Posts Tagged ‘Internet Security’

Great Product And Great Support – Windows Antivirus Software Review

January 16th, 2012

I had left the computer in sleep mode and went into the kitchen when the hacker broke in. Because Norton gave him the passwords for my EMAIL Accounts, he logged on and changed the passwords and I could no longer access these EMAIL accounts. NIS does not impact my system in any significant way. It does add to your initial system ready time, but it’s a price you have to pay to keep your computer safe. The UI is impressively easy to use. It’s still very fast light on resources, with an extremely good protection. I already had a Norton Account, so it easily processed the updates. It is recommended that you update your virus definitions once the installation is complete to ensure that you are fully protected. Have been using Norton for years and it works quite well and is a lot cheaper from Amazon than it is direct from Norton. Seems strange that to upgrade a program on your computer is more expensive than purchasing it new with packaging and CD but that’s the case. Security controls are condensed into three sections in the main window: computer protection, network protection, plus a Web protection. For those who wonders, what is that map at the bottom of the interface, it represents a threat to each of its users that has been successfully blocked.

I have told my family to get Norton on their computer too. As an avid computer and internet user, with over three different computers in my household, I really took the time to test many of the major security services out there and NIS definitely stands alone on top in my opinion.

So I simply disable it (simplest way is to right click on the upper portion of the toolbar and uncheck the Norton option). Other than that, NIS appears to run well in the background with little impact on the speed of either machine I use.

It is an easy program to manage and the settings are simple. It also tells me exactly the things I told it to do, such as schedules for scanning etc.

Why pay when there are free options? Norton performed better on removing and preventing threats. As far as I can tell, NIS has blocked every virus exploit attempt- I have never had any issues. Also, I think the 3 user package is a great idea for the money expended.

The features have been described in other reviews. I purchased NIS from Amazon rather than “renewing” my subscription from last year’s version, because it saves quite a bit of money. It also identifies most of the secure websites (Amazon, credit card, bank websites, Hotmail, Gmail) as safe websites. Norton has the option to use their password manager, but just like last version, the password manager is not so secure. I had Norton when I had Comcast and it really worked well so after going to another company, I wanted Norton. I left a feedback on this when I received it.

NIS was by far the easiest to install, and had the smallest performance footprint of the other programs tested.

I had the 2010 NIS and just upgraded to the new version, it’s great. used diesel welder on ebay.

Really Great Product – Antivirus GT Software Critique

January 15th, 2012

If something goes wrong, the program is very good at correcting itself without bothering you much. If you need more help, like with a reinstall, you can get “chat” help (better than phone help) that can take over your machine and do what they need to do to get you back running.

If you have time remaining on your current subscription, DO NOT INSTALL VIA THE DISK. Instead, select “check for new version.” It’s not as configurable as I would like, but is more transparent than Norton and it’s never blue screened my computers (and I’ve had five so far over the years). Finally, Norton simply employs Windows own defragmenter. Lastly, I ran a test twice using the full system scan. The first scan took 2 hours and 23 minutes (471,753 total items scanned) with 9 risks detected and resolved! I still use it though and have had good results using both. Other than that, it does what I bought it to do, Keep my comp’s running. NIS continues the track record of excellence established by NIS 2010. I really like the way it blocks potentially harmful and phishing sites (we all do foolish stuff and click on bad stuff on occasion). Both computers now have a shorter boot-up time and I really like the features of this security software over Trend Micro and Zone Alarm that I had before. I had a $15 off coupon from Norton to purchase this on their site, but when I checked price it was going to be more for 1 user with my coupon than the Amazon price of $24.99 for 3 PCs. I renew Norton Internet Security every year and it’s much cheaper to buy the CD on sale than to renew on-line from Symantec, plus you have the CD in the event you need it.

I have been using the Norton security products for many years, and I have been for the most part very satisfied with them. The one gripe I have is that every year when I go to renew my subscription, I find that I can purchase new copies of the software for less than the renewal price. Amazon’s price is very competitive, and delivery was prompt. Have used Norton for the past three years and I have never had a problem. I cannot even add the one cookie to the exclude list in some other way (I confirmed this with NIS support).

This year, I checked a website that rates the top 10 Internet Security software programs and Norton came in second. Therefore I went ahead and purchased the one for the year.

The install was very easy, except for the 25 character code that had to be entered. I installed this on two computers, my desktop running XP Pro, and a laptop running Vista. This Norton Internet Security (NIS) software runs way too often, and it greatly bogs down or freezes my one running program (I don’t even multi-task) or web surfing! Sure enough, after every system crash, freeze, or slowdown, I click on the Norton icon, and it indicates that NIS is scanning or just finished scanning. Norton quality combined with Amazon great price and service can’t be beat. I’ve stuck with Norton through all its ups and downs for over 15 years now.

This is a true “set it & forget it” solution. GIRLS SLEEPING BAGS.

Does The Job Well – Android Antivirus Software Critique

January 12th, 2012

I received my purchase fairly quickly. My problem started when I attempted to install my purchase and I needed to enter the product ID number. I continued buying products when they went into antivirus, but became very unhappy with the “bloatware” that they began selling – really slowed my system down and created a lot of compatibility problems with other programs. This year I was shopping for a new program, as my ZoneAlarm was expired and a new subscription was a lot more money than I wanted to spend.

What a shame, as I wanted to really like this way overhyped software from the beginning. Norton needs to go back to the drawing board. Norton should include its registry and history cleaners for free, as part of Norton Internet Security, in my view, but only if they can get it to work reliably, at least as well as CCleaner. Windows should include Diskeeper defragger as standard, too. Once again Norton gets a 5 star rating from me. It installed cleanly over my older version, and runs quietly in the background. This version of Norton is much better than previous versions of a few years ago. Run on an old Pentium 4 XP sp2 machine.

It is painless installation, and a quick update from the website. So far I’m very happy with the performance and instant performance increase over previous software. Thank heaven he didn’t go after my bank and brokerage accounts. He also did something to Norton Internet Security and it would not run.

I previously had Norton 360 and I find Internet Security to be a little less intrusive. No problems with installation.

Once you get this software it will let you install on 3 different computers. Haven’t tested 64bit version, but I’m pretty sure it should work the same.

First, to get one’s money’s worth, it is best to wait to install the product as long as possible. This is because the one-year subscription starts when the product is installed.

I do find the recurring message for removing tracking cookies a bit annoying, so I may change this setting if this happens too frequently. I installed in on my PC, Laptop and my daughter’s laptop. I hear Norton Ghost is just as flakey. Also, the Insight protection and the flagging of questionable sites on a Google search has helped me avoid headaches (after learning what ignoring those warnings can lead to). And now Symantec is posting its daily list of 100 most troublesome sites. I have three issues with this product, which revolve around the yearly end of subscription. I always buy the next version, since that is significantly cheaper than renewing the subscription.

It is very easy to install and it does not bug you with a lot of questions you don’t know the answer to. dog food dispenser.

Not Recommended Anymore – Super Antivirus Software Review

January 10th, 2012

Product works great and since we have more than 1 computer, the “up to 3 PC’s” version works best. Does an excellent job and would not operate a computer without it or some reliable protection. I have to run it manually from the NIS screen and it will check, download and then fail to complete when processing updates. Clicking on the link they provide shows an estimated time of up to 11 hours to download. Ten years ago, Norton was abysmal software. However, they’ve come a long way since then. Check PC Mag if you want to read their recommendations on security software. I do not use the spam filter (I avoid MS Outlook like the plague), nor do I use the parental controls in NIS, so I can’t comment on those features. Other virus scans did not detect that virus. All of the computers are running much faster and cleaner now. I have used both Internet Security 2010 and have been very satisfied with this product. For more information, I would recommend reading the latest review in PC Magazine and Consumer Reports.

I’ve tried several other security suites and the Norton’s ease of use, well known top-of-the-line security, and the great “Amazon” price and delivery gave me the best value for my dollar. When I next purchase I will upgrade to the Norton 360 or equivalent and have a total security and management system all in one.

What a shame, as I wanted to really like this way overhyped software from the beginning. Norton needs to go back to the drawing board. It checks everything you download so you know beforehand if the file or program is safe. It also can tell you if a website you are visiting is safe or not.

Norton even has a special Facebook App so you can be certain that you will not pick up one of those nasty viral things. I give this product 5 stars. I know there are prejudice techs in IT shops. Take UF’s, for example.

So, when I had Norton 2010, I was able to upgrade freely to the version of the software midway through my license period. However, when my license expired I found it much cheaper to purchase the software on amazon than to just automatically extend my coverage directly from Symantec.

Since I have relied on Norton products for over 20 years, I have kept up a yearly subscription with their Anti-Virus programming. This particular version I have used for several years with no problems or invasions into my system. After installation, Norton Internet Security even found a suspicious file that Avira had missed (and yes, this was most likely a true security threat based on where I got the file-if you know what I mean). The interface is very intuitive, but you’re likely to not have to go into it very deeply.

Norton has always been known for their quality Anti-Virus software, Internet Security is no exception. I will only use Norton for my computers from now on.

Also, the Insight protection and the flagging of questionable sites on a Google search has helped me avoid headaches (after learning what ignoring those warnings can lead to). GARAGE STORAGE SYSTEM.

Well Worth The Additional Money – Computer Antivirus Software Review

January 6th, 2012

I wouldn’t bother with Windows own. I don’t know if it’s still true, but Diskeeper used to be the company that provided Microsoft with its basic defragger tool – basically a crippled version of the real thing, what marketing people call “aspirational” (it looks great on paper, but it doesn’t yet or never will work). Here again, good judgment is needed, Norton’s Internet Security help with making sound judgments. This goes along with Norton’s anti-phishing, parental control management, proactive performance alerts, Norton’s insight, system wide and downloading, and identity safe.

It cost less for this 1 user/3 PC product than it would have cost us to renew only our Norton Internet Security for one computer online with Norton. This is the way to go if you, like us, have multiple computers that you want to protect.

Ten years ago, Norton was abysmal software. However, they’ve come a long way since then. You can continue working on other programs with minimal intrusion while a scan is in progress because Norton AV doesn’t bog down your computer like a lot of the other AV programs (of which BitDefender must surely be the worst offender). A Full System Scan performs a scan on critical areas as well as files on local drives, mapped network drives, and removable drives. A Full System Scan on my system, which includes a 160 GB and a 1 TB network drive, took over 4 hours. But what the Full System Scan lack in scan speeds it makes up for in its low demand on system resources. Definitely don’t even consider buying this until the problem is known to be fixed. I always use to hate Norton antivirus products until a couple years ago when I read excellent reviews about their Internet Security package. I had some problems installing and it took me more than one try! Since I already had Norton I had to use the Norton removal tool. In some cases, it just sapped too much of the computer’s resources. In at least one case, it basically slowed my machine to a stop.

This Internet Security software is junk, with a myriad of real world problems and issues regarding it slowing down your day to day computing. What good does an internet security package do if it kills your productivity?! Security controls are condensed into three sections in the main window: computer protection, network protection, plus a Web protection. For those who wonders, what is that map at the bottom of the interface, it represents a threat to each of its users that has been successfully blocked. I had to try to remember all the settings I made changes to in the past and manually enter them once the installation was complete. Therefore, my advice is to buy from Amazon to save a few dollars, but before doing the installation – look up and write down all your settings so they can be manually reentered, in case you find yours deleted too.

The software installed on my computer in under 12 minutes and was up and running at that time. It can be used on three computers, a “BOON” for folks that have multiple family members using their own computers.

I would recommend to anyone. I think that Norton is the best internet security program on the market at the moment.

This is a great product work fine. I had Norton Internet Security for several years and have always been happy with it.

It is inconvenient and time consuming to do this, but that is how annoying I find this software. red leather chair.

Why Use A Proxy Site?

April 23rd, 2010

Proxy sites have been around for quite a while, but it’s only recently that their use has come into vogue with the mainstream Internet crowd. College students in particular have found a lot of uses for those sites with the wireless Internet access in their respective schools. But proxy sites are good for more than just collegiate shenanigans.

Setting the Internet Free

Although many schools and institutions now feature free wireless Internet access, one big problem with those networks is that they tend to be severely limited. They commonly keep users from accessing sites like MySpace and Friendster, to the ire of many students. Even worse, some go so far as to banning more useful sites, simply because they’re not recognized and permitted by the network administrator.

Proxy sites are the quickest way to regain access to those important sites and ” yes ” social networks. Their non-blacklisted URLs let you surf under the radar of the server, so you’ll be able to access those banned sites, social networks and more risqu domains ” even when the administrators tell you otherwise.

You’ll also avoid getting all your Internet activity logged by the server. Do you want to keep shopping online during your lunch hour without your boss knowing? Are Facebook quizzes your time fillers for all those free breaks? Proxy sites will let you keep accessing them, no matter what bans are in place.

Keeping it Quiet

Avoiding awkward questions from teachers and bosses about your browsing activity is just one part of the deal. Many websites nowadays want to take note of your IP address and track your movements so that they can feed you better advertisements. If you’re the average Internet user, this is something you’ll want to avoid, especially with all the viruses and malware going around nowadays.

With a proxy site between the sites you’re visiting and yourself, nobody will be able to see, much less take down your IP address. Sure, they’ll be able to see the IP address of the proxy you used, but they won’t be able to track that down to you without some awesome computer skills. Even if they wanted to follow your footsteps, they won’t have an easy time of it at all.

This comes especially handy if you want to visit sites that nobody else should know about. Do you want to keep those nightly visits to certain sites a secret from your roommate or parents? Proxy sites can make it happen; even if they snoop around on your computer, all they’ll see is the URL of the site you used.

With the way technology and software has developed, it has become easy for anyone to monitor your activity on the Internet. It’s a disquieting thought, especially when you consider all the personal and private things you do online. Do you want to make your Internet browsing experience fun and worry-free? Proxy sites will be the only things you’ll need.

To make your Internet browsing even more secure, experts recommend using a different proxy site for each browsing session. ProxySupply.com features a regularly updated list of all the best and latest proxy sites that’ll keep you surfing in private for a long time.

Better Security With Windows 7

November 23rd, 2009

Microsoft claims that Windows 7 is the safest operating system it has ever built. Is this a mere puff or is there some substance to the claim? In fact there are some strong security features incorporated into Windows 7 which can make a big difference.

1. The core kernel of the Windows 7 operating system has been enhanced and strengthened. Specifically two techniques, Space Layer Randomisation and Data Execution Prevention are very effective at preventing virus attacks at a low level and result in a stronger computing environment.

2. User Account Control (UAC) has been improved. UAC prompts consist of a dialog box seeking users’ permission to continue or stop whenever an important system-level change is about to be made. In Windows Vista the feature became unpopular because of the frequency of the prompts. This led many users to turn UAC off altogether and thus it lost its potential as a security enhancer. Now in Windows 7 the user can taylor the level of alerts to suit thier own tastes and strike a balance between staying secure and useability.

3. Windows 7 comes with Internet Explorer 8. The headline feature here is ‘protected mode’. This relies on various security features of Windows 7 to prevent malicious code from running in the browser.

4. The Windows Security Center has been replaced with the security section of the new ‘Action Center’. This provides quick information regarding the status of important security components on your PC: firewall, spyware, and virus protection. It also keeps you up to date on the status of Windows Updates, Internet security settings, and UAC settings. All the basics you need to know really.

Has Microsoft made a more secure opertaing system? Windows 7 does improve the security of PCs with better controls and protections out of the box and upgraders can look forward to a number of important security enhancements.

For more info on Virus Removal and Antivirus Software, visit http://www.virusremoval.org

3 Tips for Better Online Security

October 16th, 2009

Profix maintains Computers and solves Computer problems in Newry, Co.Down. Over the years a lot of knowledge has been gathered with regard to how average PC users tackle the issue of internet security. The majority of people have a bad habit of ignoring problems (Shutting down the PC at the fist sign of trouble and assuming that things will be OK tomorrow) and also of neglecting some basic security guidelines. As you might expect, this kind of attitude will land you and your computer in trouble. Here are some simple tips to follow to avoid problems.

1.Keep all of your Software updated with Secunia’s Free Online Software Scanner. Our experience in the Computer Repair/Maintenance field over the last 10 years shows that most computer users are slow to update their software or dont bother at all. Is this a problem? Yes, very much so. Old software is highly likely to be vulnerable to attack by hackers. These vulnerabilities must be fixed by installing the latest version of the software. The problem is that with so many different installed programs, keeping track of their status can become a chore. This is where Secunias free online Scan will help. It will check 70 of the most common programs for vulnerabilities, including Windows Updates Firefox, Messenger, Zonealarm and Java. Check it out: http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/online/

2. Strengthen all of your password. Change them regularly and make them better. Add a number or two and at least one capital letter. Use zeros instead of O’s and 3’s instead of the letter ‘E’. Using this rule, the word ‘online’ would become ‘0nlin3′. These simple tricks will result in a much more ‘hackproof’ computer. If you doubt that you could remember a new complex password, think again & have more faith in yourself. Use a simple rhyme. For example, the password ‘kth0w’ could become ‘keep the hackers out now’!

3.Watch what you download on file sharing sites. A vast amount of viruses get spread through these sites and a lot of the time you wont know until it has already infected your computer. Not to mention that the content is more than often illegally copied!

If you take a few minutes to consider these areas each month, you will have a much better chance of staying secure and virus free. The odds will be stacked in your favour and you may not have to visit your local computer repair shop as often.

For more information, visit ProFix’s site here: Computer Repair Newry. If you live in or near Newry contact ProFix for assistance with any Computer problems!

Spyware, Important Facts You Must Know

September 12th, 2009

Most people may not be aware that they have spyware on the computers and laptops. The spyware lurks in the background doing it deeds within the shadows of their computer’s hard drives. The majority of people are unaware of the potential damage and measures you can take to protect yourself from spyware.

First, the article will define what spyware is. Second, it will explain how you can use it for yourself.

Spyware refers to computer programs present within the hard drive of your equipment. They come in a variety of types and flavors. It is not uncommon for spyware to lurk in the background of your running processes and on your hard drive. Spyware that does this is watching your browser and behavior of teh websites that you visit.

Some of these will watch you when you are on the computer and record your keystrokes when you enter financial websites. Spyware such as “keyloggers”, will share your most sensitive financial information, even your usernames and passwords, to other companies all over the internet.

Most often, spyware is downloaded through the internet. The download can occur if a user click to some other software where spyware is attached and it will download to your hard drive. Other times, spyware can be downloaded by visiting websites. “Drive By’s” are downloads that happen when a user simply visits a particular websites, without the permission of the user.

Spyware has an element of risk associated with it, even if some of them are harmless. Your financial livelihood can be compromised by spyware that monitors your keystrokes when you visit financial websites. Your banking information, your loan accounts, and your investments can all be accessed by these people if this happens. This could happen without you knowing about it or giving permission. Naturally, a situation like this could cause you a tremendous amount of distress and trouble.

Spyware is dangerous because some types can actually control your computer. Once your computer gets controlled you run the risk that files and information stored on your computer will be sent to other parties. Unknown parties can potentially gain access to any sensitive data on your hard drive.

The most effective way to protect you and your computer from spyware is to use a computer program that is designed specifically to identify and get rid of such bugs. Such programs include Search and Destroy software. These types of programs are increasingly helpful as spyware creators become more savvy.

Some of the harmful spyware are disguised and stored in your hardware as if they are anti spyware programs. It is that item that causes the difficulty in identifing and removing them. Spybot and similar programs are updated on a regular basis. These updates contain the latest in spyware technology. This system will allow the program to easily acknowledge new spyware, and remove it from your computer.

If you do not conduct routine scanning of your system, the risk of having some spyware being in your system is quite high. It may not do much or it could just exist or worst of all it could be communicating sensitive data to outside people. It is important to use a dedicated removal program to rid your computer of spyware before there is significant damage.

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AVG Anti Virus – Free Virus Removal

August 14th, 2009

AVG has been shown to be one of the greatest free virus removal programs available to this date. Whether you are shopping around for a retail version of antivirus or you know what you are doing around a computer and think you can be trusted with the free version, AVG performs well against the competition. You should still exercise caution when browsing the internet. AVG cannot prevent every virus from getting on your computer. Even though AVG is ranked fairly well against the competition, that doesn’t mean it is amazing and will prevent everything. In the following article, I will discuss why we feel AVG is among the best free virus removal programs, and what makes people want to pay for the retail version.

To begin with, AVG is less resource intensive than many other anti virus software. What I mean by resource intensive is that it takes a lot of computer processor memory in order to run many of the Antivirus programs. For example, McAfee takes 5 times more hard drive space to install than AVG. It states that it requires the same amount of RAM however I feel that it actually uses far more. I was not able to find any information on how much CPU McAfee requires but AVG requires a Pentium with 300MHz so its not much and would be very hard to beat. Norton requires: 300 MHz or faster processor, 256 MB of RAM (**512 MB RAM recommended and required if you use the recovery tool), and 150 MB of available hard disk space. When running AVG, it is very difficult to tell any difference in performance of your computer even if you happen to be playing a game, which requires many of your computers resources. This is one reason I recommend it to anyone.

Second, when it comes to detecting viruses, AVG is among the best. Can you believe that AVG has a 93% detection rate? The free version has a little lower and the retail version a little higher but this is the average. Even with the difference, I have had the free version of AVG find numerous things that McAfee and Norton Antivirus missed.

Thirdly, and the best fact about AVG is that it’s FREE! AVG free has been shown to beat many retail antivirus programs as well as many other free ones. So it would seem that the retail version of AVG should be great and well it is. It beats its own free version by increasing speed and efficiency plus a few more features. Now, you don’t necessarily need the retail version if you know your way around a computer. You can just combine it with Spybot or Malwarebytes Anti Malware and be fine! If you aren’t so good with computers I would recommend the retail version. It is much nicer to have protection than to get a hacker stealing your identity!

Finally, there are a number of programs that AVG is not compatible with. I just want to list those out here so if you have these on your computer you either need to not install AVG or remove the other program in order for it to work correctly. Webroot Spysweeper, ICQ toolbar, Session Manager 0.6.1.13 add-on, StumbleUpon Toolbar, System Protect, Dell Network Assistant, and Contafiscal 2000 are not compatible with various parts of AVG and having both on the same machine should be avoided.

To finish up, I highly recommend AVG to anyone looking for a free antivirus. It runs more efficiently and uses fewer resources than most of the other programs, finds a majority of the viruses, only has a few conflict programs and there is a version that is completely free with no strings attached. Are you looking for a great addition to your computer? Want to add that extra layer of protection so your password can stay your password? I would recommend making the effort to get AVG Free today. You will not be disappointed with this free virus removal and scan.

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