[Gllug] OT - Windows Freeware /ISP/ Firewall/AntiVirus etc

[Alistair Mann]

Thus spaketh Mick Wilkinson on Monday 31 January 2005 18:55:
> Off Topic
> Thought I'd ask here as there seems to be a great deal of knowlede on
> this list.
>
> Some friends of mine want broadband (browsing/e-mail/web-space/Xbox
> Live). They use XP and are definitley not computer geeks.
> I have very little knowledge of XP.
>
> Their need for web space is for just a single page that will be updated
> infrequently.
>
> The PC is mainly used for PC games - so there is no way I can convert
> them to Linux.
>
> Cost is of course a factor.
>
> What I am looking for is some free software that is easy to install/use
> and runs on XP. I think they will need a firewall, anti-virus and
> something to deal with spam.

ZoneAlarm firewall, free for personal use at www.zonelabs.com
AVG Antivirus, free for personal use at www.grisoft.com
As for spam, I suggest white listing using OE's rules. Particularly effective 
for domestic situations as the list tends not to change.

> Also they will need parental control software (they have a 13 year old
> boy). I don't have any kids so I have absolutely no knowledge of
> parental control software.

I understand that the methodology for circumventing such software is swapped 
in the playground in much the same way I obtained my POKE for circumventing  
Jet Set Willy's colour code system. Step 1 is to have the computer somewhere 
public, not in junior's room. Step 2 is to tell junior that it's okay if he 
comes across adult stuff but if he does, he's to navigate away. And if the 
pr0n is tenacious, then he's to point it out to Ma and Pa for fixing. 
Software is not a substitute for parental guidance.

> Does anyone have any recommendations and or experience of these types of
> packages.
>
> I was also thinking of Pipex as the ISP (£19.99/month) - any suggestions
> (no flame wars please).

Stay away from BT Broadband / Yahoo ("Where we won't tell you email is an 
extra 1.75 a month"). 
-- 
Alistair

[ aim: LGeezerAIM | yahoo: lgeezer_yho | msn: msnpassport at lgeezer.net ]

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