Re: New computer, which security software?

From: Al Smith (invalid_at_address.com)
Date: 06/29/04

  • Next message: lin: "Re: How secure is your Windows Computer?" 
    Date: Tue, 29 Jun 2004 04:16:52 GMT

    > Hello,
    >
    > My new PC arrived yesterday and I am trying to find out what software people
    > recommend having loaded to avoid Virus's, Trojan's, unwanted Ads etc.

    It's a short but almost universal list. Everything is available
    for free.

    1. ZoneAlarm for a firewall, running fulltime if you are on highspeed.
    2. AVG for a free antivirus scanner, running fulltime. Do a full
    scan about once a week.
    3. AdAware to get rid of adware -- run it every week or so.
    4. Spybot Search and Destroy to eliminate various kinds of malware
    -- run it every week or so.
    5. Periodically, say every couple of weeks, you should run Stinger
    from McAfee.

    None of this will help you unless you turn off most of the default
    settings and services in Windows XP, stop using Internet Explorer,
    and stop using Outlook or Outlook Express.

    If you want security you will need to get used to inconvenience.
    You cannot have both security and convenience at the same time.
    You will have to get used to some Web sites not working fully
    because you've got such things as Active X, Java, Frames and
    JavaScript turned off while you surf. When you absolutely need to
    access such a site, turn what you need on for that site only, then
    turn it off again.

    The Mozilla suite is a good substitute for Internet Explorer and
    Outlook Express. It's free.

  • Next message: lin: "Re: How secure is your Windows Computer?"

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