Re: Norton 2009 upgrade & Zonealarm

On Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:16:11 -0400, AB wrote:

I received a notice that I'm eligible for a free upgrade to the 2009
version of Norton antivirus. After downloading it, the install
couldn't continue until I remove ZoneAlarm. I'm not happy with
Norton - It takes does things I don't want it to do, slows down the
computer, etc. Will switch to a different antivirus when the contract
is up, but have about 6 months to go on it.

Why continue punishing yourself with this resource hog? There is no reason
to wait, get rid of this application now!
Download and run the Norton Removal Tool:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039
The Norton Removal Tool uninstalls all Norton 2008/2007/2006/2005/2004/2003
products and Norton 360 from your computer.

Good AV alternatives:
Avira AntiVir® Personal - FREE Antivirus
http://www.free-av.com/
(The free version won't scan your emails.)
--or--
Free antivirus - avast! 4 Home Edition
It includes ANTI-SPYWARE protection, certified by the West Coast Labs
Checkmark process, and ANTI-ROOTKIT DETECTION based on the best-in class
GMER technology.
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
(Choose Custom Installation and under Resident
Protection, uncheck: Internet Mail and Outlook/Exchange.)

Unless you are using Microsoft Outlook or Loutus Notes (MAPI or VIM),
scanning email is worthless.
Why You Don't Need Your Anti-Virus Program to Scan Your E-Mail
http://thundercloud.net/infoave/tutorials/email-scanning/index.htm
Ensure your e-mail program is configured to display e-mail messages in
'Plain Text' only.

Questions - if I do remove ZoneAlarm, can I reinstall it after the
Norton upgrade and have both apps work properly? I remember a
previous issue such as this with these 2 apps.

Remove/uninstall this horrible and useless software, it gives your nothing
but warm and fuzzy feeling of being secure!
http://zonealarm.donhoover.net/uninstall.html

For the average homeuser, the Windows Firewall in XP does a fantastic job
at its core mission and is really all you need if you have an 'real-time'
anti-virus program, [another firewall on your router or] other edge
protection like SeconfigXP and practise Safe-Hex.

The windows firewall deals with inbound protection and therefore does not
give you a false sense of security. Best of all, it doesn't implement lots
of nonsense like pretending that outbound traffic needs to be monitored.

Activate and utilize the Win XP built-in Firewall; Uncheck *all* Programs
and Services under the Exception tab.
Windows XP: How to turn on your firewall.
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/firewall/xp.mspx

Read through:
Understanding Windows Firewall.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/internet/sp2_wfintro.mspx
Using Windows Firewall.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/security/winfirewall.mspx
At Least This Snake Oil Is Free.
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2007/07/19/at-least-this-snake-oil-is-free.aspx
Deconstructing Common Security Myths.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/technetmag/issues/2006/05/SecurityMyths/default.aspx
Scroll down to:
"Myth: Host-Based Firewalls Must Filter Outbound Traffic to be Safe."
Exploring the windows Firewall.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/technetmag/issues/2007/06/VistaFirewall/default.aspx
"Outbound protection is security theater—it’s a gimmick that only gives the
impression of improving your security without doing anything that actually
does improve your security."
Routinely practice Safe-Hex.
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html
In conjunction with WinXP SP2 Firewall use:
Seconfig XP 1.0
http://seconfig.sytes.net/

If on high-speed Internet connection use a router as well.
Implement Countermeasures against DNSChanger:
http://extremesecurity.blogspot.com/2008/06/use-default-password-get-hijacked.html

Is it really necessary to upgrade Norton? I'm running the
2008 version.

No, see suggestion above.

Good luck :)
.

Relevant Pages

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