paranoid user needs new security software

J

Jim Madsen

I have Norton Internet Security 2004, which came bundled on my Dell
computer. I just received notice that this software is no longer
supported by subscription (to updates, etc.)

The reason I never have updated to something else is I'm actually afraid
of trying to uninstall this stuff. The instructions on the web site say
just go to add and remove programs, and click uninstall. But this has
stuff all over my computer -- there's Symantic Live Update, and it's
tied into the Microsoft Security Center -- is that going to complain if
I try to uninstall it?

My ISP offers a free copy of McAffee (which I hate, from the experiences
we've had at work), but it says I must uninstall all security software
prior to downloading the McAffee from the internet (yeah, right).

I might be able to get a free legitimate subscription to security
software from work.

My biggest question, is, will I regret trying to uninstall Norton
Internet Security?
 
J

Jurren Bouman

Shouldn't be a problem... but then.. I don't know your computer. Just
uninstall through "Add/Remove Windows" in Windows "Control Panel". First
Norton Internet Security, then Live Update and then you could use this
uninstall tool:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

Don't forget to reboot in between...



"Jim Madsen" <justme@nobody.com> wrote in message
news:eimvDveAIHA.4712@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> I have Norton Internet Security 2004, which came bundled on my Dell
> computer. I just received notice that this software is no longer
> supported by subscription (to updates, etc.)
>
> The reason I never have updated to something else is I'm actually afraid
> of trying to uninstall this stuff. The instructions on the web site say
> just go to add and remove programs, and click uninstall. But this has
> stuff all over my computer -- there's Symantic Live Update, and it's tied
> into the Microsoft Security Center -- is that going to complain if I try
> to uninstall it?
>
> My ISP offers a free copy of McAffee (which I hate, from the experiences
> we've had at work), but it says I must uninstall all security software
> prior to downloading the McAffee from the internet (yeah, right).
>
> I might be able to get a free legitimate subscription to security software
> from work.
>
> My biggest question, is, will I regret trying to uninstall Norton Internet
> Security?
 
W

What's in a Name?

Jim Madsen <justme@nobody.com> wrote in
news:eimvDveAIHA.4712@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl:

> I have Norton Internet Security 2004, which came bundled on my
> Dell computer. I just received notice that this software is no
> longer supported by subscription (to updates, etc.)
>
> The reason I never have updated to something else is I'm actually
> afraid of trying to uninstall this stuff. The instructions on the
> web site say just go to add and remove programs, and click
> uninstall. But this has stuff all over my computer -- there's
> Symantic Live Update, and it's tied into the Microsoft Security
> Center -- is that going to complain if I try to uninstall it?
>
> My ISP offers a free copy of McAffee (which I hate, from the
> experiences we've had at work), but it says I must uninstall all
> security software prior to downloading the McAffee from the
> internet (yeah, right).
>
> I might be able to get a free legitimate subscription to security
> software from work.
>
> My biggest question, is, will I regret trying to uninstall Norton
> Internet Security?

Stay away from McAfee (no better than Norton). There is a removal
tool you can download.
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/200503310816
2039
You can "roll your own" security suite.
AntiVir has a free version with real-time scanning.
http://www.free-av.com/
Are you using a router? If not you'll need a firewall.(Turn off
Windows Firewall after install of Sygate)
Sygate Personal Firewall(last free version)
http://www.download.com/3000-2092_4-10637565.html
Use the usual suspects for AntiSpyware
(AdAware,SpybotSearch+Destroy,SuperAntiSpyware)
BitDefender has a free on-demand scanner that you can use as a
backup.
http://www.bitdefender.com/site/view/Download-Free-Products.html
I have some other tools listed(with links)on my pages(see below)

max
--
Virus Removal http://max.shplink.com/removal.html
Keep Clean http://max.shplink.com/keepingclean.html
Tools http://max.shplink.com/tools.html
Change nomail.afraid.org to gmail.com to reply.
 
J

Jim Madsen

Thanks for your response, Max--

I don't mind paying for a good, well written security product, that does
what it's supposed to do, and doesn't suck the daylights out of computer
memory. I have always felt that you get what you pay for, and it is
worth while paying programmers' wages who do a great job.

Yes, the firewall is the most important component I need. I've found it
very rare to get a detection for a virus (maybe once every two years),
and my ISP seems to do a good job scrubbing out the viruses and spam in
incoming email.

If I can't get something from work, I'll probably purchase a product
next week, and then see if I can get rid of Norton (which seems to have
done a good job, although it does suck system resources.

I printed our Jurren's and your responses for reference.

Jim

What's in a Name? wrote:

> Stay away from McAfee (no better than Norton). There is a removal
> tool you can download.
> http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/200503310816
> 2039
> You can "roll your own" security suite.
> AntiVir has a free version with real-time scanning.
> http://www.free-av.com/
> Are you using a router? If not you'll need a firewall.(Turn off
> Windows Firewall after install of Sygate)
> Sygate Personal Firewall(last free version)
> http://www.download.com/3000-2092_4-10637565.html
> Use the usual suspects for AntiSpyware
> (AdAware,SpybotSearch+Destroy,SuperAntiSpyware)
> BitDefender has a free on-demand scanner that you can use as a
> backup.
> http://www.bitdefender.com/site/view/Download-Free-Products.html
> I have some other tools listed(with links)on my pages(see below)
>
> max
 
W

What's in a Name?

Jim Madsen <justme@nobody.com> wrote in
news:#PGrlCrAIHA.1204@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl:

> Thanks for your response, Max--
>
> I don't mind paying for a good, well written security product,
> that does what it's supposed to do, and doesn't suck the daylights
> out of computer memory. I have always felt that you get what you
> pay for, and it is worth while paying programmers' wages who do a
> great job.
>
> Yes, the firewall is the most important component I need. I've
> found it very rare to get a detection for a virus (maybe once
> every two years), and my ISP seems to do a good job scrubbing out
> the viruses and spam in incoming email.
>
> If I can't get something from work, I'll probably purchase a
> product next week, and then see if I can get rid of Norton (which
> seems to have done a good job, although it does suck system
> resources.
>
> I printed our Jurren's and your responses for reference.
>
> Jim

***************Middle Posting for Maximum Confusion*****************

Well in that case NOD32 would be my choice hands down,very resource
friendly and excellent detection rates.I have it running right now
and it is using about 7.5mb of memory. And for added protection of
registry Spybot's TeaTimer uses less memory than others I have tried.
If you use Firefox with AdBlock and NoScript installed along with a
secure e-mail client such as Thunderbird,you should be good to go.

max
********************************************************************
>
> What's in a Name? wrote:
>
>> Stay away from McAfee (no better than Norton). There is a removal
>> tool you can download.
>> http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/200503310
>> 816 2039
>> You can "roll your own" security suite.
>> AntiVir has a free version with real-time scanning.
>> http://www.free-av.com/
>> Are you using a router? If not you'll need a firewall.(Turn off
>> Windows Firewall after install of Sygate)
>> Sygate Personal Firewall(last free version)
>> http://www.download.com/3000-2092_4-10637565.html
>> Use the usual suspects for AntiSpyware
>> (AdAware,SpybotSearch+Destroy,SuperAntiSpyware)
>> BitDefender has a free on-demand scanner that you can use as a
>> backup.
>> http://www.bitdefender.com/site/view/Download-Free-Products.html
>> I have some other tools listed(with links)on my pages(see below)
>>
>> max



--
Virus Removal http://max.shplink.com/removal.html
Keep Clean http://max.shplink.com/keepingclean.html
Tools http://max.shplink.com/tools.html
Change nomail.afraid.org to gmail.com to reply.
 
W

What's in a Name?

Jim Madsen <justme@nobody.com> wrote in
news:#PGrlCrAIHA.1204@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl:

> Thanks for your response, Max--
>
> I don't mind paying for a good, well written security product,
> that does what it's supposed to do, and doesn't suck the daylights
> out of computer memory.

I just installed AntiVir Free (full install) and Spyware Terminator
(without Web Security Guard) on my W2K laptop. Since I only have
160mb of memory,I need to find programs that are very "resource
friendly". The memory usage of these two programs seem very low at
this time although the stats change as I open and close other
programs.
avguard.exe 1,936 k
avgnt.exe 736 k
sp_rsser.exe 644 k
Spywareterminat 992 k

max
--
Virus Removal http://max.shplink.com/removal.html
Keep Clean http://max.shplink.com/keepingclean.html
Tools http://max.shplink.com/tools.html
Change nomail.afraid.org to gmail.com to reply.
 
J

Jim Madsen

Thanks--

I started looking into NOD32. Remember -- I need something that comes
with a firewall too. I remember, in the days when Code Red came out,
how, at work, our HP printers with IP addresses were spitting out reams
of paper, because the Code Red virus was contacting them, as if they
were computers. We called HP, and they were actually able to update the
firmware over the Internet. Someone at work, actually wrote a UNIX
script to detect every time Code Red tried to contact a UNIX box.

I tried to write one in VB, but was less successful (I'm no expert).

Jim

What's in a Name? wrote:

>
> I just installed AntiVir Free (full install) and Spyware Terminator
> (without Web Security Guard) on my W2K laptop. Since I only have
> 160mb of memory,I need to find programs that are very "resource
> friendly". The memory usage of these two programs seem very low at
> this time although the stats change as I open and close other
> programs.
> avguard.exe 1,936 k
> avgnt.exe 736 k
> sp_rsser.exe 644 k
> Spywareterminat 992 k
>
> max
 
W

What's in a Name?

Jim Madsen <justme@nobody.com> wrote in
news:OOsQ9V8AIHA.4160@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl:

> Thanks--
>
> I started looking into NOD32. Remember -- I need something that
> comes with a firewall too. I remember, in the days when Code Red
> came out, how, at work, our HP printers with IP addresses were
> spitting out reams of paper, because the Code Red virus was
> contacting them, as if they were computers. We called HP, and
> they were actually able to update the firmware over the Internet.
> Someone at work, actually wrote a UNIX script to detect every time
> Code Red tried to contact a UNIX box.
>
> I tried to write one in VB, but was less successful (I'm no
> expert).
>
> Jim

I have heard good things about Comodo.
http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
Also I used the one from sygate for years with no problems.
Make sure that you use a router with built-in firewall(you'll be
better off).
max
--
Virus Removal http://max.shplink.com/removal.html
Keep Clean http://max.shplink.com/keepingclean.html
Tools http://max.shplink.com/tools.html
Change nomail.afraid.org to gmail.com to reply.
 
K

Kayman

On Fri, 28 Sep 2007 10:22:28 -0600, Jim Madsen wrote:

> I have Norton Internet Security 2004, which came bundled on my Dell
> computer. I just received notice that this software is no longer
> supported by subscription (to updates, etc.)

Good, time to rid yourself of this apps.

> The reason I never have updated to something else is I'm actually afraid
> of trying to uninstall this stuff. The instructions on the web site say
> just go to add and remove programs, and click uninstall. But this has
> stuff all over my computer -- there's Symantic Live Update, and it's
> tied into the Microsoft Security Center -- is that going to complain if
> I try to uninstall it?

The retail version of Norton can play havoc with your pc. Uninstall it
using Norton's own uninstall tool
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039
and get a refund :)
As suggested on the site, you may wish to print out the directions before
proceeding.

If this doesn't work use this:
Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Remove unwanted programs and traces easily
http://www.revouninstaller.com/
and/or
RegSeeker
http://www.hoverdesk.net/freeware.htm
Then use NTREGOPT to compact the registry Follow instructions.
http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt

While Norton's removal tool usually gets the job done, you may also want to
go to:
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/winsockxpfix.html
and download a copy of winsockxpfix just in case. Rarely, the removal of
NIS breakes the networking components in XP to the point where internet
access is impossible. This little utility will fix it back up.
>
> My ISP offers a free copy of McAffee (which I hate, from the experiences
> we've had at work), but it says I must uninstall all security software
> prior to downloading the McAffee from the internet (yeah, right).

A number of experts agree that the retail AV version of McAfee, Norton and
Trend Micro has become cumbersome and bloated for the average user. The
average homeuser should avoid these apps.
>
> I might be able to get a free legitimate subscription to security
> software from work.

Real-time AV applications (choose one (1) only).
Do not utilize more than one (1) real-time anti-virus scanning engine!
Disable the e-mail scanning function during installation (Custom
Installation on some AV apps.) as it provides no additional protection. In
fact, most of experts (incl. Norton) believe that scanning incoming and
outgoing mail causes e-mail file corruption.

Avira AntiVir® PersonalEdition Classic - Free
http://www.free-av.com/antivirus/allinonen.html
or
Free antivirus - avast! 4 Home Edition
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
(Choose Custom Installation and under Resident
Protection, uncheck: Internet Mail and Outlook/Exchange.)
or
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
http://free.grisoft.com/
or
ESET NOD32 Antivirus - Not Free
http://www.eset.com/
Have you seen these "extra settings for NOD32"?
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=37509
and
On-demand AV application (add it to your arsenal and use it as a "second
opinion" av scanner).
BitDefender10 Free Edition
http://www.bitdefender.com/PRODUCT-14-en--BitDefender-8-Free-Edition.html

A-S applications (grab'em all).

The effectiveness of an individual AV A-S scanners can be wide-ranging and
oftentimes a collection of scanners is best. There isn't one software that
cleans and immunizes you against everything. That's why you need multiple
products to do the job i.e. overlap their coverage - one may catch what
another may miss.

SuperAntispyware - Free
http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispywarefreevspro.html

Ad-Aware - Free
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_free.php
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html

Spybot Search & Destroy - Free
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
(I don't use the Immunisation function and TeaTimer application)

Windows Defender _ Free
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
Interesting reading:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,136195/article.html
"...Windows Defender did excel in behavior-based protection, which detects
changes to key areas of the system without having to know anything about
the actual threat."

Some more useful applications:
Spyware Blaster - Free
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Rootkit Revealer - Free
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Utilities/RootkitRevealer.mspx

Crap Cleaner _ Free
http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/
If Windows Defender is utilized go to Applications, under Utilities
uncheck "Windows Defender"

CW Shredder - Free
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Internet/Popup-Ad-Spyware-Blockers/CWShredder.shtml

Use/activate Win XP SP2 built-in Firewall
and uncheck *all* Programs and Services under the Exception tab.
Read through:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/internet/sp2_wfintro.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/security/winfirewall.mspx
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308127

How to Configure Windows Firewall on a Single Computer
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/smallbusiness/prodtech/windowsxp/cfgfwall.mspx

Troubleshooting Windows Firewall settings in Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=875357

Changes to Functionality in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2: Network
Protection => Windows Firewall
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/sp2netwk.mspx#EQSAE

PFW Criticism.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_firewall#Criticisms

"Personal Firewalls" are mostly snake-oil.
http://www.samspade.org/d/firewalls.html

Why your firewall sucks.
http://tooleaky.zensoft.com/
"But I quickly realized the truth: The added protection provided by
outbound filtering is entirely illusory."

At Least This Snake Oil Is Free.
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2007/07/19/at-least-this-snake-oil-is-free.aspx

Deconstructing Common Security Myths.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/technetmag/issues/2006/05/SecurityMyths/default.aspx
Scroll down to:
"Myth: Host-Based Firewalls Must Filter Outbound Traffic to be Safe."

Exploring the windows Firewall.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/technetmag/issues/2007/06/VistaFirewall/default.aspx
"Outbound protection is security theater—it’s a gimmick that only gives the
impression of improving your security without doing anything that actually
does improve your security."

Windows Firewall: the best new security feature in Vista?
http://blogs.technet.com/jesper_johansson/archive/2006/05/01/426921.aspx

Read, comprehend and implement :)

I've yet to came across write-ups authored by experts with credentials who
refute the content of the above mentioned articles. In fact not even
representatives of the makers of PFW's care (or dare) to comment. I wonder
why?

Additionally:
Seconfig XP is able configure Windows not to use TCP/IP as transport
protocol for NetBIOS, SMB and RPC, thus leaving TCP/UDP ports 135, 137-139
and 445 (the most exploited Windows networking weak point) closed.)
(http://seconfig.sytes.net/
(http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Seconfig-XP-Download-39707.html)

Practice Safe-Hex
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html
>
> My biggest question, is, will I regret trying to uninstall Norton
> Internet Security?
No, you won't regret it!

Good luck and stay safe :)
 
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