Internet Security ??

[egreig]

Being a Novice, with a history of Bugs/Virus/Trojans. I would wish to have the best practical Security for my Laptop. as A REAL novice to computers.
Started in February 2007 with the McAfee Installed when PC purchased and only 2weeks ago I subscribed for a further period until August 2009.
However, with some tremendous support from Moderator Ann Marie dealing with a Trojan ?? which was resolved. I had the use of a Trial AVG package which expires about 15 January 2007. This is also the time I have to pull out of the McAfee package. It is make your mind up time. FOR ME.
I run XP Home. Do not use Internet Explorer or Outlook Express. I DO use Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird which I am now getting used to and after some input from Moderator Smurfy and a few words from Miz.( Miz I did say sorry for my comments a week ago on relooking it did appear to be cheeky, It was intended to be a friendly quip.)
I have about 2 Weeks max., to get the Secuty Suite that suitshttp://images.cybertechhelp.com/forumimages/smilies/confused.gif
:confused: a NOVICE. Can I have some guidance and direction from the Forum PLEASE.

[DonBB]

I'm not sure what you are asking, but I don't ever recommend McAfee.

[egreig]

Don BB. Thanks for response, In June 2007 I had a Bug/Virus, was running slow and being new to computers I was first alerted by McAfee by email that they would close my account if I did not remove or take immediate action to remove clingons from postings from my computer. This took me by surprise at the time. They sent another email 20 minutes later with the demand to take action requested. I spoke to PC World and my local computer shop who said I need a full reset to Factory settings. I lost a lot of Data. I then learned of Cybertechhelp. I know they would have sorted it out. A week ago when getting a Trojan, it was day 3 when McAfee after saying I was fully protected that they said they had identified 9 but removed 7 threats. ( this was after I had subscribed for a further 18 months. The question is " What do I need for practical first year or so as a NOVICE and a senior (not quite 75years). ???I will in the course of time learn more and make an educated decision.

[Miz]

Don't worry, egreig, I don't get offended easily. ;)

Do you know how or where your computer picked up the malware? Knowing that will help you avoid a repeat occurance.

The best first-line security is your brain:
1. Don't open email attachments from people you don't know
2. Don't open email from people you don't know...just immediately delete it
3. Don't click "install" on any popup window when surfing the net unless you're absolutely, 100% sure you know what will be installing itself. When in doubt, click the X (never OK or Cancel) and do some research online.
4. View all input from salespeople at computer stores with great suspicion...working at a computer store is no guarantee of skill with or knowledge about using computers.

So, the first question is do you prefer an all-in-one software package...an "internet security suite"...that has a firewall, antivirus and antispyware all in one or do you prefer separate programs, each dedicated to doing one job independently of the other two?

I prefer the latter but I recognize it is more hassle to install (three installations instead of one) and more hassle to learn (three different interfaces to get familiar with). However, they do tend to be less of a drain on your computer's resources.

[egreig]

Hello Miz, thank you so much for the response and the understanding.......I am sure the pick up was a media related prog which more or less suggested that you need this to get previews of films or music/sports/concerts. But if it is not what you wish you can easily un-install. That was not true of course , you could not uninstall, that could only be done by subscribing to an anti spy program . It was an obvious scam, However I had done nothing wrong or with any devious intent and was not going to be panicked. I think you got the Cyber Safety crew on the case and Ann Marie was very good.
The Brain is of course Best. I am learning, even at my time in life. But I so much enjoy the computer as lots of other strings I had are now beyond me for various reasons.
The all in one security suite is attractive, However you could talk me into separate progs
if you think it is essential. IF I USE MY BRAIN will the all in one be OK. ??.
What are the benefits for the separate programms, and would you take me through the installing process.??. Would you Miz.
You could point me to some sites that I could look at. OR I will just do what you recommend. I TRUST you guys and galls. Please Advise.

[Miz]

First, you should have only one antivirus installed. If you decide to go with something other than the McAFee you have now, you'll need to uninstall McAfee before installing anything else.

Since you've paid for a subscription to McAfee, though, I recommend you keep it.

Just be sure it's allowed to keep itself updated, which it should do automatically.

After your experience with one of those "download our stuff and don't worry, you can uninstall it," you know how eager some folks are to get their stuff into your computer so they can then get your money. ;)

If you can't find anything searching the net about whatever it is you're being told you "can't live without," you can always come to CTH and ask before installing it. :)

[egreig]

Miz, Thank you for the advice.....The McAfee suite is paid for until 13 Aug 2009. BUT I have the option to cancel and have a refund up until 15th Jan 2007.
I also have AVG free trial antispyware package which is on auto update but the Resident Shield is not active...... Ann Marie said I could uninstall OR keep. " It may come in handy".
I looked at the cost and the application and thought that I would ask the Forum for an opinion on which was most suitable. McAfee OR AVG. ?????
I can not see a good reason far having both. ONE GOOD system is the answer for me
BUT which one ???. Can I have your final thought Miz. ?.
Brains will of course be Used in future and your guidelines are noted. I think it would be easier to uninstall AVG. It will be without updates and Resident shield by 15th Jan.
That is why the initial posting to the Forum.

[Miz]

AVG antispyware does something different than McAfee antivirus. If AnnMarie said you could keep both, then you can keep both. She's the expert in that area. I'm not familiar with AVG antispyware although I do use AVG Free antivirus.

I guess I overlooked an important question. Is it McAfee's Virus Scan Plus or their Security Suite? If it's either of those, I recommend you keep it since it has an antispyware feature as well as a firewall.

[egreig]

Miz, Thank you for your advice.....Yes the McAfee package is the Security Suite and I have had a good look at the Site and explored exactly what I have purchased. Should have done this first. But still learning. McAfee does seem to OK for my needs and I am less confused now. I thought that Anti...Spy/Virus/Spam was one and the same thing but they are not. The McAfee Suite does indeed cover them all plus the Firewall.

The AVG anti-spyware 7.5.1.43 trial. expires in 20 Days when the automatic updates and the Residential Shield will be Disabled. It may well be that it will serve no purpose after expiry. AVG will no probably give me a prompt to purchase or uninstall. I will make my mind up retaining or not then.

I will in future use the "Brain is Best" system plus the other tips you gave me and will spend a bit of time looking through the Tutorials on the CTH site.
Thank you very much for your time and patience. egreig.

[egreig]

Questions to some confusing issues need some answers to:
1. After Moderator Ann Marie assisted in removal of a Trojan 17 to 24 December 2007. I retained the Free Trail AVG anti spy ware package and with only 3 Days left on this Trial I Decided to run a FULL SCAN.
This found 64 Traces of INFECTION "Medium Risk". A Threat from 23 Cookies Tracking at "Medium Risk" : NO ACTION TAKEN.
I then decided that I would do a Full Manual Scan with McAfee Security Suite which resulted in 17 Cookies being found . No detections or removals.
CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENT FIGURES AND FINDINGS .???

One more puzzle for me is that when I get McAfee to do a Quick Clean Up.
ALL the items are "Checked" Except: Registry Cleaner.
: Cache Cleaner.
: Cookie Cleaner
: Systems Restore Point Cleaner.
I did not install this software, it was in when Laptop Purchased and re-installed after the first Bug in May/June 2007 when reset to factory settings. and I did have a bit of guidance from Moderator Smurfy when changing over to Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird.
I intend to stick with McAfee. I intend to un-install AVG this week.
Question: Do I need to "Check" any of the 4(four)Boxes when I do a clean up
OR are they OK as they are.??
Ane assistance will be appreciated. egreig.

[egreig]

Miz,
Can you advise if the last posting 10 @ 9.12pm on 14th Jan should possibly be in Cyber Safety Forum ?. OR is it in the right place.
Thanks. egreig.

[egreig]

Miz , Problem solved, I just needed to learn a bit more about Cookies.!!

I did a Quick scan with AVG anti spy-ware which showed 63 Malware Infections. I copied the Scan report and compared it with one taken on 14 Jan 2008 AND 21 Dec 2007 and found that what AVG was identifying "Infection" "Medium Risk" was in fact 23 TRACKING COOKIES leaving 63 TRACES of Tracking. I decided to DELETE the Trackers and now my system is clean and no Infection. Sorry to have probably startled you. Everything OK now. I am much happier . Must do some more reading and learning. Thanks for putting up with me.
Kind regards. egreig.