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 .

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

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.

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]

Originally Posted by whvrgrl

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.

Thanks!