Dear George: "I am the systems administrator for a multi-franchise auto dealer in NJ. Recently we had an incident where one workstation was infected with the "Nimda.a" a virus. We had several PC's configure for peer to peer networking with limited full access file sharing. I know the security risks but some users did this on their own. Anyway Nimda.a is a virus that spreads not only via e-mail but also via network shares.

We found that although Norton 2001 and 2002, as well as McAfee could detect this virus through e-mail or on a re-boot, neither application could detect its arrival through a network share despite "auto protect" being enabled. They would only detect it when the infected files were activated in any way or on a restart. By then it is too late as many files have already been altered and/or replaced.

The only product I found that could actually detect the Nimda.a virus immediately on arrival through a network share is Ontrack's System Suite version 4.0. This product is a full system suite with similar features to Norton System Works. It also comes with a firewall. The anti-virus program that is included has a very intensive active file scan feature that is on all the time. It does slow the system down a bit, but never misses a thing. The e-mail-scanning engine works without a hitch on all popular mail programs except AOL.

Both the active scan and e-mail scan can be easily disabled from the task bar if you know you are working in a mode that is risk free. The only feature lacking is a fully automated virus pattern update. Although it constantly checks for available updates it still requires the user to OK the download and install. Aside from that, I think it is the best product out there." -- Firewall User

Dear Firewall User: Thanks for the detailed information. Many real estate agents use AOL. However, many do not. For those readers who wish to view more details, the firm's Web address is http://www.ontrack.com. When I visited there was a 25% discount on the System Suite 4.0. If the reader logs in to a "peer-to-peer" network, this application just might be a solution for which your network administrator has been waiting.

Dear George: "I read your recent article on Realty Times about virus protection/firewalls. By the way, I enjoyed it. There are two other great products you overlooked that I think are perfect for the small-home office. The virus checker I use is "AVG" from www.grisoft.com. This application is free, updates automatically, and has found many viruses on my system that other checkers have not. For example, one system will detect the SirCAM worm but not properly clean it off your system. The AVG application will.

Another good freeware product is the ZoneAlarm firewall. I believe it is just as good as any other firewall. If you're just using a cable modem at home there's no reason to drop $30 - $40 on a firewall." -- Frugal

Dear Frugal: Thanks for your feedback. Download.com has many different offerings. ZoneAlarm can be found by pressing here.

The freeware version of ZoneAlarm 2.6.357 carries a 97 percent "thumbs up" rating out of 14,182 votes. The total number of downloads for this freeware version is 7,834,986 since it was added on 10/11/01. The shareware version of ZoneAlarm Pro 2.6.357 carries an 81 percent of 61 votes "thumbs up" rating. The total number of downloads for this version is 52,769 since it was added 10/10/01.

Dear George: "I own a cable modem router with firewall. Is this sufficient? Should I have a software firewall on my PC? What's the difference in any case?" -- Cable User

Dear Cable User: Wow! Your question is simple. The answer to it is not.

I recommend that you access Steve Gibson's 12-part series entitled "Shields Up!".

This series reverts to "geek-talk" rarely. I think it is very informative regarding Internet Security. Part One provides two online tests of your current system. Access that part. Then test your system. You should then know the effectiveness of your router and firewall set-up.

Dear George: "I received a response from you asking me to identify the state in which I operate as a real estate agent. When I signed as 'Anonymous' I meant it. My original question still begs to be answered: I am a Realtor who has been trying desperately to make ends meet for the last four years. Although I usually enjoy your Realty Tech Talk columns, sometimes they exceed what I want to know. You have written too much about virus programs and firewalls. These I know from nothing! How about more articles about customer contact programs? Or why don't you publish some items about software programs that will enable me to download listings to my WAP phone? -- Anonymous

Dear Anonymous: Okay, you got me. I don't usually respond to e-mails signed "Anonymous." I asked you for your city and state information because it would be helpful for me to know if your MLS is WAP enabled. As for the virus programs and firewall applications, there are three primary reasons for my including them:

• I respond to those questions and comments I receive from readers.

• It seems to me I have received more questions in the past few months regarding virus protection.

• It appears there is now a snowballing interest in firewalls from my readers.

Send me one specific question regarding your area of interest. I will do my best to answer it (or obtain an answer) for you.

PS: I never publish actual names. Sometimes it becomes a challenge to assign an "acceptable" name to the question. However, I believe we may all benefit from my assigning a pseudonym that (hopefully) corresponds to the essence of the question. The idea is to create a "safe communication" forum in my column.

For more articles by George Stephens, please press here.

George Stephens welcomes tech questions for possible use in this column. Send your questions to George via e-mail. Because of the volume of mail received, questions cannot be answered individually.

Published: November 16, 2001

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.