The best free security software

^Gonkw,
1. Geswall is 32-bit only.
I've asked about a month ago if and when a 64-bit beta will be available but haven't heard from them until now, other than they'd keep me posted.
2. You've already got a very decent setup.
Rather than an extra program/layer, I'd advice having an image ready of a clean setup with a backup/imaging program (like Acronis TrueImage).
When in serious doubt about malware (or other mishaps), creating/restoring an image of <20GB takes about 15/25 minutes.

Spyware Blaster doesn't need to be loaded. That's the great thing about the program; you only need to install it once, no processes added.
As written on their webpage,

" Where is the process? Why can't I see it running (in Task Manager)?

SpywareBlaster is passive protection. It plugs the holes that spyware and other potentially unwanted software use to get in to your system.
As such, there is no running process - and no CPU and memory usage either.
All you have to do is remember to update SpywareBlaster once a week, and enable the latest protection."
That's it.

If you're an enthusiast about security software or simply would like an extra layer, learn to use SandboxIE, it runs on 64-bit also.
Windows Defender would be the prime candidate to ditch/deactivate.
With Comodo's Defense+, you have a much more sophisticated HIPS than Defender offers anyway and in my personal experience, WD has never warned me about anything that wasn't flagged by either Avira or ComodoFW when I used that combination also (as far as anecdotal evidence goes.. )
Cheers.

 

Hi Baserk,

THANKS for your reply.

Baserk, I was reading about Comodo FW Defense+ and some guy was Strongly suggesting to leave Defense+ in " Safe Mode Only!"

Q1: I leave my Defense+ in the Highest Mode. Am I shooting myself in the foot for choosing the highest setting?
I don't mind the extra work that puts me thru ... I just rather be "Safe".

Q2: What is the Best way to update the Comodo FW ... just unistall and reinstall? Or what do you do Or suggest?

Thanks again dude!

G!

 

Yea!! You are right.
SpywareBlaster is actually 1 of my favourite software.
However, many people do not know the usage and the abilities of it. I installed it everytime I format my computer.
I used to format my laptop once in 20weeks.

 

'Safe Mode' is almost the highest setting.
It's recommended " If your machine is not new or known to be free of malware and other threats" link
If you know your notebook is clean, like after a fresh install, I'd use 'Clean PC Mode', together with 'Installation Mode' when installing trusted apllications.
No need to use 'Safe Mode' in such a scenario (imao).

Comodo regularly ads new functionalities to it's FW/CIS, so an uninstall/reinstall is often the only way to go.
Cheers.

 

Hi Baserk,

THANKS man! Darn porgram won't let me Rep you anymore ... for awhile anyway!

G!

 

Complete newb with a brand new N110.

Took off Mcafee, using their removal tool. Installed Avira free edition.

Unlike other antivirus, I can't get it to check for updates on booting up. I have to manually update, or schedule (pointless for a netbook that is not always on).

Am I missing something?

Also, although I have read the excellent advice here, I am not sure if I need anything else (thus runs XP). My aim is to be protected, but have no surplus on to slow down this netbook when I just browse the net.

Any help appreciated. Oh, and when you talk of blocking the pop up, do you mean the annoying advert for the full version every time you manually update?

 

hey baserk,

could you tell me what the differences are between the paid and the free versions of the latest GeSWall? been wanting to test it out for sometime.

thanx.

 

Hi Arjunned,

I'm mad busy atm so I don't have as much time to spend here on NBR as I was used to.
So excuse me for simply c/p the differences.
Below the features, offered by the paid version;
- Malware termination options
- Automatic update for Safe Applications
- Custom Safe Applications
- Safe Applications Wizard
- Pre-configured safe applications (about 60 of them)

There is a recent thread on Wilders Security about Geswall, it holds much usefull info about configuring Geswall (if you want to).
I recommend reading it because Geswall is awesome.
Cheers.

 

Thanks For your time Baserk.
Tried both GeSWall and DefenseWall HIPS. I like DefenseWall HIPS much better. Wish they had a free version.

 

Hi Steve,

1) Avira ... for a Freeware that gives a heck of lot of protection ... I don't think it is Too Much of a hassle or inconvenience to do Manual Downloads.

It is super easy ... what I do ... once a day when I am on the internet ... I click the Manual Update button ... Avira does it's thing and viola I am done.
However, if you notice some times during the Update a Splash Screen comes up and Avira GIVES YOU A CHANCE to buy the Premium version for $9.95 ... take that version and your Updates teh will be Automatic.

2) I am not sure what kind of Antivirus System you have set up ...

With Avira ... just add a Firewall ... either Comodo Firewall or Threatfire (since you are on XP ... TF will work for you) ... I myself run Vista X64 so I have to go with Comodo ...

If you use Comodo ... when installing CIS opt to install ONLY the Firewall and not the Antivirus portion since you have AVIRA ... also Choose to install DEFENSE+ and set your Protection on "SAFE MODE".

Avira + Comodo Defense+ should protect you on the web ... BUT also Use Common Sense and Stay away from Trouble Sites ... sites that their URL starts with Numbers Only ... and other ones.

Also, use MBAM and SAS for on demand Scans ... run them at least weekly to make sure you are Clean. I myself run Deep Scans every few days and Quick Scans every day.

Hope this has helped you!

Gotta run ... late for Family affair!

G!

 

Hey guys i just recieved my new notebook and had previously been using avast antivirus, is this still a good solution to my needs, its the only thing i have running along with windows defender......im running vista 64 and would love any tips...cheers

 

Hi mtness,

It ought to be "illegal" to have a P9700 in a lpatop! Heck of machine ... Congrat.

Hey mtness ... check out Baserk 1st page it always gives the BEST and Preferred Freeware Apps.

But here is what I have on my Vista Home Prem., SP1, 64-Bit and I am happy with my combo ...

Active Defense
- Avira
- Comodo Firewall Portion only with Defnese+
- WinPatrol
- Spyware Blaster
- Windows Defender (as part of Vista)

On-Demand Scanners
- MBAM
- SAS

And of course "Rule of Thumb" Be Carefull when Surfing the Iffy Sites!

Hope this was a Help!

G!

 

thanks for the reply mate, yeah its a decent machine does what i want it to....thaats for sure....
Whow you have a lot of things running, if i was to choice any 2 items ie, virus protection and firewall what would you recommend?
Thanks.

 

You could just use Comodo Internet Security 3.9 Free. It have AV and a brialliant HIPS engine, D+, as well a firewall. It is THE best free security suite out there. Comodo's AV has come a long way an been regularly updated thanks to feedback in the Comodo forums. Its pretty much on the ball now.
Just to be a little more safe, u can use Avira and MBAM as your on-demand anti-malware applications.

With these you'd be getting pretty much the best free anti-malware app's out there.
Cheers!

 

As you already have a (Vista standard) firewall, only added functionality like a HIPS would/could be beneficial.
Comodo is the way to go as they offer an extremely robust FW+HIPS combination. Free and available for 64-bit.
Make sure to read about their HIPS and whether this is actually to your liking before installing.
On the Comodo site/forum you can find plenty of instructions and manuals.
Regarding AV, I'd choose Avira or Avast.
Avira has the highest detection rate and runs the lightest while Avast has more configuration options, a boot-scan and only a slightly lower detection rate.

edit; typing too slow, arjunned beat me to it

 

Although I feel that my Security is like Fort Knox ... you be surprised how things can slip in.

BTW, Avira has saved my bacon many ot times ... stops pop-up viruses from funny internet sites! For me anyway ... so far!

G!

 

Thanks for the replies guys, its much appreciated, well im going to stick with avast as i have the code already and havent had any problems with it in the past, i like the real time protection and the autoupdate...i have a terrible internet connection 6-8kb/sec so its nice that it downloads daily to keep it easy....im going to have to have a alook at comodo alittle more closely and especially some of these terms you guys have been using like "HIPS" etc.....i went to comodo site and the download was huge at 60+mb that would take ages......
Is that only the FW+HIPS or is it the AV as well.....is there a link to the FW/HIPS only part of comodo or do i have to download the whole lot.?....sorry for the questions guys, downloads are hard for me so want to make sure i get what i need.....ps i only use the net to login to xfire/steam and browse/email
thanks alot guys

 

It's the whole shebang including AV.
You could try to download an old version here and then immediately, without any configuration, try to update it to the most recent version.
If you do configure any settings you will have to export your settings the hard way as explained here, read the migrate FAQ.
I'd advice you to install the newest version though and download it overnight or somewhere else if you can.

 

I believe it gives you the option if you want to download the AV (or FW or D+), or perhaps it downloads and gives you the option of not installing the AV portion.

 

Ok well ill give it a try....it will take a while to download....thanks for everyones assistance.
Takecare

 

Hey guys, my school offers McAfee for free. Is it a better choice than Avira/Comodo/etc?

 

You would have to pay ME a serious sum of money before I would intentionally install McAfee (or NagAfee as I like to call it) on any of my computers. McAfee is usually the first thing I uninstall when I get a new computer and it comes with it pre-installed. I would rather take my chances with free options like Avira or Avast than leave that nag on my computers.

 

Hi FarRight,

Q: What version are they offering you?

BTW, look at this search ... I wonder why it would be so hard to Remove a Software off of ones PC ...

http://forums.mcafeehelp.com/showthread.php?t=213681

Just because of "Difficult" Uninstall I personally would say the Heck with it.

G!

 

If it's for free, why not try and test it.
McAfee is supposed to have rewritten their security suite much like Norton has.
I haven't used/tested it myself but if it's anything like NIS2009, it's a keeper.
Keep in mind that Comodo has a bit of a learning curve.
If you are interested in security software and like to play around with firewalls and HIPS, try both ways.
Otherwise, install McAfee and if it doesn't slow you/your notebook down, why not keep it.

 

Thanks for the answers. So in terms of virus detection rates, it doesn't matter which I choose? I can't seem to find a recent review of McAfee.

gonwk; I believe it's McAfee 8.7

 

You can find extensive test results and comparisons on this AV-Comparatives page and this Virus Bulletin page.

 

McAfee's latest version is pretty good compared to its older ones. Since u have a free copy, i'd say test it out for sometime and see if your happy wid it. You can also install Avira as JUST your on-demand, just to be safe.
Cheers!

Oh.. welcome to NBR.

 

Hey Baserk,
Just a suggestion - GMER Rootkit Detector and Remover.
Very helpful tools. I'd highly recomend it.

 

Hi Arjunned,

Thanks for the suggestion.
I agree it's a very useful tool but I've been somewhat hesitant to put it in the list (again, I've removed it months ago).

GMER doesn't offer a dedicated forum like SysInternals for Rootkitrevealer and when benign hidden drivers like from emulating programs pop up, most folks won't know what to do.
Still, I guess it's reputation warrants a listing.
What do you/other folks think would be an accurate description?
' Expert rootkit remover' or something?
Just to indicate it's really not 'newbie suitable'.
Cheers.

 

I think 'Expert rootkit remover' should be fine.

 

Use at your own risk, not newbie-friendly
Maybe?

 

Oh also... Outpost Firewall Free 2009 (32bit and 64bit)

 

Just have a read through the AV-comparatives link at the start of this thread - they're an independent organisation who put all the main AV apps through a comprehensive test every couple of months. There's one that consistently comes out on top - AVIRA, all the others offer 97% detection or less (AVG only 93%) - that's not good enough for me, I want 99.7% or 99.8% and that's what Avira seems to do. Don't take my word for it, look through the test results yourself.

 

How many programs of each are you suppose to use? For example, do you use 1 or will 3 firewalls provide more protection? Sorry for asking, I'm quite new to this stuff.

 

Use only one firewall and use only one antivirus. Using multiples of AV and Firewall can create conflicts.

 

As of now I use;
XP Notebook: Avast 4.89 (HE)+Comodo Firewall 3.8
Vista Home Premium Notebook: Avast 4.89 (HE)+Vista Firewall

Whats advisable - The above Combo or Comodo Internet Security 3.9 Free?

 

Hi Baserk & Folks,

FYI, my OS is Vista Home Prem., SP1, 64-Bit.

I was not sure if I should post this as a "Separate" entry or just post it so MOST people can see it.

As you all know Comodo Firewall Free version did not have an Upgrade function ... so if you wanted to upgrade to the latest version ... at least fro me ... I would uninstall the Older version and install the new version.

Well today, July 5, 2009, I happen to check for the Update via Comodo application and viola ... Comodo now has Upgrade capability from within the program and does NOT require the Uninstall.

Here is the Problem ... after I let Comodo to install the upgrade ( version 3.10.102194.530) via Internet Explorer ... my CPU usage went from Normal to 100%. My pages were not opening and even I could not organize my links within IE ... they just Froze. So, I opened the Task Manager ... and I saw 3 or 4 IE instances opened ... when I had only ONE (1) page web page opened ...

BTW, the version that is available on Comodo's web page is only version 3.10.101801.529, which is Older than the one downloaded via internet.

I believe my OK, Good version that was working fine was Comodo 3.9.95478.509 dated 05/19/09 ... And BTW, I only use the Firewall Portion of the Comodo Internet Security (CIS) Suite.

So, I immediately uninstalled this JUNK ... and I will go back to the old version.

Q: Has anyone else experienced this Intrusion & CPU hogging of the NEW Comodo Version!?!? Or any other problem?

I plan to post the same message on their Website ...

Thanks!

G!

 

Hi folks,

An Update to my delimma with Comodo Firewall Freeware ...

1) Although the version on their website says it is 3.10.101801.529, when installed it comes up as 3.10.102194.530.

2) This new version is Resource Hog ... running my CPU at 50+%!!! Now why would that be!?!?

3) The new install has a lot of Options added ... I opted OUT of the ones that Baserk has suggested on his 1st page of this Thread ... but there are some NEW ones ... I opted out of the following TWO (2) also ...

Baserk & Team, please let me know what you folks Suggest on these 2 Options ...

A) Comodo Hopsurf Toolbar
B) Comodo DNS Server(s) ... I was NOT really sure about this one if I should have opted Yes!!!

Q1: Can anyone tell me WHY the new Comodo version is So RESOURCE Hungry!?!?

Q2: Should we Switch to another Freeware Firewall or a Comprehensive Firewall & AV proggy???

BTW, I did Opt in to be part of the Comodo Community to get other people's answer on their Choices how they decide to Treat a Program ... it helps me with Programs that I am kind of not sure what to do with.

Thanks,

G!

 

Hi DhruvC,

I am not sure what kind of Web Surfing you do ... for example do you visit some no-no or ify websites ... nonetheless if you look at the Baserk Page 1 ... it will give you the answer ...

But if it was me I would do this for both of your PCs for sure ...

1) Switch from Avast to Avira Freeware.
2) Add Spyware Blaster to both of your PCS. And once you turn it on you are done.
3) You can stay with Comodo. I would Stay with 3.9 Version instead of 3.10 ... as you can see from 2 above Posts ... Comodo 3.10 is a RESOURCE HOG!
4) Install MBAM and SAS on both PC for On-Demand Scanning.

As a Rule with all of your AVs, Update daily manually if possible. Also, run MBAM QuickScan daily ... takes only few minutes.

Hope this has helped you!

G!

 

Hi Gonwk,

Sorry to hear of all these issues.
The high CPU usage seems a more common bug in this version (530).
I've no idea what's causing these problems so keep an eye on the Comodo forum for updates.

P.S. You are right about not installing all the toolbar junket. link
Comodo DNS Server can be usefull, as I've read on Wilders, but I haven't used this version myself yet so I can't speak from personal experience.
Cheers.

 

Hi Baserk,

Thanks for your reply and confirming my suspicion of version 3.10.101801.530 is Resource Hog. I will take your advice & just Monitor until 530 gets upgraded.

So for now, I uninstalled and revert back to 3.9.95478.509 and my Operation is back to Normal!

Thanks again,

G!

 

Hi folks,

Comodo CIS has been upgraded to "3.10.102363.531"

http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/release_notes.html

May be Comodo has fixed the Freezing part of their Firewall! I have not played around with it yet!

G!

 

Im gonna get some goodies here

Thanks

 

damn... still using a 3.5...427 version

 

Hi folks,

Could anyone post back their Experience with Comodo Firewall version 3.10.102363.531 ...

Such as are you experiencing JAVA application running at 50% CPU for no apparent reason ... and any other ODD stuff!

Thanks,

G!

 

I'm running that version of Comodo Firewall (no Comodo anti-virus and Defense+ disabled) and I have had no issues with Java or anything else.

 

Thanks CRASH!

So, I suppose I have some other Problem ... since few days ago my "JAVA.exe*32" application runs my CPU at 50% until I Stop the process using Task Manager in my Vista Home Prem., SP1, 64-Bit.

I can't figure what is causing it!

G!

 

You could use a program like Process Explorer or Security Task Manager to find out more about this Java.exe.

 

Hi Baserk,

I see you have your Pretty Scenic Icon back on ... yeahhh!

Baserk ... Thanks for the New Software "Security Task Manager" ... I had not heard of it before! I'll try it.

I do have Process Explorer ... but I have not gotten the hang of the darn thing yet. So!!!

I do think I found out what Screwed Up my laptop ...

* I installed the Microsoft IE7 Security Update for Vista 64-Bit ( KB972260) that they released on July 28, 2009.

I found this Article that tells you that Microsoft Update Screws up your internet ...

Update KB972260 released today disables network connections in Win

So, I used System Restore and went back to before that update.

* I also went ahead and uninstalled Java JRE 1.6 Update 14. I came across a post that it said this Version of Java might be causing CPU to go to 50 to 90% use!

I then used "JavaRA 1.15" (see download location below) to make sure all JAVA JRE's were removed from my laptop.

JavaRA 1.15 Download

I am just reverting back to the Basic Java that comes under Vista ...

Q: Just out of curiosity Do I really need the Java JRE Update 14 for anything!?!? Because I could load up Update 13!

But anyway ... So far so good ...

I hope this data might Help someone else from going crazy. I can't believe that The Great Microsoft would release such a Crap update!!!

THANKS again,

G!

 

Why isn't clamwin up there?