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Alternatives to Norton Internet Security 2004

Discussion in 'Security and Privacy' started by FarmerJoJo, 2004/05/26.

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  1. 2004/05/26
    FarmerJoJo

    FarmerJoJo Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hi,

    I have several PC's and laptops and have always used NIS tools for firewall and antivirus protection.

    I have a Dell Inspirion 500MHz (very slow) which runs Windows XP Pro and the startup time is normally 5 minutes or more. I noticed that when I disabled NIS antivirus the time reduces significantly. I guess all files that are being accessed at startup are being checked for viruses etc.

    Are there any alternatives to NIS that would not slow down the machine. I have used in the past Zone Alarm for a firewall and Avast for an antivirus?

    Any recommendations would be appreciated.

    Regards FarmerJo
     
    FarmerJoJo,
    #1
  2. 2004/05/26
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Try AVG for a freeware av program and Kerio/ZoneAlarm (URL's below) for the firewall.
     
    PeteC,
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  4. 2004/05/26
    Welshjim

    Welshjim Inactive

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    FarmerJoJo--You should be able to disable NAV from scanning at Startup, but still keep the AutoProtect function on. I have a very old version of NAV so probably the Startup settings are in a different place for you. But maybe it will help to know that my Startup settings are accessed from Tools|Options|Startup tab|check Bypass for all scans.
     
    Welshjim,
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  5. 2004/05/26
    noahdfear

    noahdfear Inactive

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    noahdfear,
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  6. 2004/05/26
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    Hi FarmerJo!

    I have reconstructed a computer from left-over components. It's based on a PIII/500, 128 MB RAM and XP pro.
    XP pro was installed on a freshly formated HDD (ATA66) and it was slimmed/tweaked for "best performance ". The only addition is Acrobat Reader.

    Security is provided by NIS2003, AntiVirus and FireWall start with Windows and all settings (NIS) are default.
    The computer starts in approximately 1½-2 minutes. The AV and FW icons loose the red X's after 1½ minutes and "userinit" disappear from TaskManager after 2 minutes.
    If I disable AV and FW, time is reduced by some 15 seconds.

    Getting rid of the "XP features" are important, especially on "low end" computers. My own computer (see specs below - quite "low end" too) was also slimmed/tweaked, uses NIS2003 and starts in ~60 seconds, "userinit" disappear in less than 70 seconds. This is reduced by some 10 seconds when AV and FW is disabled but then I disconnect physically from broadband which means no network initialization.

    Christer
     
    Christer,
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  7. 2004/05/27
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    PeteC,
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  8. 2004/05/27
    Johanna

    Johanna Inactive Alumni

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    Dell OEMs are loaded with pre installed stuff that all wants to load at boot, too. Use Mike Lin's StartUpCPl to stop processes from trying to load at boot. It will add a tab to your control panel that allows you to check or uncheck entries, as you see appropriate.

    Johanna
     
    Johanna,
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  9. 2004/05/30
    rudymill Lifetime Subscription

    rudymill Inactive

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    Using StartUpCpl vs. Black Viper's page

    For the not so technically advanced, which is the better option?

    It seems as if StartUpCpl gives you the flexibility to turn things on and off, but following Black Viper's recommendations, admittedly a bit more challenging to follow, at least you have some idea of what you're doing?

    Or am I missing something, and the two programs accomplish different things?

    thanks.
     
    rudymill,
    #8
  10. 2004/05/30
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    The two programs address very different matters .....

    Startup Control Panel does not show Windows services that are started when the system boots - it is more program oriented.

    Black Vipers site deals specifically with the Services that start at boot, run unseen in the background, some running all the time, others running only when needed. Many of these are unnecessary and hog resources.

    A clearer approach to controlling Services is given in this applet - based entirely on Black Viper's site ...... Service Controller XP
     
    PeteC,
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  11. 2004/05/30
    rudymill Lifetime Subscription

    rudymill Inactive

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    I think I have it

    OK, I've run Adaware 6 pro and Spybot. I just ran Hijack, and submitted it to a forum to help me clean things up.

    Then I'm to use DA Software's Service Controller, and clean up all the junk services running in the background; this'll be based on Black Viper's recommendations; I plan on using the plain vanilla Safe configuration. Just for now, I'll probably leave the system resore on, until I get more comfortable with this stuff.

    Then lastly, using the list from Pacman, run Startup Control panel (or some similar utility), and clean up all the garbage programs that are running.

    Whew!
     
    rudymill,
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  12. 2004/05/30
    noahdfear

    noahdfear Inactive

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    By George, I think you've got it! :D Don't forget to install SpywareBlaster and IESpyads, in addition to using Spybot's immunize feature, to help block unwanted pests from even getting on your computer. And probably most important, keep a running firewall at all times if you are connected to the internet.
     
    noahdfear,
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  13. 2004/05/30
    rudymill Lifetime Subscription

    rudymill Inactive

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    Oh, did I forget to mention Zone Alarm?

    Got it.

    I use Zone Alarm and Norton AV always, although basd on recommendations in other parts of this BBS, I'm going to give EZ Trust a try: anything to help speed up the bootup process.
     
    rudymill,
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  14. 2004/05/30
    noahdfear

    noahdfear Inactive

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    Using XP? This will help your desktop load much faster. Open control panel and switch to classic view. Select folder options, then view tab. Uncheck automatically search for network folders and printers, and apply.
     
    noahdfear,
    #13
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