BBS System Question

[spyderchick]

Norton anti virus isn't very efective and they do not update their protocols as often as the freeware version of Zone Alarm. Plus you have to pay to keep up a "subscription".

In head to head tests among firewalls, Zone Alarm will come out at or near the top. As far as anti-virus, the freeware version of AVG by grisoft also ranks among the top protections for your computer. Both of these products have full price versions that offer more features, but for a single computer user, the freeware cannot be beat.  

To eliminate spyware, Ad-Aware, and Spybot Search and Destroy, (again, both free) are very good at catching trojans, spyware, ad snoops and other little nasties that can get "installed" without your consent. These also out performed Norton and other software for purchase.

Bottom line, free doesn't mean cheap in the computer world. Open source software is the backbone of development. Just read the reviews of many of these programs in computing magazines and other major publications, they consitently rank at the top in all catagories.

[spyderchick]

But because it is open source and you download what you think might be a cool plug-in you are setting yourself up for disater as well. I personally like but ever since I upgraded to sp2 IE6 rocks! BTW Microsoft is coming out with IE7 this summer.

Service pack 2 has it's own little nest of nasties, and again it did not solve the security issues. It came out months after it ought to, and was so bloated with different conflicting script, that it's caused some computers to crash and require a clean install of windows.

Part of the problem lies in the fact that when MS does something, it winds every app so deep into windows that security loopholes are created. Then each new fix cascades a whole host of additional problems. While a browser such as Firefox or firewall like Zone Alarm only go as deep as they need to to operate effectively, leaving the bloat and problem behind.

Plug-ins, which can sometimes cause problems, can be unistalled and then you're back at a level playing field. However, Microserf, it all it's wisdom, can bring down your entire empire, never to be recovered.

[H-man]

Whew!  A lot to diget for just a casual user like me.  I'm currently using Ad-Aware SE and Spybot S&D.  Wish I'd asked this question before shelling out for the NIS product.

BTW, Alexa,  you really amaze me.  From the tag line at the bottom of your posts to your diverse reading material (from "Wired" to "Outside" to RRW).  Rock on girlfriend!

[spyderchick]

I am an avid reader, and I'll read just about everything, from Oprah, to Scientific American..I have a subscription to the later. I even read the nutritional labels on the food I buy!  ;) :D ;D

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

I read stuff with lots of pictures.  Usually the text starts out something like, "Candy just turned 18 today, and she's been saving a special little outfit for the occasion...."
 ;) ;D

[H-man]

I read stuff with lots of pictures.  Usually the text starts out something like, "Candy just turned 18 today, and she's been saving a special little outfit for the occasion...."
 ;) ;D

LOL!!