Here is my security plan - good enough?

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darbyflier · #1 Post by **darbyflier** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 12:19 pm

This is a newbie question as I just bought a refurb R40 after years on a powerbook (will still use it too) with no virus security issue whatsoever.

Here is my plan, is it good enough ( I am using the R40 for web surfing, some web java stock chart apps, and paltalk mainly)

I will use firefox instead of IE; I will use free Antivir antivirus; I will use spypot s&d; I will have xp sp2 with firewall on and I am on a secure network at home behind a "firewall" wireless router.

Is this enough to be protected? Do I need to spend money, or, in other words, would I be better off buying Nod32 and using that only for AV and anti spyware? (I have read the FAQ opinions of various A/V and ask this with that background)

Thanks!

joester · #2 Post by **joester** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 12:37 pm

I have XP SP2 with the windows firewall, AVG free antivirus, and I'm behind the DSL modem firewall, and a Belkin54G Wireless router with another firewall.
I occasionally run AVG's Free anti-spyware and SpyBotS&D.
In about a year and a half now, I haven't been infected nor needed to recover on any machine. With about 10 PC's total and half a dozen Laptops, I must assume my protection is sufficient.

I do have a desktop unit configured between the modem and router (not as a proxy) for P2P that has pretty much the same setup, but with Zonelabs and peerguardian as added measures. There's nothing on that PC except for the fileshare stuff, so no personal data available, and big who-ha if I need to reformat.
I haven't had to yet, so I guess I'm either blind to my infections or my protection is good enough. I have reportedly picked up a trojan or two, but they ended up being mis-identified programs I downloaded. Better for the software to error on the safe side and isolate the program until I investigate.

Joe

http://www.free.grisoft.com
http://www.spybot.info/
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
http://phoenixlabs.org/pg2/

#3 Post by **carbon_unit** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 4:23 pm

That should be OK depending on where you go when surfing the internet. Stay off of the porn, Gambling and game sites and you should be good.
You might want to run AdAware SE Personal http://www.lavasoft.com/products/select ... roduct.php

#4 Post by **tomh009** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 4:29 pm

Apart from maybe adding a spyware utility (Microsoft Defender is free) I think you are good to go. Just remember to keep your brain engaged while surfing out there -- that's the best security of all!

dr_st · #5 Post by **dr_st** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 5:50 pm

I'll join the others when they say that using your brain is the best security mechanism.

Other than that, your security looks good to me. If you don't use the computer outside of your home network, you can even disable the software firewall, as the router protection is good enough.

joester · #6 Post by **joester** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 6:25 pm

My biggest nemisis is the P2P stuff. As far as "other" surfing, no thanks. That's more trouble than it's worth.
As mentioned, the brain is the best tool for whatever is out there, on the computer or the street. Don't want some hussie trying to make on you? Avoid that part of town.

I have an 8 year old and an 11 year old that free-surf without a whole lot of my intervention. They ask if they can go to sites I haven't approved, and know that I occasionally check histories.
They know I'll pull the RAM if they mess up, and they're good about policing themselves. Besides, their computers are side-by-side, and they look to get eachother into trouble, so neither is willing to be the first to own a disabled computer.

Joe

darbyflier · #7 Post by **darbyflier** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 1:12 am

Thanks for the replies and info! Is it wise to use more than one spyware program ( ie: spybot & microsoft defender & adaware)? or is that just overdone bloat. I was hoping for just one, spybot, but do they all miss some that others catch?

I won't be going to those questionable sites - beside, that's what the mac powerbook is for..... just kidding.

My daughter likes the Disney flash games, and I read somewhere here to watch out for those. Maybe just on the powerbook for those??

Thanks again, I haven't done this since win 98.

#8 Post by **tomh009** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 5:38 am

I really think that with some smarts in your Internet usage, you will be just fine with a single spyware utility.

joester · #9 Post by **joester** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 5:46 am

The only reason I use two is that I once tried running one right after the other to see which was better. I found that by running a second program, there is occasionally a"leftover" that the first missed or ignored. Not always, but sometimes.
Just remember that Disney is all about sales and they target the kids. Not maliciously, but there's no denying that.
I scan my computers once a month or so depending on usage ect..

HenryW · #10 Post by **HenryW** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 11:28 pm

I just use PowerShadow(you can google it online).

Here is my security plan - good enough?

Here is my security plan - good enough?

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