Spyware and Adware Removal

Author: Ian Cunningham
Published on: 27-09-2004
Views: 143634


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AntiVirus Software

How to download and run AntiVirus Software

Anti Virus software is a must in this day and age of computers, and anyone without such software has only themselves to blame if anything goes wrong. Paid Anti-Virus products are generally superior to free versions, as there are more frequent updates and better support options. If you have important data on your PC, you should really go for a high-end anti-virus product.

For home users, there are plenty of free products which are usually suffice:

AVG Anti-Virus is a popular choice, and is quite comprehensive for a free solution. There are regular updates it can has proven reliability.

AntiVir is another popular choice for home users, but is less common than AVG.

PC Reviews Free Online Anti Virus is an anti virus application that runs from within your browser to check for Viruses. If you suspect a virus, this online checker can scan your PC instantly, but cannot check for viruses in real time.

Firewall Software

The importance of Firewall Software

Firewall software is incredibly important with the number of viruses around, and hackers who could gain access to your PC. There are many insecure PCs that fall victim to software exploits and holes which could be prevented by having firewall protection.

Windows XP does come with a basic Firewall, which is somewhat improved with Service Pack 2. It is very important that this is enabled using the steps shown below:

1. Download Service Pack 2 from Windows Update if you have not already (http://www.windowsupdate.com)
2. Restart the PC
3. Run "wscui.cpl" from the Run command on the Start Menu (without the quotes)
4. Manage security settings for "Windows Firewall" and make sure it is enabled
5. Restart

It is highly recommended to use a 3rd Party firewall which can allow specific applications access to the internet (or deny them). This is the most useful tool to detect and prevent Trojans, and other hacking attempts.

The Shields Up webpage from GRC can perform an instant test on your PC to check how secure your computer is. Information such as your Username, information about your computer, and in some cases access to all your files (with very insecure computers) could be visible to a hacker.

There is a more in-depth coverage of the importance of a firewall in our What is a Firewall article.

ZoneAlarm is a popular Firewall with a free version, which slightly less features than the Pro version, but still enough to safely protect a PC.

SyGate Personal Firewall is free for personal use and very easy to use.