top speed

[devonwoody]

I have been having trouble with my new computer(amd64 3800processor, 2gb ram etc. locking up and nasty messages put on screen by my virus program. Bullguard. (80000k memory usage)

So I disconnected the broadband and my virus program (in that order) and tried a couple of programs that had been running slow etc.

It was terrific I had a job to keep up with the mouse things were happening so fast.

So is this the norm if broadband /virus running?

 

[ike]

I would expect AV/Security suite type apps to have some effect, but not the broadband connection itself. I use Zone Labs suite (subscription) and while it takes much longer to fully boot everything, after that the computer whizzes along nicely. The latest upgrade was also a significant improvement too-it's 'intelligence' in dealing with 'stuff' seems much better and it' 'learns' in time to minimise pop-up messages that require a response). I suspect the Bullguard app might be the main culprit - a bit like I found when I stupidly bought a copy of Norton security suite once - what a pile of poo that was (did get a refund luckily)!

I've enjoyed 18 months totally error-free, no snags broadband use - I definitely recommend ZL to anyone - it's around only £30 + £15 p.a. sub now.

cheers,

ike

 

[Dave S]

Anti virus software is often rather over-zealous using default settings, often scanning on every read/write to every file. Annoyingly, Mcafee, for example, has a habit of resetting to default settings on every update.

IMO it's pointless scanning every read/write access to every file - it just slows down the pc. Far better to make sure a virus never gets on it in the first place.

A pretty tightly locked down firewall, non-microsoft browser/email clients and taking care about what I access and open, coupled with a manual filescan of new files, has always stood me in good stead.

Dave

 

[duncanh]

The broadband shouldn't really cause that sort of problem.
A quick google for "bullguard slow" returned quite a few hits (though I only read a few of them).

I always recommend the free version of AVG for a virus program - I've been using it for several years without any problems.
For a firewall I tend to use Sygate and, again, I've been using it for several years without any problems. It's also free

It could be that your computer has been infected with some spyware. If you don't regularly check for this then I'd suggest that you do. The software I use for this is Hitman Pro - http://www.hitmanpro.nl/hitmanpro/index.php?lang=en
This installs and uses several other anti-spyware programs because they claim that none of the others on their own are completely effective. It was recommended to me by our IT guy at work.

Hope this helps

Duncan

 

[devonwoody]

thanks for that.

 

[caretaker]

I am using NTLworld broadband and they have there own free virus checher.
Well I have not had a virus for over a year but what do others think of this checker?

 

[Michael7]

Anti virus software is often rather over-zealous using default settings, often scanning on every read/write to every file. Annoyingly, Mcafee, for example, has a habit of resetting to default settings on every update.

IMO it's pointless scanning every read/write access to every file - it just slows down the pc. Far better to make sure a virus never gets on it in the first place.

A pretty tightly locked down firewall, non-microsoft browser/email clients and taking care about what I access and open, coupled with a manual filescan of new files, has always stood me in good stead.

Dave

Very true Dave. Anti virus programs can really hog resources. I have found that a router with a hardware firewall and making sure what files are going onto the PC is the best way. I have AVG (free edition) but not running in the background and I give the PC a full scan about once a week or fortnight while I'm putting the dinner on or something

 

[greggy]

i have used all makes of antivirus and found that panda antivirus to be the best. its not cheap but its damn good