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Message |
    
snshirsch
Citizen
Username: Snshirsch
Post Number: 260
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 2, 2004 - 3:22 pm: |     |
Who uses what for internet connection protection? We are online full time through a cable modem. The kids want to do everything but I'm as nervous as a cat in room full of porcupines (go figure). I had started by having my kids all have limited access accounts but that means they can't even access their games that are loaded onto the main system files. So I returned them to full access but this means that they can download and install games, etc. They love neopets.com but I'm sure that's where other problems began with our old computer. What's the best way to protect the computer? Spyware and an anti-virus software? We have Norton running, is it better than any others or are they all equal? Which spyware? There seem to be so many? And what about popups? HELP! |
woodstock
Citizen
Username: Woodstock
Post Number: 746
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 2, 2004 - 6:19 pm: | |
Here's what I use. First, I have a NAT-based router on my DSL line. That basically means that it's difficult (but not impossible) for someone to directly attack a computer on my network. There are some that offer SPI. Don't worry about what it means, It basically says "if I didn't request the connection with the other computer, don't let the connection happen."
As for software, I use ZoneAlarm on each computer. It's a software-based firewall, and in addition to what others do, it prevents programs from "calling home" (sending information to another computer from yours) unless you allow it.
Next, I use AVG anti-virus. I use them because it's free, but I don't think they're near the best. They're good, but any AV software is going to let in a virus before it's been identified, and you've updated your definition files. This is hte most important part of using AV software, IMO - keep your definitions up to date.
I use Spybot S&D and Adaware for Anti-spyware and -adware. Either is decent, and I tend to run them once a week or so, or when something funky is going on.
I use the google toolbar for popup blocking, but the new version of IE that WindowsXP SP2 installs will have a popup blocker. There are lots of them out there, but I tend to go for free solutions. Even better if they're integrated into something I already use (hence the google toolbar).
As far as protecting your kids, there are tons of programs out there that do all kinds of different blocking. Programs like NetNanny will block various sites. There are programs that let you set up "bank" account of time for your kids, so they can decide when they use the computer, but you decide how much time they have each day.
There is another class of software that lets you record (or view in real-time) everything that they do.
Finally, depending on what operating system you're using, you can probably give them "guest" account which will prevent them from installing software. That might be the most effective way to stop them from installing rogue software.
However the absolute best way to keep your computer safe is common sense and education. Two things young kids are often lacking in.
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monster
Citizen
Username: Monster
Post Number: 183
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 2, 2004 - 10:56 pm: | |
what woodstock said, and...don't download and install service pack 2, don't use IE as your main browser, I would use Mozilla/Firefox or Opera instead.
The most effective defense against your fears would be to use a Mac and laugh every-time someone mentions their pc has a virus/malware or has been hijacked.
If you have to have a windows based pc, do what you can to protect it and just use it for surfin' the web, use a Mac for all email and for business/bills/etc...
Yes I am biased, I use both platforms, I work on both platforms, I network and maintain both platforms, blah-blah-woof-woof...
When all is said and done I prefer and recommend Macs and that's what I'm using right now.
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Earlster
Citizen
Username: Earlster
Post Number: 535
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 3, 2004 - 9:17 am: | |
sns, everything that woodstock and monster said.
If you are online all the time, do yourself a favor and get an external hardware firewall/router. They are so cheap these days.
Also, don't use IE as your main browser. I'm using Mozilla and Firefox.
I don't know if you have the room/funds for this, but I don't let my kid play unsupervised on my computer and am planning on building her a dedicated one from old parts, where there is no harm done if she ends up trashing it. I would recommend the same to you. Get a cheap/used second computer that doesn't have any sensitive files on it. With the Firewall/Router they can share one internet connection. And if you don't have the room for two monitors, keyboards get a KVM switch, with that you can switch your keyboard/monitor/mouse between comps. |
woodstock
Citizen
Username: Woodstock
Post Number: 748
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 3, 2004 - 10:47 am: | |
This week's PC magazine has a good article on NAT-based routers, and their limitations as pseudo-firewalls, written by our very own Larry Seltzer. It's on page 92. He also references the August 3rd issue's article, Keep Your PC Safe, on page 82 of that issue. |
Pete Hauptman
Citizen
Username: Flatbush
Post Number: 1
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, September 5, 2004 - 8:34 am: | |
There is absolutely no problem in safely using IE with broadband if you have the proper protection. These are all FREE excellent programs which can be obtained at snapfiles.com or downloads.com and are easy to install and use:
1-"another internet explorer popup killer"(aiep)Prevents pop ups
2-spybot and ad-ware, two programs which will scan your PC for spyware and give you the option of eliminating spyware.
3- spyware blaster. Once you have removed the spyware using spybot and/or ad-aware, running this program will prevent spyware from sneaking onto your PC.
4-a squared 2 is a worm/trojan scanning program. It also has the ability to run in the background like an anti-virus program to prevent worms and trojans from being installed on your PC.
5- as others have mentioned, zonealarm is an excellent firewall which I've used for 6 years.
6- good FREE antivirus programs such as AVG and AVAST.
7- an excellent FREE site is grc.com. Here you can scan your ports to see if your firewall is properly configured.
Any one needing more info on PC/internet security can reply to this post and I'll provide you with the sources.
ALL OF THE ABOVE ARE FREE PROGRAMS AND ARE NOT PIRATED SOFTWARE.}}
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Tom Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 3737
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 7, 2004 - 5:51 pm: | |
Larry Seltzer isn't our own any more. He swore off this board a few months ago. Our loss.
What's the scoop on service pack 2? |
woodstock
Citizen
Username: Woodstock
Post Number: 752
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 7, 2004 - 10:44 pm: | |
He odes still live here, right? Or has he moved... I can't keep up anymore.
I've heard very mixed things about SP2. It's been fine on the two systems I've upgraded, and I tend to install and uninstall lots of software. The new firewall *seems* to work a lot like Zonealarm. Overall, it doesn't seem to be that much of a change, other than the security model (including some minor changes to IE.
On the other hand, I know a lot of companies have held off until then can complete testing with their standard and custom software. And a couple of companies I work with ahve decided against it for as long as they can unil they can rewrite some software to work around the changes. |
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