Firewall & AntiVirus

I just got a new laptop. I am wondering what everyone uses for a firewall and what everyone would recommend. I'm thinking of going with the free versions of Sygate or ZoneAlarm.

I use Norton Internet Security on my desktop. How do Sygate and ZoneAlarm compare? Is there an Ad Blocker feature such as Norton has?

Any other suggestions would be welcome.

Also, a recommended free antivirus program? How is AVG Anti-Virus (can be found at www.grisoft.com) ? I have Norton AV preinstalled, and I use it on my desktop, but I'm looking for a free alternative.

Thanks.

And no, I don't want to d/l from p2p.

Ive been using AVG for over a year now. Its been great. I have had any problems with it at all. I would suggest using it as a free antivirus program.

I believe you can have the updates downloaded automatically, but I just go and check weekly, about a 3mb download. You run AVG, and it installs them for you, and you are ready to go.

ooh, and also, I haven't tried this before, but has anyone ran two firewalls?

It's XP Home. just in case you've heard of/experienced things not going well with XP. Thanks

Things not going well with XP? Well, simply get XP compatible software.

Why run 2 firewalls?

XP has its own firewall built in for free-as long as you get all security updates etc.

Why not use the Norton one you have? There is a reason that some things are free and somethings you have to pay for. Never had a problem with Norton myself.

:)

For my firewall, I use Agnitum's Outpost which has Ad blockers etc built in. I also use the Grisoft AV app, which seems pretty good.

As for running two firewalls, I think most software suppliers recommend running only the one. Besides, if you need two, then the first one isn't doing its job properly ;)

I probably won't run two. I was thinking hardware and software. Although, it's probably not needed.

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Why not use the Norton one you have? There is a reason that some things are free and somethings you have to pay for. Never had a problem with Norton myself.

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I have Norton Internet Security on my desktop. only have norton anti-virus on my laptop. I'm just trying not to have to deal with the subscriptions every so often. If I need to because the free alternatives don't do as good a job, then I will.

>> I was thinking hardware and software. Although, it's probably not needed.

I have found that hardware firewalls usually recommend disabling all software firewalls before installation. of course ive only used linksys....

The best firewall I have used is ZoneAlarm (ZoneLabs)

And...AVG is pretty good but I prefer Panda Antivirus though not free it does a good job and seems to destroy fewer files while cleaning them of a virus.

BTW, the XP firewall isnt good to use it only blocks incoming traffic and not outgoing traffic( ex. trojans)

I would use the Outpost Firewall or ZoneAlarm (they are free).

I'm currently using myself Sygate Personal Firewall (I like it and it's very good, u can create filters, edit them....)

You really don't need a firewall to begin with(ice-walls). My freind never had one and has never ben hacked(:rolleyes: to his knowlage). And I leave mine off for 10 min. at a time to send files on aim. 10 min. isn't enough time to be hacked eaven whithout a firewall.

I use Zone Alarm. The onely problem is disaballying it. The version I'm running you need to shut it down to allow all trafic. Another alternitive would be McAfee Guardian, you can 'allow all' but you can't find it for free anyware.

If you wan't to run two try getting an ice-wall. I don't know much about them but one of my freinds use it. Basicly it stops access to your computer (ie. login, port 23) when your logged in. But that just stopes access(root, or other usernames from being used). :( Someone can still gather info frome your computer or upload crap(trojans or viruses).