My mom just bought a new computer. She wants to know which antivirus/protection/anti crap stuff would be better for her to buy to protect the computer..If it matters she's got the Windows Vista..Not sure of anything else..

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Doesn't need a software firewall as vista has a decent one...

Hopefully she has Broadband and either her dsl or cable modem does NAT. Make sure it's on.

If she has dialup...probably don't need any type of FW other than Vista's.



As for Anti-Virus...I get mine (sophos) free as a campus employee...

If I had to buy one, I would ABSOLUTELY stay away from Norton and McAfee.

I paid for and used this one for a few years and was pretty happy...

http://www.kaspersky.com/

I almost got this one, and would recommend it as (at the time) seemed like a very stable, friendly (not a resource hog like most) AV.

http://www.eset.com/ (nod32)


Hope this helps.

I'll tell her..Yeah, she's got dial up..is going to look into DSL..

What is NAT?

what is bad about norton and mcafee?

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NAT is "network address translation" and basically what happens is that your modem (the blinking lighted box behind your computer) assigns internal, private IP's to all the computers behind itself...

The IP that is assigned from your ISP is public, but hackers can't directly attack your computer's IP because it isn't broadcast to the world like the assigned one is...

Although not TOTALLY hack proof...it will significantly reduce your risk.

If she gets DSL it should probably be enabled by default on the router/modem.



McAfee and Norton are HIGHLY commercialized US products that are EXTREMELY bloated to do MUCH more than just protect your from virus. More than is necessary IMHO.

They will EAT RAM and constantly nag you to purchase add-ons and updates...which really annoys me.

They are almost IMPOSSIBLE to uninstall without scrubbing your registry. And usually conflict with other AV software if you try to switch. Very instrusive, wicked programs.

You pay much more for crap you don't need....(ie. Norton's 360 "all in one").

Anyone who uses these two products should IMMEDIATELY repent and ask for forgiveness before you are doomed to computer hell.

All you need is a simple AV and XP/Vista firewall. Trust me.

she's already installed the free trial of Mcafee...How do I help her go about uninstalling? It may have to wait till I see her again on the 3rd of July...