Browser Security

[BertiWooster]

My Firewall tells me it does not include internet browsing security .

I'm running AVG - Anti Virus , which includes -
Anti Virus
Anti Spyware
Email scanner
Link Scanner
Resident Shield
Update Manager

Does the above AVG components, takes care of the Internet Browing Security issue ?

Is Firefox a better / more secure browser than IE ?

TIA

[b00bs]

wow what a load of Security you have there.
i`ve no idea about Avg components
sure someone will help.

[ChuckFickens]

Are you the sort of person that spends most their time browsing dodgy Russian warez or porn sites? or often tries to download "fully working" versions of software?

I don't think you are, so what you have is enough.

Take care of your browsing security with your brain, if it looks dodgy (or too good to be true) then don't click on it!

If you make a mistake and click on the wrong thing then what you have already should deal with it as long as you keep it updated and let it run a full scan at least once a week.

[ChuckFickens]

and yes, firefox is a better browser.

[BertiWooster]

Not being an expert on these matters, I simply asked the question because I kept getting the warning flashing up on screen from the aforementioned software .

I thought ( wrongly ,as it would appear ) that malicious programs could track your internet browsing activity , whatever site you visited .

Thanks - i'll try not to post ' too many questions like this in future '

[Mobius1]

What firewall are you using, out of interest? AVG AntiVirus is a good package generally, but it does not include a firewall.

If you're running WindowsXP or Vista, the built-in firewall should be sufficient providing, as Chuck said, you're fairly cautious. Make sure that it's enabled though, because if it's not it won't do you any good whatsoever.

When you say your firewall is telling you that you don't have browsing security, I assume you're actually talking about AVG's pop-up that occurs when it updates (using free version). This is just what's called a "Nag Screen" whereby they're trying to get you to upgrade to a paid version to feel safer. If that's the case, ignore it and just continue as usual, there's little more that it will offer you (save for not nagging you anymore).

[BertiWooster]

I'm using Windows XP and the free versions of AVG and Zone Alarm .

I have turned off Windows firewall , because i have been told that it conflicts with Zone Alarm firewall .

- Which is better - Windows Firewall or the free version of Zone alarm firewall ?

- I'm considering online banking - does the free versions of AVG and Zone alarm offer adequate protection ?

Some people I speak to say that thay wouldn't recomend using the free versions of anti virus and Firewalls , as the paid for versions offer better protection , even on sites which are 'safe'
Others say the free versions are adequate

[ChuckFickens]

Bertie,

I apologise if my last answer put you off asking more questions. it was not meant that way, ask away. I'll always try to help anyone if I can.

First, yes, only ever run one firewall on your computer (a firewall on your router as well is fine)

the free version of zone alarm is a very good firewall it's bigest problem is that some find it a little obtrusive, but this is actually good in some ways.

as a normal user then learn to read any alerts that zone alarm puts up and think about them, if it's a program you recognise then click "always do this" and allow it, if not deny it, if it keeps coming up then google the program (or ask on here) and find out if it's safe.

If your really worried about security for internet banking then make a linux live CD (or USB stick), this will allow you to boot your computer into a totally different operating system that has no connection to anything you've previously done/installed on your computer

[BertiWooster]

Thank you Chuck / Mobius1