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AstroSkipper

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Posts posted by AstroSkipper

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    And now a general statement about this thread. I collect and present information about security programs for Windows XP here in the most structured way possible. I also share the knowledge I have acquired as a Windows XP user for 22 years now. I don't have to do all this, I am well supplied here with everything that is necessary to use Windows XP as securely as possible in the future. All I do here is preserving and sharing knowledge and information to help others in using Windows XP safely for as long as possible. Nothing more, nothing less! b025.gif

    1

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    9 hours ago, D.Draker said:

    Did you do the tests yourself ? Do you always trust what they write in the papers ?

    Whom that testing website belongs to ?  Where do they have their headquarters ? 

    Ivan's bedroom ? 

    We still shall continue to support our Italian friends, we are doing it for centuries,

    I mostly buy Italian clothes for almost half of a century already. She bought the PRO version of Vir.IT eXplorer for her weak PC.

    @D.Draker Just to clarify it! It was @jaclaz and you who stated the following:

    On 5/4/2023 at 12:50 AM, D.Draker said:

    The product is VB100 certified. All tests passed:

    What I did was simply checking the results of these tests which @jaclaz and you mentioned here. And unfortunately the results are rather poor. So it seems you trust tests from Virus Bulletin in general otherwise you wouldn't have mentioned it. Therefore, I don't understand your objections at all. You can't put forward arguments and then directly cast doubt on them again. That does not make sense at all. nimportequoi.gif 
    Spoken for me only, there are some testing institutes I try to trust: AV-TEST, Virus Bulletin and AV-Comparatives. And I don't and won't do such tests by myself. :no:

    9 hours ago, D.Draker said:

    That having been said, I'm leaving ...

    People cannot always be of the same opinion. But that is no reason to throw in the towel right away. So, don't leave! Go on! That's the idea of discussions. :yes:

    9 hours ago, D.Draker said:

    And I wish you a speedy recovery from your tiredness.

    Thank you again! Yes, the last weeks I am so tired ... :boring: I really don't know what's going on here. embarras1.gif

    Greetings, AstroSkipper putertired.gif

    0

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper

    On 5/3/2023 at 12:50 AM, D.Draker said:

    PS. Sorry to hear you're tired ! Get well soon! 

    Thank you for your kind words! :)

    On 5/3/2023 at 12:50 AM, D.Draker said:

    The product is VB100 certified. All tests passed:

    But only very slightly above the minimum. A detection rate of 77.40% is unfortunately quite poor. That's why Vir.IT eXplorer only achieved the lowest grade D. For me, simply too low. :( IMHO, Vir.IT eXplorer is therefore just an option for Windows XP if there is no better one, but not more. smilie_denk_24.gif But luckily, there are still better ones available. :P

    1

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    Structure of this thread

    You might get the idea that this thread will also become confusing if it continues to grow, but that is not the case. :no: I created it in such a way that you can quickly get to the most important information by regularly checking the second, third and fourth post. In particular, the list in the second post contains all the links to the programs presented here. So checking there at regular intervals is a very good, primary strategy. ssuper5sur5.gif Additionally, we have a forum search function to check this topic for relevant information as we always should do, of course. :P And I totally forgot to mention, you should have read the first post of this thread at least once. That's it! upp.gif

    Greetimgs, AstroSkipper matrix.gif

    1

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper

    OT:

    4 hours ago, jaclaz said:

    As an example, take DMDE (which I actually personally recommend[1]) as a program for data recovery, try finding it searching for a data recovery program, you will find that Recuva, Easeus and Wondershare are far more well known and popular, yet they - in the best case (if/when they work at all) - offer a fraction of the capabilities of DMDE.

    I know DMDE, and it is a great piece of software. And Recuva, Easeus and Wondershare are rather crap.

    End of OT.

    2

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    20 hours ago, jaclaz said:

    Not necessarily applying to this particular product (Vir.it), but being well known or popular is not always a proxi for anything but being well known or popular, and definitely not for quality or convenience.

    Of course, I know that but I was interested whether it is well-known or popular in your country or not. That this does not mean anything regarding the quality of a program is totally clear. Or did you seriously think that this could be a decision criterion for me? :P Nevertheless, I just wanted to know that from a native person because I never heard of Vir.IT eXplorer before, and I assume most of us never heard of it, either. smilie_denk_24.gif Therefore, I wonder who is using this program at all, especially a program with such a modest detection rate. :dubbio:

    3

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    FYI, VB100 test criteria and grades:

    Quote

    Test criteria

    A product is considered to have passed a test if the product receives any grade better than Grade F.

    Grades are determined based primarily on the true positive rates of the Certification Set.

    GradeTrue positive rate requirement

    Grade A+>= 99.5%

    Grade A>= 97%

    Grade B>= 90%

    Grade C>= 85% 

    Grade D>= 75% 

    The product receives Grade F and fails the test if it:
    achieves a lower than 75% true positive rate for the Certification Set, or
    generates a greater than 0.05% false positive rate for the Clean Set.

    Vir.IT eXplorer narrowly passed the VB100 test. Grade D is the lowest of all. :(

    3

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper

    35 minutes ago, jaclaz said:

    I didn't "recommend" anything.

    I only provided - when asked - a link to it:

    No personal experience with it, all I can say is that it is VB100 certified (whatever relevance this may have) with a grade of D:

    https://www.virusbulletin.com/vb100/testing/tgsoft/vir-it-explorer-pro

    https://www.virusbulletin.com/uploads/vb100/test-reports/vb100-test-report-2023-04-21-vir-it-explorer-pro.pdf

    jaclaz

    Thank you for providing information! In the VB100 test report from 21.04.2023, Vir.IT eXplorer just about passed their test with a detection rate of 77.40% (at least 75.00% was required). Unfortunately, that is definitely not marvellous. :o  Is this program well known or popular in Italy? :dubbio: In Germany, it is totally unknown and never mentioned in terms of available antimalware programs. smilie_denk_24.gif

    4

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    Thanks but once again! I know the homepage of Vir.IT eXplorer which was already linked by me here:

    Quotes from or links to the homepage don't help me at all. What I need is real data based on experiences made by people who really use or have used it a longer time. Or links to trustworthy reviews. Or opinions from members knowing interesting or helpful facts about that program. A short test in a VM is rather meaningless! smilie_denk_24.gif Anyway! Vir.IT eXplorer is an unknown candidate and therefore problematic. :dubbio:

    3

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    39 minutes ago, NotHereToPlayGames said:

    I wonder if your guide/thread can include recommended/suggested "online scanners"?  Not an extensive list, just some sort of "honorable mention" online scanner.

    Of course, online scanners are on my internal list and will be listed here. TBH, there is already a lot on my internal list. :P Nevertheless, thanks for the tip!

    3

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    6 hours ago, D.Draker said:

    Also, I already wrote my feedback about the marvellous Ferrari Italian AV jaclaz found for me.

    starescreen.gif

    6 hours ago, D.Draker said:

    I asked a simple , *important* , on-topic question, which you, BTW, completely ignored.

    Sorry for that! I overlooked your request. I am very tired the last days. So, is that your *important* question? question.gif

    On 5/2/2023 at 5:30 AM, D.Draker said:

    Must be at the first place. I don't see it in the list . @AstroSkipper, am I missing something ?

    Why should "it" be at the first place? I don't understand this statement at all. And why don't you call "it" by its name? If someone reads your comment, one will not understand what you are talking about. The program you are probably referring to is called Vir.IT eXplorer. I can't find any detailed data of you regarding this program, though. :no:
    Only that: 
    https://msfn.org/board/topic/177099-which-antiviruses-are-known-for-a-fact-to-be-working-on-xp-sp3-as-of-2019/?do=findComment&comment=1242782
    Unfortunately, I can't do anything with that. smilie_denk_24.gif What did you test in detail regarding Vir.IT eXplorer? Which version have you installed? Does it have a background guard? Is it really XP-compatible? What about resource consumption in detail? At what intervals are the virus definitions updated? What are the features? What versions do exist and what are the differences? Is it free of charge? And what exactly about this program is marvellous?  :dubbio:You see I prefer evaluable, meaningful data based on own experiences. Or links to detailed, trustworthy reviews. I am a mathematician. I need usable, informative and evaluable data. :P

    Kind regards, AstroSkipper grafiti.gif

    PS: The current status of Vir.IT eXplorer in this thread can be found here:

     

    2

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    10 hours ago, Vistapocalypse said:

    Of course I may! I was born in the USA - not China. You have almost convinced me that XP diehards really are a threat to the security of the Free World, so keep up the great work! :blink:

    9 hours ago, D.Draker said:

    USA and France - allies forever. Glory to the US, Vive La France ! I wonder where's the  @jaclaz's Italian anti-virus for XP ?

    Must be at the first place. I don't see it in the list . @AstroSkipper, am I missing something ?

    https://msfn.org/board/topic/184730-antimalware-firewall-and-other-security-programs-for-windows-xp-working-in-2023-and-hopefully-beyond/?do=findComment&comment=1244365

    I always have the same concerns about software, regardless of whether it originates in Germany, France, Italy, USA, China, India or whatever country. There are good and bad developers, companies that can be trusted more or less, governments that do or do not influence, and so on. At the end of the day, these discussions do not serve any purpose here. This thread is meant to list all available security programs that are still compatible with Windows XP and to spread information about them. Therefore, I would ask you at this point to keep this thread clean, to stop discussions about concerns regarding the country of origin and to contribute something substantive when commenting. I need information, results of testing, recommendations, experiences made in terms of already listed or yet to be listed programs, and further options for Windows XP. My time and resources are limited. So please, be constructive :yes: and let's not inflate this thread with unnecessary discussions :angry:! In the end, from all the options listed, the mature readers can decide for themselves which software to trust or not. d010.gif And I cannot and will not take this personal responsibility away from anyone. snegatif.gif Thanks in advance!

    Kind regards, AstroSkipper nicetalkin.gif

    4

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    1 hour ago, D.Draker said:

    Thank you for a very useful warning ! I'd never use a chinese "security" soft (politics or not).

    You don't have to because, if I remember correctly, you abandoned Windows XP in 2007. But Windows XP enthusiasts like me have to adapt to the circumstances, whether you like it or not. And as for Chinese software, there are good and correct developers there too, but also black sheep. Just like everywhere else. smilie_denk_24.gif 
    BTW, I don't think it was meant as a warning but an additional information that presumably most of us already know, though.  :P

    2

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    1 hour ago, Vistapocalypse said:

    Both are Chinese.

    BTW, we Windows XP (and Vista) users should actually be glad that there are still countries that develop XP-(Vista-)compatible programs. You may think what you want about some countries, but they still use and maintain these old operating systems. In my opinion, that should be appreciated. At least, so I do. :yes: And that has definitely nothing to do with politics or any preferences. :no:

    3

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    4 hours ago, tekkaman said:

    Wow malware hunter looks almost exactly like 360 total security.

     

    I also wanted to say that as Astroskipper have said Avast have issues. Here are 2 problems I have seen with Avast. Back when I was using Avast 5 I noticed that Avast didn't have any cleaning capabilities. I installed it on an infected system. It detected IE as infected. But all it did was delete IE and all associated files. So I had to install IE again.

    Another thing that I noticed more recently around 2019 was that if you remove Avast it can make other programs stop working. One time I removed Avast and after I did Firefox and Office stopped working for some reason. I wouldn't be surprised since they always recommend Chrome. Many times I found computers with Chrome that got installed by Avast.

    38 minutes ago, Vistapocalypse said:

    Both are Chinese.

    https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/glarysoft

    Yes, but the latest versions of 360 Total Security Essentials 10 are conterminous with bloatware that installs a so-called Desktop Manager, of course without being asked, and moves all my icons on the desktop. :realmad: I have already written about that here:

    In contrast, Malware Hunter has a clean interface without such bloatware, though. smilie_denk_24.gif

    2

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper

    36 minutes ago, NotHereToPlayGames said:

    "Zero Day" viruses/malware are the bigger concerns.

    Perhaps it would be useful/beneficial for a report on how effective these programs are at catching "Zero Day" vulnerabilities *before* the next definition update - it's "easy" to catch them *after* a definition update.

    Unfortunately, my time and resources are limited. Researching and writing such articles is very time-consuming. Any help, any testing of programs, any posting of experiences already made regarding such security programs for Windows XP is therefore always welcome. :thumbup

    0

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    Malware Hunter

    Malware Hunter is an antimalware program from Glarysoft and is still XP-compatible. It comes in two versions, the free version Malware Hunter and the commercial version Malware Hunter Pro. It detects and removes stubborn malware that can cause potential danger. Its malware database is constantly updated either automatically or manually depending on the installed version. Additionally, it is supposed to clean disks and speed up your PC. It is even equipped with the Avira scan engine.

    Features:

    • Malware Scan - Scan your computer quickly and thoroughly. Detect and remove stubborn malware to prevent potential danger. Support scheduled scan to save your time
    • Speed Up - Help you optimize your system to speed up and boost your computer performance.
    • Disk Cleaner - Clean up temporary & unnecessary files. Remove unneeded documents to save computer storage space.
    • Process Protection - Protect your PC from malware, such as Trojan, worms, spyware, and other online threats.
    • 3 Scan modes
    • Avira engine
    • Hyper scan for a faster scanning speed
    • Malware removal
    • Real-time protection and automatic updates (only in Malware Hunter Pro)

    Homepage: https://www.glarysoft.com/malware-hunter/

    Version number: 1.181.0.803 update.gif

    Date of release: 01.04.2024

    System requirements:

    Runs on Microsoft Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP and Vista. Including both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

    Version history and release notes:

    Quote

    1.181.0.803 (01.04.2024)
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes
    1.180.0.800 (05.03.2024)
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes
    1.179.0.799 (05.02.2024)
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes
    1.178.0.798 (16.01.2024)
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes
    1.177.0.797 (26.12.2023)
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes
    1.176.0.796 (11.12.2023)
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes
    1.175.0.795 (20.11.2023)
    Optimized Malware: Improved right-click menu display for an enhanced user experience.
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes
    1.173.0.791 (16.10.2023)
    Optimized Malware: added support for 'iTopsoft Register Optimizer' and 'Nemo Registry Doctor'
    Optimized Cleanup: optimized the interface display so that users can view cleaning details on the main interface to improve the experience
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes
    1.172.0.790 (18.09.2023)
    Optimized Malware: added support for 'FrostWire6 ' and 'AntiBrowserSpy'
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes
    1.171.0.789 (28.08.2023)
    Optimized Malware: added support for 'GlobalAntivirus ' and 'GlobalPCCleanerPro'
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes
    1.170.0.788 (07.08.2023)
    Optimized Malware: added support for 'LorienCleaner ' and 'RefogEmployeeMonitor'
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes
    1.169.0.787 (17.07.2023)
    Optimized Malware: added support for 'ScanMyReg ' and 'WinUtilities'
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes
    1.168.0.786 (26.06.2023)
    Optimized Malware: added support for 'SmartPCBooster' and 'SpeedConnect'
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes
    1.167.0.785 (29.05.2023)
    Optimized Malware: added support for 'MaxthonBrowser' and 'RegSupremePro'
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes
    1.166.0.784 (08.05.2023)
    Optimized Malware: added support for 'Turbo' and 'GateBrowser'
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes
    1.165.0.782 (17.04.2023)
    Optimized Malware: added support for 'AmanVPN', 'ClearBarBrowser' and 'WebFoxBrowser'
    Minor GUI improvements
    Minor bug fixes

    Reviews:

    https://onlinecloudsecurity.com/malware-hunter-review-is-it-safe-to-download/

    https://tweaklibrary.com/glarysoft-malware-hunter-pro-review/

    Download page: https://www.glarysoft.com/downloads/?p=mh-page

    Direct download link: https://download.glarysoft.com/mhsetup.exe

    Screenshots:

    Malware-Hunter.png

    Malware-Hunter-2.png

    Malware-Hunter-4.png

    Although I personally don't prefer features like cleanup or optimization inside an antimalware program, the fact that this program is still compatible with Windows XP and has an Avira scan engine does not make it uninteresting. In any case, it can be used as an offline scanner in the free version and can also be set up as a portable version. You have full control over Malware Hunter via its systray icon. It is definitely an option for Windows XP.

    Cheers, AstroSkipper ordi09.gif

    4

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    17 hours ago, AstroSkipper said:

    Just for clarification! I do not advertise any programs here. And I do not recommend programs which were not tested by me. All recommendations are based on my own experience. albert.gif The programs which I already listed or am going to list are first of all only options that are available to the user. I have been using some of them myself for years and can of course recommend these programs with a clear conscience. :yes: Here is a quotation from my first post:

    On 4/28/2023 at 8:37 PM, AstroSkipper said:

    Furthermore, all the programs I have listed are not necessarily to be understood as recommendations. Basically, they are simply options that are still available for Windows XP. Because we all know that most manufacturers of security software have long since given up on Windows XP. If I personally consider a program to be good, I will express this in its relevant post.

    And one thing is crystal clear, no one has to follow my recommendations. We are all different and have to form our own opinion. :yes:

    Greetings to all, AstroSkipper smilie_schild_035.gif

    I linked this clarification to my initial post of this thread. contrat1.gif

    All programs that need updates in some way, but unfortunately are no longer updated and are thus obsolete, should also no longer be mentioned here. This thread is about programs that can still be classified as up-to-date and safe in one way or another. There are also timeless programs that do not necessarily need updates, though, such as Windows 10 Firewall Control XP 7.5. Those programs will be listed here in any case. :yes:

    0

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    On 5/1/2023 at 5:24 AM, Cixert said:

     I do not understand very well how WiseVector StopX works with AI with abandoned status.

    Do you have more information?
    Does AI depend on a server or the program itself collects Internet information?
    How does this work to collect new viruses? According to other users or any database?
    The biggest doubt is that if this is abandoned until when it will work?

    @Cixert Here is a link to the homepage of WiseVector StopX via archive.org: https://web.archive.org/web/20230208110858/https://www.wisevector.com/en/ 
    There you find more information. The homepage wisevector.com has been cleaned almost completely. No information there anymore except the manual (for the version 2.70). The admins there seem to have overlooked deleting this document as well. Here is the link to the last manual: https://www.wisevector.com/wisevector_stopx_user_guide_en.pdf
    The developers of WiseVector StopX had not really disclosed in-depth information on how this program works in detail. It is somehow a mix of artificial intelligence (machine learning), cloud support and local database.
    And here is a review: https://malwaretips.com/threads/wisevector-stopx-anti-malware-v3-07.115443/ 
    But I'm not quite sure what you want to do with such a program. Unfortunately, it has been completely abandoned, no more program or database updates, no cloud support. :dubbio: Therefore, no entry in my alphabetical list of working antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP but in my list of programs that have recently been abandoned. nimportequoi.gif

    BTW, what about my recommendation in terms of Malwarebytes Free? You didn't say anything about it. :no: So what do you think? :dubbio:

    1

    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    14 hours ago, Vistapocalypse said:

    It sounds to me like @Cixert could install Malwarebytes Free without removing Avast, as you instructed on the previous page!?

    Read my previous post, and you will see I could install Malwarebytes without removing Avast, too. But ... :crazy: And this compatibility issue does not necessarily occur with every Avast version. I am only referring to version 18.8. :yes: BTW, my "instruction" was rather meant as a recommendation not to get in trouble. Therefore, I already corrected my wording in the according post not to be mistaken. :P Thanks for pointing to that!

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    Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

    in Windows XP

    Posted · Edited by AstroSkipper
    Update of content

    33 minutes ago, Vistapocalypse said:

    If you had to completely remove Avast, how do you know “the compatibility issue does not occur” with real-time protection disabled in 3.5.1?

    When avast! Premier was installed in my system, I could also install Malwarebytes Premium 3.5.1 but I could never enable real-time protection. With Malwarebytes Premium 2.2.1, there was no problem to do that. But AFAIK, there also have been users who didn't noticed any compatibility problems with avast!. So it may be that this issue only occur if the avast! installation has become faulty which unfortunately happens all the time in version 18.8.

    33 minutes ago, Vistapocalypse said:

    Anyway, one thing I hated about Malwarebytes 3 was that there was evidently no way to install the free version without first installing a “free trial” of Premium (please correct me if a method of doing that is known).

    Some weeks ago, when I installed Malwarebytes 3.5.1, I could have used the free version if I didn't activate my license. So, it shouldn't actually be a problem. And you're right, my lifetime license worked with all versions from 1 to 3 and will do so for the version 4 and up. :P

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