Current security software available for Windows 98
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 9:08 am
Windows 98 Annoyances Discussion Forum
Posted by Larry Godwin
(2 messages posted)
We computer users may prefer Windows 98 to Microsoft’s newer operating systems
in order to avoid an additional purchase, or because our older platform makes DOS-based
programs function more smoothly than the alternatives, including XP. Like car aficionados
who prize their 1958 Ford Fairlane 500s, we hate to give up a longtime, trusted friend.
However, finding security software that still supports Windows 98 is a challenge.
Most leading antivirus programs, including McAfee, AVG, Symantec/Norton, BitDefender,
Webroot, Avira, Kaspersky, Trend Micro, Zone Labs, CA, PC Tools, F-Secure, and Comodo
work with only the newer platforms.
It’s possible, though, to locate competent security software that complements
Windows 98, often at no cost. We users may select from the following products:
Antivirus. Avast Home Edition, Version 4.8, is a free program available
for download at www.avast.com; it incorporates antivirus, antispyware, and antirootkit
technology. PC World recently praised Avast’s capable malware detection and fast
scan speed on Vista, but it lacks the ability to examine encrypted archives, including
Windows. A superior alternative is Panda Antivirus 2007, Version 2.00, from www.pandasecurity.com
and available at various online shops; I bought mine at www.amazon.com for $13.44
for the first year with renewals at $29.95. It likewise includes antispyware and
antirootkit discovery capability, but Panda cautions it may withdraw Windows 98 support
in the future. Another possibility is eScan Antivirus, which also unearths spyware
and rootkits. Its older Version 9 still accommodates Windows 98 (phone 877-398-4787
for purchase details), but the current Version 10 (www.mtwi.net), with a smaller
memory footprint, will not do so until late-2009. Finally, ClamWin (www.clamwin.com)
is another free antivirus program, but it excludes an on-access, real-time engine,
and PC World recently warned of slow scan speed and poor detection rates on Vista.
Steer clear of Cyber-Defender, a choice that purports to ferret out viruses but
is actually a scam.
Antispyware. Spybot Search & Destroy and SuperAntispyware are free programs
that support Windows 98. Download and use both to conduct periodic scans. Visit
these websites: www.safer-networking.org and www.superantispyware.com. Spyware Doctor,
available at www.pctools.com, offers a paid option to accomplish the same task.
Firewall. Both CA Personal Firewall and Panda Titanium 2007 support Windows
98, but each slowed down my machine so much it was all but inoperable. My trustworthy
computer technician assures me a firewall isn’t essential for this operating system
because it’s not as vulnerable to hacker attacks as the newer ones.
Browser. In early-2009 Mozilla still offered Firefox, Version 2, which
works well with Windows 98 and is likely safer than Internet Explorer, but has withdrawn
the free download. If you are able to locate it elsewhere, you can also download
a free add-on, Web of Trust, at www.mywot.com; it rates the safety of websites you
visit.
Larry Godwin
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 | Current security software available for Windows 98 (Larry Godwin: Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 9:08 am) |
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