Antivirus Program for Windows XP
Posted by: JeremyD on 05 April 2005
We don't seem to have had an antivirus thread for days, so I thought I'd start a new one.
I started using NOD32 on Windows 98SE, last year, and it never gave the slightest cause for complaint.
Unfortunately, NOD32 has had a problem with Windows XP, namely that the main scanner sometimes fails to run on bootup, leaving the system unprotected. Apart from suggesting that there might be malware on my system, the NOD32 people were unable to help. Anyway, I thought I'd mention this, since I recommend NOD32 in previous threads...
I have now become tired of checking whether NOD32 is running properly every time I boot my PC, so I've switched to Norton Antivirus 2005. So far, I am unable even to update the virus definitions - now I remember why I stopped using an earlier version Norton on Windows 98. At least an apparent solution was readily available [deleting some downloaded files] but I am supposed to wait a day before trying to update again, which seems rather odd...
I'm not planning to switch to anything else unless Norton is unuseable [since my NOD32 license expires soon] but I wish I had tried another program...
[I have other things on my mind at the moment, so apologies in advance if I don't reply to any comments for a few days].
I started using NOD32 on Windows 98SE, last year, and it never gave the slightest cause for complaint.
Unfortunately, NOD32 has had a problem with Windows XP, namely that the main scanner sometimes fails to run on bootup, leaving the system unprotected. Apart from suggesting that there might be malware on my system, the NOD32 people were unable to help. Anyway, I thought I'd mention this, since I recommend NOD32 in previous threads...
I have now become tired of checking whether NOD32 is running properly every time I boot my PC, so I've switched to Norton Antivirus 2005. So far, I am unable even to update the virus definitions - now I remember why I stopped using an earlier version Norton on Windows 98. At least an apparent solution was readily available [deleting some downloaded files] but I am supposed to wait a day before trying to update again, which seems rather odd...
I'm not planning to switch to anything else unless Norton is unuseable [since my NOD32 license expires soon] but I wish I had tried another program...
[I have other things on my mind at the moment, so apologies in advance if I don't reply to any comments for a few days].
Posted on: 05 April 2005 by Deane F
I've just (a few hours ago) installed the trial version of NOD32 on my system running XP. How does one tell if it's running on bootup?
Posted on: 05 April 2005 by Sir Crispin Cupcake
Fire up task manager (right click on task bar) and see what processes are running.
Posted on: 05 April 2005 by Malky
I've had no end of hassle with Norton 2005 over the last few weeks. When I tried to uninstall it it wouldn't let me. I ain't gonna mess with the registry, so much to-ing and fro-ing to PC world recently. I've heard the free version of AVG is very worthwhile.
Posted on: 05 April 2005 by Two-Sheds
I may be one of the people you recommended NOD32 to. I've now been running it for approx 6 months on windows XP Home and had no problems with it at all. How did you upgrade to XP? new computer, upgraded current one?
Did you try re-installing NOD32 from scratch?
If they suggested you may have malware on your system do you use any other things to protect your PC?
If you are not using spyware detectors I use ad-aware and Spybot S & D.
And I now also use Zone Alarm for my firewall instead of the windows one.
Did you try re-installing NOD32 from scratch?
If they suggested you may have malware on your system do you use any other things to protect your PC?
If you are not using spyware detectors I use ad-aware and Spybot S & D.
And I now also use Zone Alarm for my firewall instead of the windows one.
Posted on: 05 April 2005 by Two-Sheds
quote:I've just (a few hours ago) installed the trial version of NOD32 on my system running XP. How does one tell if it's running on bootup?
When my system boots up I get a splash screen for NOD32 and when fully booted up in the bottom right hand corner of the task bar where the time is, there should be a NOD32 symbol (half white, half blue with an O in it). If this is there then it is running, if you click on it (single left click) it will bring up NOD32's window.
Posted on: 05 April 2005 by Berlin Fritz
As I've mentioned before (as as Our Adam) I've personally used AVG Freeware for some 3 years now on a daily basis (first with W)( , and Now with XP PRO) and find ir excellent, not having one single misshap top date (It needs updating weekly now though) dunnit.
Fritz Von You make your own probs most of the time innit
Fritz Von You make your own probs most of the time innit
Posted on: 05 April 2005 by Sir Crispin Cupcake
Whatever you do, don't run 2 different antivirus checkers at once, you'll get your machine into a hell of mess if you do!
Posted on: 05 April 2005 by Deane F
quote:Originally posted by Richard Brown:
Fire up task manager (right click on task bar) and see what processes are running.
Cheers!
Posted on: 07 April 2005 by JeremyD
New computer.quote:Originally posted by Two-Sheds:
I may be one of the people you recommended NOD32 to. I've now been running it for approx 6 months on windows XP Home and had no problems with it at all. How did you upgrade to XP? new computer, upgraded current one?
Yes.quote:Did you try re-installing NOD32 from scratch?
I was already using ZoneAlarm Pro, PestPatrol and Ad-Aware. The NOD32 people suggested using Microsoft Anti-Spyware, so I installed that, and it found something that PestPatrol had missed. But the problem continued.quote:If they suggested you may have malware on your system do you use any other things to protect your PC?
Posted on: 07 April 2005 by JeremyD
When I brought up NOD32's window, I often found that the scanner [IMON, I think] was not running - indicated by the green icon beside it's name turning turning an even duller colour.quote:Originally posted by Two-Sheds:
When my system boots up I get a splash screen for NOD32 and when fully booted up in the bottom right hand corner of the task bar where the time is, there should be a NOD32 symbol (half white, half blue with an O in it). If this is there then it is running, if you click on it (single left click) it will bring up NOD32's window.
BTW, Norton now seems to be running OK on my PC - no more update problems so far.
Posted on: 07 April 2005 by Keith Tish
I've been using Trend Micro PC-cillin for the past few weeks after reading a review in a PC mag. Runs fine on the big rig with XP but slows the start up of the 5 year old laptop with ME a fair bit. If online autodetects updates (usually 1-2/day!) and asks if you want to update. Only problem is that it can cut across other processes running when it informs you of the update. I've learn't to manually check for upates before doing anything like copying music/playing online but this is the onlty complaint. Very simple to use for a computer illiterate.
Keith
Keith
Posted on: 07 April 2005 by Malky
________________________________________________________
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Two-Sheds:
If you are not using spyware detectors I use ad-aware and Spybot S & D.
________________________________________________________
Downloaded Spybot. Initial scan identified 6 threats. One was a simple tracking cookie which I've removed. The remaining five, however, indicate the registry has been affected. Any advice on how to proceed gratefully received.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Two-Sheds:
If you are not using spyware detectors I use ad-aware and Spybot S & D.
________________________________________________________
Downloaded Spybot. Initial scan identified 6 threats. One was a simple tracking cookie which I've removed. The remaining five, however, indicate the registry has been affected. Any advice on how to proceed gratefully received.
Posted on: 07 April 2005 by Berlin Fritz
AVG repeat AVG STOP: PRESS::: INNIT
Posted on: 07 April 2005 by Nime
quote:Originally posted by Malky:
________________________________________________________
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Two-Sheds:
If you are not using spyware detectors I use ad-aware and Spybot S & D.
________________________________________________________
Downloaded Spybot. Initial scan identified 6 threats. One was a simple tracking cookie which I've removed. The remaining five, however, indicate the registry has been affected. Any advice on how to proceed gratefully received.
I really couldn't get on with Spybot and replaced it with Ad-aware SE (freeware) which I run daily in the morning and at closedown at night and update very regularly.
I also recommend AVG antivirus. (paid for) Which runs on morning startup and updates itself automatically (daily it would seem)
Nime
Posted on: 08 April 2005 by TomK
Nime,
With antispyware software it's not an either or situation. I run Spybot, Adaware SE, Spysweeper, and XP antispyware every week. Spybot is an industry standard. What happened when you ran it?
With antispyware software it's not an either or situation. I run Spybot, Adaware SE, Spysweeper, and XP antispyware every week. Spybot is an industry standard. What happened when you ran it?
Posted on: 08 April 2005 by garyi
What is all this stuff, why do you guys put yourselves through it every day lol?
Posted on: 08 April 2005 by Malky
___________________________________________________
[QUOTE]Originally posted by garyi:
What is all this stuff, why do you guys put yourselves through it every day lol?
___________________________________________________
Most spyware is similar to supermarket 'loyalty cards' i.e. it builds up a profile of your surfing (especially shopping) habits which are then sold to commercial companies, who then target you with specific advertsisments. However, some are able to personally identify you. You have no idea who is using such information and for what purpose. Therefore people who use anti-spyware programmes do so because they are uncomfortable about being monitored without their approval.
If you have never run any such programmes, I guarantee you will be staggered at the amount of bugs lurking in your system.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by garyi:
What is all this stuff, why do you guys put yourselves through it every day lol?
___________________________________________________
Most spyware is similar to supermarket 'loyalty cards' i.e. it builds up a profile of your surfing (especially shopping) habits which are then sold to commercial companies, who then target you with specific advertsisments. However, some are able to personally identify you. You have no idea who is using such information and for what purpose. Therefore people who use anti-spyware programmes do so because they are uncomfortable about being monitored without their approval.
If you have never run any such programmes, I guarantee you will be staggered at the amount of bugs lurking in your system.
Posted on: 08 April 2005 by TomK
Malky as you probably know that's only a part of what spyware's about. It can also monitor credit card numbers, passwords, PINs etc and pass them back to other parties who could then make use of them. That's the real problem, not targeted advertising.
Posted on: 08 April 2005 by Malky
quote:Originally posted by TomK:
Malky as you probably know that's only a part of what spyware's about. It can also monitor credit card numbers, passwords, PINs etc and pass them back to other parties who could then make use of them. That's the real problem, not targeted advertising.
Absolutely, I agree. I was making the point that a lot of it is of a mere annoyance factor, but you are correct, it can be more sinister. I Also forgot to mention 'browser-jacking', whereby your browser will only direct you to specifically chosen sites. These are not viruses as such and therefore normal anti-virus programmes often don't recognise them.
The software is available as free downloads, there is really no reason why everyone should't make use of it ( although they do ask for a donation, which is only fair).
Posted on: 08 April 2005 by Phil Barry
For AV in the Windows world, search on "microsoft antivirus trial" - you will find that Computer Associates offers a 12 month free trial on their AV roduct. The product does well in AV testing (generally fnding 100% of the top 100 viruses every month).
For spyware, it's now thought that over 50% of new spyware is designed for criminal purposes.
Defeating spyware is, however, increasingly difficult. Free Ad-Aware has been forced to ignore some spyware by legal action. Support for Spybot was very poor for several months - but let's remember, Spybot depends on the generosity of users for income.
The online world is dangerous.
Regards.
Phil
For spyware, it's now thought that over 50% of new spyware is designed for criminal purposes.
Defeating spyware is, however, increasingly difficult. Free Ad-Aware has been forced to ignore some spyware by legal action. Support for Spybot was very poor for several months - but let's remember, Spybot depends on the generosity of users for income.
The online world is dangerous.
Regards.
Phil
Posted on: 08 April 2005 by Roy T
Some Mozilla Firefox hints to use in conjunction with av software
One way to help cut down on the problems cause by nasty things attacking your pc is to use some of the options and functions contained within the Mozilla Firefox browser.
By visiting Tools > Options > Web Features and
Uncheck the Allow web sites to install software box.
Uncheck the Enable Java box.
Uncheck the Enable Java script box.
Now I know that some sites require Java or Java script to be active Naim but others line zerogain and pinkfishmedia don't, so you just turn it on when required.
By visiting Tools > Options > Privacy > Cookies and
Selecting Until I close Firefox will stop cookies haunting your browser and following you as you travel through the net.
You can also choose to not except cookies from untrusted sites.
By visiting Tools > Options > Downloads and
Selecting Save all files to this folder: (I use desktop) anything you download will not be automaticly run, you have to go out of your way to double click it to run.
By visiting Tools > Options > Advanced Software Update
You can update both your browser and any extensions you have loaded as often as you wish so as to keep the code upto date.
Also remember to visit Microsoft and keep you operating system updated, every little helps.
One way to help cut down on the problems cause by nasty things attacking your pc is to use some of the options and functions contained within the Mozilla Firefox browser.
By visiting Tools > Options > Web Features and
Uncheck the Allow web sites to install software box.
Uncheck the Enable Java box.
Uncheck the Enable Java script box.
Now I know that some sites require Java or Java script to be active Naim but others line zerogain and pinkfishmedia don't, so you just turn it on when required.
By visiting Tools > Options > Privacy > Cookies and
Selecting Until I close Firefox will stop cookies haunting your browser and following you as you travel through the net.
You can also choose to not except cookies from untrusted sites.
By visiting Tools > Options > Downloads and
Selecting Save all files to this folder: (I use desktop) anything you download will not be automaticly run, you have to go out of your way to double click it to run.
By visiting Tools > Options > Advanced Software Update
You can update both your browser and any extensions you have loaded as often as you wish so as to keep the code upto date.
Also remember to visit Microsoft and keep you operating system updated, every little helps.
Posted on: 08 April 2005 by Malky
Roy, thanks for the tips. BTW, re; my previous posting on this thread. I run a scan on spybot which is identifying 5 threats. When I click the fix button it is indicating 'problem fixed' but the threats are remaining in the box, in red. I then immunize anyway but further scans are revealing the same threats??? Any ideas.
Posted on: 08 April 2005 by TomK
Malky I had exactly that problem with Spybot. Unfortunately I can't remember the details but as far as I remember they were reckoned to be harmless as long as you were running up to date XP. I cleared them by following the links and deleting the registry keys but it all depends on how comfortable you are with this. Don't go near the registry unless you're confident about what you're doing.
Posted on: 08 April 2005 by Malky
Thanks for the info Tom. I am running up to date XP so will be steering well clear of the registry.
Posted on: 08 April 2005 by Two-Sheds
quote:What is all this stuff, why do you guys put yourselves through it every day lol?
I think this is actually a mac user making fun of us!
Some good tips there for using firefox,