Any protection programs I should download?

[AAaron123]

I scan with ad-ware occasionally.

I was wondering if there are other free programs you would recommend me
downloading for protection.


Thanks

 

[R. McCarty]

AdAware ? - Probably, no single product is adequate. A good tool
is MalwareBytes and maybe SuperAntiSpyware. You should also
run an alternate vendor's online AntiVirus scan on a fixed schedule.
I use NOD32 as my Antivirus real-time agent, but just today I ran a
full Kaspersky scan on my machine. ( Just to double-Check ).
*Malwarebytes is free for basic protection. To enable a real-time
protection agent you have to purchase the full product. (I'd say just
use the free component )

 

[shawn]

I use AVG Free for anti-virus at home and Norton at work. For spyware I use
Spybot Search & Destroy and Spyware Blaster.

I also use Mozilla Firefox and have had no problems what-so-ever for a long
time now. I can't say the same for my co-workers.

 

[WhiteTea]

I use AVG Free for anti-virus at home and Norton at work. For spyware I use
Spybot Search & Destroy and Spyware Blaster.

I also use Mozilla Firefox and have had no problems what-so-ever for a long
time now. I can't say the same for my co-workers.

I just tried AVG and it has some "issues." Apparently it makes some
assumptions about what the min. processor
is present and shows error messages in the same foreground and
background colors.

I have a .386 running XP Sp2.

Andy

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I scan with ad-ware occasionally.

I was wondering if there are other free programs you would
recommend me downloading for protection.

You mean "LavaSoft Ad-Aware"?

Personally - other than a good AntiVirus application (many free versions are
just as good, if not better, for the home user than the pay versions) and
the built-in firewall (supplemented by a NAT device further separating me
from the internet) and a little common sense - I'd say any other
applications are more cleanup than protection. ;-)

That's not to say there are not some fine products out there that help fill
in the gap for those who lack some of the computing common sense others
might learn. MalwareBytes, SuperAntiSpyware, SpyBot Search and Destroy all
some to mind in one category of products.

As far as what I would recommend for most home users:

- Good and updated AntiVirus (not a "Suite", just AntiVirus.)
- Built-in Windows Firewall enabled.
- Ensure Windows stays patched/updated.
- Ensure all installed applications stay patched/updated.
- Keep good and consistent backups.
- Occassionally do other maintenance on your system...
- Disk Cleanup (that is an application)
- CHKDSK
- Defragmentation
- Occassional sweep with an AntiSpyware/AntiMalware application (or many)
- Uninstall unused applications
- Read up. Learn. Don't be taken by surprise.

Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/

Outfitting an XP computer for the Net
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/advanced/xppc.mspx

Getting started with a new PC
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/yournewpc.mspx

 

[HeyBub]

I use AVG Free for anti-virus at home and Norton at work. For spyware
I use Spybot Search & Destroy and Spyware Blaster.

I also use Mozilla Firefox and have had no problems what-so-ever for
a long time now. I can't say the same for my co-workers.

Yeah, but Firefox gives your cat warts. If you don't have a cat, you're
probably okay.

 

[Mick Murphy]

Below is a good combo of Security Programs for XP and Vista OS.

http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

Avast Anti-Virus is XP and Vista compatible (32bit and 64bit Versions),
FREE, auto-updating, and a low resources user of your computer.
And, only have 1(one) Anti-Virus installed / running on your computer at any
one time..
Conflicts may occur if you have more than 1(one).

http://www.spybot.info/en/index.html

Spybot Search & Destroy 1.6 is a very good, FREE Anti-Spyware Program.
Download, install, update, and immunize your System with it.
Then SCAN with it.
Update it, and scan your System once a fortnight.

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

SpywareBlaster 4.1 is a non-intrusive, FREE Anti-Spyware Program (no
scanning by you!).
SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of many so-called spyware, adware
and malware programs by disabling the CLSIDs of popular spyware ActiveX
controls, and also prevents the installation of any of them via a webpage
Update it once a fortnight.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Malwarebytes is as the name says, a Malware Remover!
For the Free version scroll down their page to either download from
Download.com, or Major Geeks.com

Download, install, and update.

 

[Bob I]

Yeah, but Firefox gives your cat warts. If you don't have a cat, you're
probably okay.

Will it give my pet toad hairballs? ;-)

 

[skeet3]

You mean "LavaSoft Ad-Aware"?

Personally - other than a good AntiVirus application (many free versions
are just as good, if not better, for the home user than the pay versions)
and the built-in firewall (supplemented by a NAT device further separating
me from the internet) and a little common sense - I'd say any other
applications are more cleanup than protection. ;-)

That's not to say there are not some fine products out there that help
fill in the gap for those who lack some of the computing common sense
others might learn. MalwareBytes, SuperAntiSpyware, SpyBot Search and
Destroy all some to mind in one category of products.

As far as what I would recommend for most home users:

- Good and updated AntiVirus (not a "Suite", just AntiVirus.)
- Built-in Windows Firewall enabled.
- Ensure Windows stays patched/updated.
- Ensure all installed applications stay patched/updated.
- Keep good and consistent backups.
- Occassionally do other maintenance on your system...
- Disk Cleanup (that is an application)
- CHKDSK
- Defragmentation
- Occassional sweep with an AntiSpyware/AntiMalware application (or many)
- Uninstall unused applications
- Read up. Learn. Don't be taken by surprise.

Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/

Outfitting an XP computer for the Net
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/advanced/xppc.mspx

Getting started with a new PC
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/yournewpc.mspx

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

Finally some good sensible advice. I've followed your suggestions
virtually to a T for the last 10 years (starting with W98), without one bit
of problem. I even use McAfee (anti-virus only) that everyone bitches about
so much - you can save money when renewing the dat files online by going to
Walmart and buying the latest version and installing only the antivirus
part. I really like the free cCleaner program rather than Disk Cleanup. I
also think the best way to learn is keep a constant eye on this newsgroup -
it's really helped for those occasional times when MS blows an update!

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I scan with ad-ware occasionally.

I was wondering if there are other free programs you would recommend me
downloading for protection.


Thanks

There are several essential components to computer security: a
knowledgeable and pro-active user, a properly configured firewall,
reliable and up-to-date antivirus software, and the prompt repair (via
patches, hotfixes, or service packs) of any known vulnerabilities.

The weakest link in this "equation" is, of course, the computer
user. No software manufacturer can -- nor should they be expected
to -- protect the computer user from him/herself. All too many people
have bought into the various PC/software manufacturers marketing
claims of easy computing. They believe that their computer should be
no harder to use than a toaster oven; they have neither the
inclination or desire to learn how to safely use their computer. All
too few people keep their antivirus software current, install patches
in a timely manner, or stop to really think about that cutesy link
they're about to click.

Firewalls and anti-virus applications, which should always be used
and should always be running, are important components of "safe hex,"
but they cannot, and should not be expected to, protect the computer
user from him/herself. Ultimately, it is incumbent upon each and
every computer user to learn how to secure his/her own computer.

To learn more about practicing "safe hex," start with these links:

Protect Your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp

Home Computer Security
http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/

List of Antivirus Software Vendors
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;49500

Home PC Firewall Guide
http://www.firewallguide.com/

Scumware.com
http://www.scumware.com/



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Kayman]

I scan with ad-ware occasionally.

I was wondering if there are other free programs you would recommend me
downloading for protection.

Careful!
Misinformation re vista f/w and "Two-Way Third-Party Personal Firewall
Software"!
The truth is, Vista by default contains 82 default filters that prevent 34
services from communicating out other than on a very narrow set of defined
ports.
Managing the Windows Vista Firewall
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/cc510323.aspx
(read in ist entirety and be guided accordingly!)

 

[AAaron123]

Thanks for all the help from so many.


Thanks a lot

 

[smlunatick]

Thanks for all the help from so many.

Thanks a lot

I would also suggest adding a "home" broadband router to your set-up
A broadband router will give a "buffer" in between your PC and the
Internet. When your PC is directly connected to the Internet, when
the security "protection" fails, it will be directly exposed to the
Internet.

However, these is no fool-proof security protection to complete
protect your system.