as a self excecuting Trojan..

[bluemicrobyte]

I have just finished Cleaning my computer up from a self excecuting Trojan... calls itself taskngr.exe on the system... discising itself as taskmgr.exe, it intstalled about 30 programs on my system with out me touching anything...

so don't tell me that there is no such thing as a self excecuting Trojan..There IS such things as self extracting viruses and trojans, but there are also hackers who can remotely install trojans and other unwanted programs (like spyware)

[Dark_Warhawk]

What the hell does this mean?

Why in the hell would ZA stop Scan Disk? And do you even know HOW ZA works? I use the latest ZA actually, and I have run Safe Mode a few times recently to keep the disk defraged (its old poor thing) and ive never had problems.

http://www.download.com/3302-2092_4-10291276.html
http://www.download.com/3302-2092_4-10291280.html?pn=4&fb=0
http://forum.zonelabs.org/zonelabs/board/message?board.id=inst&message.id=12727
http://langa.com/newsletters/2004/2004-06-07.htm#2
http://forum.zonelabs.org/zonelabs/board/message?board.id=inst&message.id=16150
no more words are necessary.

[bluemicrobyte]

I havn't read those yet, but I'm assuming they explain zone alarm, and have links to download the free version or buy the pro version.

[Dark_Warhawk]

No, I would not let anyone download any thing form ZA above 4.5. That was the last one that was any good. those links are just showing that ZA in its current form is utter crap

well i take that back theres download.com up there lol

[bluemicrobyte]

o ok if u say so

[Neo]

Funny. I use Windows 2000, latest version of ZA (Well currently off, I wanted to grab the updated version came out like monday or something but I am on dial up, takes forever t.t)

Anyways. Point is; Who the fuck uses Chkdsk anymore? And My computer is just fine. Maybe its the user. Hmm. Nevermind, these seem to be issues with Windows XP.

Screw that, people who us XP need to be screwed with every once inawhile :P Damned things are so hard to fix sometimes.

Anyways, Doesnt matter to me. ZA limiting Cable access... lmao. Omfg. How the hell would it do that? And someone is complaining that they are only getting 2.6mb? thats like.4 away from the standard t.t

Anyways... ZA used to be the best, but apparently it has problems with XP, so if you use XP, dont get ZoneAlarm. Its that simple :P

-Neo

[bluemicrobyte]

well that makes sense (or at least the last part does)

[Neo]

Technically I shouldve said something like if the newest ZA isnt working right with Windows XP, use the earlier 4.5 version(S) :P

-Neo

[TimP]

Or use Windows XP's Internet Connection Firewall, it blocks ports just as well as any other firewall. :)

[bluemicrobyte]

I don't like the XP firewall, because I can't see its settings. If I can't see technical settings that I don't even understand then I don't trust it!

[WeekendLazyness]

I don't like the XP firewall, because I can't see its settings. If I can't see technical settings that I don't even understand then I don't trust it!
Right click on Network Neighborhood and select Properties (or double click Network Connections in the control panel). Right click the connection you want to protect with Internet Connection Firewall (ICF). Click the advanced tab, and select the ICF checkbox. Click the settings button at the bottom of the screen. That's where you can find the settings for the firewall.

[bluemicrobyte]

Ahh, i c, but thats still not as many settings you get with McAfee or NOrton, plus with XP you don't get those little popup notices, idk y but i like those

[Fenguin]

Norton is great for auto-protect, but for awesome protection, use Kaspersky ( http://www.kaspersky.com/ ). Kaspersky is one of the best AVs I've seen. However, it's slightly more expensive than Norton and McAfee. Personal is 50 bucks, and Personal Pro is 80 bucks.

Also if you have the money, Kaspersky Anti-Hacker looks good too [I've never tried it]. So yeah. Kaspersky > Norton > McAfee. :D

[Seal]

Or use Windows XP's Internet Connection Firewall, it blocks ports just as well as any other firewall. :)
But, it has some critical ports open by default, as seen in some worms exploiting those. Any other firewall has all ports closed by default, and asks the user to open these one by one.

[bluemicrobyte]

But, it has some critical ports open by default, as seen in some worms exploiting those. Any other firewall has all ports closed by default, and asks the user to open these one by one.There are some major flaws in the windows XP firewall. In my opinion, it's easier for a hacker to get through, because it comes with your PC meaning EVERYONE can see how it works, and learn to hack trhough it, but with other software not everone has it so the hackers might not know what their dealing with.

[Neo]

Thanks Fenguin...

I totally spaced kaspersky... Didnt remember the name xD

Want the best? Get Kaspersky.

-Neo

[bluemicrobyte]

soooo, whats kaspersky again? is it free? how do I kno its really that great? (sorry wasnt paying attention)

[Fenguin]

Norton is great for auto-protect, but for awesome protection, use Kaspersky ( http://www.kaspersky.com/ ). Kaspersky is one of the best AVs I've seen. However, it's slightly more expensive than Norton and McAfee. Personal is 50 bucks, and Personal Pro is 80 bucks.
Kaspersky is, like, the greatest AV software ever. Too bad it's 50 bucks though (80 for Pro). But it blows Norton and McAfee out of the water. Check out this review:

Freenet.de (www.freenet.de/freenet/), one of the largest Internet portals in Germany tested Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal 5.0, the newly released flagship product of Kaspersky Labs. The testers concluded that Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal 5.0 is the choice for people who want a fast, resource-conserving and moreover easy to configure antivirus solution for your home PC.

The reviewers were most impressed by the ergonomic and user-friendly interface in Kaspersky Labs' latest product, particularly suitable for novice users. They went on to praise the exceedingly impressive detection rates of 99.83%: the antivirus proved especially effective against malware hidden in compressed files and email. Moreover, Kaspersky Anti-Virus does not hog system resources: even selecting maximal protection creates minimal system load.

[bluemicrobyte]

But between Norton and McAfee, which is better? (at detecting, removing, and preventing various unwanted stuff (hackers, viruses, spyware, etc)

[Darkslayer633]

neither is the way to go get avg itis free and can bedoenloaded a gamehippo.com
hwever i voted mcaffe over nortonbecause in past experinces with norton i just didn't keep the viruses out

[bluemicrobyte]

What to do when someone is hacking into your computer and you are unprotected:

PANICK!!!!! PANICK!!!!! PANICK!!!!!

What to do when someone is hacking into your computer and you have a firewall:

Say: "Hey look someone is trying to hack into my computer, let's watch!"

[Sandman]

Spybot + ZoneAlarms + Trend PCCillen = Never been hacked or had any virus

[bluemicrobyte]

congradulations on a healthy computer.

[Madrabbit]

I have a network with Macs and a PC. There is no need for virus protection on Macs OSX but I do have Virex on all of them. Free from .mac. I use Free AV on my PC. Its excellent.

[Modred]

What to do when someone is hacking into your computer and you are unprotected:

PANICK!!!!! PANICK!!!!! PANICK!!!!!

If you know they are there, you pull the plug...literally. They might could stop you from shutting down, but they can't stop you from disconnecting from the internet. Then you try to fix any damage they caused...

[bluemicrobyte]

Ture, you could do that, but how would you know they were there? In any case, that was a joke, my friends dad is a computer person, and my friend saw somthing on the computer and his dad said "Hmm, someone is trying to hack into our computer..... Let's watch!" (they have a super firewall)