Windows XP Viruses, adware, you name it!

[ngalbrai]

Just had a plaintive call from little sister, her computer appears to be grinding to a halt. Shes been using the internet with no protection (so to speak) for ages now and has undoutably been installing all sorts of rubbish. Any suggestions on software that she can use to clean up and protect in the future, free stuff as shes unwilling to pay for anything (empoverished student). I've pointed her in the direction of adaware and spybot for starters, plus going through the proper route to unistall any superflous stuff. Its very unlikely shes changed any core settings like swapfile sizes. Is there any decent free antivirus/firewall software available? Any other low tech suggestionss gratefully recieved?

 

[Reefsmoka]

Well you'll need a thorough virus scan, and they don get better than this:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Then after you find, and remove the virus' you will need a firewall, this is the best around:
http://www.download.com/ZoneAlarm-with-Antivirus/3000-2092-10291284.html?tag=lst-0-3

Then you will need a good antivirus, now its hard to get a free one, but this one is pretty good for a month:
http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Vi...e-Edition/3000-2239-10233694.html?tag=lst-0-1

But, aslong as you install the firewall and have it active, you should be ok. Then every now and then use that virus scan.

 

[floppybootstomp]

You can get the free AVG Anti Virus program here:Grisoft AVG Free

Here’s another good freebie AV Program: AntiVir

And an alternative free firewall is Kerio Firewall

Also, it’s worth considering installing SpyWare Blaster Which is another freebie and stops spyware and adware being downloaded in the first place.

Good luck

 

[ritchietom]

Goodmorning,
A quick question, is the Firewall that comes with Windows XP Home edition good enough or would you suggest I get this Kerio Firewall for example?
Thank you

 

[Matt Jason H]

You might want to install Firefox for her (www.mozilla.org), it's got an inbuilt pop-up blocker, and doesn't display any "Would you like to install FREE ADWARE PORN SPYWARE RESPECTABLE SOFTWARE" Yes/No type messages either.

 

[muckshifter]

Goodmorning,
A quick question, is the Firewall that comes with Windows XP Home edition good enough or would you suggest I get this Kerio Firewall for example?
Thank you

Yes ... XPs firewall is a good as any other (for inbound traffic only) and SP2 has added features such as a pop-up/under/sidways/floating/obscure pop-up-stopper.

 

[bodhi]

Win98 doesnt come with a built in firewall like XP, but if you are getting broadband, is it best to download a firewall? Which is the best one to download? Is it easy to configure them?