new computer....need advice on great security

[Paul H]

the previous post really got me thinking of my new dell dimension e521 desktop i just recieved. what shoud i have on here for great security.....spyware, viruses that sort of stuff.

i am running nortons security 2006 now. i read the previous post about slow laptop, but mines not slow just want security.



one more thing.....george c said something about the start,run and enter in %temp%

well i found some files in there that are temporary and they went to the recycle bin....

but some the pc wouldnt let me get rid of. a screen came up and said can not delete these

programs. now my question is, i can empty the recycle bin with out a problem right? as long as they are temp internet files?

any help is much appreciated, thanks in advance. if computer specs are neede just let me know.

paul h

 

[Dan Chatten]

Paul,



I have several desktops (Dell) and Laps and all that I run on these machines and have never had any issues are:



a) Norton Corporate Anti-Virus and Firewall - I do get this from work, but what you have should do the trick.

b) Windows Defender (free) Go to www.microsoft.com



If you do not have Norton Firewall then you can probably get away with the XP version.



I also run monthly Ad-Aware. I find it picks up a few more items then Defender alone.



That's my .02 Good luck with your final decision.



Dan

 

[Travis Munday]

I've got Windows One Care (which includes Windows Defender), Spybot, Spyware Doctor, Scottie the Watch Dog, and hijackthis.



Spybot helps after an infection, but can limit the access rouge programs have so they can't even get onto your computer. Spyware Doctor is similar, I run both to provide a larger database and search coverage. Scottie is an active program, it watches for programs that try to set themselves to launch at startup and change default program allowanceses, and you have to verify any changes. Very nice. Hijackthis scans deep into program files and tree and hunts for stuff that the other programs overlook.



Windows One Care is pretty comprehensive, it has an active firewall, scanner, back-up and maintenance utilities all built in. Works well from what I can tell.



I also use FireFox, helps prevent the IE holes that seem to plague Windows machines.

 

[Dale Carlson]

Since you're posting here, I'm assuming you're connected to the Internet at home? And that it's some type of broadband (cable or DSL)? You might think about getting a firewall/router to put inline between your modem and your computer. If you think you might someday like wireless access in your house, get a wireless router and turn off the radio (for now). The router will provide a level of security that software alone cannot touch.

 

[JohnnyB]

TrendMicro PcCillin Internet Security is great.

AdAware and Spybot.

 

[Todd Z]

Have George C come over....



Problem solved...



Todd Z

 

[Dre L]

1. Stop downloading porn.

2. See number 1.

3. Find the network cable and cut it.

4. If you absolutely insist on downloading porn, get a router.

5. PC-Cillin 2007 is a great "fire and forget" security suite. It has a nice balance between lockdown and ease of use, and you can tweak security up or down.

6. AVG offers free anti-virus and anti-spyware which work well, but have limited options. www.grisoft.com

7. Windows Defender is a good product to alert you to "grayware".

8. If your machine supports Data Execution Prevention, use it.

9. Some porn appears safe until you open it, then it starts doing all sorts of unsafe things. Always watch for porn triggered symptoms (PTS) when you open your porn, before you get too caught up in your porn.

10. Always practice safe computing. <A HREF="http://safety.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm">Safety Guide</A>