Real Time Software Detection Program

[Painkiller]

Hi,

Once upon a time I had CounterSpy which looked for all forms of nasty things for me before they got on my computer. But, I had a major POS PC and couldn't spare the resources and had to remove it. Anyway, I was just reading something on a website that says you should have a firewall, an anti-virus, and a real time software detection program and it reminded me of things like CounterSpy. Can you all recommend something for me that will keep me out of trouble and maybe use low resources? Right now I'm running Sygate & Avast and I run Ad Aware now and then, but I don't have a real time detection program...

Also, do I need a router to get the hardware firewall? I always thought routers were for more than 1 computer. Hey, I'm just trying to unravel all this security stuff. OK, enough rambling! Thanks!

[MitaDC]

I thought Avast constantly scanned your computer for virus'. . . Mine does

If I go to a site and I download something and it happens to have a virus Avast lets me know right away. . .

[Painkiller]

Hi,

Yeah, the Avast is for virus' and the CounterSpy I had was for everything else spyware, malware, etc. but instead of just running a scan now and then and finding nasties already on your computer, (like ad aware and such), CounterSpy running in the background stops them from getting there in the first place but uses up some resources that I didn't have. It sounded good to me then, but my pc couldn't handle it and I had to remove it. Then I read this thing on the velocity micro website that made me think maybe I'm not as protected as I should be and I wanted to check with you all and see what's up. I can run CounterSpy now, but are you all running real time software, and what kind? Am I being unduely concerned over having the CRAP from HELL on my computer?

http://www.sunbelt-software.com/CounterSpy.cfm

[DoubleK]

Both AdAware and Spybot have the features I believe that you are looking for. AdAware has a premium for fee tier that enables Ad-Watch. I have noticed that it is quite effective although quite a pain in the arse much like setting all of your firewall permissions for like the first month.

Spybot has an immunization feature that is free and seems to block at least 90% of the common crap. Impressive indeed.

In conclusion, I personally dont feel that there is a single security solution. I think you need to maintain a layered approach in all security applications which can come at the cost of having a learning curve.

Personally I utilize both of the above mentioned programs along with a hardware firewall and a software firewall to give me control over what tries to communicate to the web.

[Painkiller]

Thanks DoubleK, Good Advice! Sounds like I need to find a good router next. Thanks Again!

[DoubleK]

Hey no problem friend. FYI, I was in the same boat a few years ago, did not really think I needed a router. That all changed, I have a Nintendo DS and a Sony Psp now that are fun online and a computer upstairs for the wife as she is in school an dwas hogging mine all the time. Nothing wrong with a little future planning. I am sure there are some fold around here that could recommend a better router and tell you why but this is what I woul dbuy right now:

http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/st...&cmArea=SEARCH

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833122100

Unless cost is that much of a factor I would stay with the 802.11n standard. I feel the bandwidth capabilities are worth the cost and you are going to be seeing everything wireless in the future. Well except maybe electricity, lol.

[Painkiller]

Hi DoubleK, those are both in my range, but I don't think my system is quite up to it. I have a wired cable modem, no wireless capability at all, stone age...Ha! I feel hopelessly behind the times on this one. Everybody is wireless this, and wireless that, even my mouse has a cord!

[DoubleK]

You can link in this thread to that other thread. I dont think that the moderators mind in a circumstance like this. Plus by no means am I an expert so the other wonderful peoples opinions here are always welcome.

Cheapie routers are abound and they are just as useful now, in the future (5-8 years) they will most likely fall behind as far as a home with multiple wireless devices are concerned. My rule of thumb is buy the best you can afford for the value, in this case the N standard has a significant range and bandwidth improvement over g and from the bandwidth side it should be able to stream hdtv and internet to multiple rooms in a home with less problems than g.

As far as security, both netgear and linksys are solid performers among the cheaper home routers. Belkin had some problems in the past that alot of people (myself included) refuse to look past.

I personally use a usb wireless key for internet at my upstairs location. Th esignal says that it is Excellent as it is only 8 feet south and 10 feet higher on the second level in a conventional stick built home. My dsl is rated at 1.5/312 and I only see about 400-800down 312 up on it so it could be better. If I had to do anything besides surfing on it I would defnitely want something more powerful.

You can buy any of these routers and they will work in conjunctions with your current modem. You can still plug your cat5 cable directly into your modem if you dont want your computer you use now to be wireless as you would have to add the aforementioned wireless usb key or internal pci card in a desktop or wireless card for a laptop. More and more devices are coming embedded with wireless features. For example my new Canon Pixma MP800r Printer is wireless network ready, no usb keys/wireless cards needed. I can share the printer with any wireless computer or device in my home.

Hope this answers some of your questions.

[Painkiller]

Perfect...I'm off to spend some dough! As always my friend, thanks for schoolin' me