Security and tuning software

VEDA

(originally posted at namahatta.org but lost in reorganization)

Sometimes I help devotees with their computer problems. Although I'm not an expert, if you use computers for many years, you're destined to learn something. The main problem is a lack of security awareness. Again and again I see computers without any security software installed (or with some inefficient one). Here are some recommended quality programs I use:

AV-Antivirus http://www.free-av.com/
One of the best freeware antiviruses, on par with top commercial products like NOD32 or Kaspersky. Much better than Avast, AVG, etc.

Zone Alarm Firewall http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp
Freeware. Against intruders (hackers). More freeware firewalls etc.: http://www.firewallguide.com/freeware.htm

Spywareblaster http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
Freeware. Prevention against all kinds of spyware. Claimed to be one of the best.

SpyEraser http://www.liutilities.com/
Shareware. Fixes what is beyond the power of Spywareblaster.

CCleaner http://ccleaner.com/
Freeware, system optimization and privacy tool. It removes unused files.

XP-Antispy http://xp-antispy.org/?lang=en&option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
Freeware. Tweak your Windows XP to work as you wish, disable useless and bothersome features.

TuneUp Utilities http://www.tune-up.com/
Shareware. One of the best comprehensive diagnostic, optimization, tuning and cleaning tools.

mishra

another cross-link related post on parental controls:

http://www.pariprashnena.com/discussion/29/

mishra

if you are a little inclined to computing, I will recommend latest releases of linux, lot more user friendly than ever.

You will endure a learning curve, but will spare a lot of time and problems and not need any of the software mentioned by VEDA.

VEDA

It'd be great if BBT would provide a new suite of software for Linux, Archives - Linux Vedabase, Ramakantaji - LinuxCOM. Then I'd need just a good Linux English/Czech dictionary, wireless soft, links checking soft, sms sender, and could give M$ a farewell.

amalagaura

Some of the stuff may work with Wine. I like using Linux and I am computer savvy enough but I wonder about the more general users, if Linux (now Ubuntu is defacto desktop standard) is easy enough for them. They are trying to lower the learning curve.

abhiram

anything is better than windows so get ubuntu or a mac and you wont have to install all that garbage.

and you can run folio with crossover
http://www.codeweavers.com/products/cxmac/

kashiram_c

Free clone of windows http://www.reactos.org

phani

why would i want a clone of something that doesn't work well and that i don't like? i'm still using windows because there's no free driver for my 'soft-modem' in the linux world. (for me windows is free; i got a copy of windows from a friend of a friend who, of course, doesn't use it anymore ...).

ys phani.

Servant Krsna

Mac's the best. But I still use windows. I sometimes get crazy of it. Maybe it's for my own good, cause I spend too much time on my pc.

Servant Krsna

Got a question. I use McAfee virus-scan is it reliable?

abhiram

>Mac's the best
yes. Macs are in the mode of goodness.
http://www.apple.com/getamac/works.html

Servant Krsna

Cool site. It's like hypnotising: Get a Mac! lol :D

VEDA

No av is 100% reliable in real life. ;) I recommended Avira. It's free but still among the top ones as per Virus Bulletin tests.

phani

i remember that you recommended AV at nh-org. i installed it but couldn't get through the initial update. either my connecton is too slow, or their site isn't easily reachable from india. i'm sticking with AVG and don't have any problems.

but it's important to have a firewall, too, especially if you're on a leased line or online for hours. i get plenty of people trying to get into my pc, and only virus scanner wouldn't stop all that.

ys phani.

Servant Krsna

It's Windows, grrrr

abhiram

> if you're on a leased line or online for hours. i get plenty of people trying to get into my pc, and only virus scanner wouldn't stop all that.
Just get Linux or a MAC and avoid all this problems!!!!

phani

you sure there's NO viruses or worms for linux or mac? i can't believe it. plenty of web servers, mostly linux, are being hacked. there's no need to run a web server on your desktop linux installation, and unlike windows, linux doesn't open all types of ports by default, but i still wouldn't feel safe running a linux desktop w/o at least a firewall (included in all linux distros) and some antivirus-thingy, just to make sure.

ys phani.

Servant Krsna

I don't know if there are none for a Mac or Linux but they are pretty quick. And they are strong against viruses

abhiram

Well, Microsoft is known for developing unsafe/unsecure/unstable software. Linux and OSX (unix under the hood) were developed with security in mind.
For example, if you want to install software on a mac you have to provide your user password. In windows if a webpage wants to install software they just do it without your permission that's why spyware became so widespread.
To prevent it now you have to install all kinds of 3rd party firewalls, antiviruses etc because the operating system is unsecure like anything by default. Unlike osx or linux.

On Windows they tried to fix things with service packs and the like but they are just patches to something badly done from the beginning.
The day I first saw screenshots of Windows Vista I made the vow to never install windows again. They just dont learn at Microsoft and of course they have no style.

As one sanniasi said: Macs are VEG, Pcs are NON VEG.

mishra

there is a (mostly not needed) free antivirus for linux installed with a few clicks.

mishra

Mac OS X and XP running under Ubuntu Linux:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0mNWQTw0nc

rasa108

VirtualBox...very stable and fast virtual multi OS environment - install multi operating systems that run like a dream...For Windows, Mac or Linux:

http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

mishra

I heard that complex software runs slow in Virtualbox unless you have a powerful machine. Mac has enough software to work with and to run some Windows complex program under linux better to use "wine" or Crossover.

rasa108

I've run some big programs in VirtualBox using an AMD Turion dualcore and 2G RAM and it flies with no problems...flawlessly installs and runs any WIndows software...I find wine doesn't install or run properly many common Windows programs...so for a less powerful machine at least you can install and run iTunes for instance (won't work with wine in Linux Ubuntu).

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