Just when I was about to download avast, I learn that my high speed internet provider, Cox Communications, offers a FREE security package which includes virus protection, spam blockers, pop up stoppers, and spyware catchers. I believe Comcast in Atlanta offers something similar.
Has anyone heard of such a thing? I can’t find any reviews on the internet about it.
Please advise me. What do you know about it? Should I ignore it and go on with avast?
stwils
I’m not a Cox customer so I don’t know what security suite they offer. Trust is something you have to have firstly in your ISP and a belief that they wouldn’t offer untrustworthy software. Then you have to do your homework (google search, etc.) on the offered software.
The first point of note is that you shouldn’t install two resident on-access virus scanners.
For some users who aren’t very computer literate these free ISP security packages are better than nothing. However without knowledge of what the package is, e.g. who makes it, what software is it based on and then you can make some comparisons and decide which way to go.
I and many other tend to stay away from security suites ‘Jack of all trades, Master of none’ and choose the best individual solution for each area, Virus, Spyware, Adware, Trojans, firewall etc. That way my eggs are in more than one basket.
I called Cox and asked about their package. It is called “Authentium.” I never heard of it. Have you?
stwils
Google, can u tell me about authentium?
Yes I can. Here you go.
My isp offers a security package , based on authentium. I dont like it, cant really configure much. Prefer avast.
It also doesnt like Lavasoft ad-aware se and tells u to uninstall it before using it.
My ISP offers f secure internet suite with its 3meg service. F secure is trustworthy but as davidR said I tend to stay away from the suites also.
Hi stwils :
"Security Suites" are mostly a marketing ploy geared to
the "uninformed"; I visited the "authentium" site and
saw they used "Aluria" ( the antiSPYWARE Experts avoid
this company ) & "Pest Patrol", which has a "history" of
false-positives".
ISPs should be used mainly to connect to the internet &
possibly for email, nothing else.
For a "list" of good & FREE security-oriented programs,
visit the site of Alliance of Security Analysis Professionals
"Senior" member Mitch at :
http://members.accessbee.com/mitch/NewbieOldieUpdated.html
There are newcomers, as “COMODO”, not to FAST connections, but anyways.
Bloated packages, even advertised here, but read what IBK told in this link:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=130055&page=3
Takes some time to build a good firewall or an antivirus program.
Keep yourself away from comodo i hope.