Keeping your PC safe

[dragonrage]

thanks for the info....

[Board of Command]

I only use my router's firewall because it has proven to be pretty secure. I used to run Sygate firewall alongside my router's firewall but Sygate has never picked up anything (whereas it used to before I got a router), so to save some RAM I just use my router's firewall. (D-Link DI-624)

I tried installing Spybot a while ago but I think it doesn't like Win XP x64 very much... I'll give it another shot some time.

[woofcat]

For Linux people who need a firewall try out Firestarter it works great for me and its easy to set up / configure.

[masamuneehs]

moved and stickied in General Support.
-m

[darkshadow]

Well, if you know what your doing, even IE can be safe ( since i only use IE, and never had any problems )

also get Spyware Blaster.
While Spybot and Ad-Aware remove spy/adware, Spyware Blaster will try and keep it off your pc:

The most important step you can take is to secure your system. And SpywareBlaster is the most powerful protection program available.



Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted software.
Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox.
Restrict the actions of potentially unwanted sites in Internet Explorer.

SpywareBlaster can help keep your system spyware-free and secure, without interfering with the "good side" of the web.

And unlike other programs, SpywareBlaster does not have to remain running in the background.

Download:
JavaCool Software

[xDarkMaster]

Thanks for the tip darkshadow, I'll check it out if I have time. Although, already have Spyware Doctor, AVG, and Avast so I don't really need it.

[Deadfire]

Some things to add the following are some of the programs I use (or have seen used and worked)


System Information for Windows
Run the executable, and in a few seconds this little utility will tell you more than you could imagine about your computer's hardware, operating system, installed programs, and so on. What you do with that information is up to you--the tool doesn't offer diagnoses or advice.
Download link

CCleaner
Over time, your PC gets gunked up with old browser cache files, cookies, and other bits and pieces. CCleaner finds this digital detritus and zaps it.
Download link

Spybot Search & Destroy Spyware:
Though no tool is a cure-all, Spybot is a powerful antidote to many ills. In addition to finding and deleting spyware, Spybot can continuously monitor your system for changes, giving you an opportunity to permit or disallow critical Registry modifications before they happen.
Download link

Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal
The free version performs on-demand scans only, not continuous monitoring. But Ad-Aware catches some programs that Spybot misses (and vice versa).
Download Link (Click on "download now")

Microsoft Windows Defender
Yes, you do need another antispyware app. Though this beta software (formerly known as Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware) expires on December 31, 2006, it's worth downloading. Microsoft's tool catches spyware that other programs don't--including the dangerous rootkit carried by some Sony music CDs that were released last year.
Download link (Click "continue" as it requires a valid copy of windows)

ZoneAlarm
This firewall keeps watch over inbound and outbound Internet connections, helping avert attacks by hackers and spyware programs. It offers greater control and is easier to use than Windows XP's built-in firewall. Make sure that you download the basic firewall, which is free for personal and nonprofit use, instead of the trial version of ZoneAlarm Pro.
Download link(Click on "download now")

Anonymizer
This company hosts a free anonymous browsing service at its home page. Enter a URL, and Anonymizer displays the page you want--without revealing your IP address, your cookies, or any other information to the sites you surf.
Download Link(For free trial but you can see int he top right hand part you can do it for free labeled "FREE Private Surfing")

GRC Shields Up
Shields Up is a convenient browser-based tool that checks for common vulnerabilities, such as open ports and hackable file-sharing services.
Main web page (from here go to proceed)

Trend Micro HouseCall
If installing antivirus and antispyware programs isn't an option, do yourself a favor and visit this site regularly. Trend Micro's software runs in your browser to scan for and eliminate malware on your computer.
Main Page (you can proceed as you like from here)

AirDefense Personal Lite
You should never lose sight of the security risks involved in using Wi-Fi. This simple program alerts you whenever you connect to an insecure wireless network or to a hotspot that you haven't designated as safe.
Web page (fill it in and download)

Avast Home Edition
This easy-to-use antivirus scanner is free for noncommercial or home use. Unlike online scanners, it can perform a boot-time virus scan (the most effective way to catch viruses) and will continually monitor your system for threats. Avast is free, but you must register at the company's Web site to use the program beyond its 90-day trial period.
Download Page (Pick the version you want)

[samsonlonghair]

Most of the best programs have already been mentioned. Firefox and Spybot are definite must-haves. Another good program to have in your article is Hijack this. When you're having trouble finding out what's causing trouble in your computer this program will work wonders.

I only use my router's firewall because it has proven to be pretty secure. I used to run Sygate firewall alongside my router's firewall but Sygate has never picked up anything (whereas it used to before I got a router), so to save some RAM I just use my router's firewall. (D-Link DI-624)

Generally, a hardware firefall is a better solution. To make an analogy, a software firewall is like putting a security system in your home; a hardware firewall is like putting a deadbolt in your door. It's simpler, easier, and (usually) more effective. Just my opinion.

[naruto49]

I'm glad I read this. I just scanned my computer for spyware and found that I have about 7000 spyware infections.

[xDarkMaster]

Does anyone with AVG know how to prevent it from automatically starting when Windows starts?

[Deadfire]

I'm glad I read this. I just scanned my computer for spyware and found that I have about 7000 spyware infections.

IF you truly found that many I would suggest you reinstall windows as removing that many can cause windows to be very unstable. (As if it wasn't already)

Does anyone with AVG know how to prevent it from automatically starting when Windows starts?

There does not appear to be a simple disable option in the free AVG software but there is a way around it that is easier than uninstalling and reinstalling the software and this is to prevent it from starting automatically. If you uninstall it then you will have to download all the patches and updates and reconfigure it again.

To prevent it from starting click on start, run and type MSCONFIG then click on the startup tab and you will see all the programs that start automatically when the computer starts.

Now just remove the tick from the program called Avgcc, click OK and then restart your computer.

Any other questions?

[drims]

I got one Deadfire. You know what I could do so my computers usage doesnt get so high from playing online game "starcraft".

[Deadfire]

I got one Deadfire. You know what I could do so my computers usage doesnt get so high from playing online game "starcraft".

Don't play it?

The games are designed to run at 100% usage to get the "best" results.
remember how old the games are and what the top-of-the-range CPUs were like back then.

[ChaosK]

I got one Deadfire. You know what I could do so my computers usage doesnt get so high from playing online game "starcraft".

If your computer dies from playing starcraft, its time to get a new computer....