18 replies to this topic

[frazzm737]

Our city daughter will be getting a Windows 7(gasp) laptop for her birthday. She has been using her iMac and has probably forgotten about the need for Windows security. I will suggest Microsoft Security Essentials, Malwarebytes, and Super Anti-spyware. I've bookmarked some sites that will help her set up a safe wireless network. Do any of you have any other suggestions to offer before I turn her loose in the dangerous Windows world?

[Broni]

Those programs should be enough.
Make her read here: http://www.bleepingc.../topic2520.html

[frazzm737]

Thanks, Broni--lots of good advice there. I had forgotten about Spywareblaster--is it still recommended?

[Broni]

It's a fine program too.

[dj]

I installed Microsoft Security Essentials 24 hours ago. So far so good.
I sandbox the browsers whenever I'm on the internet. I also use open DNS.
It works for me anyway. So far at least.

[jram]

I feel safe running 7, Windows has come along way. The only reason I don't use 7 more is ugly fonts, your daughter is going to see how ugly the Windows world really is.

[Keeper]

I highly recommend using MSE as an Anti-virus/Malware program, it does turn off the built in Windows defender in Vista and 7 when you install MSE because it's already incorporated into this software. So don't worry if you don'r see it (Don't get Defender updates while using MSE from other sites like majorgeeks etc., there is no need to).

[Broni]

No offense, but Windows Defender is simply worthless.

[dj]

MSE turned off Windows Defender in XP. So I uninstalled Defender. I'm using Comodo firewall with MSE. What is everyone else doing? Windows firewall? I don't seem to be having any problems. I'm probably run with this set up for awhile.

[Keeper]

Broni, on 28 November 2010 - 11:48 PM, said:

No offense, but Windows Defender is simply worthless.

Reason it's turned off when you install MSE, yes it is & was useless,but, MSE is a very good program to use and I never take offence. And to dj I use windows firewall along with the free version of an add-on called Windows 7 Firewall Control(also a Vista version)to block out-going as the built in one doesn't really have one (it has one but it's really complicated to set up and not worth the bother Advanced settings).
Some of the MSE beta testers are suggesting a change to that issue and also to incorporate it into MSE.

PS: Comodo firewall is a very good alternative choice.

[frazzm737]

Thanks for the reminder--I forgot the firewall. Oh my, how quickly we forget the joys of Windows.

[JohnT]

I have been using Comodo for about three years and really love it. Along with Avira anti-virus, Malwarebytes, Super anti-spyware, spywareblaster, and I have been protected from quite a bit of the nasties.

[dj]

Keeper, on 29 November 2010 - 12:28 AM, said:

PS: Comodo firewall is a very good alternative choice.

Comodo firewall does seem to get good reviews. I was using both the free Comodo AV and firewall. I had that set up for about 6 months. I wasn't having any problems. But I thought I'd give MSE a try. It also seems to be getting good reviews. Leo Laporte on his radio show recommended it as well as Fred Langa in the 'Windows Secrets' newsletter. So I thought...why not. The Microsoft firewall with XP doesn't block out going. I still have Comodo AV+FW on the laptop. I might wait a week or two and switch that also. It's not that I think Comodo is this great thing and install it everywhere. I try different av's and go with what seems to work. Until it doesn't or I just try something else.

[jram]

If your daughter is behind a router the Windows firewall is all she needs. I've never used a firewall except the one that comes with the OS and never had a problem, never had spyware.. Windows firewall is 2 way now, I have it blocking all connections, you can set it up to ask you, that got old fast.. Another thing, if you go to a wifi hot spot, you have to change the firewall settings, no biggy.

[dj]

Is it two way for XP? I also use a router for the hardware firewall.
Also Malwarebytes and Trojan Hunter and Sandboxie.

[frazzm737]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I will pass them on and I'm sure she will be happy to see that most of these programs are FREE!

[jram]

Quote

Is it two way for XP?

No, xp is one way.. I find that most new users are better off using the Windows firewall, that way they won't let the wrong program in, it can get confusing.

[Broni]

Windows firewall is NOT 2-way firewall, even in Windows 7. It can work as 2-way firewall, but you have to set it up manually.
However, as previously said, if a router is present, Windows firewall will do.
It should be ON by default.

Personally, I've been using Comodo firewall for a few years and I'm very happy with it.
For regular user.....it'll ask some questions (a lot at the beginning), which may be little bit confusing for less computer savvy person.

[Keeper]

I agree Broni,,,,,as I stated earlier it can be set as 2 way with advanced settings, but it's not worth the hassle, if it was I wouldn't be using an add-on.