Expert: Brian Benosky - 11/29/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Brian, it's me again. No more Window ME--at least for the Internet. Got the new set-up with Window 7. Everything's fine. So here's my question: The thing came with Norton. I declined the coupon at point of sale and deleting and am fending off the installed pop-ups. Grrr. But on a friend's advice I installed AVG, ...because it was free. But I am wondering if I should have consulted you first. I'm getting the whole package for 30 days (14 left), but am worried what could happen if I go with the free version and lose download protection. If I get an app that will protect everything there might be a drawback: The salesman intimated it could result in browser slowness (which would not occur with a top app like Norton). Of course in a wild nihilistic fling of speculation I asked what's the worst that could happen? After all, I had that stuff on my old machine for years and left it there because it didn't slow it down that much and I had no financial files. And if they could have followed my keystrokes while ordering online they would have got my Visa #, no? They didn't.  Anyway, what's your take on a good free app?       Thanks,  -J.S.

ANSWER: Hi Jim

I hope you had a very happy Thanksgiving!  Not sure if I am completely understanding you here, so forgive me.  I got that the computer came with Norton (a bloated program, and not worth the price).  Before installing AVG, you would need to uninstall Norton (look in your Control Panel under Programs And Features to uninstall programs).  You also need to run the Norton Removal Tool found here:
http://us.norton.com/support/kb/web_view.jsp?wv_type=public_web&docurl=200807101
Norton is so entwined with Windows that it needs the special tool to remove all traces of it.
From what I gather, you installed the 30-day trial of AVG Internet Security.  It is a good all-in-one, but after 30 days you will need to pay for it to continue.  Using the free version does take away some features.  But you can build your own internet security suite using free software.  And doing so will not slow your computer and browser.  Here's what I use:
Avira Anti-Vir Free Anti-Virus:
http://www.free-av.com/
Spybot Search & Destroy:
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
PC Tools Firewall Plus:
http://www.pctools.com/firewall/
Google Chrome Browser:
http://www.google.com/chrome
AdBlock for Chrome:
https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom

If you are not keen on building your own suite, there is one new alternative that has been getting good marks.  Microsoft Security Essentials:
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
Along with Windows firewall, it does a good job of protecting your computer.  I would still go with Chrome or Firefox over Internet Explorer for safety and speed reasons.

Anyway, I hope that answers your question, but if you still have concerns, just let me know.

Brian

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

QUESTION: Thanks Brian. I got the tool and removed Norton (no Ralph Kramden jokes). I want Firefox to be my default browser. Will I still need AdBlock? What is the best sequence? Do I remove all of AVG, then install Avira, then Spybot, etc.? What about updates? Do each of these know what the others are doing?

         -Jim

Answer
Hi Jim

I use AdBlock with Firefox, and it works great at stopping those advertisements from loading.  Here's the link:

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865/?src=collection&collection_id=c867f4e3-1031-72c6-d68a-6d8593691b6b

Also check out NoScript:

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/722/?src=collection&collection_id=c867f4e3-1031-72c6-d68a-6d8593691b6b

The best sequence would be to uninstall AVG, then install Avira.  Everything else can be installed after that.  Avira Anti-Vir updates automatically.  The program will notify you when it updates, usually when you turn on your computer.  Other than that, the program runs quietly and you do not need to change any settings.  Spybot is a bit different.  Read through the tutorial here:

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/tutorial/index.html

Take note of Item #8 which talks about resident protection.  Follow the instructions on immunizing and running the TeaTimer protection in the background.  Once you set things up you won't have to do anything to continue the background protection.  

And the programs you are installing all work independently, but they do not conflict with one another.  After you get it all installed, if you have any problems or questions, just let me know.

Finally, one Ralph Kramden joke, if you please, regarding getting rid of Norton:

Ralph:  From here on in, we are deadly enemies. I don't want to talk to you, I don't want to see you, I don't want to have nothing to do with you. If you see me coming down the street, get on the other side.

Norton: When you come down the street, there AIN'T no other side!

Brian