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Security and virus protection

Discussion in 'Security and Privacy' started by MJane, 2008/10/29.

  1. 2008/10/29
    MJane

    MJane Inactive Thread Starter

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    I would appreciate help with finding a reliable Virus and security program for my computer. I am using windows XP.

    My subscription to Norton has run out and I would like to know if there are any better programs which does not slow the computer down. I now have Norton 2008.

    I do my banking, etc. by computer and would very much like to know I have a program that offers the best security.

    Also, I checked my computer with Registry cleaner program and found 900 problems or more, Should I buy this program to clean the registry. It would not clean it unless I did.

    Thanks for your help. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
     
    MJane,
    #1
  2. 2008/10/29
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    I suggest you read my article on HelpWithWindows.com - there is no need to pay for reliable protection .....

    http://www.helpwithwindows.com/techfiles/protect-your-pc.html
    NO - there are several good registry cleaners available as freeware, but my advice is to leave well alone. There are only a few specific occasions when registry cleaning can be justified, specifically to clear the registry of the remnants of an uninstalled program.

    It is extremely doubtful that you would see any improvement after cleaning and it is quite easy to do more harm than good :)

    BTW - removing Norton is likely to speed up your computer somewhat :D Use the Norton Removal Tool
     
    PeteC,
    #2


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  4. 2008/10/29
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Hi MJane, if you want a lot of good free Security programs then take a look here, http://filehippo.com/software/antispyware/ and here, http://filehippo.com/software/antivirus/. :) I also agree with Pete. You should get rid of Norton and not use a registry cleaner. Norton is a resource hog and is a waste of money. Also registry cleaners can severly damage your computer and can even make your computer unbootable if you delete the wrong registry entry. Don't waste your money or your time with them. I have learned this through my own experience. I used to use registry cleaners on my computer but after my computer nearly crashed because of removing valid windows entries I will never use a registry cleaner again. I had to perform a repair install on my system to get it back up and running. Just a fair warning, use registry cleaners at your own risk and only if you know what you are doing. :cool:
     
    Evan Omo,
    #3
  5. 2008/10/29
    sniper9228

    sniper9228 Well-Known Member

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    interesting that you linked to an article you wrote lol
     
    sniper9228,
    #4
  6. 2008/10/30
    MJane

    MJane Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thank you Pete and Terminator..... your reply much appreciated. Very glad I did not go ahead and use the registry cleaner "thing ".
    I will follow your advice.
     
    MJane,
    #5
  7. 2008/10/30
    CUISTech

    CUISTech Inactive

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    I also find it equally deceptive. Not intentionally, of course.

    A security expert who installs a suite of programs and uses them makes for a top-notch recommendation of those programs. A testimonial that declares he's never been infected seems... diningenuous. After all, his browsing habits are those of a security expert.

    Despite being inoculated from diseases, if one spends enough time in a plague ward or a leper colony, the odds of catching something go way up. It doesn't matter how secure your network is in hardware, one social engineer can get your security-inept secretary to bring down the whole system.

    And people who have the best anti-malware protection... Can't always be saved if they have the worst surfing habits.

    But that's just me picking at semantics and splitting hairs. Take it with a grain of salt.
     
    CUISTech,
    #6
  8. 2008/10/30
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    A WindowsBBS Staff member? They can link where they want. You'll notice that the article is published on my site too.
     
    Arie,
    #7

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