Looking for help tuning my security software - ideally having less lol

Hi All

After getting an excellent and speedy response on my AV query I thought I might test the forums grey matter some more.

I use my PC for all the usual things but I also use it for making dance music. As such it's a fight between having the least processes / applications running and having enough that I don't get any unwanted guests on my PC.

I currently run:

NOD32
ZoneAlarm 6.1.744.001
Startupmonitor.exe
Spybot 1.4
Spyware Guard 2.2.0
Spywareblaster 3.5.1

Plusing I run Firefox, Ad-aware, a-squared free, mru-blaster

I was wondering if there was need to run those, or if I could cut down somewhere or even replace some for something lighter on CPU perhaps Winpatrol?

Many thanks

FJ

 

i just use kis6.0 and spyware blaster as realtime.
you could just run nod32 and zonealarm and be fine.
you could concider using an alternate browser opera 9.1 is my favourite atm if you dont already.
i recommend superantispyware free version as a great on demand antispyware program link in my sig.
also i reccomend A Squared free as an on demand scanner
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/
if you use those two programs you dont need spybot since its detection rate is quite low these days.
lodore

 

I agree. If you are using NOD32 ver 2.7, just enable its antispyware option and ditch all but one of your antispyware apps, keeping one as on-demand only. Opera is excellent as an alternative browser and so is Firefox which, of course, you are already using.

 

also if you havent already got a NAT Router.
lodore

 

I am running the trial version at the moment when my Ez Antivirus ran out so not familiar with its layout. How do you switch the AS option on?? (edit - is it in AMON - and check box for spyware??)

As like the idea of taking out a few of my antispyware apps.

Any opinions on winpatrol?

FJ

 

id say u can get rid of the following:

Startupmonitor.exe
Spybot 1.4
Spyware Guard 2.2.0
Spywareblaster 3.5.1
ad-aware

u can keep a-squared for weekly scans but NOD32 + ZA should keep u adequately protected.

yes. also i suggest u go thru Blackspear's guide for NOD32.

as for Winpatrol, it could replace startup monitor and maybe spywareguard, but its not crucial to have or anything.

 

for nod32 options refer to blackspears execellent guide here
https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=37509
lodore

 

I second this. Best thing I ever did. Always have that inbound wall if you need to fiddle with something, as in temporary disable other security for a moment. Like Zone Alarm coughs are something too.

 

for a while after i got my router i wondered why my firewall wasnt blocking anything then i remembered i had a nat router
lodore

 

Is that the paid version of ZA? If so NOD32 + ZA should be sufficient protection imo. Have you considered using ZA 6.5?
Alongside that combo spywareblaster + firefox + noscript and a-squared free for ondemand scans and you are all good to go.

 

2nd the hardware NAT Router
suggest sandboxie or VMware to virtualize the major attack vectors
(email previews, surfing, IM via meebo\HTTPS)
and deep six the spyware aps
then monitor the security aps for changes with checksums & limited logs
add noscript extension to Firefox

not necessarily lighter, infact its alot heavier on the CPU w\ virtualization
but far more secure