Just a quick question about security

[kh_s]

I'm not sure if I have the right programs to be protected. Anyways I have these programs installed and running:

- I now use mozilla firefox (actually I been using it for a long time) :)
- Peerguardian Lite
- Sygate Personal Firewall
- Spywareguard
- AntiVir (personal edition)/ and AntiVir Guard running.
- Spyware Blaster

I got windows XP firewall turned off since sygate will work enough ?

I don't really need maximum security, it's just a home computer, but I still want to feel "safe".

[fishybawb]

You should be fine. Head over to the GRC site to test your ports out - ideally you want as many as possible to pass with a "stealth" rating:

https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

[kh_s]

got 1 stealth out of the 3 tests on common ports and 1 stealth out of the 3 tests on the All ports test thing.

:(

[computer_kid1]

thats interesting...
i'm running mainly the same programs as you but ms anti-spyware aswell

im using sygate
but all the commen ports and the all ports scan show every port stealth on mine

[Tech^salvager]

interesting all my ports are closed except 7 which are stealthed.
<Tech^salvager> 0 Ports Open
<Tech^salvager> 1049 Ports Closed
<Tech^salvager> 7 Ports Stealth

[cat5e]

If you have Broad band connection, I use a Cable/DSL Router even if the "Network" consists of one computer.

A basic wired Cable/DSL Router can be found for $10-20 and it is an excellent first line of defense.

You software selection is Good.

My current personal preference is:

Upgrade your Windows XP to SP2. and then use.

Free Firewall: Kerio v215. (http://www.kerio.com/new/kpf_download.html)

Kerio is very easy to configure, it is light on resources, and does what need to be done.

Kerio has a newer version of the Firewall; do no get tempted stick with the above it is a better product.

Free AntiVirus: AntiVir Personal Edition 6.22.09.09 (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download955.html)

Has very high rating for detecting Virus, and does better then other Antivirus program blocking Trojans.

Link to: Microsoft AntiSpyb1 (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4466.html)

It was judged by many independent reviewers as the best of its kind.

The three above are always Running in the background.

For occasional cleaning I would run.

Free Adware: Ad-aware (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download506.html)

:t

[G]

I agree with everything cat5e mentions.

Get a router and many of your security problems will be eliminated. A router with a modem and firewall would be ideal. Linksys is one manufacturer you could start to research first.

Then use the software suggestions mentioned by cat5e and you will be well protected.

[Prushka]

computer_kid1 quote:
im using sygate
but all the common ports and the all ports scan show every port stealth on mine

Same here with sygate

Spybot 1.3 has some good features in advanced mode for added protection
1) IEtweaks> lock host file
lock startpage (against hijackers)
2) Resident> SDhelper (blocks numerous bad downloads)
TeaTimer> protection of overall system settings.
And a number of other useful tools
get it here
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=161595

[computer_kid1]

allready got all those installed + m$ antispyware