Re: Alternative to Norton Internet Security?

On Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:34:00 +0700, Kayman wrote:

On Tue, 20 Jan 2009 04:26:01 -0800, JJ wrote:

I have been using Norton Internet Security for approximately 2 years and it
has worked well in protecting my system. I have net experienced any viruses
or other unwanted downloads / attacks. However, it seems to cause a noticable
slow down of my use of the internet when I move from web site to web site or
even from page to page within a web site.

Is there an alternative security software/system available that is as good
(or better) at protecting my system but without the cost in system
performance?

Yes.
Do this:
1.The Norton Removal Tool uninstalls all Norton
2008/2007/2006/2005/2004/2003 products and Norton 360 from your computer.
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

2.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

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."

3.Seconfig XP 1.0
http://seconfig.sytes.net/
(http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Seconfig-XP-Download-39707.html)
Seconfig XP is able configure Windows not to use TCP/IP as transport
protocol for NetBIOS, SMB and RPC, thus leaving TCP/UDP ports 135, 137-139
and 445 (the most exploited Windows networking weak point) closed.

4.Avira AntiVir® Personal - FREE Antivirus
http://www.free-av.com/
(The free version won't scan your emails.)
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.
You may wish to consider removing the 'AntiVir Nagscreen'
http://www.elitekiller.com/files/disable_antivir_nag.htm

5.Windows Defender - Free
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
WD monitors the start-registry and hooks registers/files to prevent spyware
and worms to install to the OS.
Interesting reading:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,136195/article.html
"...Windows Defender did excel in behavior-based protection, which detects
changes to key areas of the system without having to know anything about
the actual threat."

6.On-demand scanners
Malwarebytes© Corporation - Anti-Malware
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam/program/mbam-setup.exe
--and--
SuperAntispyware - Free
http://www.superantispyware.com/downloadfile.html?productid=SUPERANTISPYWAREFREE

7.Routinely practice Safe-Hex.
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html
Hundreds Click on 'Click Here to Get Infected' Ad
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2132447,00.asp

Good luck :)

In addition to my post with respect to firewall application (specifically
Outbound Filtering), please read this link in its entirety...

Managing the Windows Vista Firewall - How Much Security Can Outbound
Filtering Provide?
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/cc510323.aspx

....and heed the advice provided by experts (the ones who know the innards
of the WinXP operating system!

Happy reading :)
.

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