My FREE security software recommendation for NEWBIES

[betauser2]

My Security Software recommendations for newbies.

Noticed a lot of newbies asking for recommendations, so hence the reason for this thread. (Very close to my own setup).

Intended for Windows operating systems.


Anti-Virus

Avast Home (http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html)

Features Instant Messaging Shield, Internet Mail Shield, Web Shield and Network Shield.


Firewall

ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp) (Free)

Select Free Version when installing. Allow only those programs that you want to access internet and DENY the rest.


System Monitor

ArovaxShield (http://www.arovaxshield.com/download.php?sid=j3am2sgq901f1i0otvj7ojbnb6)

Simple guard that blocks unwanted entries to start up, attempts to hijack browser, etc


No H.I.P.S

Can be very frustrating.


Anti-Malware

Ewido (http://www.ewido.net/en/download/) (swithces to Free mode after 30 day trial)
Scans and removes Trojans, Dialers and Spyware. Update and Run atleast once a month


Web Browser

Opera (http://www.opera.com/download/)

Please switch to alternative web browser if you use Internet Explorer (IE) and only use IE for Windows update.


Remember the best defence is YOU (yourself). Do not open any email from anyone you don't know (or don't expect). Do not visit any NAUGHTY sites. Keep all security software up to date. Only download software from authors OFFICIAL site.

You don't need to purchase any security software for home (personal) use, (although your free to do so). Please spend the money on your family and friends. ;)

If you want to get paranoid spend some time in this Forum (lol)

Note to all those who want to post their recommendations, please remember
(1) This is for NEWBIES
(2) Post only ONE software recommendation (not a selection)
(3) All recommendations MUST be Free
(4) No comparative argument or discussion on what is BEST or BETTER etc (all of this adds to confusion)
(5) Please keep it simple and to a bare minimum


Hope this helps

betauser2

[TNT]

Antivirus: Antivir
On demand antivirus: ClamWin
Firewall/system hardening: Core Force (not for newbies)... maybe Jetico? I don't really know, I used Sygate and that was ok, have used Core Force for various months, now.
Antikeylogger: SnoopFree Privacy Shield
Sandbox: Sandboxie
Antispyware: Ewido 4.0, SpyBot Search & Destroy, SpywareBlaster
Encryption: TrueCrypt, GnuPG, Password Safe (for passwords)
Surfing privacy: Tor + Privoxy + Vidalia
Web browser: Firefox
IE "hardening": ZonedOut + My own block list ;D
Rootkit detection: IceSword (not for newbies)... maybe RootkitRevealer...

Total cost: 0$

EDIT: Ok, I didn't consider the part "for newbies"... definitely Core Force isn't for newbies, IceSword isn't as well, and GnuPG not really either.

[WSFuser]

HIPS - Prevx1R (http://free.prevx.com/)

set to ABC mode, it will rarely give any prompt but it will still protect your computer.

@TNT, i deeply doubt Core Force would be a good idea for a newbie. It already above my level but im not a firewall expert either. Plus its a beta and will likely have bugs.

[TNT]

-{ Quote: "
@TNT, i deeply doubt Core Force would be a good idea for a newbie. It already above my level but im not a firewall expert either." }-Yeah, I corrected my post... I didn't pay attention to the "for newbies part". Core Force is definitely not for newbies, and IceSword is not, either. :)

[betauser2]

@ TNT hey you broke rule (2) aswell

Note to all those who want to post their recommendations, please remember

(1) This is for NEWBIES
(2) Post only ONE software recommendation (not a selection)
(3) All recommendations MUST be Free
(4) No comparative argument or discussion on what is BEST or BETTER etc (all of this adds to confusion)
(5) Please keep it simple and to a bare minimum

Guys please keep these in mind before posting your recommendations

[betauser2]

-{ Quote: "set to ABC mode, it will rarely give any prompt but it will still protect your computer." }-

that's the beta right? how stable is it? hence would you recommend it (Beta) for newbies?

[WSFuser]

hehehe...u caught me! ive only tried the release version because i want to use my license.

i suppose a beta would be bad for newbies but prevx does have good support if any problems do arise.

[bellgamin]

ALL free schtuff...

Antivirus- Antivir-PE
Broad spectrum AntiMalware- Asquared free
Bad scripts protection- AnalogX Script Defender
Firewall- Kerio 2.1.5
Web browser- K-meleon
Registry Monitor- MJ RegistryWatcher
Bad website monitor- MVPS HOSTS file
HIPS- System Safety Monitor free (http://syssafety.com/product.html)
Rootkit detection- Helios
A SAFER email client- PopPeeper (http://www.poppeeper.com/)
Do-it-yourself SafeHex- What's Running (http://www.whatsrunning.net/whatsrunning/main.aspx) (enables & enhances frequent user review of running processes to detect nasties)

[betauser2]

-{ Quote: "
Bad scripts protection- AnalogX Script Defender
Firewall- Kerio 2.1.5
Registry Monitor- MJ RegistryWatcher
HIPS- System Safety Monitor free
Rootkit detection- Helios" }-

Would you recommend 1. a rule based firewall, 2. script blocker, 3. ( OMG) Registry Monitor How will a newbie know what to do? 4. OMG OMG SSM so many popups with a lot of unidentifiable processes etc, to block or not to block?

Come on guys WAKE UP! IT'S FOR NEWBIES!

[aigle]

SAFE SURFING

AV- Antivir
Firewall- Comodo
Antispyware- Ws Defender
Anti-Keylogger- SnoopFree
SandBox- GesWall

plus

Spywareblaster
On demand-- SuperAS
-- Ewido
-- KL detector

All in my signature.

[spindoctor]

For newbies......But they really should hang out around at Wilders and learn some more about computer security! ;) ;D

AV- Antivir (Best detection for a free AV)

FW- ZA (free)

AS- Windows Defender (resident) Spybot + Adaware (manual scans)

Sandbox- SandboxIE

Browser (main)- Firefox

Encryption- AxCrypt (easy to use free encryption of files)

---

Extras (but still necessary IMO):

SpywareBlaster

WinPatrol (can be run manual only, so as not to duplicate W. Defender. But still useful because shows at a glance all active tasks, start ups, BHOs etc..)

IESpyad

Hosts file MVP

Blacklight beta

SuperAntispyware (nice free back up AS)

[WSFuser]

windows xp limited or guest account. just create an account or enable it (guest).

its free and makes web surfing much safer.

[Devinco]

Since we are talking newbies (an average home user),

Anti Virus - I've always purchased AV, so I can't recommend free. I think this should be paid for, but it's just my opinion. If they will use IM (Instant Messaging), then maybe an AV that includes IM protection by default.

Firewall - Windows Internet Firewall. It doesn't get any simpler and it is turned on by default in Windows XP SP2. No outbound protection, but no pop ups either. If you have a router, set a strong password within its configuration web page.

Web Browser - FireFox with NoScript plugin. Yes it will block Javascript on websites they visit, but if they learn the easy way to allow Javascript on their favorite sites with NoScript, this combo will protect them from the vast majority of malicious websites. If that is too much, then drop NoScript but keep FireFox.

Email - Thunderbird You can open any email you want, just NEVER open email attachments and don't follow links in email, unless you know the sender AND you are expecting the attachment. For extra credit, treat incoming email as you would telemarketers: Don't believe everything you read! Just because someone says they are from so and so company or a relative of the exiled King of Spain doesn't mean they are.

Backup - regularly use Karenware's Replicator to backup my documents, favorites, and the firefox and thunderbird profile folders to a different hard drive, CDRW, or DVDRW.

To these:
Do not visit any NAUGHTY sites.
Keep all security software up to date.
Only download software from author's OFFICIAL site.

I would add:
Don't do P2P
Don't buy pirated software.
Manually visit Windows Update or Microsoft Update at least once a month. Start/All Programs/Windows Update or Start/All Programs/Microsoft Update. Install all the critical updates. This way even if your automatic updates don't work, you will never be more than one month behind in your updates.

That's it. Short and simple. It won't protect you from everything, but it covers the majority of it in my opinion. And you have to start somewhere.

If you want to learn more, Wilders is a good place. Lots of great people here.

[bellgamin]

-{ Quote: "Would you recommend 1. a rule based firewall, 2. script blocker, 3. ( OMG) Registry Monitor How will a newbie know what to do? 4. OMG OMG SSM so many popups with a lot of unidentifiable processes etc, to block or not to block? Come on guys WAKE UP! IT'S FOR NEWBIES!" }-For a fact, newbies often need better protection that do old hands. Nowadays, a newbie better learn how to deal with security, & do it bloody fast, or s/he will rather quickly become a victim.

There is nothing in my list that is overly difficult. In the words of Geico -- even a caveman can do it. Which reminds me -- I forgot to include an integrity checker. Here's a nice freebie that has just the teeniest, tiniest footprint...
Watcher (http://www.snapfiles.com/get/olwatcher.html)

If you LOVE that newbie (your aging grandma or whoever) the BEST firewall is a router. Buy them one -- whether or not they are on a home network. They aren't free, but good ones can be had for a LOT less than the cost of even a minor visit to a computer repair shop.

[WSFuser]

if a newbie learns to deal with security, then he/she would no longer be a newbie, and thus having so much protection wouldnt be as necessary.

[Alphalutra1]

Antivirus: Antivir PE

Firewall: Windows firewall (complete and total newbie who doesn't want a prompt, else CHX-I or kerio 2.1.5)

Sandbox: Sandboxie

Anti-malware: Ewido, superantispyware

Web filter: Proxomitron with grypen's filter set

Web browser: Opera, seems more stable than k-meleon and more of a finished product for someone who doesn't want to deal with figuring out stuff

Rootkit: F-Secure Blacklight

P2P protection: Peerguardian 2

Limited xp account

Pretty secure setup with very little prompting if SSM is opted out.

Cheers,

Alphalutra1

[sosaiso]

Free?

One word. Ubuntu.

haha. jk.

Kidding aside, would it be better that people remain newbies? I mean, I think the point of this forum is to promote security awareness. If people leave this forum with just a bunch of free tools, and no idea of what they do, then I believe this forum has failed. For a better, safer internet I say.

But not to get too offtopic my free recommendation:
Hostsman, with the MVPS HOSTS file. All automated, and no need for the user to understand much.

[furballi]

Minor changes to Devinco's comments:

-AV: Avast Home
-E-mail: Outlook Express
-Backup: BING (if you have competent PC buddy to assist with setup), otherwise, IFW/IFD/Drive Snapshot

Always image the operating system PRIOR to ANY MICROSOFT SECURITY UPDATE. I've been burned by a few from Mister Softie.

Once you've graduated to 1st grade, take the time to learn about drive imaging. Armed with a CLEAN image file and MBR, you can instantly remove any PC bug. No other combination of defenses can achieve this level of security!

Wanna do porn? Just make sure you have several good image files of the OS to restore, then buckle up! Yup, drive imaging is a VERY powerful tool.

[WSFuser]

-{ Quote: "Kidding aside, would it be better that people remain newbies?" }-
of course not, but at least just for the beginning, people should start with software thats easy to use and wont cause much interference.

also security is not a product. but for those who think that way, this list may help a lil bit.
-{ Quote: "I mean, I think the point of this forum is to promote security awareness." }-
that is correct, but i doubt the people i know are interested in such a thing. many of them just want the computer to work and be safe.

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,

For newbies:

AV - AVG / Avast

Firewall - ZoneAlarm

Anti-whatever - Ewido

Browser - Firefox with Noscript

Mail - Thunderbird

Mrk

[trickyricky]

Here's my usual line-up for newbies:

AnitVirus - AVG Free
Firewall - Sunbelt Kerio 4.3x
Anti Spyware - Ad-Aware Free and Spybot S&D (immunise and add hosts list)
Email - Thunderbird
Browser - Firefox
IE "hardening" - IE SPyad and Spywareblaster
General hardening - Shootthemessenger, DComBob, UnPnP, Socketlock
AntiSpam - K9
Additional Safeguard - Cyberhawk

Additional - Keep Windows up to date, keep Java up to date, be sensible about free/cheap software, backup data to external drive or another PC (use AllwaySync), beware attachments, trust no-one. (Except me :) )

[TOMxEU]

AV: AVG Free (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5#avg-free)
AS: Spyware Terminator (http://www.spywareterminator.com/)
Firewall: Windows Firewall (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/)
Browser: IE7 (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/default.mspx) (not IE6 at all)

On Demand Scan: Dr.Web (http://download.drweb.com/drweb+cureit/), SuperAntispyware (http://www.superantispyware.com/), Ewido AntiTrojan (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5#ewido-free).
Add to Favorites webpage: Malware Removal and Prevention Guide (http://wiki.castlecops.com/MRP).

[phasechange]

-{ Quote: "
AV - AVG / Avast

Browser - Firefox with Noscript

" }-

Hey I hadn't heard of Noscript before. Nice one! (I would recommend Antivir or Avast over AVG though)

Antivirus: Antivir
Firewall: XP Firewall
AS: Ewido
Email: Thunderbird
Browser: Firefox with Adblock and Noscript


designed to avoid user intervention. Newbies don't know what to say yes and no to. In fact I am not always certain myself. Service.exe anyone?

Fairy

[Meriadoc]

Security recommendation, okay :
VMSurfing etc...
for newbies, vmplayer(no brainer) plus a pre configured appliance say browser appliance or virus safe email, browsing and instant messager appliance aka Firefox, Evolution, Gaim, Samba and ClamAV
Personnally I'd make my own but you wanted a newbie recommendation, so theres nothing difficult about the above.

[shek]

for newbie
av---antivir7
fw---windows firewall
browser---opera
script protection---script defender
hosts file--- hostsman
on-demand---ewido
sys immunization--spywareblaster
mail client---oe(good enough, apply all patches and read/write emails with plaint text)

some extra free tools
jetico, windows defender/spyware doctor( unlimited trial version, real-time protection included)/spyware terminator, system safety monitor, spywareblaster, spybot S&D, ad-aware,registry watcher,

[ErikAlbert]

And warn the newbies for false positives in scanners.
And warn the newbies to be very carefull with registry cleaners or not to use them at all.
And warn the newbies to make a backup of their partition [C:]

[Meriadoc]

;D
;D
;D

edit : sorry wasted post

[Durad]

Free AV: Antivir
Firewall (not for WinXP): Filseclab (block incomming only)
Antispyware: Ewido (weekly scanning)
Immunization: Spywareblaster, IESPYAD
Browser: Firefox
Junk cleaner: CCleaner

[zapjb]

AV Avast home
FW GhostWall
AS's Spyware Terminator (resident), Spybot Search&Destroy (no teatimer), Ad Aware, SpywareBlaster & xp-AntiSpy
Web Browser Opera

[mercurie]

Newbie and only one recommendation and bare bones comment. o. k.

All should have an AV. So...

Antivir PE Classic


Inside joke for those who use it: Notifier.exe also sends free messages that teaches you about Sunflowers and Bears and other lessons. ;D ;D ;D

[the Tester]

Freeware for Newbies?

Firewall-Comodo Personal Firewall.
Antivirus-Avira (aka AntiVir PE Classic)
Antispyware-Spyware Blaster and maybe Spyware Terminator if said newbie is willing to run a beta program.Otherwise, A-squared or Ewido free version.
Web Browser-Opera and/or Firefox.

[iceni60]

i would recommend Proxomitron. however, it is very difficult to use all round, but, and this is why i am recommending it for newbies, it is possible to set it up and forget about it; so, with the help of someone who knows how to set it up, it is a possibility.

Proxomitron is just about the most powerful program ever made and can make a huge difference security wise. :) i'd recommend using it along side Firefox or Opera.

http://www.proxomitron.info/
http://www.proxomitron.info/files/index.html

another useful program is Hostsman. unlike Proxomitron it is very easy to use. it has some brilliant features, the one i like best is the updating option. it will automatically download and configure all the latest updates for you with a click of a button. i think, there are four sites you can download the updates from so you can pick which updates you want and the rest is done for you 8)

what it does is put entries in to your hosts file in a way that the sites which are there are blocked from loading in your browser. the sites might put spyware/viruses on your computer, could be an ad server anything you just don't want to come into contact with.

http://hostsman.abelhadigital.com/

[aigle]

-{ Quote: " I forgot to include an integrity checker. Here's a nice freebie that has just the teeniest, tiniest footprint...
Watcher (http://www.snapfiles.com/get/olwatcher.html)
" }-

HI, I used it but it seems unreliable. I ran it. Installed some spywares. Scanned with KIS. Deep scanned again with watcher and removed all new items. Scanned again with KIS. It missed many things. Also it is so fast that I can hardly beleive that it has scanned every thing.