Best programs?

[whvrgrl]

??? I'm relatively new at this protecting-your-computer stuff. I'm wondering what programs can best help protect against viruses, trojans, adware, spyware, etc. I currently have SpywareBlaster 3.1, Spybot-Search & Destory, Ad-aware, and Hijackthis. I also have the built-in Microsoft XP firewall. Is this enough for my computer to be safe?

[CrazyM]

Hi whvrgrl

... and welcome to Wilders :) .

-{ Quote: "I currently have SpywareBlaster 3.1, Spybot-Search & Destory, Ad-aware, and Hijackthis. I also have the built-in Microsoft XP firewall. Is this enough for my computer to be safe?" }-

You are off to a good start with the above, but unless you forgot to mention it, you will need an Anti-Virus program.

http://www.wilders.org/anti_viruses.htm

The XP firewall is good for dealing with unsolicited inbound traffic, but for control of applications accessing the Internet you should consider a software firewall.

http://www.wilders.org/firewalls.htm

Once those are in place, you could start to look at other security applications such as Anti-Trojan software.

http://www.wilders.org/anti_trojans.htm

After looking at the links, feel free to ask any questions.

Regards,

CrazyM

[lonewolf3367]

Here's some good programs:

1. SpywareGuard (free. blocks spyware- goes great with SpywareBlaster) http://www.javacoolsoftware.com

2. Spysweeper (anti-spyware program. works good.) http://www.webroot.com

3. A2 (free anti-trojan. not the best but something is better than nothing) http://www.emsisoft.com

4. IE-Spyad (free. adds list to IE restricted sites to block spyware and other junk) http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes

5. WinPatrol (Free version available. blocks Spyware, Adware, Trojans and alot more. one of my personal favorites) http://www.winpatrol.com

6. Zonealarm (free firewall. Great for beginners. blocks inbound & outbound traffic from your computer. Windows xp firewall only blocks inbound traffic.) http://www.zonelabs.com

7. Mozilla Firefox (free browser. Better than Internet Explorer and safer too.) http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox

Hope these free programs help you out.

[lonewolf3367]

forgot to mention an anti-virus:

8. AVG anti-virus (free. not everyone seems to agree on the best free anti-virus around here but AVG will provide basic solid protection for a beginner) http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: " Is this enough for my computer to be safe?" }-
Depends on where your web travels take you. If you practice safe computing, the recommendations above are sufficient. If not, you might want to purchase more hardened applications. :)

[whvrgr1]

Thanks!