Battle OSArmor, SysHardener, Hard_Configurator; what are the differences?

[camo7782]

I'm a bit confised, are these apps similar? Does it make sense to have all three on a W10 system? I already have Emsisoft and CruelComodo.

 

[plat]

If a new malware includes an evasion technique or a new way to infect you without using a process or action blocked by the loaded rules, OSArmor will just watch it happen.

Great point, OSArmor is a helper software, thanks for throwing this into sharper focus, RoboMan (sorry, not acclimated to the new nick yet). If running Windows Defender, consider to enable the protective Sandbox. If you updated to 1903 recently, or even if you didn't, here is the quick tutorial because I don't believe it's enabled by default or whether your past setting was respected.

 

[WinXPert]

I have Cruel Comodo and OSArmor

 

[camo7782]

The more restrictions, the less user-friendly can be the application, and the more skills it requires.

This in regards of installing new software, not running what is already on the disk, so for example will it prevent me to launch or open a .AI file?

In my opinion, H_C, OSA, and SysHardener should not be used in combo with CF with CS settings (highly restricted autosandbox) because such protection would be inconvenient and too complex.

I have CruelComodo with OSA and SH, should I get rid of the last two?

 

[Andy Ful]

This in regards of installing new software, not running what is already on the disk, so for example will it prevent me to launch or open a .AI file?

This is regards to both. H_C can be configured to prevent the user from opening any chosen file type. SysHardener and OSA cannot.

I have CruelComodo with OSA and SH, should I get rid of the last two?

I do not know. Anyway, such a setup will be too complex and inconvenient for most people.
Keep it, if it is easy and convenient for you.
Using CF/CS with OSA and SH is like applying three kinds of diet. You will not be three times healthier.

 

[camo7782]

Such a setup will be too complex and inconvenient for most people.
[...]
Using CF/CS with OSA and SH is like applying three kinds of diet. You will not be three times healthier.

So far I'm not noticing any issue while I use the usual apps or install new ones, OSA in particular looks like doing nothing, no warning no pop sometimes I wonder if it was really installed ^____^ I see it is active in ty but looks like set and forget.

 

[camo7782]

Emsisoft and CruelComodo. That's enough to be protected.

Just updated from Emsisoft that ComodoFirewall might not be compatible, I had to uninstall it and system is somewhat faster now.

OSA uses 3-rd party driver to apply real-time protection, so can have sometimes a compatibility problem with Windows 10 updates/upgrades.

Is it possible to make sure OSA is not blocking Windows Updates?

 

[Andy Ful]

...
Is it possible to make sure OSA is not blocking Windows Updates?

No, I am afraid.

 

[plat]

In the past, I disabled it (period) by going to the System tray, right-clicking on OSArmor shield icon and selecting "Protection"/Disable Protection. A restart of machine will re-enable OSArmor, so you could even un/reinstall it to be certain of no interference. It's only like 12-13 MB. My own experience in 1903: four cumulatives and OSArmor was active and did NOT interfere, perhaps because Windows processes like BITS are whitelisted automatically. Others may have differing experiences.

 

[camo7782]

In the past, I disabled it (period) by going to the System tray, right-clicking on OSArmor shield icon and selecting "Protection"/Disable Protection. A restart of machine will re-enable OSArmor, so you could even un/reinstall it to be certain of no interference. It's only like 12-13 MB. My own experience in 1903: four cumulatives and OSArmor was active and did NOT interfere, perhaps because Windows processes like BITS are whitelisted automatically. Others may have differing experiences.

For me it is still prompting updates (when manually searched) for 1809 no sign of 1903 yet.

 

[Local Host]

For me it is still prompting updates (when manually searched) for 1809 no sign of 1903 yet.

1903 is not automatic unless you use an unsupported build of Windows 10, you can trigger the update manually in the Windows Update.

 

[shmu26]

you can trigger the update manually in the Windows Update.

Yes, if you do it from an admin account.
Even so, it still might not be offered, if Windows detects things in your system that don't play well with 1903.

 

[camo7782]

Yes, if you do it from an admin account.
Even so, it still might not be offered, if Windows detects things in your system that don't play well with 1903.

I was on admin account, should I chase this 1903 or I can still be happy with 1809?

 

[shmu26]

I was on admin account, should I chase this 1903 or I can still be happy with 1809?

You will most probably be happier on 1809. Don't chase 1903, if you ask me...

 

[floalma]

As I understand, SH facilitates the work of OSArmor.
SH helps OSArmor disabling features so that in such a way that OSA works less.

 

[Chuck57]

Had Comodo firewall with CS settings for a year or more (Win 10 Pro 1903). A month ago, I removed and installed HC with ConfigureDefender on high, Recommended Settings, and Firewall hardened. I think this ought to be enough and I notice a very slight improvement in performance.