About the "Free Stuff" - you are not protected !

Many people everywhere at boards and forums and groups always ask
about "free protection" available to download and use. Sure, that's
fine, because there are many genuine real programs and utilities
available for free. But you must know the difference and dangers -
using paid programs and free programs. This is the same for
antispyware as well as antivirus software programs. Reasons for those
seeking these softwares free may be being sick of shoveling out the
money after realizing inferior product purchases, short or tight
budgets, or no online purchase abilities, and the best reason - to
have back up programs if the primary gets 'hit'. Whatever the
reasons - you must know the differences in free and paid programs in
antivirus and antispyware softwares, because with free stuff you are
not protected ! (The free ones only scan and remove if able). Read...



About "free stuff"....
You need to understand what "real time protection" is. None of the
free programs offer this with the exception of the real time active
shields in the free Microsoft Windows Defender (antispyware) program.
In other words, without real time protection (which will block
viruses from
installing and most adware and spyware or at least present a warning
for blocking) your computer will get infected first. After that, the
free programs in antivirus and antispyware will allow removal after a
full scan and detection. The problem with that is corruption of files
or softwares - as well as the personal information already leaking
(being transmitted back to cyber criminals). In severe threats in
many cases your free programs will be blocked from even operating or
retrieving update definitions. Paid subscriptions activate real time
protection for antivirus and antispyware programs that have active
shields like Webroot Spysweeper or Trend Micro Antispyware. Note that
only the top sellers in antispyware actually have real time shields -
the others are just scanners basically.

EXAMPLE... of why free protection is worthless:
SEE
Security software disabler Trojan
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/security_software_disabler_Trojan.html

Go to this link for a list of tried and true freeware products you
are looking for:
http://www.bluecollarpc.net/pcsafety.html

Your best bets are AVG Free Antivirus, A-Squared Trojan Remover, and
SuperAntispyware. Those are some of the best and will remove
virtually all infections - but keeping in mind the threat of not
having real time protection by paid subscriptions. All of these are
free for personal use and have lifetime free defintions updates. Also
use Ad-Aware free antispyware version - very well known and used for
years and is getting better and better in detection. Again, the free
Microsoft Windows Defender antispyware program is the only free
protection with real time active shields you should have installed if
you are going to refuse spending money. Note it is rated as
lackluster in detections. To understand what protection you get from
antispyware programs with active shields - take a look at this
screenshot picture of the industry leader Webroot Spysweeper showing
the shields section and what is being protected:

Shields Screenshot:
http://www.bluecollarpc.org/_mgxroot/page_10748.html

Note the screenshot (picture) shows areas quality antispyware
programs protect including the free Microsoft Windows Defender !
With worms and viruses having the capability to immediately corrupt,
destroy, and delete files and directories and even the Windows
Operating System - it is pc suicide to not have up to date paid
antivirus protection protecting in real time constantly. Usually this
occurs (final decision to purchase) for delinquent users after their
first infection with a worm and nothing works suddenly on the
computer no matter how many times they slam the buttons or kick the
computer. You may want to consider an MSN.com internet subscription.
MSN customers get the full free versions of McAfee Antivirus, McAfee
Firewall, and Webroot Spysweeper - all free and the first three
months of dial up subscription at MSN.com. For broad band, choose the
free MSN software package and get all these for free. Note they are
the full versions of the programs - not just enterprise/industrial
limited softwares, or in other words you get them free as you would
buy them on the internet or store.

Lastly, for free antispyware - you definately want to visit this well
known website that is a sort of 'clearing house' for fake and bad
antispyware products:

The Spyware Warrior List of Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web
Sites
Description: Bad, False, Fake products
URL: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

There are cyber criminals that offer antispyware programs that are
actually spyware installations. That website lists all known bad
ones.

Bottom Line ? DO NOT operate your 2,000 dollar plus computer without
spending the 100 dollars a year for a Firewall, Antivirus, and
Antispyware period. These are on average about 30 to 35 each per
year. That simple. That protected. Period.



--- In pchelpfix@yahoogroups.com, "bluecollarpc" <gerald309@...>
wrote:
>
> Poverty Package - Security Defense Freewares with Real Time
> Protection Added....
> Genuine Defense Freewares with Real Time Protection Added (needed)
>
> ALL WITH REAL TIME PROTECTION NOW - FULL OR PARTIAL....
> (The star ratings are the combined prevention and detection ability
> from personal experience)
>
> Microsoft AntiSpyware is now Windows Defender 4-5*Stars (FULL)
> [working-freeware from Microsoft]
>
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
>
> SUPERAntiSpyware 4* (PARTIAL)
> [working-freeware, and premium version]
> http://www.superantispyware.com/
>
>
> Spyware Terminator [working-freeware] 4* (FULL)
> (Antispyware and antivirus. Real time protection added ! )
> http://www.spywareterminator.com/
>
> Google Pack with PCTools Spyware Doctor 4* (PARTIAL - ALSO GET
NORTON
> FREE ANTIVIRUS WEEKLY HERE)
> http://pack.google.com/intl/en/pack_installer.html?hl=en&gl=us
>
> Transaction Guard 5* (FULL)
> http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-
> US/tools/security_tools/transaction_guard
>
> Trend Micro RUBotted (free) 4-5* (FULL - DETECTION ONLY)
> http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-
US/tools/security_tools/rubotted
>
>
> a-squared Anti-Dialer [working-freeware] 5* (FULL)
> (Dial Up Modems - not broadband/dsl/cable/satellite)
> http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/antidialer/
>
> AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition [working-freeware] 5* (PARTIAL)
> http://www.grisoft.com/
>
> ThreatFire AntiVirus 4-5* (FULL)
> http://www.threatfire.com/
>
> Windows One-Care (90 Day Free Trial !) 5* (FULL)
> http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm?s_cid=sah
>
> 6* STARS ! ! ! BEST (FULL)
> Comodo Personal Firewall
> (Genuine Freeware, and rated by international tests as about
world's
> best - now includes antivirus real time)
> http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
> Firewall Protection:
> A firewall is your first line of defense in protecting private
> information. Our award-winning firewall is designed to prevent
> unauthorized hackers from obtaining your private information.
> AntiVirus Software
> Prevent, Protect and Defend your computer against attacks. Comodo's
> AntiVirus Software will scan your computer AND remove viruses on a
> schedule that works for you.
> Free Firewall Software Download by Comodo Comodo's free firewall
> protects against malware and is the best on the Internet totally
free
> for advanced users and beginners computer security.
> http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
>
> ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 4-5* (PARTIAL)
> Protect your PC with #1 Free Firewall
> http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-pc-security-free-
> firewall.htm
> ZoneAlarm Free Firewall blocks hackers from infiltrating your home
PC
> by hiding your computer from unsolicited network traffic. By
> detecting and preventing intrusions, ZoneAlarm Free Firewall keeps
> your PC free from viruses that slow down performance, and spyware
> that steals your personal information, passwords, and financial
data.
> • Essential firewall protection
> • Be invisible to others online
> • New interface makes it even easier—smaller size keeps it light
>
> Sygate Personal Firewall Free 5.6.2808 (FULL, DISCONTINUED - NO
MORE
> UPDATES - SYMANTEC OWNS IT, GET THE FREE ORIGINAL VERSION)
> Downloads: 166,860
> User Rating:
> Rated by: 518 user(s)
> Very Good (4.3/5)
> Developer: Sygate Technologies, Inc.
> License / Price: Freeware
> Size / OS: 8.8 MB / Windows All
> Last Updated: October 29th, 2004
> Freeware / FREE
> http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Firewall/Sygate-Personal-
> Firewall-Free.shtml
>
> Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
> License: Free
> Editor's Rating: Not rated
> Average User Rating: 3.5 stars (out of 625 votes) Rate it!
> Downloads: 1,144,972
> Requirements: Windows 2000/XP
> Limitations: No limitations
> Date Added: April 18, 2007
> http://www.download.com/Ashampoo-FireWall-Free/3000-10435_4-
> 10575187.html
>
> Webroot Desktop Free Firewall New Version 5.8!
> (From the makers of the Legendary and Industry
> Leader - Webroot Spysweeper)
> http://www.webroot.com/En_US/consumer-downloads.html
> Better protection than Windows firewall! Protect your identity
> and data from hackers and other unauthorized access.
>
>
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