Now I'm really confused

[schmity]

Just built my new computer and have XP installed. I have NVIDIA integrated firewall installed.

I've been looking at the two sticky threads for diagnostics, virus scanners, etc. Now I'm more confused than ever.

What would be the SIMPLEST way to be secure from the internet, viruses, and keep windows from slowing down and crashing all the time?

[rspassey]

I would ditch that firewall and install Zone Alarm (it is free and amazing). You should also have an antivirus software installed on the computer. I like Avast (also free), and many others like AVG (another free one). Lastly, it is advisable to have some sort of active monitor... I would suggest Windows Defender (free too). In addition, it is a good idea to keep a few antispyware scanners around, such as AdAware SE, Spybot Search and Destroy, and Ewido AntiMalware. IF you do frequent scans with all your software (Anti Virus and AntiSpyware), use common sense (don't Download something you dont know or visit unknown sites), then you should be pretty well off.

Plus, it is highly advisable to have some sort of hardware firewall also - such as a router.

However ( ), the simplest way would be to never use the internet what-so-ever... but where's the fun in that?

[schmity]

Originally Posted by ryan124712 I would ditch that firewall and install Zone Alarm (it is free and amazing).

Interesting, I liked the idea of an integrated hardware firewall. What is your reasoning for ditching this firewall?

Originally Posted by ryan124712 In addition, it is a good idea to keep a few antispyware scanners around, such as AdAware SE, Spybot Search and Destroy, and Ewido AntiMalware. IF you do frequent scans with all your software (Anti Virus and AntiSpyware), use common sense (don't Download something you dont know or visit unknown sites), then you should be pretty well off.

Are you suggesting installing more than one spyware scanner?

[Panama Red]

Here's some alternate and some confirming thoughts on the subject. XP SP2 has an effective software firewall built in that will block INCOMING traffic and Active X auto downloads. It also has an effective popup blocker. Many have reported trouble with the nVidia firewall. While Zone Alarm provides the additonal feature of blocking OUTGOING traffic, I personally feel it is overkill and unnecessary. Adding a router to any broadband connection not only provides the abiltiy to run more than one computer in a network and share the internet connection, a router also provides an effective hardware firewall that will keep you "invisible" to others on the internet.

MS's AntiSpyware Beta has evolved into the new Windows Defender. This free software acts like a software firewall but more specifically targets attempts to highjack your browser and blocks attempts to download unsolicited programs. It can be configured to scan your system daily to remove any malicious visitors.

AVG is my choice for a free antivirus. This is an effective AV that has proven itself over several years. It too will scan your system daily and runs constantly to prevent virus infections. Keep in mind that NO antivirus is 100% effective. Periodic scans at other AV sites provides additional protection. The most recommended site is Trendmicro.

Installed Adware and Spyware scanners need to be run regularly to remove undesireables. They don't run all the time like AVG or Windows Defender so you have to remember to run them. The most effective combination of scanners is Adware, Spybot Search and Destroy, and Ewido. All are free. Ewido can be installed as a security suite or run as a scanner or run as an online scanner. I prefer to use the online scanner with my high speed connection because it is always updated.

I use one standard package for all pc's I build and service for others. It consists of AVG, Adaware, Spybot, and MS Antispyware (now Windows Defender). I always recommend installing a router on any broadband connection. These is a simple, effective package of protection that doesn't overburden a system with additional firewalls.

I've said this before and I'll continue to say it to all my clients. "The one thing I can't install on your pc or control in any way is the most powerful internet tool you have - Think BEFORE you Click!"

[rspassey]

Originally Posted by schmity Interesting, I liked the idea of an integrated hardware firewall. What is your reasoning for ditching this firewall? Are you suggesting installing more than one spyware scanner?

1) Too many people have had issues with nVidia firewall, and I honestly don't know anyone who uses it. I don't use it and have never had a single piece spyware or a virus ever. PR brings up an interesting point about software firewalls, and to be honest, XP SP2's firewall will suffice.

2) PR pretty much covered everything you need to know about spyware scanners and which ones you should have on your system all the time. Remember though, they are just scanners and you have to update and run them often to make them effective.

[schmity]

I know that all the spyware, adware, and virus scanners help tremendously, but is there anything else you can do to keep windows from getting slower and slower and slower. I've always had this problem and my solution has always been a format of the HD. I noticed someone mentions CClean. Will this help?

[glc]

All you can do is keep after it - keep it clean of viruses, spyware, etc. - make sure software you install doesn't put itself in the startup if not needed and doesn't install every toolbar known to man, keep temp files cleaned, keep it defragged, this kind of stuff. CCleaner is an excellent freebie disk and registry cleaner.

I haven't reformatted this Win2000 rig in 5 years and it still runs fine.

[indigo0086]

on a sidenote, has anyone gotten virus warnings from Java JDK or jave Runtime installers. My avg detects the java installers sometimes as trojans.

[rspassey]

Originally Posted by schmity I know that all the spyware, adware, and virus scanners help tremendously, but is there anything else you can do to keep windows from getting slower and slower and slower. I've always had this problem and my solution has always been a format of the HD. I noticed someone mentions CClean. Will this help?

You need to use programs like CCleaner frequently (I do it daily) to help keep your PC running like it is new by cleaning up the disk and registry. Also, run disk defraggmenter and disk cleanup (two programs that come with windows). Also, you can do things like having items in Windows Explorer open in a list rather than large thumnails so that they take less time to load. Plus, keep and eye on the start up list and make sure there isn't anything that is hogging up resources from the instant you turn on your PC.

[schmity]

I see that you can also purchase a version of AVG. What are the advantages of this. Pretty Cheap.