Help for pensioner prospective buyer

Hi,
My wife and I are both pensioners and have spent most of our savings on a desktop and a laptop as games and internet are our main entertainment. The two machines are networked. I am considering buying TDS after spending a lot of time reading reviews. If a yearly fee is introduced later (as speculated on by your posters) then fine - if not too expensive. However, we would find paying for yearly licences for two copies would probably put us off if they are expensive - as paying for two copies may do. So, my question is - is it really necessary for us to buy two copies or can we scan both machines via the network from one? If it IS necessry for two copies must we eventually (possibly) pay twice for yearly licences? I think the computer industry is about the only one that doesn't give any "wrinkly reductions" LOL. (Too difficult to prove age I suppose).
Jim.

 

Hi there Jim and welcome to the forum!
Nice to keep the mind sharp with computers, games and security!
Indeed it would require a license for each computer. You can scan the drives via the network in most cases, but never all the memory of the netwerked systems, so those do need their own installation.

There have been thoughts about a yearly subscription, like for instance a weekly update free and a daily for $10 a year, just wild thoughts till now as nothing is decided at all in this field.

What is mentioned however is when you buy a product you'll have a discount on a next product of some 2,5 or 5% and more on a next in future times etc growing till some 10-20%, there are action packs etc.

Had not heard about wrinkle discount, but you might like to introduce that at sales@diamondcs.com.au and i'm sure you'll come to some agreement.

Happy gaming in the meantime!

 

Hi Jooske. Thanks for the reply and the welcome. Been looking at the thread saying Hi to you.....how do you get through the door with a halo that size?
OK - so I'm about convinced and $10 per year per copy for daily update doesn't sound bad to me. If you will excuse the waffle I'll just give you a quick rundown on our situation and read any reply in case you have any further advice before I fork out my cash!
Both machines are running XP Pro and are networked through a router. Both are also using Avast anti-virus (free version), free Sygate firewall and free Prevx intrusion prevention. It seemed a good idea for another layer re trojans. So - I downloaded the trial version of Ewido on both machines. It worked fine on the desktop but won't run real time protection on the laptop for some reason. The evaluation period has today run out on the desktop copy so it's really buy or dump time. Rather than get involved with emails back and forth regarding the failure on the laptop, and as TDS is only about $30 more (for the two machines), and also as TDS has better reviews it seemed a good idea to go for that. So, if I buy one copy for the desktop to try it out and then go for the second copy for the laptop later I will still get the (tiny!) discount if I somehow let them know it's a second copy or do I have to buy both at once? Do I need it at all given the programs/firewalls I already use (I think I probably do). Will I get good support if, for some reason, (like Ewido) the second copy doesn't run properly on the laptop? Are there any known problems/conflicts with the above I have mentioned? What is the meaning of life? What is going to win the 2.30 at Aintree? Why am I going on like this?
(This getting old is NOT a job for kids!)
Jim.

 

Hi again,
i would immediately put the TDS evaluation version on the laptop which now is without any protection. So you'll be protected for 30 days and have time to evaluate it all free. It has all the main features of the full version, only a very few things are disabled till you register the software.

Make sure to have all the scanners and resident protection closed during the install, reboot, go back to the TDS site and have the latest radius (definitions) update, drop that file in the TDS directory and start TDS for it's first startup scans.
After that don't configure it to run at windows startup, but start it manually after the reboot. And so there are more startup configurations possible now.
We have a fine helpful thread in the stickeys on top in this forum with some basic recommendations, complete with screenshots.

While you're learning and in this process of rebooting and configuring the ewido eval will run out in the meantime so you'll be ready for the next install on the desktop with all that new experience.

Since you like playing you'll love my test files and the scripts pack on the TDS site (just for demo) to add to your games and fun experience.

About the possible maybe future price we don't know if that ever will be asked, we all wait and see.
We rather introduce you step by step in the other wonderful DiamondCS tools and some more available in the forums here for the best protection, step by step and layer after layer.

It doesn't matter when you buy software, as the DiamondCS guys have a very fine customers system so every buy counts for future reductions.

To need or not to need ... besides Avast free -- Avast also focusses on viruses so the part of viruses is covered, TDS will cover the trojans and worms (and lots more) part.
There are not any known conflicts. Just make sure during installation to close all other programs and resident protection and reboot after the install.

DiamondCS support is known to be excellent with the forums 24/7 and email support and lots of understanding.

The other quiestions: how to walk through the door with a halo that big: as long as it's not ego but this way it will be all ok, all created from recycled digital electrons without any artificial additives so that will be ok and doesn't poison the environment. Might get SKAL ECO some day.
The meaning of life is keeping our systems running with fine software, DiamondCS to start with for fine security.
The Aintree guys are winning, of course. (What is the 2.30 and what is Aintree anyway? -- whatever they'll win).

I am sure you're going to like this all! As you love games and playing. With TDS it is possible to run your wons scripts and it supports msagent and speech. It is wonderfull to have a very fine security on your system and the palyful possibilities of the scripting and speech tools. After installing TDS install the scripts pack, make sure you're all msagent ready and load the InnerPeace script, which will answer some of your burning questions!
For me TDS opened a whole new world and part of that is the msagent and speech technology, new environments, new people, new contacts, new creativity and security made so much fun!

Enjoy sooo much all your new toys!

 

Thanks for reply. Just on my way out so will read and do all this tomorrow. Aintree is a horse racing track - wanted to know the winning horse so I can afford EVERYTHING IN THE WORLD.
Until tomorrow.
Thanks again.
Jim.

 

Oh you mean that number 5 in the second race, did you peek in my crystal ball? Tss sss! (It's a local guy and jockey isn't it?)
Have fun and till tomorrow!

 

OK thanks for the instructions which I will start now. The only thing is that (as we do not use the laptop every day and it has on demand scanning protection from Ewido) I am going to install on the desktop PC as it is running every day, all day to monitor my email account. Will post any questions etc. later.
Thanks again.
Jim.

 

Well I have downloaded and installed. Wow - this is VERY complicated. I will slowly work my way through all these instructions but my first question is this:
Does TDS offer real-time protection (If this is the option named execution protection it tells me it cannot be used) or is TDS only used for on-demand scanning? I don't see how you can evaluate a program if it isn't running all the time and warning you of possible dangers as they arrive. At least Ewido does that during the evaluation period. The help file is not much good unless you are a real technical expert. I have been using computers for years but most of the terms used in the help file mean nothing to me. I know TDS is only recommended for experienced users but there should be some explanation of setting up with default settings and basic operation to give users a chance to get to grips with the program bit by bit.

 

TDS-3 trial does not offer realtime protection. That is why it is telling you that execution protection can not be used.

Unfortunately you can not test the effectiveness of TDS-3 execution protection during the trial. I guess you just have to take the word of others at this time. I'm sure many hope this changes with the trial of TDS-4 but I guess we will have to wait and see.

It is said that TDS-4 is supposed to be much simpler and the upgrade from TDS-3 is free.

Have you contacted Ewido support? Or possibly start another thread the main part of this forum if you are still interested in Ewido.


Hope this helps,

Chris

 

Thanks Chris. I am not particularly interested in Ewido. I only mentioned the problem with it in the context that maybe TDS may have some similar known conflict problems (if that's what the Ewido problem is). I have more or less decided to go with TDS - if I can fathom out what some of the options are. I wasn't sure if execution protection meant real time protection but I assume it does from your reply. Therefore I must assume (judging by the good reviews) that TDS will give me probably better real time protection than Ewido and will therefore be worth the few dollars more. Also, at the moment, there is no update fee so that will probably make it even better value. It looks like (to get a proper evaluation) that the best thing I can do is buy the one copy and see how it goes for a while and then get a second copy for the laptop. I suppose the best way to run it while learning is to leave the config at the default settings (with the execution protection enabled) and do a regular full scan. Thanks both of you for the replies.
Jim.

 

Lookey lookey look in this stickey thread?
https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=24666
Full with recommendations about possible baqsic configurations settings and ideas and tests to play with etc.
See the TDS so easy thread, etc.

Exec protection does check every file for malicious code before it is allowed to execute. It does not scan your drives, for that you really need to press the button for any of the scans.
And during that best close all other unnecessary programs and all scanners and their resident protection for a while and have a coffee so TDS can do it's deep scanning and has access in every part.

 

Thanks. Will look into that. I have just registered for one copy and waiting my licence key or whatever they send.

 

Surprise! Remember nothing to install just drop the keyfile in the TDS directory as instructed and start TDS, now registered!

 

And how about the horse races?

 

That was quick! I have received my licence key already! It recommends that the TDS directory is renamed to something other that TDS for security but says it must be done during installation. I already have installed the evaluation copy so should I now uninstall that one and download the full, new version, changing the installation directory as I install the new version?
(I was joking about horse races - I know nothing about them unfortunately).
Jim.

 

If you really really want to be more sure you could indeed do the uninstall and reinstall in a different name (Folder Race Horse? ) but can you find it back then?
It's not a "you must", it's more a good recommendation. But we should also rename Windows and put it in a non-default place

I don't know about the horse races either but you could look in the paper if indeed that one i mentioned did win.

 

When I saw the thread title, I thought that someone was going to buy a pensioner! Welcome to the forums JimTheMuso.

I'd suggest that you may find Process Guard a better option than TDS-3 for your situation, since PG can prevent the worst malware from installing or interfering with your other programs, is simpler to set up and use, does not require regularly-updated signatures (making renewals a non-issue) and finally it can be purchased with an unlimited licence for home users, making it cheaper for multiple PCs than TDS-3.

While I would not dispute TDS-3's ability to protect you from malware, I would suggest that anti-trojan scanners are more appropriate for those who download files from "anonymous" sources (file-sharing networks, Usenet, Internet Relay Chat, "warez" websites) where most trojans are picked up. If you do not frequent these, then a "standard" anti-virus plus PG should suffice - and using a free on-demand trojan scanner like Ewido to check all incoming files (most download managers can be configured to launch such scans at the end of every download) should provide adequate protection.

The only area of your security that appears lacking is the browser angle. Are you using Internet Explorer? If so switching to an alternative (Firefox or Opera) is advisable - as is using a webfilter to remove "active" code (Java, Javascript and ActiveX) from webpages (many firewalls offer this feature, but standalone filters like Proxomitron are more powerful - though if you do use this then changing firewalls may be advisable since Sygate cannot control access to local proxies). This is how most malware arrives on peoples' systems.

 

Thanks for the reply and the welcome Paranoid2000. I'm afraid I have already bought TDS-3 so will stick with it for the desktop anyway. I will see how the laptop goes. Both machines are running XP Pro SP2 with the firewalls turned off as they run Sygate with Prevx IDS and Avast ani-virus and they are networked through a router. I also run on-demand scans regularly with Spybot S&D and Ad-Aware SE. Also SpywareBlaster is installed and doing it's biz. The browser on both machines is Avant (which I think used to be Opera) so we should be OK there by what you say. The desktop PC is running nearly all the time to monitor emails, text messages etc. and (although we don't play online games) I am a compulsive "surfer" and follow all sorts of links. So I can end up at some pretty strange sites and was advised to have something like TDS so I bought it. I don't think there is much more I can do without getting completely paranoid - unless you (or Jooske or Chris or anyone else) know better........
I appreciate all the help here from everyone. Don't be surprised to get a few more questions here from me.
Thanks,
Jim.

 

Avant is an add-on to Internet Explorer, so any exploit for IE would most likely affect Avant also. I would recommend at least trying out Firefox which is free - and has dozens of extensions to add new functions to the basic browser.

For dodgy websites, an alternative browser plus web-filtering would be far more appropriate in my view. Luckily the best options here are also free.

 

I tried FireFox but, despite all the tweaks, it much MUCH slower than IE. Avant has lots of built-in options (disable popups, sounds, videos, ActivX, scripts, flash, pictures, Java) which I use as and when necessary. However, if you really think FF would be better than this at some sites I suppose I can download and use it again for "follow my nose surfing."

 

Hi Jim, I too use Avant and it is a very good browser that uses the IE shell, Using the built in options does indeed allow you to secure IE much better than the defaults.

I also use firefox when surfing in unknown territory as a precaution.

ProcessGuard is a layer of defence that I would not go without, as I always prefer prevention over cure.

Pilli

 

Hi Pilli. Interesting. So you, too, feel FF is more secure - even with Avant's protections. OK - I will follow the advice from both of you and download FF for general surfing and use Avant for my banks and sites like this. Great to get these points from everyone. Thanks.
Jim.

 

Firefox should be faster than IE for normal use. If you are specifically referring to how long it takes to start up though, then the reason IE appears faster here is that much of it is preloaded during Windows' startup (there is a utility that can do the same for Firefox also, if you consider it an important feature).

Opera is faster also, but either has to be registered or viewed with ads.

 

Paranoid2000 - yes I know what you are saying but I was involved in many discussions on this subject early last year. Avant advertises itself as "The Fastest Browser on Earth" and I have tried them all and found this to be true. I am not talking about startup, just browsing website to website. I automatically empty the cache and the history etc. when I exit Avant too so it is not just reloading saved pages. I also exit Avant completely - no icon in task bar or anything. I don't know how they do it but, on both my machines, it works and, also on both my machines, it was very, very much faster than FF despite trying all the tweaks and and tricks advertised and imparted by the enthusiasts.
Going back to the other subject - TDS: I've already now bought TDS so is it really sensible to spend yet more money on ProcessGuard given the comments from folks above or will TDS do enough?

 

Hi there Jim,
Of course in near future try to get that ProcessGuard (to prevent modifications of your system files and processes from kernel level)
and the other tools like Port Explorer (to see and eventually block and kill all unwanted processes and outside connections) and many more on the DiamondCS site among which several completely free,
more programs mentioned in the forums here like
Regdefend (to hammer tight your whole registry and autostarts from illigal additions and modifications on kernel level) is a very nice addition to ProcessGuard.
TDS is most certainly no waste at all as it is very good in protecting and detecting and with the exec protection installed it checks every executable for possible malicious code before it is allowed to execute, it has lots of very good tools to check and clean out the system and you can with the scripts add more functionallity!
It is more what is really necessary and how far do you like to go?

The atmosphere of this forum is to look for free tools where possible and functional, and where needed the shareware and finding the best options theer too, as nobody wants to spoil other people's money unnecessary.
Be assured the recommendations in this forum are always the good stuff.

On my XP i left the windows firewall up but with some settings as there is another firewall and router with it's own NAT too.


Maybe not a bad idea those horese races after all. Or let's start something smaller, dog races maybe?