Norton Antivirus is a trojan!!! If you have a router this should be enough of a firewall. No trader should have any antivirus software open on their computer. If you need to run antivirus software run it manually everytime you are done using the computer. This is how I keep my computers virus free. I have 2 computers. One is dedicated to trading. I NEVER connect to the web on this computer. The second computer is for web browsing etc. Both computers are connected via a DLINK router($40). This brand was recommended by by clearing firm because they said linksys routers disconnect often. The DLINK router has never gone down. Use Firefox instead of IE for web browsing. On the computer that is used for web searchs I use a free version of AVG virus software to manually search my computer. AGAIN I HAVE TO SAY THIS AGAIN YOU SHOULD NEVER EVER HAVE ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE RUNNING ON YOUR TRADING COMPUTER!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the advice. I am currently running IE, because Firefox seems so unstable on this machine at the moment when using Java. I use AVG free edition, too. I only run it manually, but have it running in the background (not scanning). I would normally use Kerio firewall, but after reading this, I am just sticking with my router firewall, as it claims to shield my network from any attacks. My trading machine needs to be hooked up to the net for charting and executing online trades, unless I need to call in my trade. I only ever browse a handful of known websites. What is your opinion on this set-up, from what you have read?
If you are the only one using the computer and only visiting trusted site, I don't think you need to use av or firewall. But if there are other people using it or you visiting all kind of sites, then you need them. I have Nod32 AV, MS Antispyware, and firefox, no problem. They caught and prevent anything install from the web. I no longer use IE, because I am able to customize firefox the way I like it to work, and it's working well. I also have the same configuration set up for my gf's bro's computer, but he use IE, and visit all sort of sites, probably lot of them are porn site. And his computer got took down and windows can not start, not even in safe mode. have to reformat it.
I have never been happier than when I got rid of Norton 3 years ago. Man what an octopus pos. It gets in everywhere and solves nothing
and screw every possible thing on PC. norton-total crap, no matter what product you choose. security is also probably depend on your ISP provider, where you live and stuff like that. since i switch to verizon fios-nothing in my router log. with comcast-every day bunch of bastards snooping around. i think-decent router with firewall in it (they very very cheap,sometimes free)and very limited access to web(only sites you trust) and you will be save. personally-i'm using separate line and computer for web browsing.
Not sure why you're having trouble with Firefox but I'd not touch IE with a 10 foot pole. I haven't used it (IE) for a couple years given the buggy nature of Microsoft products.
if you think that firefox better than IE-think again. not much of difference http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=firefox+security+holes
Maria what is SIF? I looked it up on google, and nothing. I use a Lynksys Blue Box BEFSR41 with NAT. I seems to work well. Thanks in advance. Dan
But hackers go after IE a lot more since there are more users of it. Firefox continues to gain market share. And Opera is another option that I use occasionally. IE is by far the worst IMO. http://browsehappy.com/why/