Tech. New free firewall

Subject: Tech. New free firewall
From: GUEST,Andy
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 12:17 PM

Started up my computer this afternoon and noticed that the Symantec icon had disappeared from the system tray (the 'toolbar' at the bottom of the screen, I think) I've used their free firewall for a couple of years now and so far, not had any problems, or at least, (being a non-techie), don't think I have! When searching the net later, I found that Symantec have discontinued this free firewall due to a company amalgamation, or takeover. Question (1) Can this cause it to disappear from my tray or has something gone awry with my computer? And question (2) If I can't get a free version of this any more, what other reliable freebies are available?
What would Catters recommend/advise. I'm still in the last century 'cos I'm running Windows '98 and, so far it seems to be all I need.
However, any advice greatly appreciated.

Regards

Andy

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: bigchuck
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 12:22 PM

I've been using the free version of Zone Alarm for several years with good results.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: nutty
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 12:23 PM

I've used the Zone Alarm firewall for years and been very happy with its free version .

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: GUEST,Murray Macleod
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 12:33 PM

Another satisfied Zone-Alarm user here. Never had a problem since installing their firewall.

I have forked out for their anti-virus suite as well (which isn't free)

Whatever you do don't use McAfee ...

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 12:38 PM

What's wrong with McAfee - I need to know - I use it!

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: Bill D
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 12:47 PM

Do a search on McAfee-problems...be prepared to read a lot.

The freeware newsgroup I frequent recommends AVG and Avast.
I installed AVG 4 years ago and have had no problems...it updates automatically every day. (Avast may be as good, but it seems to me more people prefer AVG.)

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: Bill D
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 12:49 PM

Oh...wait....the thread asked for FIREWALL, not anti-virus.
For firewall, get Kerio.

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 01:37 PM

When I first got my computer there was a free trial for McAfee and when I asked somebody who seemed to know what they were talking about they told me that it was good. I think I need to do some research now before I renew. Sticking with what was there was an easy option; I haven't heard of some of these others.

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: Shaneo
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 01:51 PM

Me too. I have just noticed my short cut to symantic/norton has got from the tray.
I have tried to launch the main programme and a notice came up saying there was a tech. problem.

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 02:00 PM

Zone Alarm is bloatware and a real resource hog.

Kerio is OK
Agnitum is OK
If you can find a version of the long obsolete Tiny Personal Firewall it is very intuitive in use and uses virtually no resources. I am currently using up a free period of McAfee on my other computer and when it expires I will go to Avast or AVG plus Tiny. On this one I run Panda which combines AV and firewall.

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: Folkiedave
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 02:17 PM

I use AVG (changed yesterday!!) and Zone Alarm - which whilst bloatware - works perfectly..

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 02:30 PM

For "free" AV, there's no such thing as "best." There's only "best this week." New threats show up frequently, and cooperation among AV providers generally allows any and all AV providers to keep up to date reasonably quickly. Occasionally an individual provider makes some changes that speed up scans and/or rearranges installation or messaging to make theirs a little easier to use.

In the US, most people get their operating system preinstalled with a new machine, and nearly all builders include an "extended free trial" of either Norton or McAfee. I haven't checked recently, but in the past you could download either Norton or McAfee (basic AV) for a 30 day free trial. When supplied with a computer, the "trial period" is typically either 60 or 90 days.

A very large percentage of people don't subscribe and pay for continued use of either of those, and probably a majority of those who let their Norton or McAfee lapse don't bother to get anything to replace them. This latter group is responsible for keeping a number of malware forms present and prolific so that everyone is continually re-exposed to them. Some very damaging malware forms, easily removed by any AV program, remain dangerous and widespread several years after they might have been eradicated because of the "non-users" (technical name: IDIOTS).

Among the several very good "free AV" programs, AVG has consistently been rated at least among the top half dozen for at least the past 3 or 4 years, making them a very good choice and possibly the most frequently recommended by knowledgeable reviewers. There are several other free programs that are quite good, but with less established reputations for keeping up with new threats; but few who make it into the reviews have slipped back out due to failure to maintain their quality.

Although some of the free programs have begun adding rudimentary firewall functions, I haven't seen any that are more than "minimal," although I haven't looked closely at what's being offered recently.

In addition to adding minimalist firewall functions, some have added cookie blockers, anti-spyware, and in a very few cases minimalist "anti-phishing" features. When looking for a new free AV, it's worth looking at these other things; but the absolutely essential need is for Anti-virus (AV) protection that's easy to keep updated on at least a weekly basis.

John

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 05:59 AM

Just buy a router with a hardware firewll and install it between your PC(s) and the nasty net. Don't cost much at all nowadays. End of problems:-)

Dave

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: Scrump
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 06:05 AM

I still have Zone Alarm on my PC (the free version for personal use), mainly to stop Microsoft downloading rubbish I don't want without telling me. I don't trust Microsoft's own software not to 'cheat' by doing stuff I don't want behind my back, any further than I could throw Bill Gates :-(

It's sad when you have to protect yourself against the software vendors, who at times seem worse than spammers, hackers and adware and virus writers :-[

But I don't like ZA as much since I upgraded it to the current version (foolishly in hindsight). The current version I have is less user-friendly than the old one, and doesn't seem to have some of the useful functionality the old one had (if it does, it's a lot more difficult to find it) :-{

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 08:25 AM

To answer Andy's question about the disappearing icon:

The section of the start bar usually at the far right is called the "System Tray" or the "Startup Bar" and shows things that are started automatically when you boot up - and that you might want to click open while running. You probably have lots of things that start automatically at boot that don't have an icon there, but programs that you might need to get to easily often put one on that section of the start bar.

(For reference, the left end of the bar is usually called the "Quick Start" bar, and includes things like your Browser and Email programs that don't start automatically but that you might use frequently. You may need to click on a >> icon to see all of what's there, and you may find your Symantec icon still in that location(?).)

Since your AV and firewall need to be turned on any time you boot up, and you may need to get to them to tweak something, it's usual to have icons in the SystTray/Startup bar; but quite often things that appear there will also put an icon on your desktop as well. Some programs may give you a desktop icon without putting an icon in the SysTray/Startup or QuickStart bar.

If Symantec discontinued a free version, they wouldn't ordinarily remove the program, they'd just quit keeping it up to date. You need to look at whether the program is still on your machine. If it's no longer supported by Symantec, you probably should remove it and get a replacement program from somewhere else.

You can look for a desktop icon, or look in Start|Programs, but the surest way to find whether the program is still present is in Control Panel | Add/Remove programs. When you click on the Add/Remove Programs, your computer will search itself for all programs that it has installed and that it can remove, and will show you the list. You can "Cancel" out without making any changes if there isn't anything listed that you need to change.

If you do decide you need to remove any program you should always use the Control Panel|Add/Remove Programs method if the program is listed there. Just deleting files/folders is likely to eventually screw up your machine.

I wasn't aware of a "free" Symantec AV or Firewall, although most of their basic programs can be downloaded, or may come installed on new machines, with a "free trial" period, typically 30 to 90 days. If you purchased the program, the purchase price includes a specific period during which you can receive updates, usually one year, after which you must pay an annual subscription fee. The program should remain on your machine, and you should still be able to use it to scan for old threats; but without regular updates you'll be vulnerable to any new threats that weren't known at the time of your "expiration."

The last "merger" of significance that I've found for Symantec was almost two years ago, so I doubt that the disappearing icon is directly related to that. It's more likely that your initial subscription/trial period has just run out.

If you've been on the web at all without an operating AntiVirus and/or Firewall, you need to get a scan fairly frequently while you're looking for a replacement to install. As you've been using Symantec, you can go to:

Symantec Security Check

Follow the instructions and they'll scan your machine for currently common viruses and other malware, and will also, if you choose to let them, look to see how "visible" your machine is, and hence how vulnerable to a variety of malicious attacks. They will suggest, of course, Symantec products that you can use to "get safe," but there's been no significant pressure (and unlike some similar sites, no blatent lies and scare-mongering) for you to buy something immediately.

Free web-scan sites commonly will not remove malware that they find, and I can't say whether Symantec offers removal¹; but at least you'll know whether you're infected. If some infection is found, your choices are to immediately get a program to remove it (not necessarily from the site doing the scan), or look in an AV vendor's database to see if you can find instructions for manual removal (not too highly recommended if you're not fairly experienced, or at all recommended if you have trouble following instructions exactly).

¹ All retai Symantec programs that I've seen recommend that you use the web-scan site to verify that you don't have an infection on the machine before you install the product, so they may offer removal(?) of anything found.

John

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 10:37 AM

John, I found the problem with the free Symantec check is it will not run if one isn't using Microsoft IE!

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 11:32 AM

kat -

One can always use IE, temporarily, since it's integral to your Windows and must be maintained regardless of what browser you prefer to use - but I hadn't noted that requirement at Symantec. It's always best to take the proper weapon to a rumble.

John

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 12:43 PM

I should also have mentioned that most of the AV providers have web-scan utilities, where you can have your computer scanned and get a report on what you need to fix. Norton happens to be the one I've got linked, and it was Norton (Symantec) that was the opening subject.

If someone has other favorites that have worked well - or at least differently - links here might be appreciated by those who need one.

John

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 02:25 PM

I didn't know that until I asked Symantec to do the free check. It told me it couldn't because I was not using IE.

A note of caution, also, I went to the Tiny site to download the Personal firewall. It kept timing out, so I looked for another link on google. Went to Brothersoft and downloaded their version, I thought, but it flashed something too quickly for me to read except that it wouldn't work right. Stopped the download on its own, but it cratered my system and I had to do a system restore.

I think I'll probably just pay for Norton another year.:-<

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 02:48 PM

ummm...kat..why NOT something like Kerio 2.1.5.

This is used by many, many folks, and still does everything needed.

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 04:14 PM

Well that was too sweet and simple. Thanks for the link, BillD! I now have its little blue shield sparkling on my toolbar.

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 05:20 PM

*grin*...well, now you will be clicking 'approve or deny' messages for various applications as it learns what you want! The important menu item is rt. click->administration->advanced to edit preferences and be sure it is set the way YOU want...(it can happen that you accidentally deny something the right to contact it's upgrade site..etc...or you may WISH to deny it that)

And remember, one option in the right click on the shield is "stop all traffic"

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 05:38 PM

(one example...I had to install a current Real Player to get its codecs so that other programs could run Real .ra/.rm/.ram etc...files; but I DENY it the ability to go report on what I'm doing or to download stuff)

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: GUEST,Andy
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 06:11 AM

I'm not raising this thread again for information, just to thank all those helpful folks who are prepared to give their time and expertise for free.Thanks a lot for the advice. I will be following things up immediately. The first thing is, that I will be converting to Windows XP (today), having worked with Win.98 previously. I've already looked at a couple of the firewalls recommended by the contributors and it appears that they don't operate with Win. 98, OR, there's more 'messing around' to get them to do that. That's not a good idea for a computer numpty like me!(it has to be simple!)However, firewalls apart, XP must be a step in the right direction, I hope.

Regards and many thanks

Andy

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: Janie
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 09:21 AM

Those approve and deny messages are the reason I don't use a firewall. None of the addresses make any sense to me--and more often than not, when I clicked deny, I screwed up some application that I want or need. I did use a firewall set to a rather low level of security that I questioned if it did any good, but when we added a wireless home network, it wouldn't let me on-line and I couldn't figure out what to allow as an exception so I could get on-line.

I'm to the point that anytime I see an address that is .exe, I get the heebygeebs.

Janie

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 10:13 AM

They don't make much sense to me, either, Janie, but when I am at a site which I regularly got to, i.e. Mudcat, google, and one or two others, I usually tell it yes; others get a no. I had to download a new Real PLayer, too, like Bill. I could tell enough from what the addy looked like to tell it was trying to pass on info about what I was doing, so that was a definite no.

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 02:21 PM

Andy -

Just be sure to check, if you're putting WinXP on the machine you've been using, that the machine meets the requirements for WinXP. Some older machines do have trouble running it.

Once your new Operating System (OS) is running, you should make sure you have at least an AntiVirus program installed and working before attempting any connection to the internet. WinXP, if it's SP2, has an "adequate" built in AV that should turn on automatically. You'll likely want something better later, but the built-in one should be good enough to continue setup if you're careful about where you go.

If you're purchasing WinXP, by now it should be "WinXP SP2." If by some chance it doesn't include SP2 you should go to the Microsoft download site and ask for the free SP2 CD, which they'll snail-mail to you, but it will take a week or two. You can download the SP2 files, but my recollection is that it's around 800 MB, which isn't practical unless you've got a very fast connection. You NEED to have the SP2 CD for future maintenance, if your installation disk isn't an SP2 version.

Since new patches/updates come out at least monthly, it's unlikely that a new installation of WinXP from a CD will be really up to date, so as soon as you've got it running you should visit the Microsoft Update Site and get it set up for regular updates. (This link is intended for US users, others should find the one for their location - just go to microsoft.com and play around - try the support area - and it shouldn't be difficult to find if you need a different one.)

Although it will make some here cringe and cry, I have to say it, for less experienced users:

At the Microsoft Update site, TRUST MICROSOFT AND DO WHAT THEY ASK YOU TO.

(Pause until the screams subside. Console the injured, and continue.)

At a first visit to the update site, you'll be asked to validate your copy and will need the proper codes from your CD package. (Your installation CD may give you an option to "register" and/or "validate - two different processes - during installation, so this may already have been done.)

Once in, you may be asked to let them install an update manager and possibly an XML package, after which they'll look for specific files on your machine to see what you need. They don't CARE who you are so don't worry about them "spying" on you.

Choose the Express Install, and they'll download and install the Critical Updates (security related) that you need.

You should, when/if offered, set up for automatic updates for the future.

When you visit the update site "manually," especially with a new installation, there may be a lot to download. Although it's recommended that you get everything up to date as quickly as possible, you can select as many as you have time for, and leave the rest for later. They will give you an estimate of how long each item should take, but it's not necessarily exact. If you get set up for automatic updates, the rest of what you need should - eventually - get download in the background while you use your computer.

John

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 03:09 PM

awww, Janie..I'm sorry it's so intimidating.

All those 'accept' or 'deny' messages are is asking your permission to allow a program to communicate with the internet. The whole point is to control stuff by YOUR rules, not their rules. If you want a program like RealPlayer to download stuff for you, but don't want it to go out on it's own to tell Real what you are doing, or to nag you about buying more, you 'allow' incoming but 'deny' outgoing.

Obviously, you can operate without controlling this, but that means just different hassles....

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 03:14 PM

John, is that the Windows Update that my HP does automatically, or are you talking about something else of MS?

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 04:42 PM

Microsoft offers two slightly different systems for keeping WinXP up to date.

If you only want automatic updates for WinXP, you can sign up for "Windows Update" and get automatic updates of just Windows.

If you have other Microsoft programs, especially including Internet Explorer and Office programs like Word, Excel, etc., you can sign up for "Microsoft Update" and get all Microsoft programs updated from one place.

Regardless of which setup you use, you only get CRITICAL updates - things affecting security - automatically. There are additional "optional" things you might be interested in, so it's a good idea to occasionally go to the appropriate site(s) and click the "Custom Install" to take a look at what else is available that you might want.

Once you've set up your automatic Windows downloads, you should have a "Windows Update" icon on your start menu. It may appear there by default in some WinXP installations, even if you don't set up automatic updates.

If you have only the Windows Update icon and have agreed to get automatic updates, you should get critical updates for WinXP, and generally for Internet Explorer, automatically there. You may have to go separately to the Internet Explorer site/pages for optional things and for version upgrades. (IE7 is being "pushed" from the Windows update site, I believe, for those who already have IE6.)

With only Windows update automated, you also should go separately, occasionally, to the Office download/update page(s) for both critical (Express Install) and optional (Custom Install) features.

If you sign up for "Microsoft Updates," you should have a "Microsoft Update" icon on the start menu.

Using the automatic "Microsoft Update" setup should get you, automatically, any critical updates for WinXP, IE, Word, Excel, Power Point, etc., and you can also choose the Custom Install there, to get all the optionals for nearly all Microsoft programs in one place. Some Server OS, programs and utilities, programming languages/compilers, etc., may still require you to go to other places; but for most users Microsoft Update is a one-stop duzitall.

If you don't have a "Microsoft Update" icon on your Start menu, I'd suggest looking into getting it - for most people who use Windows.

John

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 05:12 PM

What would we do without you? **bg** Thanks!

Subject: RE: Tech. New free firewall
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 08:25 PM

The mind boggles.....