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Douglas Schweitzer

The Security Sector

Shoestring security for those on a budget

5 comments

TAGS:antivirus, Avast, AVG, Avira, budget, Comodo, free, shoestring
IT TOPICS:Desktop Applications, Security

Two weeks ago I wrote a blog about a friend’s computer that was running bare because she didn’t want to spend the money for steep renewal fees. While the economy is improving, it will be some time before it's back in full swing again. Many people are holding on to their computers longer and are using them to help their job searches, too. If you’re in a situation where you can't or don't want to spend the money to renew your security software there are free alternatives - but there is a minor catch.

Companies like AVG, Avast and Avira to name a few, offer free antivirus software for personal or non-commercial use only. Recently, I also discovered another free security product by Comodo that offers a firewall and antivirus all wrapped up into one neat package. Having used this product myself and after installing it on family and friends’ machines, I have to say that I’ve encountered no problems whatsoever and there have been no infections on any of those machines. Combining the firewall and AV solution makes it easy for the average user to lock down his/her home PC and at a price anyone can afford, to boot.

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CIS is Great Software

Submitted by LaserWraith on September 22, 2009 - 7:11 A.M.

I have been using CIS on a Vista and XP computer with no problems.

CIS is great for both newbies and advanced users...especially advanced users. When configured to give more alerts, it makes you feel totally "in control".

Never got an infection with it.

(Note: The AV may be not as good as others, but the firewall and HIPS is wonderful! AVs are old technology anyway and you shouldn't rely on them.)

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Before you install 3rd party security software ...

Submitted by Anonymous on September 21, 2009 - 9:00 A.M.

Harden Windows:

1. the Windows firewall is fine. Just leave it on.
2. create limited user accounts on XP and standard user accounts on Vista and use these accounts for day-to-day use. Use the Administrator account for software installs/ uninstalls/updates, OS updates, etc.
3. turn on data execution prevention (DEP) for ALL programs, not just Windows programs (the default). Create exceptions to DEP only when necessary for 3rd party programs to run.
4. configure software restriction policy (SRP) for application whitelisting. Configure programs to run only if they are in folders C:\Program Files and C:\Windows. Use gpedit.msc for XP Pro, Vista Business and Vista Ultimate. Use Parental Controls for Vista Home. XP Home is not configured for SRP, so download, install and configure TrustNoExe (it's free).

Combined, least privilege and SRP provide the ability to "write where you cannot execute and execute where you cannot write", since limted and standard users cannot write to folders C:\Program Files and C:\Windows.

If you must run XP as an Administrator because of 3rd party software or printer driver issues, download, install and configure DropMyRights from Microsoft (it's free). Run your internet-facings apps like your web browser, IM, email client, media streamers, etc. with reduced privileges.

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comodo?? tried to un-install it GOOD LUCK WITH THAT !!!!

Submitted by Anonymous on September 21, 2009 - 7:41 A.M.

Had this 'carp' last year on a client vista machine. Too many issues with the firewall itself. And man- this stuff wedged itself into the tcp/ip stack and network driver!!!

It NEVER fully deinstalled cleanly on its own. Comodo issued a separate removal tools for it. WHY???

Even after corrupting the tcp stack and hacking (removing) no less than 12 reg. entries to FINALLY be free of it.

I would not and do not recommend anything comodo to anyone!!

too many issues and others validated same with similiar issues on comodos forums. there support=ZERO, zed, nothing.

good luck,
cmc

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I've been using Comodo on

Submitted by Laszlo on September 21, 2009 - 9:29 P.M.

I've been using Comodo on Vista 32 and 64 and have never had any issues. It works extremely well and uses very little system resources.

As for support, they have an extremely active forum with very helpful people.

I whole heartedly recommend this application to anyone looking for an inexpensive (free) way to protect their system.

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Never used it on Vista

Submitted by Doug Schweitzer on September 21, 2009 - 8:14 A.M.

Hmmmm....well I never used it on a Vista machine. They have made some improvements of late so maybe a more recent version would be better. I don't know....but all I can say is that it's worked flawless for me on XP.

Thank you for your input, we welcome all comments !

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