Norton Internet Security / Norton AntiVirus

[Compumind]

Hi all -

I am running Windows XP (SP3) and IE 6 with NIS 2009.

Personally, I dislike the implementation of IE 7 on XP. It is cumbersome and slow, IMHO.

However, I have encountered some websites that take control over IE 6 and question how many people out there are having problems with the quality of security that NIS 2009 can provide.

For example:

1) Why do I still get pop-ups on many sites?

2) Why do some sites take control of IE 6 and bring up multiple other windows, trying to initiate an "attack" by degrading system resources?

3) How can I make my system even more protected, with NIS 2009 program "options," yet still functional?

NIS 2009 does a very good job, but it is not perfect. Then again, IE 6 isn't perfect, either.

Any ideas?

Message Edited by Compumind on 02-28-2009 11:01 PM

[Rohit1gupta]

IE 6.0 is an old brower and was 1 with the longes run.

Due to increase in trojan makers, ppl have found many ways to exploit the vulnerabilities in IE 6 and no matter which internet security u use, it can't be protected against browser's vulnerability.

NIS only protect u from phising sites and fraud, nt rectify browser's vulnerability.

It is advised to keep ur windows updated regularly, and also if ie 7 runs slower on ur comp, i suggest using chrome or firefox as of now.

IE 8 is in beta stage and will be out soon. I have tested its beta and is lot faster than 7 ver.

So, wait for IE 8 till then try chrome, its best i have seen so far but don't support NIs.

Firefox will be gud option as it supports NIS. 

[mo]

Hi Compumind

I can not believe I'm saying this but have you tried Firefox?Like you I found IE7 was slow.It took a bit of convincing but I finally jumped ship.I don't understand a lot about the browser differences but liked that the pages loaded faster on FF ,I have a slow connection speed so any thing was a good improvement.

1)To my thinking IE7 would have addressed a few security issues that IE6 had.

2)THAT'S a worry,maybe someone else can give you better advice on that other than it might be time to change/try a new browser.

3) I will leave that for someone who has more experience.

Hope this helps.

[SendOfJive Norton Fighter]

---

1) Why do I still get pop-ups on many sites?

2) Why do some sites take control of IE 6 and bring up multiple other windows, trying to initiate an "attack" by degrading system resources?

---

Answer: Because they can.  Internet Explorer 6 is not the browser to be using if you are concerned about security.  It can be locked down, but only at the expense of losing its usability (set the level for the Internet Zone to High).  It really isn't a question of the quality of security that NIS 2009 can provide.  Its a matter of your overall approach to keeping your system secure.  What you do is far more important in protecting your system than anything that can be accomplished with anti-malware software.  Rather than trying to eke out more protection from your security suite, it might be better to switch to a newer browser that is less vulnerable to attack than IE6. 

[delphinium Norton Fighter]

Hi Compumind:

I use Firefox for everything except for one or two sites that specifically require IE to work.  I just did a tracking cookie scan and all 17 of the little suckers were picked up on IE7.  Not one was due to Firefox browsing.  It's faster, and customizable, and way more fun.  If you add Noscript to it, almost all advertising is blocked.

I also use Thunderbird for my Email which is also a Mozilla product.  The spam is handled much better than Email spam through NIS in Outlook express.  We have that at work and the spam has to be deleted twice. Both products are more secure.

FWIW

[Rohit1gupta]

No doubt firefox is faster and best option atm.

So try firefox 3.0.0.6 and wait till ie 8 launch.

I m sure final ie8 will be at par with firefox and will have least vulnerability., till then try firefox.

I myself keep 4 browsers in case 1 get attacked others work fine. 

[Compumind]

Hi -

Thanks for the replies.

IE 7 does not let me customize the toolbars the way I like and it is very slow.

I know about Firefox and alternatives.

What really concerns me are all the security holes in these browsers and that NIS 2009 might not be able to keep up with them!

Am I wrong here?

[delphinium Norton Fighter]

There are going to be holes in all browsers, but so far IE has been the browser of choice by the producers of malware.  As each browser becomes more widely used, they will be attacked more frequently.  For me Firefox with NoScript acts as an add blocker, anti-phishing, and anti tracking cookie.  It is extremely customizable, and faster.  There are add-ons and themes for every possible use.

 You have to be comfortable with what you are using, though, so try out a couple.  You will still need IE from time to time anyway.