posted on October 3, 2001 11:19:20 AM
Hello. With all the recent virus/worm scares, can anyone provide a link to any FAQ's regarding what's really needed to protect one's computer? I can't be the only one that thinks it's pretty confusing, and only want to purchase what's absolutely needed, and not buy overpriced virus protection software because I didn't know of a better option out there.
Thanks for anyone with a link to this info, or even to some kind soul who can explain the basics here in this thread. This directly relates to my ebay selling and my ebay livelyhood, and no doubt will be helping many other people who will read this thread.
posted on October 3, 2001 12:55:18 PM
what you need is, well, anti-virus software, which basically checks your system for virii, (generally) eliminates any it finds, and then can offer real-time monitoring so you don't accidentally get new viruses via email, download, etc.
Look around for deals. Recently amazon offered macaffee AV for free after rebate (free shipping too). I got norton systemworks for $14 shipped, which included a number of tools I was interested in (norton utilities, norton AV, etc).
Theoretically, with AV software, you install it, set it to constantly monitor, keep the virus files updated (by visiting the vendor web site), and then (mostly) relax. It won't stop the "latest and greatest" virus, since the AV software won't recognize it, but unless you are unlucky enough to be hit on the first day, you can quickly download the latest file to protect yourself.
The downside is that AV software can, sometimes, interfere with some software (esp. installs), can slow down your PC (as it checks for virii), and other effects. If you need your PC, and do a lot on the web, then its a necessity in some form.
PS - you can check out www.symantec.com and www.macafee.com (spelling?) for more info on av.
[ edited by captainkirk on Oct 3, 2001 01:00 PM ]
posted on October 3, 2001 03:07:53 PM
Hi again, and thanks for the responses. Excellent advice, and you've given me a head start on getting better protected inexpensively. I used to have Norton System Works installed a while ago, but it constantly crashed ordinary programs left & right, so I gave up on it.
Very grateful for the tips, and now I've got some shopping to do. Thank you.
posted on October 3, 2001 04:37:07 PM
Take it from someone who lost her entire computer to the Sircam virus, the slow down you'll experience is well worth it when you balance it against the possibility of having your hard drive wiped clean.
I had Nortons up but didn't have it scanning emails. BIG MISTAKE & I spent 2 weeks rebuilding everything. Some items, especially emails, could never be rebuild again.
I now keep Nortons live all the time & in the past 3 weeks, it's saved my hiney from several viruses coming in on emails.
If I have a critical download where there's a conflict w/Nortons, I disable Nortons until the download is over, then enable it again. I do this ONLY on sites where I'm comfortable that the download won't include virus problems.
Set yourself up a schedule to do the weekly download of virus updates and a full scan of your computer. And keep your email scan on, it's more than worth it!
posted on October 3, 2001 06:26:31 PMSet yourself up a schedule to do the weekly download of virus updates
I'm set up to check for updates every day at 4pm. Any time I hear of a new virus, I go check for updates right then. As fast as some of these spread, once a week isn't often enough (IMHO).
posted on October 3, 2001 08:24:08 PM
I dropped both Norton and McAfee, and have been using Panda Platinum...Such a wonderful difference! Super-easy DAILY updates...No headaches, such as with Norton, who are great at ignoring the 200 to 300 questions posted DAILY!....
Gosh Shosh
Moi
[ edited by shoshanah on Oct 3, 2001 08:25 PM ]
posted on October 4, 2001 04:42:35 AM
I just upgraded my Norton AV to the newest version (2002). I was going to run me $19.95 to update just the anti virus subscriptions and it was $29.95 for the newest version with the 1 yr of subscriptions included.
What I like the most about the new NAV is that it connects to Norton's server automatically and downloads the virus update on its own. I don't have to set it or remember to do it manually. I'll tell ya, $30 goes a long way when you have tons of email coming in and going out.
Oh yeah, thats another new feature, it scans your outgoing mail as well, and will let you know if you are trying to innocuously pass along an email attached virus.
posted on October 4, 2001 04:56:45 AM
I just looked at the NAV site (www.symantec.com) and didn't see anything about NAV 2002, the only thing there is the 2001. Where did you find 2002?
