Need your advice.

[vasummer]

I recently had my harddrive wiped and XP Home reinstalled. I came to the conclusion that I had more security on my old system then I needed. I now use Nortons Internet Security and Antivirus Suite, Spyware Blaster, Spybot, and Ad-Ware Personal SE.

I realize that many of you don't care for Norton, but I like it and it protects my pc on many levels. I'm hoping the others I listed above are covering the bases.

I use to subscribe to Spyware Dr., Counterspy, and Ewido, but each one requires a subscription. At one point I'm sure I was overdoing my security running NIS, Spyware Dr., and Counterspy all together at one time.

I like running a slimmer package of security software, but don't want to jeopardize my security. Am I forgetting any specific type of security software? BTW, I understand routers offer a certain amount of security. I use Verizon's router for broadband. Thanks for your suggestions.

[the Tester]

I would look at A-Squared,SUPERAntispyware,AVG AntiSpyware as free (scanner)replacements for Spybot and AdAware.

[EASTER.2010]

Don't also forget a good HIPS/Behavioral Blocker like System Safety Monitor, Cyberhawk, even Prevx1. If your system stands up that well to the rigors of heavy-duty Norton's without much difficulty, then you should also have no problem adding some "extra" layer of security.

[ErikAlbert]

1. Use also Opera or Firefox as browser, safer than MS Internet Explorer. (= freeware)
2. Thunderbird as a placement for MS Outlook, which is also safer and don't open any spam-emails, just delete them. (= freeware)
3. An Image Backup software is a MUST.
4. Surf with brains, control your curiosity, don't download files from an unknown source.
5. Keep Windows and security softwares UP-TO-DATE.
6. You might consider Immediate System Recovery, but that is up to you.
7. You might consider separation of data files from system files, but that is again up to you.