Security concerns (and systemic integrity)

[rediwat]

I am not new to MAC, but am new to forum use.

My system is a MACOSX 10.4.11

I am rudimentary, to say the least, but am worried as I am having some
seemingly big issues re security(?)

a) I am running both Safari and Firefox...is that a no no?
b) My system is running S...L...O...W...E...R than ever, implications suggest
security, or not necessarily?
c) I am seeking a solution, though I realize, as has been noted, if one
is on the internet, then hacking or someone trying to do so is somewhat
endemic. Is that the case?
d) I go on "bad sites" occasionally, thus am wondering about...
1) Needing to remove and reinstall..is that the only way to go if
security concerns are an issue?
2) Can a download address this issue?

Currently I am running Norton, but have been told it is not any good.

I really don't know if that is the case.

Is there a confirmed improvement out there?

What about ONYX...what about SShguard.net?

Sorry for not being lacking in knowlege.

But now I am scared that hacking/personal attacks may get into
my private information..such as bank info., etc.

What are the recommendations in that respect?

Thanks for any and all advice on this.

Steven (aka rediwat)

 

[SpookyLars]

Try to get rid of Norton from system and check again.

 

[Queso]

Get rid of Norton. Their products have actually caused security vulnerabilities on OSX over the years and it slows the system up. Be prepared for a long task to get rid of it though. It scatters across your hard disk. There are free anti-virus programs (such as iAntiVirus) available if you really want to run AV, which have much smaller footprints than Norton.

If I were you I'd also do a bit of light system maintenance and see what the improvement is. Clear your caches, fix permissions, that sort of thing. Programs such as MacJanitor or Onyx provide a GUI to make that job quite a bit easier. They're free and can be downloaded from Macupdate.com

Then take a look in your Activity Monitor program (it's in the Utilities folder) and see if any programs are taking up CPU cycles, and also in your System Preferences>>Accounts>>Login Items to see if you're loading a whole bunch of stuff you really don't need.