Expert: James Filmer - 3/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello James,

I'm interested in trying the Comodo firewall--I've read
some good reviews about it. One concern I've heard about,
though, is that it may conflict with some other security
programs and cause serious problems to a computer. I have
just installed 3 other anti-malware programs: 1. Avira
AntiVir Personal; 2. Threatfire; and 3. SuperAntiSpyware. I
also have Hijach This, WinPatrol, and Windows Firewall (my
OS is Windows XP). As far as I know, I don't have any other
PC security programs on my computer, or at least none other
running.  Here are my questions:  

1.  Would you have any idea whether the programs I have are
compatible with Comodo Firewall?

2,  If I do install Comodo, will I need to uninstall, or
just turn off, Windows Firewll, and should I do it first,
or do so after installing Comodo?

3.  Someone told me to clear the temp folder before
installing Comodo.  Is that necessary, and why?

4.  Is my mix of PC security programs mentioned above an
efficient, effective, and sufficient combination, or would
you recommend that I make some changes or additions?


Many thanks for your help,

Will


ANSWER: Hi Will,

Here's what I wrote to Allexperts. Sorry about that last reply LOL. Just going through a personal crisis right now.

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"Replying to private messages doesn't appear to benefit the public (except for Allexperts depending on the quality of the reply) or the expert, regarding ratings.

I seek the highest ratings free (or paid). I also seek to have others benefit from my answers. If the public doesn't see the question and the reply, they receive no benefit except to view a rating that might not be accurate.

What would you suggest I say in my profile that lets people know I won't answer private questions (and why) unless they're posting something private for good reason?"

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Some reviews have suggested Comodo Free Edition has some security holes. Paid version is OK. Check reputable reviews (at least one that appear to have a good reputation).

I've tried many. Presently using Online Armor - excellent for me but still a 2 week learning curve to configure it properly for my systems. Took about the same amount of time with all other Firewalls tested but like Online Armor's results best - for now.

Every 3rd party software Firewall needs to be configured, some more than others depending on how much you know about your system, and computer security.

You should not settle on one Firewall until you've read reviews options, and tested at least 2.

Or, stay with Windows Firewall; it's not very secure compared to the top Firewalls on the market today, but it's easiest to manage.

Don't worry about temp files (outside of a regular system maintenance schedule) unless you've uninstalled one Firewall, and about to install another.

1. Avira
AntiVir Personal; (but there are others if you're not satisfied with it.
2. Threatfire; OK (but be on the lookout for conflict with WinPatrol. Webroot, or with Avira
3. SuperAntiSpyware.  Good.

HiJach This, WinPatrol, and Windows Firewall (my
OS is Windows XP).

And some of the best info I know when it comes to reviews, and more support is on Enrgy21.com.

Is that enough? You can always add more. But, you don't want overload your system until you can't manage all the applications. Must all be checked for Updates. And, scans run periodically. Not fun. Rather watch a movie. Keep what you have updated, keep learning more and if you find spyware or virus more than once a month in scans, start looking for possible security holes. Some in browsers, some in applications, some in your connection to the internet, even some in cookies.  

If you do add more security, carefully review/understand it first, how it could affect your system.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello James,

Thank you so much for those helpful answers.  I'd like to do the ratings for your reply, but for some reason, the rate/thank button didn't appear under the reply.  Could you please resend the reply to see if the button will be there this time?  Thanks!

Will

Answer
Hi Will,

Made some minor revisions in first reply, the original post - and made it public.

Would like to change this public "Follow-up" to "Private" -

The original post just answers your question (without the extra stuff).

Can't do it from my end. If you can, great. If not, no problem.