I need guidance

I'm trying to setup a nice defense against the typical viruses and spyware/malware etc...

problem is; I am not sure what to install. I've heard antivir is a great free anti-virus, but besides that I have no idea what else I should install. I don't want to get carried away and have 5 different programs installed. I just want one simple/effective setup.

Thanks in advance for any kind of input.

Best Wishes,

Matt

 

You are right, follow the KISS principle (Keep it Small & Simple).

I don't know your background but a sandbox would complement Avira.
If you search for Sandboxie, Defensewall or Geswall you will have ample options. Sandboxie is the easiest one in terms of usability and has a great following.

https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=228529

Links:
http://www.sandboxie.com/
http://www.gentlesecurity.com/
http://www.softsphere.com/


A decent firewall is also important.
https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=227007

 

Do all the programs need to be free or would a well priced suite be of benefit ? The answer to this question will help guide forum members in their advise.

 

yeah, i don't mind buying security software

 

I use Drivesentry - http://www.drivesentry.com

It's a HIPS as well as an antivirus program.

It's like $10 or something to buy the full version which has automatic updates.

 

I'm giving the trial a go right now. I like the interface alot, quite simple with black and white lists with community consensus backup although number of users for programs I've been alerted on tends to be limited. I REALLY like the price - hopefully the community of "advisors" will continue to grow.

 

Trialing it on my test tower as the only real time security. The new beta exe seems to have pretty much solved the memory leak. If it continues on in this fashion I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

 

Here some I can recommend
1.Defensewall Hips=paid
2.Drive Sentry Free or paid,Hips w Antivirus
3.Online Armor,firewall w Hips free or paid,
4.Sandboxie

 

If you use a good browser and are halfway intelligent about how you use the machine, Avira Premium is probably all you need.

 

Well, what is a good browser? I use Mozilla Firefox.

 

Firefox is perfect. As a simple addition, you can also add -

- NoScript and AdBlock Plus addons in Firefox.
- Mvps hosts file and SpywareBlaster
(You can google for these or search in these forums, they are easy to find)

This will block a lot of known bad sites from ever loading in the browser in the first place.

 

I would go for Avira premium - is cheap and the best. The free version is alomst as good but wont pick up adware and cover email and web - so go for the premium.

Windows firewall will be fine if you are behind a NAT router.

Have a good system image and make regular backupa of your docs, pics etc.

If you want belt and braces, try A Squared pro to run aith Avira as it is the No1 AM app AND has a HIPS.

You could try using Sandboxie or Returnil if you like.

MZ

 

thanks again guys! I really appreciate this!