Zonealarm. + norton and nod32 questions

Deckard · 19 Jan 2006 at 19:51

I've been using a netgear dg834g for about 7 months now, and I'm very happy with it. But, a few months before that, I got zonealarm pro when I renewed my dsl connection with pipex after moving house. I'd been using the free version for years before that with no problems. The 1 year sub is just about to run out on ZA in about a months time. Now that I'm using a hardware firewall too, is it worth renewing my subs on zonealarm ?

I think I'm about to answer my own question, but here goes. The only parts of the product I'm using, are program control, to keep an eye on what's trying to get out. E-mail protection, and IM security. The rest of it is turned off, because I've either no use for it, or it just gets in the way... I could probably do away with IM security, because it's not that often I use any instant message proggys. And the e-mail protection is probably pretty redundant too because I also use norton AV (I'll come back to that in a moment).

I've got an idea I'm not going to notice the difference if I forget about renewing it, and just carrying on using the free version. But then, the renewal is only 15 quid... :confused:

Thoughts on that anyone ? please...

Now back to norton. That's just about to run out too. I keep reading that it's a system hog. But, I've never really noticed any problem with it. And have been using it since I first got an internet connection in 1996. I've been thinking about giving nod32 a try, but meh, is it more hassle than it's worth swapping over ? All I'd have to do with NAV, is buy the upgrade for 25 smackaroos, and it's job done.

I could probably make these decisions myself, but I guess I'm just too tired this evening :cool:

Thanks for reading this far. And cheers for any input..

toy_soldier · 19 Jan 2006 at 22:18

If I were you I would get NOD32 as I find it a lot less intrusive than Norton. Not sure on the firewall maybe use Zone alarm free, or even windows firewall if your on xp.

SiriusB · 19 Jan 2006 at 22:28

For the details of NOD32 - http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17525238

Also, NOD32 is only around 50 quid for 3 YEARS. So not only is it superior to Norton AV - it's cheaper too.

As for your firewall. Well, I don't use a software firewall at all. A combination of Anti-Virus, Hardware firewall and common sense keeps me nice and safe.

If you feel you NEED to have a software firewall then go for a free version. Why bother paying money when you don't use most of its features?

SiriusB

Deckard · 20 Jan 2006 at 18:25

That thread made my mind up. Thanks. NOD32, and zonealarm free for me.

Dennisthemenace · 22 Jan 2006 at 18:34

Nod32 also contains dubious software that collects personal information about you and your system. In installing the program you will have to agree to them giving that personal information to whoever they like.

Ratbag · 22 Jan 2006 at 19:35

I believe you are referring to the so-called "threatsense" technology that does apparently send data back to NOD HQ but it only contains info on any virii it detects for quicker signature updates....

Deckard · 22 Jan 2006 at 19:48

Dennisthemenace said:
Nod32 also contains dubious software that collects personal information about you and your system. In installing the program you will have to agree to them giving that personal information to whoever they like.

If you don't mind me asking, how come this hasn't been mentioned anywhere else ?

Dennisthemenace · 22 Jan 2006 at 21:31

Deckard said:
If you don't mind me asking, how come this hasn't been mentioned anywhere else ?

Because no one ever reads the licence they have to accept before the install.

This is the section from it, a simple copy and paste job.

(b) The Licensed Program contains a reporting feature which has been designed to collect samples of newly detected viruses or other threats and send them to Licensor with information about the computer and/or platforms on which the Licensed Program is installed. Such information may include personal information about You and/or the user of the computer and/or platform on which the Licensed Program is installed, information about such computer and/or platform, and the files or other information that were affected by the threat. Licensor will only use this information and data to study the threat and will take reasonable steps to preserve the confidentiality of such information. In accepting this agreement, You are acknowledging that by enabling this reporting feature, You are agreeing to allow the computer and/or platform on which the Licensed Program is installed to send this information to Licensor, to allow Licensor to collect such information and to share this information with trusted third parties.

There can be no reason why personal information on the user or you is needed in virus research, and no reason why the personal information should be passed on to a third party.

In short, they can take what they want off your hard drive, and give it to who they want.

SiriusB · 23 Jan 2006 at 16:28

The only information they take is the virus data and info about the computer and platform you are currently running. This kind of stuff is relevant as just sending the virus by itself is meaningless.

Since viruses and other malware can infect files on your machine they may have to be sent along with the virus, that is unavoidable. Just because they send this stuff to "third parties" doesn't mean the whole world is gonna know about you and your porn collection.

Would the thought those third parties are in fact working on viruses and finding out how they work in order to stop them suprise you?

This is a silly argument anyway since NOD32 ASKS you before sending data back to HQ. If you say "NO", guess what, NOD32 doesn't get any data.

SiriusB