Layered security recommendation please

Hello, I have the paid $4.99 Comodo Internet Security Pro 2012, and I notice it has made Skype jittery, plus slowed down the computer into freeze fits. I put MSE 2.1.1116.0 back on and took off Comodo for a test and it started running fast again. Comodo claims their programs use very low overheads.

When I purchased Comodo the online technician (I decided to put them to the test) proceeded to remove MSE without any discussion.

I really want to use a layered approach since I got many false positives and false negatives from Comodo already.Can you recommend something that plays with Comodo? I have AntiMalwarebytes, Spybot S&D for on demand scanning.

The computer I have is very dear to me. Its a Sony Vaio and has Pentium 4, 2.8Ghz on Windows XP Home SP3 with 1GB RAM (992MB after video) and 200GB hard drive. I know it's not much, but it worked fine for years and I cannot really dump it just because its old, when it still works like new.

Thanks

 

Comodo FW + Sandbox + HIPS + cloud AV (do not install the AV)

Avast AV free (disable the sandbox) or any other free AV like Panda Cloud AV. To use the complete version of Comodo is also a good idea, since you have the $ guaranty, and they will solve any malware problem in your pc quite fast and remotely. Also you have only 1GB of RAM so better to keep Comodo AV.

Trusteer rapport (you have to manually tuneup the settings and add the sites that you want to protect). Eventually you can install the free version of Webroot safe online, that hasn't been released yet.

And take a look to the privacy addons for firefox that you can find in the link of my signature. (Ghostery, addblock+Privacy list...).

I have CIS and I don't have any problem with Skype. What is a false negative?

 

I would go with Comodo d+ and Sandboxie, or Private firewall and Sandboxie.
I dont run an A/V myself just use Malwarebytes and Hitman pro for on demand scans every once in awhile.

 

Here is the difference OK?
guest your computer is juiced up enough to handle Comodo's overhead. And their apps to have a tendency to bog the crap out of XP's i learned first hand.

This setup can accommadate the rigors Comodo places on your system.

WELCOME To Wilder's cdisxm

I suggest that you with care, review everyones reply to your request and go ahead & experiment with different combinations untill your system returns the results that you expect & are the most comfortable with.

Privatefirewall is a lite alternative firewall & process HIPS, but since you already paid for your Comodo, you might as suggested just forego the AV for a lighter one and keep the rest of the suite. Hope it works out for you.

Us XP users are simply caught in something of a bind thanks to Microsoft ratcheting up the pressure in order to drive us more all the time to leave our well-oiled machines for more hyper-charged ones. The problem is, Bloat is something M$ is world famous for and refuse to give up and so force on software makers, yes security vendors, which translates into our having a devil of a time to fine fit just the right options so that our out-dated systems don't end up becoming just another memory.

 

I say: Comodo Fw + Defense+ ( sandobox disabled ) - GesWall - av: Comodo (may be it's not the best, but run without problems and Defense strengthens the security ) or another av: but I'm not sure that Avira or Avast have not issues with CIS.

 

Hi!

If Comodo is slowing down your computer and you are not happy with it, why don't you just remove it and forget 5$?
Or try using it without AV component and adding MSE.

You can also try and replace it with Private Firewall and MSE combination. Add Sandboxie to complete setup and see how your computer will perform.

 

Depends why you are using your laptop for.

Do you need windows? On this type of hardware specs linux can be a viable alternative to windows XP.

When you need windows, do not under estimate the progress free AV's have made. Avast implements all its innovation itself, but AVG often buys in new technology, so AVG really shows how AV's have emerged to a multi mechanism protection suite.

Ten years ago, you had to use the paid version of AVG to have really good rootkit protection (25 dollars a year)

AVG bought Ewido a top three niche player on spyware/adware. The paid version of Ewido (added registry protection) would also set you back 25 bucks.

The next layer was security by preventing visiting risky places. AVG bought Linkscanner, again a lisence of Linkscanner woudl cost you another 25 bucks. At that time Linkscanner was also top notch in bad websites blocking.

Then identity protection started to become an issue. AVG bought Primary Response Safe Connect (basically a behavioral HIPS and yes with ThreatFire and Mamutu in the top three of stand alone behavioral blockers). Again another 25 bucks from your bank account.

As said Avast develops everything in-house, but it also has several shields (and behavioral blocking and sandbox). So a free AV now is really as good as a multi layered package setting you back 100 bucks a year. Read this post of a respected AV expert. https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=2041859&postcount=11

So my advice would first try the complete package of AVG or Avast (all options/shields installed). When this still slows down your computer, consider running LUA when you are bound to Admin, then

a) Install Avast free with only file and behavioral shield, sandbox on auto
b) Install GesWall Free (it uses the OS-internals, so is very friendly to your CPU and harddisk in terms of overhead) for the threat gates.

Regards Kees

 

and don't underestimate the value of the "paid" offerings that your ISP may offer as a part of their service.

Blue

 

Yep mine offers a "free" e-mail antivirus and spamfilter of F-secure that comes with the internet, telephone and television services they provide.

 

I've bounced around, tried this and that and find myself back with what was effective several years ago - AVG free and Geswall. The sole difference is I'm with Google Chrome browser.

Between the browser's sandbox, geswall's rock solid protection and AVG's decent detection, I feel fairly confident.

My firewall is hardware (router) and Vista's firewall is on.

 

GeSWall still on? (because you hardly notice any delay when opening chrome)

 

There's no delay, or if there is it's so insignificant I don't even notice. I'm running it right now with default everything. I haven't gotten into reading the instructions, and don't remember if anything should be changed or tightened up.

I'd forgotten what an amazing piece of software it was.

 

Your good to go

I've used GesWall for the last 3 years with no AV. Just use Hitmanpro and Malwarebytes for occasional scans,which finds nothing.

 

That's what I thought. I don't remember changing anything. As I understand, even if you download something supposedly safe and some virus or whatever is attached, geswall will stop it.

I only download supposedly safe software, but you never know these days.

I can't imagine why it isn't more popular.

 

It's pro is that it has really minimal demands on CPU and harddisk

It's con, you need some tweaking to get it to work properly under UAC (right click trust does not work, you need to copy a file to another partition or unblock it in the console monior).

Maybe the low update frequency and long promised x64 fully LUA/UAC compatible version is the cause

 

As kees stated, probably because of very slow development, plus I'm sure the non existent customer support from the developer is also a reason.
Their forums look like a ghost town.
Still, a very good piece of security software.

 

Definitely.

 

cdisxm,

My mention of geswall, from Gentle Security, is a very good option. It works immediately with no adjustments needed.

I'm running an old refurbished Dell Dimension, Pentium 4 with 2G RAM and a 150G hard drive. I've played with a wide variety of antivirus software, and a number of other types of security solutions, as have most of us here.

Geswall is so light on my system that, if it wasn't for the green bar on top, I wouldn't know it was running. It takes up very little space, not that space is much of a concern these days. I highly recommend it, along with an antivirus/antimalware backup either full time or on demand - that will probably have a very easy time because geswall is going to catch almost everything. I'd say 'everything' but nothing is 100% effective.

 

A result that appears negative when it should not.

Thanks for your tips.