A few days ago I started the PC and the Avast Free AntiVirus 5.0 indicated a program version update was available. So I let it update and it prompted a restart. A few minutes after restart, Comodo also prompted an update, which I let happen. It prompted a restart which I opted to delay. Later I noticed the Comodo icon in the system tray was absent so I started it manually.
Next day, I started the PC which started fine and used it a while, before shutting down to go out. On my return I powered up, and the PC went as far as the Desktop pic and icons and in the system tray just a few minor icons, not Avast or Comodo. I could do nothing with it. After several restarts it did continue after an exceedingly long delay to start Avast and Comodo, and it was useable again. Later I restarted to see if it would go. Same thing.
By now I was suspecting Comodo or Avast, as both of these had updated. On uninstalling Comodo, that process involving a timely restart. I switched the Windows Firewall back on.
I like Avast, especially this new one so don’t really want to use another.
So
a) Does anyone know of any conflicts between latest updates of these two programs,
b) Opine whether the Windows firewall is adequate with a Type 1 o2 router (no idea how to configure it anyway),
a) I had recent comodo and avast updates - no problems (but then I use comodo FW version 5.3)
b) The wisdom on this forum seems to be that it’s OK against inbound, but if you’ve already got malware it does nothing to stop it phoning home and inviting all its nasty friends round to your PC
c) A lot of people on this forum seem to use outpost or online armor. I have used neither, so can’t comment.
Your problem sounds similar to mine with Online Armor. Try adding the Comodo folder to Avast!'s File Shield and Behavior Shield exclusions, and add the Avast! folder to Comodo’s Defense+ exclusions (assuming you are using Defense+).
I would also ditch Spybot, as most members of this forum believe it is outdated and not as good as it used to be.
I’m not sure which version I had (now it’s gone). I know I have 4.1 written at the footer but that may be because I didn’t update the footer : I always let Comodo update when it prompted but I’m not sure if that will have resulted in 5.3.
I had heard that Outpost was good - thanks.
Thank you I will try that if I reinstall Comodo if I have the problem still. Spybot only ever finds tracking cookies, which I’m not sure matter much and Malwarebytes never finds anything. I used to use SUPERantispyware which found more (mainly cookies AFAIR) but it started crashing or freezing the computer. Now the subscription has expired I no longer use it.
I used Comodo after ZoneAlarms conflicted with a Windows update some years back. ZoneAlarms fixed the problem quickly I believe. Comodo was rather intrusive, which made it something of a nuisance. Outpost seems to take a back seat (or maybe it does things in the background out of the user’s control. I’m not sure which I prefer ??? So I’ll bear your suggestion in mind if I feel or get to know that Outpost is too laid back! :-\
Outpost certainly isn’t laid back, it depends on the mode you choose (and also the version you have). The greatest majority of people don’t want to be constantly bugged with decisions and that was why zone alarm was so popular years back, but now I feel it isn’t as good as many other firewalls.
I have been using Outpost in various versions from the free 1.0 version (many, many years ago) right up to the latest version of Outpost Firewall Pro 7.1 (bought a lifetime license years ago).
So for almost 7 years I have been using avast and all that time (and before avast) I have been using Outpost Firewall without any major issues and crucially no failures to protect.
I haven’t read the other post. What you could try to do is to add the avast folder in exclusions (CIS → d+ → d+ settings → Execution Control settings → Exclusion → add)
Tell me if this helps; other I have another solution.
I use Outpost 6.5.1 free. When you mention mode, do you mean so that it Auto creates rules? Or some other setting. Good to know you rate it so highly. Is there a version 7 free?
Well the free version is limited in its settings levels, but the Rules Wizard is the median level and the one which includes auto rules creation.
Since the introduction of Outpost 7, there is no free stand alone firewall version, but there is a free suite, which could conflict with avast. But if you have avast installed first before installing Outpost 7.1 free Suite it detects avast and asks for confirmation you installed it. When you confirm you have installed avast it will drop the anti-virus/spyware module so it shouldn’t conflict.
If you chose that you should ideally do a clean install of the outpost suite (uninstall existing free outpost, reboot, install outpost free suite) so it doesn’t pick-up and old settings/configuration/
I always let Comodo update when it prompted but I’m not sure if that will have resulted in 5.3.