Need Advice: firewall, anti-virus, spyware

Hey there.

I just repaired my Windows XP. I've had some hardware issues earlier.

I'm wanting to get a good list of what "anti-virus, firewall and spyware" programs I should use.

I had Norton anti-virus in the past, but found it to be a resource hog and it slowed my pc down. I moved to AVG and it was better resource wise.

For my firewall I've used Zonealarm, but it also lagged my PC, so I left it.

For my spyware software.. I used spyware doctor, but am thinking of moving on to something else.

I need some suggestions, as my PC needs a REAL good cleaning. I've heard good things about Kaspersky, which has an anti-virus and firewall in one.

Anyways, please throw your suggestions and experiences this way.

Thanks.

 

How are you connecting to the internet?

If direct the you may consider using a router even if you only use one system. With a router using NAT you have a natural firewall.

As far as software goes AVAST is a good AV package, Spybot S&D is good for anti spyware and Comodo for a firewall. Those are my recommendations (and all free ) and no doubt you'll have several others but the best advice is try a few and decide what you're happy with.

Above all though practice safe surfing, think about where you are and look at links you're going to (the status bar at the bottom not what you see on the website).

 

Some suggestions:Choose one of the free av products from below to stay secure:

• Avira AntiVir
• avast!
• ClamWin Anti-Virus
• PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition
• AVG Free Anti Virus <<<--be sure not to be tricked into installing the extra toolbar which is default ticked

Choose from this list of free firewalls to install and stay fully protected.

• COMODO
• Outpost
• ZoneAlarm<<<--be sure not to be tricked into installing the extra toolbar which is default ticked
• Online Armour Free

Anti-Spyware apps: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Other things you can do to be secure, tho most important is what was already mentioned, stay smart when surfing.

And either of the two following hosts file databases will keep an even stronger layer of defense:

• MVPS Hosts File
• hpHosts

The latter contains more sites as they tend to include domains\IPs which are involved in even the slightest way with malware distribution or sites involved in any other sort of salacious activities. Basically, lay with dogs, get fleas type of thing.

To manage your hosts file we recommend using HostsXpert. With this tool, you can download the latest updates, merge them with another hosts file, edit entries and much more. It's freeware and works very well on all systems

And to prevent unknown applications from being installed on your machine install WinPatrol 2008 v15. WinPatrol is also great at controlling which applications start with Windows. It's even got a nifty 'delay' feature.

Another thing I would suggest, is to install SiteAdvisor or SiteHound. Each provide similar protection, tho SiteAdvisor also rates sites on business practices and spam. SiteHound will offer some content advice as well as security alerts on known rogue sites.

 

TeMerc has some very good suggestions. The part that I like about WinPatrol is the cookie selection. Keep the ones you want and delete the rest. Used to use Comodo Firewall and Avira AntiVir. Both are good choices. I now use Comodo Internet Security(AV and firewall).

 

Thanks guys.

I got WinPatrol and it's amazing!

I also go MalwareBytes and it's helped my PC. I had some Trojans on here and it's cleaned them up.

The only thing left now is a "firewall and anti-virus ".

I'm looking at the Comodo Internet Security or Kaspersky. I haven't decided yet.

 

I used to use Comodo firewall with Avira AntiVir, but now use Comodo Internet Security. Firewall and AV in one sweet package.

 

are you using the comodo internet security pro version?

 

UPDATE: I've installed Kaspersky Internet Security and Anti-Virus... seems to be looking good so far.

 

I posted this here:
http://www.windowsbbs.com/general-s...security-software-advice-opinions-needed.html

 

Kaspersky is a top-notch program and you should have no issues with it installed. My wife and I use McAfee Internet security and find it does the job for us.

 

I tried Comodo but got irked over the prompts, every single program needed two separate acknowledgments and I had gone thru and tried most of them but in a couple of cases it corupted the program because it was waiting for more Data and Comodo was still asking if it was okay to run.

It seems to me that all the antiVirus and Firewalls that are free have built in delays.Maybe this is just my cynical mind at work though

 

I recommend you invent in a paid option. So far Kaspersky has been amazing for me.

 

From my experience, Kaspersky is the best of them, also nod32 is an excellent but I prefer Kaspersky more