Avast/AVG Free plus Defender adequate?

"kplumm" wrote:

> I am considering uninstalling the 90-day Norton trial that came with
> my new Vista-equipped Toshiba laptop. I had AVG, the free one, on my
> XP machine, and have heard about Avast. I don't want to be more
> worried than I need to be about viruses; would the free version of
> AVG, or Avast Home Edition and, if necessary, the Windows Defender and/
> or Firewall be enough, or more than enough, in place of the Norton
> suite. There is Norton checking my main email account at Yahoo so
> that's safe anyway.
>
> They use AVG in my local internet cafe, at a guess the free one.
> Though they have adware popping up a lot, they have a lot of perhaps
> over-experimental customers and the version of Windows there is XP.
> Maybe they don't update and check enough either. (I was harebrained
> with my XP machine, never had virus-protection and when belatedly
> installing AVG found 18 worms and Trojans, gathered over 3 years
> possibly.)
>
> Could someone summarise what problems or flaws I would be free of when
> I uninstall Norton, other than the obligation to pay up after the 90
> days, which I'm keen on. Having never had such a fast computer and
> broadband before I don't know any difference regarding any lag it may
> cause, but obviously if it's real I'd like to be rid of it, and I've
> heard a lot of criticism of Norton.
>
> I don't fully understand viruses, either. Could someone fill me in on
> this: I thought you'd have to install something infected or malware-
> containing, but the first time I used Norton, with my laptop plugged
> in in the i-cafe, it found 2 viruses straight away - or was this a
> Norton test? (Do viruses somehow make a beeline for computers that
> are online and try to find a way in regardless of what we are
> downloading?) Only cookies have been found since, and I keep, perhaps
> unecessarily, 'fixing' these
>
> Thanks in advance for all advice. I can spot commercial input, so
> impartial comment only please.
>

On Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:19:01 -0800, Sidi Mohammed Musah wrote:

> "kplumm" wrote:
>
>> I am considering uninstalling the 90-day Norton trial that came with
>> my new Vista-equipped Toshiba laptop.

Good move! Since it is a new computer you may find this tool useful:
The PC Decrapifier
The PC Decrapifier was designed to remove programs from new computers
running Windows XP or Vista
http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/

>> I had AVG, the free one, on my XP machine, and have heard about Avast.

But Avira's Anti-Vir is better :)
Avira AntiVir® Personal - FREE Antivirus
http://www.free-av.com/
(The free version won't scan your emails.)
Why You Don't Need Your Anti-Virus Program to Scan Your E-Mail
http://thundercloud.net/infoave/tuto...ning/index.htm
Ensure your e-mail program is configured to display e-mail messages in
'Plain Text' only.
You may wish to consider removing the 'AntiVir Nagscreen'
http://www.elitekiller.com/files/dis...ntivir_nag.htm

>> I don't want to be more worried than I need to be about viruses;

But you should, really.
Routinely practice Safe-Hex.
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html
Hundreds Click on 'Click Here to Get Infected' Ad
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2132447,00.asp

>> would the free version of AVG, or Avast Home Edition and, if necessary,
>> the Windows Defender and/or Firewall be enough, or more than enough, in
>> place of the Norton suite.

Yes, the average homeuser can get by with one (1) each real-time AV and A-S
application.

You are not going to find anything better than the Vista FW and Vista in
itself due to the advanced features the FW and Vista are using.

Easy guide to make Windows Firewall better in Windows Vista.
http://www.expertvista.com/security/winfirewall2.html

SolutionBase: Take a look at the Windows Vista Firewall
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com...tag=rbxccnbtr1

Vista Firewall Control 32-bit version
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/downloads...6&itemId=64950

Windows Firewall: the best new security feature in Vista?
http://blogs.technet.com/jesper_joha...01/426921.aspx

Managing the Windows Vista Firewall
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/m.../cc510323.aspx

>> There is Norton checking my main email account at Yahoo so
>> that's safe anyway.

Don't count on it :)

>> They use AVG in my local internet cafe, at a guess the free one.
>> Though they have adware popping up a lot, they have a lot of perhaps
>> over-experimental customers and the version of Windows there is XP.
>> Maybe they don't update and check enough either. (I was harebrained
>> with my XP machine, never had virus-protection and when belatedly
>> installing AVG found 18 worms and Trojans, gathered over 3 years
>> possibly.)
>>
>> Could someone summarise what problems or flaws I would be free of when
>> I uninstall Norton, other than the obligation to pay up after the 90
>> days, which I'm keen on. Having never had such a fast computer and
>> broadband before I don't know any difference regarding any lag it may
>> cause, but obviously if it's real I'd like to be rid of it, and I've
>> heard a lot of criticism of Norton.

Since you're on broadband, you may wish to consider a wireless router!

>> I don't fully understand viruses, either. Could someone fill me in on
>> this: I thought you'd have to install something infected or malware-
>> containing, but the first time I used Norton, with my laptop plugged
>> in in the i-cafe, it found 2 viruses straight away - or was this a
>> Norton test?

Don't know.

Download and execute HiJack This! (HJT)
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en...ols/hijackthis

Please, do not post HJT logs to this newsgroup.
Fora where you can get expert advice for HiJack This! (HJT) logs.

http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/index.php?board=3.0
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5
http://forums.tomcoyote.org/index.php?showforum=27
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/i...hp?showforum=7
http://www.5starsupport.com/ipboard/...p?showforum=18
http://www.theeldergeek.com/forum/in...6&showforum=29

NOTE:
Registration is required in any of the above mentioned fora before posting
a HJT log and read the 'stickies' (instructions/guidelines) for the
respective HJT forum.

>> (Do viruses somehow make a beeline for computers that
>> are online and try to find a way in regardless of what we are
>> downloading?) Only cookies have been found since, and I keep, perhaps
>> unecessarily, 'fixing' these

Keep your operating system and AV/A-S applications updated and practice
Safe Hex!

>> Thanks in advance for all advice. I can spot commercial input,

That's good. Now try to educate yourself about safe browsing and malware
prevention, among other things.
User Account Control Step-by-Step Guide
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l.../cc709691.aspx

>> so impartial comment only please.

You got it, good luck :)

"Kayman" <kayhkay-nospam-@operamail.com> wrote in message
news:e99flfnta6sw.1du0mmjxsayn$.dlg@40tude.net...
> On Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:19:01 -0800, Sidi Mohammed Musah wrote:
>
>>> I don't want to be more worried than I need to be about viruses;
>
> But you should, really.

Who's definition of "need" are you using? Unless there is a definition I
missed, what you are saying is that every definition of need, even your own,
is inaccurate. If so then your comment is not productive. People in groups
such as this use the group to express personal frustration that people do
not deserve.

On Sat, 10 Jan 2009 20:29:34 -0800, Sam Hobbs wrote:

> "Kayman" <kayhkay-nospam-@operamail.com> wrote in message
> news:e99flfnta6sw.1du0mmjxsayn$.dlg@40tude.net...
>> On Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:19:01 -0800, Sidi Mohammed Musah wrote:
>>
>>>> I don't want to be more worried than I need to be about viruses;
>>
>> But you should, really.
>
> Who's definition of "need" are you using?

Semantics <snort>

> Unless there is a definition I missed,

The meaning of life?

> what you are saying is that every definition of need,

I said what I am saying and not what you're dreaming up.
Besides, let the op decide...my suggestions won't harm his os nor his modus
operandi.

> even your own, is inaccurate

So correct it but obviously it's beyond the issue of your mental capacity,
and that's your problem.

> If so then your comment is not productive.

*If* you'd taken your medication you'd understand.

> People in groups such as this use the group to express personal frustration

You're a prime example; Try masturbating or if you're lucky enough engage
in a meaningful sexual relationship - it'll release tensions, but you've
got to try it! (I even doubt you know what I am talking about).

> that people do not deserve.

Then why don't *you* provide a deservedly response.

I've been using Avast AntiVirus Home Edition for free for quite some time on
my Vista machine without any problems. As some have mentioned, its
compatible with Vista and they are very good at keeping it updated.

"kplumm" wrote:

> I am considering uninstalling the 90-day Norton trial that came with
> my new Vista-equipped Toshiba laptop. I had AVG, the free one, on my
> XP machine, and have heard about Avast. I don't want to be more
> worried than I need to be about viruses; would the free version of
> AVG, or Avast Home Edition and, if necessary, the Windows Defender and/
> or Firewall be enough, or more than enough, in place of the Norton
> suite. There is Norton checking my main email account at Yahoo so
> that's safe anyway.
>
> They use AVG in my local internet cafe, at a guess the free one.
> Though they have adware popping up a lot, they have a lot of perhaps
> over-experimental customers and the version of Windows there is XP.
> Maybe they don't update and check enough either. (I was harebrained
> with my XP machine, never had virus-protection and when belatedly
> installing AVG found 18 worms and Trojans, gathered over 3 years
> possibly.)
>
> Could someone summarise what problems or flaws I would be free of when
> I uninstall Norton, other than the obligation to pay up after the 90
> days, which I'm keen on. Having never had such a fast computer and
> broadband before I don't know any difference regarding any lag it may
> cause, but obviously if it's real I'd like to be rid of it, and I've
> heard a lot of criticism of Norton.
>
> I don't fully understand viruses, either. Could someone fill me in on
> this: I thought you'd have to install something infected or malware-
> containing, but the first time I used Norton, with my laptop plugged
> in in the i-cafe, it found 2 viruses straight away - or was this a
> Norton test? (Do viruses somehow make a beeline for computers that
> are online and try to find a way in regardless of what we are
> downloading?) Only cookies have been found since, and I keep, perhaps
> unecessarily, 'fixing' these
>
> Thanks in advance for all advice. I can spot commercial input, so
> impartial comment only please.
>

Joe <Joe@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>I've been using Avast AntiVirus Home Edition for free for quite some time on
>my Vista machine without any problems. As some have mentioned, its
>compatible with Vista and they are very good at keeping it updated.

Those "some" said so when the thread started by "kplumm" was still
current... "kplumm" left the room over a year ago, bucko.

>"kplumm" wrote: