★ Mega Thread: Firewalls, Antivirus and Other security tools ★

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Mega Thread: Firewalls, Antivirus and Other security tools

How antivirus works and what does it do?
Antivirus software is used to prevent, detect, and remove malware, including computer viruses, worms, and trojan horses. Such programs may also prevent and remove adware, spyware, and other forms of malware. A variety of strategies are typically employed. Signature-based detection involves searching for known malicious patterns in executable code. Some antivirus software can also predict what a file will do if opened/run by emulating it in a sandbox and analyzing what it does to see if it performs any malicious actions. If it does, this could mean the file is malicious. To protect your self you should always chec for updates, that means your antivirus should be up-to-date.


How firewall works and what does it do?
A firewall is a part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting authorized communications. It is a device or set of devices configured to permit, deny, encrypt, decrypt, or proxy all (in and out) computer traffic between different security domains based upon a set of rules and other criteria. Firewalls can be implemented in either hardware or software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.

What is a computer virus?
A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer. The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, adware, and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability. A true virus can only spread from one computer to another (in some form of executable code) when its host is taken to the target computer; for instance because a user sent it over a network or the Internet, or carried it on a removable medium such as CD, DVD, or USB drive. Viruses can increase their chances of spreading to other computers by infecting files on a network file system or a file system that is accessed by another computer.


Antivirus:

Avast! Home Edition:



All-inclusive and comprehensive protection FREE avast! antivirus Home Edition includes ANTI-SPYWARE protection, certified by the West Coast Labs Checkmark process, and ANTI-ROOTKIT detection based on the best-in class GMER technology.

Download:
http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Home-Edit...tag=button

Avira Antivirus:




Avira AntiVir reliably protects you against all threats from viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits, phishings, adware, spyware and bots. Best detection rates and top-class security with several updates every day.

• AntiVir stops all types of viruses
• AntiAd/Spyware eliminates ad/spyware
• AntiPhishing proactive protection against phising
• AntiRootkit against hidden rootkit threats
• AntiDrive-by prevents against downloading viruses when surfing
• EmailScanner enhanced email protection
• WebGuard protection against malicious website

Download:
http://download.cnet.com/Avira-AntiVir-P...d=11012914

AVG Antivirus:



AVG - a powerful suite of applications Grisoft to help protect your computer from all sorts of online threats: viruses, worms, trojans, spyware and adware providers, hackers and spam. In the AVG Internet Free includes modules: Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware The program is easy to use, has the ability to automatically update via the Internet and work on schedule. Compatible with Windows XP/ Windows Vista/Windows 7 and has a major anti-virus certificates: VB100%, ICSA, West Coast Labs Checkmark.

Download:
http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-...d=11014801

PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition:



PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition protects against most nefarious cyber-threats attempting to gain access to your PC and personal information. Going online without protection against the latest fast-spreading virus and worms. Once infected, the virus will usually attempt to spread itself to your friends, family and associates by accessing your email contacts and networked PCs. The infection may also allow hackers to access files on your PC, use it to launch attacks against other computers and websites or to send mass SPAM email. That's why PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition provides world-leading protection, with rapid database updates, IntelliGuard™ real-time protection.

Download:
http://www.pctools.com/mirror/avinstall.exe

BitDefender AntiVirus:



BitDefender Free Edition uses the same ICSA Labs certified scanning engines found in other BitDefender products, allowing you to enjoy basic virus protection. BitDefender Free Edition is an on-demand virus scanner, which is best used in a system recovery or forensics role.

Download:
http://download.bitdefender.com/windows/...r_free.exe


ESET NOD32 AntiVirus:



The fastest, most effective technology available to protect you from viruses and spyware without slowing you down while you work or play.

Download:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/NOD.shtml

Kaspersky Internet Security:



Kaspersky Internet Security automatically protects you and your family at all times – whether you work, bank, shop or play online. Kaspersky Internet Security has everything you need for a safe and secure Internet experience. Kaspersky Internet Security stops your PC being slowed down by cybercriminals and delivers unsurpassed on-line safety whilst protecting your files, music and photos from hackers:

• Keeps your money and identity safe Improved!
• Protects against bank account fraud
• Safeguards against online shopping threats
• Allows questionable applications and websites
to be run in 'Safe Run Mode' New!
• Cybercriminals won’t hi-jack your PC
• Family protection from on-line predators
• Your files won’t be ruined by hackers Improved!
• Keeps your PC running smoothly

Download:
http://www.kaspersky.com/kis_latest_vers...=206911255

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Firewall:

Comodo Firewall:



The Comodo Internet Security was designed to be the that integrates Comodo Antivirus, Comodo Firewall and Comodo Defense in a seamless manner. We have also fixed many bugs in Comodo Firewall with this release. Comodo Firewall or Comodo Antivirus canbe installed as standalone products by using the same setup.
Internet Security combines the power of Comodo's award-winning Firewall and AntiVirus software to protect your PC from malicious software and Hackers. Best of all is FREE! Comodo Internet Security will help you detect and remove viruses, Trojans, and other malicious software and hackers, and keep them out of your computer. In one easy-to-use bundle that won't slow down your computer. All free, really!

Download:
http://download.comodo.com/cis/download/...ta_x32.exe

Online Armor:



If you use online banking, buy things online, send and receive emails or just browse the internet then you're open to serious threats that your Antivirus Software just wasn't designed to stop. That's where Online Armor's Personal Firewall comes in.

• Stops Hackers
• Stops Malicious Programs
• Protects you when Banking and Transacting Online
• Protects your Identity


Online Armor currently runs on XP/Vista. This program is not suitable for Windows Vista 64. However, check the compatibility section to see if there are any conflicts with other software you may be running.

Download:
http://dl1.online-armor.com/downloads/On..._Setup.exe

ZoneAlarm Firewall:



Protect yourself with the best multi-layered firewall technology around. ZoneAlarm® keeps intruders out, protects your PC to the core and makes you invisible to hackers. It also destroys spyware, secures your privacy and provides real world services that monitor and repair all suspicious activity linked to your identity. ZoneAlarm Free makes it easy. Unlike other personal firewalls, ZoneAlarm protects automatically from the moment it`s installed - no programming required.
ZoneAlarm Free barricades your PC with immediate and complete port blocking. ZoneAlarm Free makes it easy. Unlike other personal firewalls, ZoneAlarm protects automatically from the moment it`s installed - no programming required. And, then runs in Stealth Mode to make your PC invisible on the Internet - if you can`t be seen, you can`t be attacked. ZoneAlarm Free delivers simplicity without compromising your security. A getting started tutorial explains controls and alerts to get you up and running quickly. And, to keep you confident that you`re always protected, intuitive color-coded alerts rate security risks - in real time.

Download:
http://download.cnet.com/ZoneAlarm/3000-...tag=button

Prisma Firewall:



Firewall is a barrier or a protection wall which stops the attacks of hackers, worms and some other kinds of viruses, being a support base for the computer users in protecting and scurrying data. Prisma Firewall actions as a filter which examines at the first level over the network board every data package coming from outside (whether the local or external networks) to determine if the access will or won\'t be allowed, before the information to be analyzed. The rapid evolution of local and global networks enlarged the risk of computer exposure to Internet aggressions. The attacks can take the forms of intruders (hackers, viruses, worms) which can affect the information, data or documents stocked in computer.
There are two solutions to protect data: not using the Internet and the computer networks or using the firewall programs. These programs protect information from the computer by blocking the access of the dangers coming from the outside.

Download:
http://download.cnet.com/3001-20_4-10507...9d2dd195eb

Outpost firewall:



Outpost Firewall Pro been always recognized as one of the best personal firewalls in the world. One of the reasons for this is that we continuously work to improve the product's security in order to provide our customers with the best possible protection.

Download:
http://download.cnet.com/Agnitum-Outpost...tag=button

Astaro Security Gateway:



Astaro Security Gateway combines best-of-breed technology under one easy to use interface. Regardless of whether a company requires basic network security technology or sophisticated intrusion protection, the modular concept of Astaro Security Gateway effectively provides a well tailored security solution. A complete range of hardware appliances scale to the performance needs of most enterprises. With more than 30,000 installations, Astaro's award-winning security solutions belong to the most proliferated UTM solutions worldwide.

Download:
http://download.cnet.com/Astaro-Security...07218.html

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Other security tools:

Dr. Web Scan:



Download:
ftp://ftp.drweb.com/pub/drweb/cureit/drweb-cureit.exe

ESET Online Scanner:



Download:
http://download.eset.com/special/eos/ese...er_enu.exe

ATF-Cleaner:



Download:
http://www.atribune.org/ccount/click.php?id=1

Sandboxie:



Download:
http://www.brothersoft.com/download-sand...60880.html

MalwareBytes' AntiMalware:



Download:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloadget.ph...666f809b26

SpyBot - Search & Destroy:



Download:
http://download.cnet.com/Spybot-Search-a...22137.html

OllyDbg:



Download:
http://www.ollydbg.de/odbg110.zip

Virtual Machine:



Download:
http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads