Want some SERIOUS PC security advice!

[GhosTT]

{Want advice from guys that are highly skilled, not from guys having good luck with their setup}

NEW DELL4600(windows XP)....first PC EVER, no skills then.....
OK, had to reformat 3 times in last 16 months.
16 months ago was at day 1 skill level.
Was a total newbie then.
Little skills(compared to yours)been from trial and error.

I want serious advice, but need you to  understand, low skill level,zero training
What I know is total trial and Error


Won't bore you with total history,last episode was Hard drive replaced.
Since then this is my security..............
First off
Since "rerformat"  using windows firewall, use to use ZONE ALARM firewall.
So that's first question,stay with window, switch back to ZA, or doyou know another free firewall thats free ,better, and easy to use?


Second,( this is my security setup......)
Of course the next is windows update, the second is AVAST, the third is spywareblaster, the fourth is Spybot-search an destroy,
the fifth is AD-AWARESE.

That is my setup so far..
To me, still seems lacking..........

Really will appreciate advice!

[Spyros]

I suggest:

Antivirus (real time protection): avast
Antivirus (scanner only): MWAV and DrWeb CureIT

Antitrojan: Ewido and a-squared

Firewall: ZoneAlarm

Antispyware (real time): Microsoft Antispyware and Spybot.
Antispyware (on-access): SpywareDoctor, Ad-aware.

Track & registry cleaner: ccleaner

HijackThis
Grc.com patches: DCOMbobulator, Shoot the Messenger, UnPlug n' Pray. (You need to run them only once)
XP anti-spy

Visit spyros.atspace.com for more info & download links.

[thedon57]

Hi this is my personal choice what i have for keeping my computer running smooth since building it 6 mths ago.

Windows XP SP2
All updates installed.
Windows Firewall.
Avast Antivirus Pro.
Microsoft Antispyware.
Yahoo Antispyware.
Microsoft Anti Malware (working in background).
CCleaner
Ad-aware SE Personal (Lavasoft)
Windows Registry Repair Pro.
Microsoft Baseline.

This is my personal joice but since having it, I have not had any Freezing up of screen.
No Crashes.
No Blue Screens.

Hope this helps you.

[RejZoR]

For me only:
avast! Home Edition
Windows XP SP2 Firewall
Mozilla Firefox browser

I decided i don't need loads of anti-spyware programs and i actually don't ned them.
Firefox keeps it away and i watch what i install. Clean PC ever since.

[veddie]

yeahh i use gecko browser or opera and they are wery powerfull  in stopping intrusion activity but an antivirus has to be installed,
couple days ago avast blocked traffic while surfing the net...

good browser is what you should install first, so avast cause it has a good web shield, and time to time scan for spyware with programs..like AA se SS&D, you can also block some ports with some usefull programs, and use a firewall but i can't tell you which is the best every has its own leaks and disadvantages

I've booted my system (xp pro) first time about year ago

[YLAP]

I decided i don't need loads of anti-spyware programs and i actually don't ned them.

You are very brave man! 

[essexboy]

ZAPro
Spywareblaster
Avast
Firefox
Crapcleaner (clean on boot option)
All m$ updates

Nough said works for me virus and malware free for a couple of years now,  any more is overkill

[DavidR]

Software is only one part of PC Security, so I suggest you also check out this link http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=7204.0

[GhosTT]

Thanks, alot of good advice


RejZoR,


Appreciate yer post, but think this reponse will help you.

Download AdwareSE
Scan with it once,then if no hits, just remove it.

Willing to bet you got a TON of spyware hiding in yer system, sending stuff out and slowing yer speed.

Try it, easy to uninstall, but betting after you scan with it, you'll keep it!
{Spybot too, but AdwareSE first!}

[Mick Sturbes]

For me only:
avast! Home Edition
Windows XP SP2 Firewall
Mozilla Firefox browser

I decided i don't need loads of anti-spyware programs and i actually don't ned them.
Firefox keeps it away and i watch what i install. Clean PC ever since.

Seconded ......

[essexboy]

ZAPro
Spywareblaster
Avast
Firefox
Crapcleaner (clean on boot option)
All m$ updates

Nough said works for me virus and malware free for a couple of years now, any more is overkill

I forgot to add engage brain and be smart

[Spiritsongs]

  When I was fortunate enough to come across the now
    defunct Lavasoft Ad-Aware Support forums, I read &
    followed the advise of expert "mitch" at :
    http://members.accessbee.com/mitch/PhantomPhixer.html .
    For programs, I read his "Newbie and Oldie's list" and have
    added "Traceless" & "Registry First Aid" .

[Abraxas]

  I'm surprised at the number of people using Windows XP SP2 Firewall . It doesn't offer true protection , just one-way.
Not sure which way<- -> as I turned the thing off and use Zone Alarm (free). Downside of that is the incompatability of Avast's webSheild and ZoneAlarm; with Win XP, but if your using Mozilla  FireFox , as others have commented, your afforded a lot more security via your browser .

ME ? : Bold = My essentials.
FireFox 1.06
Avast ! (Home)
ZoneAlarm (free)
Ad-Aware SE
SpyBot search&destroy
Winpatrol ( Alerts changes in system settings )
SpywareBlaster (Browser protecter)
A Squared   (scanner only)
Jv16PowerTools 1.3.0.195 ( Old version of great Registry cleaner)
HiJackThis ( 1.99.1)
CW Shredder
CCleaner
Also I like : ' TuneUp Utilities 2004 ' , 30 day trial version to get everything co-ordinated and running well .

[glenn moss]

 
Spywares are good,malwares are good ,AVAST is the best!
BUT dont forget the 3 "D"s
                          DEFRAG!
                          DEFRAG!
                          DEFRAG!
                                                         Glenn M.

[MFB]

Spywares are good,malwares are good ,AVAST is the best!
BUT dont forget the 3 "D"s
                          DEFRAG!
                          DEFRAG!
                          DEFRAG!
                                                         Glenn M.

Whoa please correct me if I'm wrong but did you just post that Spywares and malwares are good?