Need AV - do I need a Firewall too - advice please.

[bahjan]

Hi,

I am new to this forum and of moderate experience. First I should say what's already on my computer security wise:

Running windows 98se ibm 600e laptop.(all updates installed) Attached to broadband router.

Installed :
Lavasoft SE
Spybot Search and Destroy 1.4
A-squaredfree
CWSshreader
mublaster
spywareblaster
hijackthis

I am considering adding Winpatrol and upgrading to Lavasoft Pro.

I was running NIS 2003 - but having had another crash the security section would not reinstall properly error message
Symantec ccap
C/program~/norton/iamapp.dll missing error no 1002.1

(iampp.dll was present by the way) I tried the Symfix tool as recommended by Symantec help to no effect - complete clean with symantec tools and manually and reinstall did not fix the issue. I have become disillusioned with Norton which is now straining my system resources, as well as being inheriently slow, bloatware.

I have been looking at various security suites and AV standalones, and have become confused. I was going to try Kaspersky 6, but having read a member's issue with the personal details and difficulties to resolve concerns over privacy information I am seriously put off using them no matter how good the reviews.


I run fmail via OE which has basic virus/spamming scanning - do I need more?

Online, I am basically a careful surfer, I do not use download music sites or file sharing, what I basically want is a solid AV with personal security - while I do not bank on-line I do shop on line and credit anti theft is as important to me as AV.

One question, do I need an installed firewall? When I was running Norton I did get a few alerts while on-line regarding attempts to steal CC info (which I blocked) As I'm not made of money, would Zonealarm freebie protect me adequately as a second layer?

Interestingly, Kaspersky on line scanner found a file which Symantec had missed for years - a program I'd never installed. (phew! ) I sent it to Virustotal and they confirmed presance of Snadboy 2011 virus. On their list, only Kaspersky 4.0.2.24 bitdefender 7, Fortiinet 2.85, Ikarus T3 and McAfee 5030 actually found it. Nod32 v2 did not. I can submit a copy of the full report if you're interested.

I am now seriously considering bitdefender 10.- any thoughts greatfully recieved, Thanks.:)

[tradetime]

Welcome to the forum, I think you will find it a great resource of information, in response to the title of your thread and this line in your post...........
-{ Quote: "Running windows 98se ibm 600e laptop.(all updates installed) Attached to broadband router." }-
I believe most routers nowadays contain a hardware firewall already which will take care of inbound threats, so really the adition of a software firewall will largely be with regard to controling outbound access of software on your computer.

[MalwareDie]

Lavasoft SE and Spybot Search and Destroy 1.4 are not needed. They are quite obsolete and you should not upgrade to lavasoft Pro. Norton Internet Security 2003 is bloatware and you should not use it. If you consider getting BitDefender, you better prepare to uninstall many things, as BitDefender conflicts with many other security apps. Even routers are not perfect so if you want to a software firewall you could.

[ASpace]

@ bahjan

Hello !

I would strongly recommend you buy a new computer with newer operating system - either Windows XP or better Windows Vista . I am sure you'll feel the difference.

If you prefer to stay with the current Windows 98se , I recommend you :

- Check your router (NAT must be enabled , other security options , too)

- After configuring the router , test with http://www.pcflank.com/ (Steath test and Advanced port scanner test)

- Uninstall the following applications:
Lavasoft SE
A-squaredfree
CWSshreader
mublaster
spywareblaster
hijackthis

You don't need them !!! Keep only Spybot S&D , which I do think is very good AS application

- Run Symantec's Norton removal tool to remove all Norton IS tracks
This tool (http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039) is the right one

- After Norton is removed , immediately visit Microsoft's web-site and download/install Internet Explorer 6 SP1 here (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/downloads/critical/ie6sp1/default.mspx)

- Start Spybot S&D , update it , see how here (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/howto/update.html) . After update , open Immunize section and immunize Internet Explorer . Do the immunize part after every Spybot S&D's update

- Download and install McAfee site advisor here (http://www.siteadvisor.com/)

- Consider buying very good antivirus application . I strongly recommend you eset NOD32 (http://www.eset.com) .
Local ESET representatives (http://www.eset.com/partners/worldwide.php)
Why NOD32 (http://www.eset.com/products/compare.php)
Why NOD32 part2 (http://www.eset.com/products/compare_heuristic_detection.php)


- Last but not least , be safe surfer !!! Practise safe hex ;)

[MalwareDie]

Why would you advise him to keep spybot? It is obsolete and offers poor protection. It takes forever for an update to be released and asquared crushes it easily.

[ASpace]

-{ Quote: "It is obsolete and offers poor protection" }-

I can only disagree .

[tayres]

-{ Quote: "I am now seriously considering bitdefender 10." }-

I used the BitDefender suite for a couple of months but finally stopped using it because of too many minor problems I had. It does have an excellent AV engine, one the best out there right now.

[besafe]

First I would make sue your syetm is clean, then remove all traces of norton. I would also unisntall every security application you are using.

Turn on the windows FW.

Run Avira Antivir (free AV)

Get Spyware termintor and enable both HIPS and Active protection.

This isn't rock solid, but probably enough for the safe surfer.

[De Hollander]

Nod32. Spywareblaster and Spybot Immunize section. IE6. Comodo firewall. On-demand scanner: Lavasoft SE. A-Squared free. CWS.

@besafe: 98SE doesn't have a firewall ;)

[besafe]

Ooops, forgot that Windows 98 doesn't have a FW.

AV for 98...Either Avira Antivir or NOD32.

ST with hips enabled.

That would probably be the minimum you could "safely" get away with.

[ccsito]

-{ Quote: "Comodo firewall.
@besafe: 98SE doesn't have a firewall ;)" }-

Comodo is a no go for Windows 98.

http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

[tradetime]

Personally,I would stop using IE since you can't upgrade to IE7 download Opera or Firefox and use whichever instead of IE, download Sandboxie and run whichever in the Sandbox.
For AV -{ Quote: "As I'm not made of money" }- Download AntiVir or my preference Avast! both free. If you want a simple,light firewall Sygate (free) can still be found.
Nothing wrong with A squared it's on demand so no drag on ur resources.
How much RAM is on that box?

[ccsito]

-{ Quote: " download Sandboxie and run whichever in the Sandbox.
For AV Download AntiVir or my preference Avast! both free." }-

SandboxIE does not support Windows 98 according to the website. Antivir will discontinue support for Windows 98 as of 6/30/07. Not sure if signature updates will stop or not.

http://www.sandboxie.com/index.php?DownloadSandboxie

[tradetime]

-{ Quote: "SandboxIE does not support Windows 98 according to the website. Antivir will discontinue support for Windows 98 as of 6/30/07. Not sure if signature updates will stop or not.

http://www.sandboxie.com/index.php?DownloadSandboxie" }-
DOH!!!!!!!!!
Guesss that's the problem with staying with older OS, this will become a growing problem as time goes by

[ccsito]

-{ Quote: "DOH!!!!!!!!!
Guesss that's the problem with staying with older OS, this will become a growing problem as time goes by" }-

That's the dilemma that I am facing with my 4 Windows 98 computers. Not worth upgrading and will use them until they crash or burn out. 8)

[De Hollander]

-{ Quote: "Comodo is a no go for Windows 98.

http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/" }-

:o ooops here i go...:)

[C.S.J]

-{ Quote: "Why would you advise him to keep spybot? It is obsolete and offers poor protection. It takes forever for an update to be released and asquared crushes it easily." }-
i agree,

obviously, ppl know which AV id recommend :)

but on the bitdefender side, great AV here, cant recommend it enough... engine is fantastic, and the heuristics are aswell, software has known to be a bit buggy in the past, but i believe these have been ironed out now, or at least most of.

bitdefender is very very cheap too,

id personally choose just the AV which is £20 for 2 years, and 2 pcs. :wacko: crazy.

http://www.bitdefender.com/site/view/comp.html

you dont need a firewall if your behind a router with one built in, however... if you want a software firewall, some outbound control ... then the choice is yours.

[bahjan]

QUOTE=ccsito]SandboxIE does not support Windows 98 according to the website. Antivir will discontinue support for Windows 98 as of 6/30/07. Not sure if signature updates will stop or not.

As far as I know win 98 users of Antivir will be able to download updates - but there will be no more updates to the programme after June '07 (this was on their website, took a bit to find. ) Thanks again for all your advice!

Humm I hear an upgrade calling.......

Bahjan


http://www.sandboxie.com/index.php?DownloadSandboxie" }-

[bahjan]

Hi

I guess as I have a router FW - Zone alarm is more than I need for outbound monitoring? Is there anything out there that will just deal with outbounds? Sorry if it's a dumb question - or maybe it's a gap in the market. (If so, I can forward my address for the cheque;D !) Haven't found a link to- Sygate free have you got one by any chance?

Yes, I am certainly considering Firefox if I can use Sandboxie ......

Any difference between Avast and Antivir - I know the Antivir does not scan email any other major differences?

I suppose thinking about it, my major concern while on line CC security - I only ever use secure sites with upto date certificates - I suppose what's spooked me is are the occasions when NIS warned me of attempts to hack Credit details.(via their personal security sheild).... What I don't get is how could that have happened given my fully shielded router FW? Is it a wiget Norton runs occasionally to justiy it's existance? Or am I being cynical and/or ignorant of something??

By the way my Win98 has 64 ram at least
Bahjan

[farmerlee]

AVG free will work on windows 98. Another option is f-prot however this is not free. For a free firewall you can try kerio 2.1.5.

[tradetime]

-{ Quote: " Haven't found a link to- Sygate free have you got one by any chance?

" }-
Sygate is still hosted here, I found it had less issues than ZA, but that may be just me.
http://www.tucows.com/preview/213160

BTW I still run Sygate on my laptop and have seen no reason to change that setup yet.

[tradetime]

-{ Quote: "By the way my Win98 has 64 ram at least" }-
Wow, best keep the apps to a minimum then, I'd imagine NIS was a drag.
-{ Quote: "Any difference between Avast and Antivir - I know the Antivir does not scan email any other major differences?" }-
Avast may run a little heavier on resources if you have all the protection enables, but if you don't p2p or pop mail or use outlook you can disable some of the shields. I prefer it to AntiVir, having tried both, but then there are many who feel the opposite, personal choice thing, I'd say they both great products.

[Escalader]

-{ Quote: "Hi,

I am new to this forum and of moderate experience. ......... concerns over privacy information I am seriously put off using them no matter how good the reviews...... basic virus/spamming scanning - do I need more?

Yes, you could do better on security, the posts from members here on removal of old security software on your present W98 PC is all good. You need to start fresh anyway. You need a top of the line AV and a ASW.

......... I basically want is a solid AV with personal security - while I do not bank on-line I do shop on line and credit anti theft is as important to me as AV.

While I also bank on line and you don't you should use a low credit limit card so the potential risk is small. Visa has a online security service called verfiied by Visa where the purchaser has to enter the 3 or 4 digit security code on the back of the physical card. If the bad guy has your card number he is unlikely to have the physical card unless of course you lose it!

One question, do I need an installed firewall? .....running Norton I did get a few alerts while on-line regarding attempts to steal CC info (which I blocked) As I'm not made of money, would Zonealarm freebie protect me adequately as a second layer?

Yes, get a FW but forget the "new" free ZA it has a phantom copy of KAV in it and it relentlessly nags you to buy it. It is weighed down by this hidden software. Deceptive.

I use BD10, as you will see from my signature and it is a strong AV in the top ranks. You would have to check if BD 10 can run on your PC which seems a bit light on power and if it is compatible with w98.

The best thing is for you to trial these various tools and see which one works best on your PC.

Summary Steps

0) Clean up PC, remove old unneeded software, then defrag it.
1) Get new AV, free AntiVir, $=BD 10
2) FW, look at PC Tools FW+ it is free and supported by a forum, this forum can suggest other good FW's as well. Your issue and mine is control of outbound packets as we are behind routers.
3) Get Low limit credit card for online purchase, or lower present card
4) Create Strong PSW's keep off line on a flash or diskette or use RoboForm free
5) Build and use a strong backup strategy

Hope this helps

PS: Sorry I can't yet advise on good privacy tools and vaults as I'm going to test them again myself. I'm going to do that in the case of ZA Pro and BD10 but work not done yet. There are serious doubts about their value at this time. They create a false sense of security IMHO.

[EliteKiller]

-{ Quote: "Lavasoft SE and Spybot Search and Destroy 1.4 are not needed. They are quite obsolete and you should not upgrade to lavasoft Pro." }-
+1

-{ Quote: "I was going to try Kaspersky 6, but having read a member's issue with the personal details and difficulties to resolve concerns over privacy information I am seriously put off using them no matter how good the reviews." }-

Huh? KIS 6.0 works in 98SE and is a solid security solution. A member issue is not a global issue. People have issues with every piece of software.

If you want a free solution I would go with AOL AVS & SAS. Get Sygate free from here: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=3356

If you only have 64MB of memory I would recommend an addition 128 or 256 at a bare minimum since memory prices are extremely low.

[JerryM]

I go along with most of what has been said. I would not remove a-squared, and use it as an additional layer.

I would install Avast Home ( I think it will work with 98.) and with the router you should be in good shape. I would also install a free firewall, and in my view Kerio 2.1.5 is excellent. I am not sure where you would find it. however.


Best,
Jerry

[EliteKiller]

-{ Quote: "I would also install a free firewall, and in my view Kerio 2.1.5 is excellent. I am not sure where you would find it. however." }-

http://www.elitekiller.com/files/kerio-pf-2.1.5-en-win.exe

[bahjan]

-{ Quote: "While I also bank on line and you don't you should use a low credit limit card so the potential risk is small. Visa has a online security service called verfiied by Visa where the purchaser has to enter the 3 or 4 digit security code on the back of the physical card. If the bad guy has your card number he is unlikely to have the physical card unless of course you lose it![/COLOR]

I'm signed up with a Visa secure already - sites I use are secure and use 3 digit code.........I also use Paypal. There is a new utility that is supposed to add a layer of protection to Paypal transactions on ebay, called ActiveFraudShield ..... I would be interested to know what folk think about it....[/COLOR]

Yes, get a FW but forget the "new" free ZA it has a phantom copy of KAV in it and it relentlessly nags you to buy it. It is weighed down by this hidden software. Deceptive.

Point taken - will try Kerio or Sygate......with a trial of BD10 and see how it runs - if not may try Avast or AntiVir......By way I have more than 64 Ram 196 according to my System monitor.......
The best thing is for you to trial these various tools and see which one works best on your PC.

Summary Steps

0) Clean up PC, remove old unneeded software, then defrag it.

Yep system is a clean as I can make it - had to delete stray bits or Norton from my system despite using their tools ::) Defragged....... My PSW's are always obscure ( has to be some use to being a mediaevalist after all.....;D ) I'll take a look at Roboform though...... I use Acronis 8.0 as my main backup system - although my old faithful Fix-it utilities 4.0 does allow easy restoration of clean registry and system files.

I'll probably try Antivir as my annual $19.99 Fastmail package has virus and spam scanning I've had it for a year and nothing has got through yet - I need something to give me good realtime malware protection with AV for on line - Antivir seems to win out over Avast in that regard (though I might try the latter too).


1) Get new AV, free AntiVir, $=BD 10
2) FW, look at PC Tools FW+ it is free and supported by a forum, this forum can suggest other good FW's as well. Your issue and mine is control of outbound packets as we are behind routers.
3) Get Low limit credit card for online purchase, or lower present card
4) Create Strong PSW's keep off line on a flash or diskette or use RoboForm free
5) Build and use a strong backup strategy

Hope this helps

PS: Sorry I can't yet advise on good privacy tools and vaults as I'm going to test them again myself. I'm going to do that in the case of ZA Pro and BD10 but work not done yet. There are serious doubts about their value at this time. They create a false sense of security IMHO." }-

I'd be interested to know your conclusions....Thanks again.

[Tarq57]

Avast home can be configured NOT to scan files at boot up. (Program settings>common untick the top box).
I'm pretty sure SpywareTerminator doesn't offer resident or HIPS on '98, just the demand scanner, which is pretty good, but it's real strength is the free resident protection. AVG AS, Asquared, or Superantispyware (if it works on '98) would be good demand scanners to use.
Download the Norton removal tool from Symantec before uninstalling Norton. Run the tool after uninstalling the program. It cleans up a lot of leftovers. Quite a lot. I know, because, in ignorance a couple of years ago, not knowing about the removal tool, I manually cleaned the remnants. Took a while.
Definitely need a firewall, 2 way (outbound) protection advised for using a CC on a PC.
I don't know why someone suggested removing SpywareBlaster. It uses no resource and is a useful layer esp if using IE.