Want some SERIOUS PC security advice!

[darth.mikey]

Offline defrag works OK for me.Sorry can't help you there but maybe your friend google could help you out? 


Mikey
 

[darth.mikey]

OK i just  found out i have the same problem  :'(  OK so i used  google and this came up http://www.raxco.com/support/windows/kb_details.cfm?kbid=494 it turns out StyleXP is responsible 
OK i fixed it now hope you will be able to do the same.

Good Luck,

Mikey

[Abraxas]

 Am I in the 'Off Topic' Forum ? This is the funniest thread I've read in ages 

[DavidR]

I too was thinking this was/should be in Off-topic, not to mention even if it were this thread is getting off-topic as much of what is now being discussed has little to do with "SERIOUS PC security advice!'

Perhaps one of the mods should move it there as it shouldn't be in the avast! 4x Home/Pro forum.

[Umath]

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.

Yes, I'm getting off-guard, too.  I use an e-mailer which natively can't read but texts and a Mozilla alternative browser with java off while closing unnecessary Windows services.  I still keep Spybot, which has caught no Spyware at all, though.  Also, Kerio 4.2.0 is on my PC but no new function has detected suspicious behaviors (I prefer the simplicity of 2.1.5 if only it works properly on my PC).  At the moment, it seems I have to pay attention to Windows update rather than viruses.

I too was thinking this was/should be in Off-topic, not to mention even if it were this thread is getting off-topic as much of what is now being discussed has little to do with "SERIOUS PC security advice!'

Perhaps one of the mods should move it there as it shouldn't be in the avast! 4x Home/Pro forum.

Get back to topic, then. Covering ports with Firewalls is one thing but why not close ports if you are not using them at all? I recommend WWDC if you don't want to learn how to close each unnecessary port.  The site itself has good read, too.

PS I'd like Microsoft to implement ease-of use and reliable user right/port management system.  Using resources for unnecessary services while giving up more of some resources to security applications are absurd.

[darth.mikey]

Or you could just buy a NAT router to close your ports right?

[Umath]

Or you could just buy a NAT router to close your ports right?

Not sure what you mean.  Hardware or software, firewalls are to cover ports but what I meant is:  Why keep unnecessary services on while it just endangers your system and choke the resources?

In any case, multi-layer protection is desirable especially when security firewalls are not costing your system resources.  Your money is different story, though. 

[Mick Sturbes]

Not sure what you mean.  Hardware or software, firewalls are to cover ports but what I meant is:  Why keep unnecessary services on while it just endangers your system and choke the resources?

In any case, multi-layer protection is desirable especially when security firewalls are not costing your system resources.  Your money is different story, though. 

But surely Microsoft are only after your money .......

[GhosTT]

LOl,

Yup, prolly posted on wrong board,
But glad  I DID, learnining ALOT!

[GhosTT]

posted twice,sorry 

[MFB]

Hey GhostTT, I want you to know that you're not alone when it comes to learning, I'm still got a heck alot of stuff to learn and avast! forum is a great way to get alot of information.    

[GhosTT]

FIXER,
My first PC(16 months now),learning as I go.

Have learned  from this site.

Members are more than willing to help, no matter our skill level.

Good group of guys 

[justin1278]

for a firewall i suggest kerio personal it is a free trial with all of the features but after 30 days is goes to the freeware version where you don't get the web content filtering feature all the web content feature does is block pop ups and other things.

[dancerdog3]

Anti Virus, Anti Spyware, Firewall (Hardware and Software).  Those are essential.
 
But, a good security plan must include redundancy.  That means BACKUP your data.  Copy your important files to a CD, or use an online backup service, or use a USB memory stick.  At some time you will lose your data.  It can be caused by a virus, spyware, trojan, hard drive failure, user error, practical joke, or something else.
 
Be smart and use all the protection - and keep redundant copies of important files.

[GhosTT]

dancerdog3,

Good advice,
Right now I am trying to learn about back up external hard drives.
Willing to drop a couple hundred to find one that works well, and easy for a low skill user.