Tag: AVG

Is there a Difference between AntiMalware and Antivirus?

Paul

Photo By TheDigitalArtist

Is there a Difference?

In any system, we’ve all asked that question once or twice. Even I’ve asked that question at least once and I am sure it is a really slippery slope when it comes to defining if there is or isn’t a difference. We can analyze each one in parts but still come back with a question because each has its benefits in today’s economic atmosphere.    According to Wendy Zamora:

A virus is a piece of code that is capable of copying itself in order to do damage to your computer, including corrupting your system or destroying data.

So we can see a virus is specially designed code to copy itself and to do some really nasty things in your system but is that all it does?  Let’s dig a little deeper on this topic.

AntiMalware Vs AntiVirus?

When you hear Antimalware?  Does it bring anything to your mind or give you any ideas of what it is that they are doing or is it just a word you’ve heard?  According to Panda Security:

Antimalware and antivirus are not the same. They complement one another to act as the highest level of defense against malicious software, along with healthy online habits.

As you can see both of them aren’t the same and yet they do a lot to help each other out because they make what most people would call a layered security.   They help prevent some of the low profile infections that we seldom hear.    These programs create what I call a layered security.  Each one works to prevent all sorts of infections in a computer system and also helps keep your data safe from ransomware.

What should I do?

This is a common question when it comes to how to protect your system from all these different threats.   I personally use AVG Internet Security for my Home system and Malwarebytes also to help protect my system.   I really like AVG because it was simple to use and they have a great free version of it to download and use.  Another good one that I like to use is Superantispyware as a way to check my system from time to time and make sure it doesn’t see anything that those other two might miss.  Even if you only use one of each, you are far better off than just waiting for that infection to happen or that data loss to happen.   It can be quite troublesome if you don’t protect yourself and your data and keep the antivirus and antimalware up to date.

Do you have a favorite Antivirus or Antimalware?  Why not leave a comment and tell me why you like your choices?  I’d love to hear what you think of AVG, Malwarebytes or even SuperAntiSpyware?

How computer viruses use word of mouth to infect systems!

Paul

Social Networks Hype Cycle (Photo credit: fredcavazza)

Social Network is Culprit!

I remember some very interesting Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites used in the past to get people to click on an infected link.  This is one of the oldest techniques.   The virus post something on your twitter account or your Facebook account about something really interesting.   Even if you trust your friend, sometimes the friend or twitter account that you know aren’t really in control of what they post.   This is the first line of trust that the virus makers use to spread their viruses until other computers and systems.   You should never click any link unless you know where it is going.  Although this is becoming less and less troublesome, I am sure it isn’t going away but just biding it’s time to come out and strike another day.

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Five Essential Packages for Ubuntu/Kubuntu!

Paul

Why do I need these packages?

There is no right or wrong answer but when I say it is needed, it is because us as a community should be ready. I know I already talked about people getting a Virus on Linux, and that some people think you can’t get a Virus. In all aspects, the Linux community is in a holding when it comes to security and viruses. I will not discuss this enough but for today we will discuss what packages you should have already installed when you first start using Linux. Even the Ubuntu developers have talked about viruses on their main website, so it isn’t something that I am not a little worried about when people start to use Linux.

The Packages I have installed!

While there is no right or wrong package for your Linux system, I thought I would at least recommend the ones that I did install not just for security but also for convenience. It will be your decision on which ones you will be install and which ones you think you’ll need. This list is for those who are serious about security and want to avoid any chances of being compromised.

  • VLC Media Player — Although this has nothing to do with security it is something that will prevent those nasty attempts, claiming your don’t have the right Codex to play this streaming Video. At least, if you have this installed you are one step closer to and knowing that this is a fake because I have found to be very affective having all the codex I will ever need.
  • AVG Antivirus — I have personally installed means I am a little more safer but not out of the woods just yet. Although, I am much safer having installed there is a long way to go before there is a good enough Antivirus program for linux and that I hope that changes in the future.
  • Firewall — Although this is your choice, I picked arno-iptables-firewall, which seems to be what I need right now. It however is something of a personal choice and probably even an OS choice.
  • Password Manager — Yes you heard it right, if you have a good Password manager then you are less likely to give out your password to sites that look like the real thing, which is called phishing attacks. With a good Password manager, you can go to right the right site with a click of the manager. I personally recommend Lastpass, but it is all up to your which one you want to use. I really don’t know if there are more linux based password manager but I am sure you can find them.
  • VPN — Although this isn’t really a package per say, but one that talked about in the past. How to get a VPN on Ubuntu/Kubuntu. I am sure there are others out on the internet. I just don’t want to make it to complicated for beginners, so I did make my own tutorial on getting a free VPN. You really don’t want anyone listening in while at a public hotspot do you?

Your one step closer!

As you can see these are what I call essential because of most of these will make you a little more security conscience and that in turn will make you a better Linux user. for the most part your be more ready than a lot of Linux user but that doesn’t mean your invulnerable, just more educated the rest. If you have a recommendation, I encourage you to leave a comment and let others know, but for the time being these are just what I have installed on my Kubuntu 11.04 right now and I’m really happy.

See you on the Flip Side

Paul Sylvester

AVG 8.5 Free Version Best on my system

Paul

AVG Free 8.5

Pcworld has a released there top free Antivirus software picks.     Now let’s be clear on this, I am an a average user, and have tested these products out on my own laptop plus others and here is what I find.

According to Pcworld, Avira Antivir Personal is the top pick and claims to block 98.9 percent of samples:

Such less-than-friendly default behaviors make Avira AntiVir Personal a better choice for tech-savvy users who know how to muck about in the settings. If you’re willing to put up with a somewhat clumsy interface and the recurring pop-up ads, in return you’ll enjoy top-notch, free protection against malware. It’s not a bad trade-off by any means.

[Via Pcworld : Avira Antivir Personal Antivirus]

[ad]Now with Pcworld saying it isn’t a bad trade-off to have the Pop-ups and the default behaviors of this program, it doesn’t make me want to use this program since I am a gamer and the pop-ups would interfere with playing online games, not to mention if your not that tech savy person you’d have a lot of head scratching to  figure out this program.

Then we go to the Second pick and Avast Antivirus Home in this pick Pcworld claims to blocking 98.2 percent of samples tried with this program:

Avast Antivirus will do a decent job protecting a PC from malware, but if you’re willing to put up with a less-than-perfect interface (and some ads), you’re better off going with Avira’s top-notch blocking.

[Via Pcworld : Avast Antivirus Home Edition]

Now unless you want to be scratching your head on this product you have to go through the Tutorial that pop-ups after installation to walk you through how to use this product.   Then there are some more ads that popup during the day that reminds you that this is a free program and suggesting you pay for it.   Also you will have to register with Avast  to get a personal free license to be able to keep this program running on your system.  The interface of this Antivirus makes you think you will be playing music, which can cause some confusion when it comes to understanding this product.

Third place was AVG 8.5 Free edition according to PcWorld.   With there being no pop-ups reminding me this is a free product.   Also the easy to understand interface also makes this very user friendly.   I also like the Linkscanner and blocked 95.8 percent of the samples meaning it is still rather good to use for the daily user who wants a less intrusive  pop-ups or ads.   AVG has not yet done a pop up with me but it is far less annoying than the others because of the interface and the ads that are shown in the main program.

Now if you want to add even more security to your system and keep it cheap as possible I would suggest Downloading and using  SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes.  These with AVG 8.5 Free edition to better protect your system and these don’t interfere with AVG and actually helps boosts the removal of virus, Trojans, and Malware.

Download Malwarebytes Download Malwarebytes

Download SUPERAntiSpyware Download SUPERAntiSpyware

If your current antimalware software let an infection through, you may want to consider purchasing the PRO version of SUPERAntiSpyware or Malwarebytes License to protect your computer in the future. SUPERAntiSpyware Professional or Malwarebytes License features highly advanced Real-Time Protection to ensure protection from installation or re-installation of potential threats as you surf the Internet (Both are trusted Vendors by CCSS Forums).

Buy Lifetime Subscription SUPERAntiSpyware For $30, save $8.90 if you order now. This is a special offer from this website.

SUPERAntiSpyware My Review

Paul

Ok I have been using SUPERAntiSpyware for quite some time, I used the free version for about a year now.  Ever since I found a link on Computer America website.   Now let’s face it, in Anti-Virus software there are many different ones.   I talked about [intlink id=”3851″ type=”post”]Malwarebytes[/intlink] a few days ago now I want to talk about why you Should Buy SUPERAntiSpyware Pro.

Now let’s be fair about this, I was given a free lifetime version of the Pro version from Mike Duncan the Director of Business Development.  So I might be a little Biased but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t suggest to anyone who isn’t looking for a cheap alternative to buy a Anti-virus Software.

So with that said now we can talk about it a little more.  The Free Version is great don’t get me wrong but there are some key differences from the Free to the Pro Version.  Some of the things that I think are the most crucial points  for buying SUPERAntivirus Pro are:

  • System Diagnostics — Lets face it there are more and more virus, Trojans, and Malware being created each day and being used.  This is a great way to explore your system in even more details and find those really hidden viruses.

  • Auto Scanning — Very Important instead of just scanning when you think you have a virus.  You can schedule on a weekly or nightly basis when to do the scan and make sure your system keeps clean from infection.

  • Automatic Updates — With the free Version you can only update manually but with the Pro version, you can have it check for updates  every 8 hours.  After all there are viruses being discovered every hour in one part of the world!!

  • Registry Blocking and Real Time Protection — These two Go hand in  hand.  I have seen viruses come in many shapes and forms that will install without your knowledge these to help prevent this.   Although other Anti-Virus software does this to they cost more and have to pay on a yearly basis.

  • Supported Languages —  Danish, English, Spanish, Estonian, German, Hungarian,  Italian, Macedonian,  Norwegian, Polish,  Portuguese,  and Swedish.

My review :

[rating:5/5]

Ease of Use

No Technical experience needed to use this software

No Long term Commitment by buying a lifetime subscription.

Here are what some peoples are saying about SuperAntispyware:

I think SuperAntiSpyware is a excellent program better then other AntiSpyware programs out there, gets rid of the nasties that other programs can’t get rid of, so having a Pro version would add a nice addition to my tool kit. [Scott]

For the most part, I subscribe to the MajorGeeks.com methodology of malware removal for my Windows-using clients (including my wife). This is one very awesome program. I recommend it to all using Windows, even those who aren’t in immediate need.   [Technoslick]

A LIFETIME license of SUPERAntiSpyware Professional would be an invaluable asset for any serious PC technician’s toolkit!  [C6Gunner]

[They seem to think this is a great tool and I do too]

Download the 15 day trial

As you can see by looking at those pictures you can have SUPERAntiSpyware work side by side other free Antivirus.   I suggest if you have the free versions of Antivirus to invest in the SuperAntiSpyware Pro.   It is a Cheaper Alternative then to buying one one those Major Brands and yet It helps protect your system from those nasty viruses, Spyware, or Trojans.   With SuperAntiSpyware Pro, You get real time protection and the ability to automatically update your definitions and program and Real-Time Blocking.  If your like me and have AVG or Some other Free Antivirus software.   As you know some Antivirus Software doesn’t pick up a virus but others do.   This will add another layer of protect and help protect your System.  All in all, SUPERAntiSpyware Pro is the cheapest Alternative to buying one from the Major Brands.  If you buy it right now, you can get a Lifetime Membership for a limited time  and pay only $39.90.  You would never have to pay for another yearly subscription.

SUPERAntiSpyware also has a great tool you can download to submit a file you have a question about.   If it is a virus or Trojan,  it will help them identify and send out an update to get rid of that Virus.  You can help them find and eliminate even more Malware by using this Submit tool.