Best firewall for security noob

Hi there,

I recently configured my friend's computer, installing the security software i use on mine which is Eset smart security beta. Now i realize it's only a beta version but everything as been stable on my system so far and haven't had any problems with any virus.

My friend on the other hand, who is new to the internet and the security aspect of it, got infected after only a few days. Now I know that an anti virus can't be better than the user making the decisions behind it but apparently there was no alerts of any sort. He's not a gamer nor a hacker obviously lol and his routine on the net resumes to chatting on msn, downloading porn and music.

So, what i'd like to have is your suggestions on the best free anti virus and firewall combination for a guy like my friend that can't be bothered with rules, permissions, and will detect the most viruses right upon installation without configuration or tweaks.

Forward thanks!

 

Unless your friend is using Vista I would suggest taking a look at eEye Blink Personal (it's a security suite, and very good, IMO)...it's free for one year.

Other suggestions for free would be Online Armor free firewall which also has HIPS. Combine that with a free antivirus such as Avira Personal Edition Classic or Avast Home.

Another free firewall worth considering is Webroot Desktop firewall.

Also, IMO, as long as he continues to download porn he is going to be vulnerable. If he is going to play with fire he should expect to get burned.

 

Windows firewall
AVG Free AV
Threatfire

Job done. Light, secure and very rare alerts.

 

Try avira av and Windows Firewall. You could also add BOClean to complement the av.

 

Hi Stride000:

Your friend is indeed after a very risky adventure; chatting online, d/l XXX, and music(?). Antibiotic will not spare him from any infection. If he just d/l and not install those fancy files, then this may help him; IMO, in addition to all the prescriptions offered by members so far, he NEEDS a SHIELD. Any sandbox or vitalization app may save his ---. Good luck. and Take care.

 

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

I am testing eEye right now and will be checking into the other alternatives.

I didn't know that the windows firewall was a good alternative, last time i tested it, it gave poor results for outbound traffic. It was the one in Vista though.

I never had to venture in the realm of sandboxes but i'd think it would be a bit techy for him. Since he's using his computer only for the things i mentionned, he's not at risk of losing any important or sensitive file. It's only a matter of a pain in the ass to have to format his machine almost every 3-4 months.

And if i can't have him improve on security directly in the computer, i'll probably suggest he gets himself a router.

 

The Windows firewall in XP only has inbound protection but as I understand it, the built-in Vista firewall monitors both directions. I would strongly recommend a router.

 

If he just wants porn, music and chat a router won't provide much in the way of protection for him. Consider upgrading to a router the equivalent of upgrading the front door of your house to a sturdy metal framed titanium beast - it's going to be be great if people try to kick it down from the outside, but if you invite them in they can still go thur your house and trash all your stuff.

I'd consider installing a Virtual Machine and installing ubuntu linux. Use that as the porn browsing box...

 

I agree with Mike; the router offers great protection...but not after you've already invited the bad guys in.

 

That is true, but can your friend understand and properly answer firewall prompts for outgoing stuff?

 

I'd suggest this setup:

 

I understand what you guys mean regarding the router.

The best situation would be a free anti-virus capable of detecting a threat even before the download is finished and like nod32, deleting the threat without giving any option to the user to prevent him of running the file.

 

IMHO,easiest solution would be one of the following:

1)ZA Free firewall or AShampoo Firewall free (but untick the termination prevention,because fills the event viewer with errors) + Avira free/Avast free.

2)The Best solution would be to tell him to add the use of Power Shadow (2.6 is free and in my case,works even on SATA II HD) when browsing and use a separate partition for the stuff he wants to keep.

And of course,use Firefox.

Either way,he HAS to learn some basic things,like difference between incoming-outgoing and so on.

There is NO antivirus or firewall that can protect him from anything he clicks blindly at,specially since he doesn't want to be bothered with making decisions.Even behaviour blockers like Threatfire ,do need some critical thinking before accepting every alert as gold.

 

Whatever you choose, I would utilize "drop my rights" for his internet connected software. And then tell him to use the icons on the desktop you set up to access the internet with.

 

Ultimate solution (so sez I)...

1- *Avira Personal Edition Classic
2- **Router with built-in firewall
3- **Image to an external drive at least bi-weekly.

*Free
**Not free but -- priceless protection!

 

Or install OA Free - and set his internet connected software to "run Safer" - same result, but he doesnt need to remember icons 'n' stuff.

 

Hi Mike,

What does "run safer" do?

 

It does the same thing as drop my rights, but is built in as an option in Online Armor.

For example, if you selected "IEXPLORE.exe" you choose "run safer" and every time you launch IE - it will run with reduced rights.

I use this on IE, FF, ICQ, Yahoo, MSN, etc

 

A superb feature. Ingenious. Unique to OA among all security suites that I know of.

 

Is it equivalent to running those programs in Safe Mode?

Thanks

 

No - completely different. It's more similar to running the program as a non-admin user.

 

OA free is a good choice for a firewall.
IME experience it's easy to set up and use.

 

That's my current setup, except it's Avira Premium, and I image only as needed.

 

The Bard of Wilders?

 

Ghostwall firewall calls:
"Warning, friend. Beware! Beware!"
Lost in gauss am I?

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