lol, I couldn't have said it better myself!
Yes to using separate products rather than suites. Both me and my wife
are not disciplined enough to keep our virus definitions up to date,
so I need to think about that some more.
Most of the good products will auto-update themselves on a schedule you
decide. The ones I have that don't update themselves, I just got into
the habit of checking for upgrades everytime I get ready to use them.
Actually I often check for updates on any of them, just in case it
hasn't gotten to the update time yet, espeicially if I think I have a
problem.
I also put them on a schedule and let them scan overnight too, right
after the incremental backups complete.
What is the value of an
outgoing firewall? Protect others from something I might be
unknowingly sending them?
Yes. It's fairly easy to pick up malware (virus, trojan, worm, etc.) and
not yet realize you are using it. Especially if it came into your
computer on something legitimate you downloaded, not knowing it was
there. It's a large subject but there are quite a few different ways to
end up with malware on your computer. Then there are other uses too,
like if you should want to use Real's software but don't want it calling
home all the time, things like that. Even Microsoft admits that their
firewall isn't complete and really only exists so you can start doing
updates with a new install without fear of intrusions. I'd give you a
link on that but I can't find it at the moment.
Besides the Verizon Internet Security Suite,
I have SUPERAntispyware 4.26.1000 running.
Is this good?
I don't use it but I've heard good things about it and little negative.
It appears to be good. It isn't perfect though: you should still have
an arsenal of another 2 or 3 spyware scanners. Adaware and Spybot are
popular as are several other newer programs.
Maybe I can shut down the Verizon Anti-spyware module.
IF they are monitoring in real time, you should only have one running.
If they are just scanners and do nothing until you call them up, then
it's fine to have as many as you wish.
I like free software, but am also willing to pay if a product has a
distinct advantage, for example if it automatically updates or
presents a minimal load on my system as was mentioned.
Look for the ones that will auto-update themselves, and also get in the
habit of checking for updates just before you use them. It only takes a
few moments and insures you have the most current protection.
Then I am anticipating the uninstall process for the Verizon Internet
Security Suite. Has it woven itself inextricably into my registry
Or can I just disable it and forgetaboutit.
That depends on whose it is. If it's Norton, you should go to the
Symantec site and download the remover tool for it; makes it a lot
easier.
BTW: I do not understand the following and would like to learn:
"Absolutely!
And those able to read headers know how I stay safe, you may cal it
the
ultimate suite
"
No idea; some sort of ego thing I guess. I saw what might be some
forgeries in it, and possibly his real address but nothing of any
special importance. Headers won't typically show you much about a
user's security situation.
In general you shouldn't use your real email address in newsgroups as
spammers have bots to crawl through the groups and scrape out the email
addresses for their spam lists. It increases your spam in the Inbox.
Also: what does "schreef:" mean?
thanks to all for the thoughtful replies and advice.
Who knows? Probably something he made up.
Twayne
