[riko]

as suggested by Flashorn, i'm inquiring about a tiered security system. i use resource hog mcafee, which is good, but a hog neverthess...can someone expalin what is a tiered system?

thanks,

Riko

[mphenterprises]

Hi Riko. You are going to receive a whole lot of responses telling you a whole lot of things and opinions. Bottom line, McAfee is a hog, as you know. Anything is better than that. I personally do not provide software application recommendations; however, I personally have a vast array of free applications that I use to protect my computer.

The first thing I can suggest is to review this Document {document:id=1830}. Once you review this Document, if you have any additional questions, please post.

[Flashorn]

Hey riko!!



Since I suggested you start a new thread , might as well I be here to help.



Ok, if you have read the WikiDocument that MPH has proposed , you are now aware that a

Tiered approach to protect your PC consists of different security programs as opposed to

one suite from one company.

The thought behind this is that a single suite would not be as effective against all of the

malware that is out there just hoping for a chance to get at your PC.



Since we use many different programs , we have a better chance at protecting or if need be

Detecting malware(new word for virus and spyware) on our computers.



One should start with a Good Firewall. This would be the base of your protection as it will

alert you that either a program or service or process is trying to use your internet connection.

This might be a legitimate request but, you have control over your connection to allow or block

the demand.



Next on the list would be a good anitvirus program. Again, most of us here will use different programs

for whatever they need it for. This program should include some sort of Active guard or real time protection.



Now, Antispyware: this program should also have real time protection . Meaning , there will be a constant

scanning of your activities while on the internet and alert you to possible threats. Again, many different

programs can be had for free and some will be better at it then the paid for programs.



You will probably get advice on a large array of free programs but, it should be noted that

YOU ONLY USE ONE OF EACH WITH REAL TIME PROTECTION. This is to avoid conflict

between real time scanner, which would result in no protection at all.



This is the basis for a tiered approach. The more different the programs , the better chance you have

at staying infection free for a long time.



riko , now we would need a little bit more info. about the security programs that you now have

on your PC or in your case notebook. I think you have Vista right?

Does Windows Defender start up on boot time.

Do you use the firewall from McAfee and did you deactivate Windows firewall .Again only one of each.

I think that you mentioned that you had Norton on your notebook. Did you use the Uninstall Tool from

Norton after you went to the add/delete or in Vista the Programs and features to uninstall Norton?

If not you will have to . It doesn't take long and will take away the residual files left by Norton.

Download here {size:4}Norton Removal Tool 2008.0.3.16{size} .

or go to

Removal Tool .



OK, riko answer these questions (ha, my turn to ask questions) and post back and we will comtinue

from there.





FLASHORN.

[riko]

great thanks!

[riko]

good stuff mate. i ran the norton removal at your suggestion, so cleaned that puppy out.

i also did the same w/ mcafee, and installed avg free 8.0

windows defender is also active now, but wasn't w/ mcafee.

i'll now install avg with the old xp machine in my daughters' room.

busy day!

cheers,

Riko

[Flashorn]

HEY RIKO!!



OK, you did not answer my questions as far as the FIREWALL is concerned.

The one in Vista is adequate at best but the one from McAfee is the better one.

In XP do not use the FIREWALL. You would have to use a third party firewall

to better protect the XP machine..



Did you uninstall McAfee with their Removal Tool or did you just use the Add/remove

program in XP and Vista. Here is the link to the McAfee Removal Tool .

McAfee Removal Tool {font:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif}http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/custsupportpatches/MCPR.exe {font}

or here

McAfee Removal Tool .



riko, make absolutely sure that you do not go on the internet WITH OUGHT a firewall.



A good firewall to start with would be Zone Alarm Free. You can download from here at PCW



ZoneAlarm Free .



PLZ. Don't go too fast , one step at a time. Do not put your security at risk.



FLASHORN.

[riko]

Hi Flashorn,

Yes, I have vista firewall.

I switched out avg to avast...is there a avg removal tool i should use as well that you know of? thanks mate!

Riko

[lilxkid24]

One of the best antivirus thats not a resource hog and very very very accurate for scanning is Avast. Its the best antivirus i ever used to due the fact that it updates several times a day, it detects almost everything, it doesn't boggle or slow down your system at all and best of all its free. It would be a very good idea to get rid of Mcafee

as for avg theres no need for a removal tool just remove it on add/remove

[riko]

Thanks, good to to have the affirmation. Love that revolving ball on the task bar.

Cheers,
Riko

[Flashorn]

Hey riko!!



Ok, there is one last step to do if you haven't done it already.

This is to verify that there are no more folders in the Program Files

for AVG. here are the steps to take to verify :



To access : Go to , Start , Computer , Double Click on the C;Drive ,

From the generated page , Double Click on "Program Files"

In the next window, all of your programs should be in

Alphabetical Order. Verify that there is no AVG Files.

IF there is , left click to highlight the folder and then right click and choose "Delete"



Ok, riko if you have done this then you are good to go.



FLASHORN.

[riko]

That did the trick, thanks Flashorn, you're the best!

[Flashorn]

Hey riko!!



You are Very Welcomed!



I'm just glad I was of service.



If you have any other issues, there are allot of very

PC savvy members on this board. Don't be afraid to ask.





FLASHORN !http://forums.pcworld.com/legacyimages/
1!