Three SP2 Related Questions

[Mark Shell]

(1) Security Center Alert: "Virus Protection. Check Status. Norton Antivirus
reports that it is installed, but its status is unknown." In fact, my
Norton Antivirus is always turned on and up to date. The alert is totally
misleading. How to get rid of it?

(2) Windows Firewall is now available. It is turned off on my computer
since I already have ZoneAlarm installed (free but very functional copy).
Would you suggest I remove ZoneAlarm and turn Windows Firewall on instead?
What would your preference be? And why?

(3) I have read somewhere that SP2 offers a browser pop-up blocker, but I
cannot see how it can be turned on. Also: I have the Google Bar installed
that already provides the pop-up blocking function. What would your
preference be: Windows pop-up blocker (if I manage to locate it) or the one
provided by the Google Bar?

Thanks very much! -- Mark

 

[Guest]

!. Don't rely on Security Center re: your AV. As long as you know it's up to
date. Click on "Change the way Security Center alerts me " to turn off any AV
alerts.
2. Keep Zone Alarm, it's 2-way. Windows Firewall only protects against
incoming threats.
3. Popup Blocker. In IE click View > Popup Blocker, Turn on/off. I prefer
Google. So do a lot of others here.

HTH

Colin.

 

[Mark Shell]

Very helpful, thanks!!
Mark

!. Don't rely on Security Center re: your AV. As long as you know it's up
to
date. Click on "Change the way Security Center alerts me " to turn off any
AV
alerts.
2. Keep Zone Alarm, it's 2-way. Windows Firewall only protects against
incoming threats.
3. Popup Blocker. In IE click View > Popup Blocker, Turn on/off. I prefer
Google. So do a lot of others here.

HTH

Colin.

 

[Dick Kistler]

(1) Security Center Alert: "Virus Protection. Check Status. Norton
Antivirus reports that it is installed, but its status is unknown." In
fact, my Norton Antivirus is always turned on and up to date. The alert
is totally misleading. How to get rid of it?

Best way: Go to Symantec site and download the update to fix this problem.
Workaround: Do what the other poster said. I see no downside to having
this facility on if your antivirus program is seen by Windows.

(2) Windows Firewall is now available. It is turned off on my computer
since I already have ZoneAlarm installed (free but very functional copy).
Would you suggest I remove ZoneAlarm and turn Windows Firewall on instead?
What would your preference be? And why?

Use ZoneAlarm. It provides an easier User Interface. It also provides
warning
of programs that have been placed on your computer if they try to access the
internet. If they are trojans or other malware, this could tip you off to
their presence.
Otherwise, just feel the control.

(3) I have read somewhere that SP2 offers a browser pop-up blocker, but I
cannot see how it can be turned on. Also: I have the Google Bar installed
that already provides the pop-up blocking function. What would your
preference be: Windows pop-up blocker (if I manage to locate it) or the
one provided by the Google Bar?

Don't know about Google Bar. Turn IE popup blocker on by:

in IE Tools > Internet Options > Privacy > Check Block Popups

Look at settings. Medium is probably the best place to start. You
don't want to block all popups, just the bad ones.

You can run both Popup blockers and switch one off, then the other
to see the effect. Then you can choose one or the other or both.

Hope this Helps.

Dick Kistler