Hello,

Recently, my computer protection expired. I had the Mcafee package that included everything (firewall, pop-ups, site advisor, etc) and I did not renew this. Instead I changed to Symantec because I could get it for free through my parents.

Now I do not know if my computer is fully protected. I deleted the Mcafee program, and it seems as if the only thing the symantec does is scan for viruses.

I currently have on my computer:

Symantec Antivirus
CCleaner
Ad-Aware
AVG Anti Root Kit

These all just seem like scanners, and it seems like I am missing that full-time protection of Mcafee. Is this actually the case?

Thanks,
Evan

Both McAfee and Symantec (Norton) should be avoided.

There are these free wares in my next post that will work better.

You will want to Remove both McAfee and Norton.

Norton tool here:

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...05033108162039

AVG Free

Avast Free

COMODO

Okay cool, I looked at the 3 free ones you posted, and it seems like I would want either the Avast or Comodo, because they offer more than just a basic virus scanner.

Avast says it has a "light" firewall, but would this one program protect me from everything?

The comodo site lists numerous programs, would I want to download all of them and then still be able to keep my Ad-aware, Ccleaner, and AVG anti-rootkit?

As far as firewalls go, software based ones "don't really" protect you from intruders, more so alerts you when new programs are accessing the internet. If you want a good firewall, use a router.

Hardware Protection > Software Protection - In regards to firewalls.

FYI: I heard CCleaner had spyware in it. I am going to try and find where I read that, but does anyone else know if this is true?

I've used CCleaner for years. I know of no issue save their unfortunate choice to bundle the Yahoo Toolbar but this option can be "un-selected" prior to install.

There is also a new version currently in RC status but should be final this month.

Originally Posted by Steve Vogt

As far as firewalls go, software based ones "don't really" protect you from intruders, more so alerts you when new programs are accessing the internet. If you want a good firewall, use a router.

Hardware Protection > Software Protection - In regards to firewalls.

FYI: I heard CCleaner had spyware in it. I am going to try and find where I read that, but does anyone else know if this is true?

Ummm, pretty much all of the above is NOT true.

As far as firewalls go, software based ones "don't really" protect you from intruders

That is totally false as software based firewalls certainly can and do protect you from intruders as they block unauthorized access to all your ports, all 65,535 of them! You might want to check Steve Gibson's Shields UP!! to see if yours are open, closed, or in stealth status.

more so alerts you when new programs are accessing the internet.

That is only a small part of their function, and only with some firewalls. Windows Firewall in XP, for example, only protects you from unauthorized incoming access attempts. With all other firewalls (ZoneAlarm, Comodo, Sunbelt Personal FW, etc) their PRIMARY function is to block unauthorized incoming access attempts, however, they also attempt to control unauthorized outgoing access attempts too. This is necessary if spyware some how gets past your defenses and attempts to "phone home" without your permission.

If you want a good firewall, use a router.

A router is NOT a firewall! A firewall, whether hardware or software based, is a system that protects resources in a network.

A router simply connects two networks by routing data packets between the two networks. NAT (network address translation) found in many SOHO type Cable/DSL broadband routers is simply a byproduct security feature that, along with DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol), assigns private, non-routable IP addresses to network nodes (networked devices on your network - computers, print servers, NAS, etc.). A router with NAT and DHCP provide effective firewall-like features - but a router is not a true firewall.

It is essential that every computer that attaches to the Internet have a good software based firewall. I strongly recommend that all broadband users ALSO use a router with NAT, even if you only have one computer on your network (your network being everything on your side of the router). A software based firewall on your PC and the use of a router with NAT provide a formidable defense against hacker attempting to access your system.

It is important to note that a router does not care what is going on in the "Trusted Zone" - your network. Malware actively seeks out other computers on your network, therefore, each computer on your network must have a software based firewall to monitor and protect from unauthorized access from your other networked computers too.

FYI: I heard CCleaner had spyware in it. I am going to try and find where I read that, but does anyone else know if this is true?

This is how silly rumors are propagated - it is best to do your research before posting. Because CCleaner is packaged with the Yahoo Toolbar, some anti-malware programs see that as spyware because the toolbar wants to install itself in your browser, and so falsely reports CCleaner as having spyware. If folks pay attention when installing CCleaner, the option to NOT install the toolbar is clearly displayed as jephree noted. I too have used and recommended CCleaner for years. It is spyware free and one of the best cleaners around. It also has a very capable, but conservative, registry cleaner as well that correctly prompts the user to backup the registry before making changes.