Help me secure my PC

Jon12345 · 11 Jan 2007 at 12:10

Currently, I don't have a firewall, my virus checker has expired and I scan for spyware once per week.

Having just read an article about internet security apps in PC Pro, I want to tackle this area immediately.

I have a network of 3 PC's all connected to the same (4 year old) router.

Questions:

1. Should I get some kind of hardware firewall instead?

2. Should I get something like ZoneAlarm and install it on each PC?

3. Do you suggest something else?

Thanks,

Jon

Energize · 11 Jan 2007 at 14:22

Jon12345 said:
Questions:

1. Should I get some kind of hardware firewall instead?

Yes, all modern routers come with built in hardware firewalls and need no setup.

2. Should I get something like ZoneAlarm and install it on each PC?

No need when you have a hardware firewall.

3. Do you suggest something else?

Thanks,

Jon

Just make sure you scan for spyware regularly with spybot and adaware se. And have a decent antivirus like kaspersky or nod32.

modo77 · 11 Jan 2007 at 14:36

For the AV get either nod32 or kaspersky.

Pablo72 · 11 Jan 2007 at 14:47

I've been using Nod32 for about 2 months now, and it is excellent. Nod32 gets my vote.

Mr.Clark · 11 Jan 2007 at 14:55

You're not running a hardware OR software firewall? :eek:

Jon12345 · 11 Jan 2007 at 15:59

Is anyone here running one of these all in one security sweets, like ZoneLabs? Just wondered what they are like in practice and if they give a major performance hit to your PC.

modo77 · 11 Jan 2007 at 16:16

Don't use zonelabs! As said the best bet is a router and nod32/kaspersky

If you don't want the hardware solution then kaspersky do a av/firewall combo.

Stay away from norton, zonelabs and mcafee

fumbles · 11 Jan 2007 at 16:19

Best method:

1. Pull power cord.
2. Done.

You are now 100% secure, but of course if you are reading this you have failed.

But really you can never be 100% secure except for above.
Just practise safe browsing methods and you should be fine.

GuruJockStrap · 11 Jan 2007 at 16:25

I'd stay well away from those all in one software packages. They'll just add bloat to your PC and seriously drain PC resources.

As been mentioned on here already, all you need is a decent AV with regular, automatic updates like NOD32 and a spyware scan once a week with free spyware software Spy Bot or Ad-aware.

The router should have a firewall so no need to install a software firewall onto the PC. Some might argue the software firewall will alert you of any applications gaining net access like trojan viruses etc. But if you have a decent up to date AV theres no need.

A bit orf common sense does wonders too, like not open up unknown email attatchments.

I've been using the AV, Spyware Scan once a week and Router Firewall for years and not had a single issue.

Mr.Clark · 11 Jan 2007 at 17:34

GuruJockStrap said:
The router should have a firewall so no need to install a software firewall onto the PC. Some might argue the software firewall will alert you of any applications gaining net access like trojan viruses etc. But if you have a decent up to date AV theres no need.

To be fair, the same could be said for the reverse. I've got a hardware and software firewall, but no AV. Even my spyware scans come up negative :cool:

GuruJockStrap said:
A bit orf common sense does wonders too, like not open up unknown email attatchments.

Ain't that the truth!