Help protecting my computer

[axis_d]

hello everyone, I have a basic question about protecting my computer. I just formatted my computer tonight for the second time in 4 months because it was just flooded to death with pop ups, viruses, adware and countless "unknown errors". I really dont have any idea what I was doing wrong, but even trying to run ad-aware and spy bot everyday wouldn't fix it. Now that I formatted it (again), I need to know EVERYTHING I should be doing to protect it. What type of virus software should I have? What settings should I be on? Any adware protection? Are spybot and Ad-aware sufficient? Tell me everything I need to do to protect it that way I can avoid alot of hassle in the future!
Also, I have another computer that I use for editing music and video, its never touched the internet, but I'd like to get an internet connection for it eventually. Is there some different kind of protection I'd use for that system? Thanks alot!

[freakitchen]

Here are some general protection tips.

The most important security software you can have at the moment are spyware scanners. Ad-Aware is my preferred option here. Run a scan reguarly - once every few days.

Obviously, a virus scanner is also important. The very good, free AVG Antivirus (www.grisoft.com) should be your first choice here.

It's also important, for internet use, to have a good firewall. If you connect from behind a router, then it is likely that this will have a hardware firewall installed. If not, you'll need a software one. If you're running Windows with Service Pack 2, then turn on the Windows firewall. If not, consider Zone Alarm, or Kerio.

This combination should be sufficient to keep your computer clean. If not, then you need to look at how you use the net. It goes without saying that 'dodgy' sites have 'dodgy' security and may infect your computer just by browsing.

For added security, if you're using Internet Explorer, switch to Mozilla Firefox. It's a great customizable browser, has a built in popup blocker and is generally more secure.

Freakitchen

[intel_boffin]

the most important thing is to have some common sence .... dont clik on pop-ups, dont accept every attachment, dont go on websites you arnt sure about, ect ... just b smart and you wont have any probs

[kev7555]

Common sense is important, not clicking on pop-ups, sponsored links, etc.

Spywareblaster is a must. It blocks over 4000 objects from ever getting installed in your computer to begin with. AdAware SE and Spybot Search and Destroy are excellent, but none of these programs are of any use if they are not updated every few days and have scans run on a regular basis, especially if you spend large amounts of time on the internet.

AVG is an excellent steer. Listen to those who say so.

Run some type of firewall (anything is better than nothing) and make sure automatic updates is turned on. Download all available updates from Microsoft.

(This thread really should have gone in system security and privacy).


-Kev

[peekaboo]

everybody always suggests the free stuff.
i don't know if free firewall/antivirus software is as good as the retail ones (i doubt it).
Why not invest in a proper security software?
I use Zonelabs Security Suite and I recommend staying away from Nortons (also heard bad things about mcaffee but never used it).
I run spywareblaster, adaware, xsoftspy, spybot and spysweeper regularly.
(It's kind of my hobby and I wish there were more viruses out there to catch.)

another tip:
whenever you get a window asking your permission to install something, READ it. did u intend to install it? are you familiar with it? what does it do? does it install anything else with it?
inspect the "checked" boxes. r they permitting any other function or installation?
keep everything up to date and you should be fine.

[kosova]

Originally Posted by peekaboo everybody always suggests the free stuff.

yes because if you put $500-2k on a system just to perform SUPER you really dont have space to buy 50 stupid softwares out there to keep your comp clean and in the end you end up with 17 trojans (personal experience)..MY tip is get a good Anti-Virus software like AVG at downloads.com, a good SPYware utility..basically what everyone said don't accept unknown files with endings(extensions) .exe b/c its obviously a program usually some hacker thing to get your IP address...just stay away from stupid things like those lol

[peekaboo]

spysweeper is supposed to be the best and it costs around 30 CAD. that's not so bad if it keeps spyware, trojans, and malware from being installed in the first place and runs a good sweep.

[axis_d]

cool thanks for all the replies.