Seeking wise advice

I recently bought a new laptop and am looking to get it secured as much as possible against the cruel cruel world..

Here is a list of programs I am planning to use to protect my system..
Norton AntiVirus
Spybot Search & Destroy
Zone Alarm
Ad-Aware

Recommendations? Advice?

Thanks guys,
Robert

 

Hi Robert, you may want to take a look HERE. As well there are discussions HERE and even more HERE.

Hope this helps...

Let us know how you go.

Cheers

 

Try to install and spyware blaster. You can find in spyboot s&d in the option imunize. Here is direct link to this software.www.javacoolsoftware.com

 

I think what Zoriv was trying to say is for you to install Javacools software: SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard, both available through the link provided, as well as to use the immunize feature that is part of Spybot Search and Destroy.

Hope this helps...

Cheers

 

Hi,

Here is my basic advice:

1) Replace Norton with Kaspersky 4.5. From experience I have pretty much convinced myself that Norton is more porous than Kaspersky. I much prefer 4.5 to 5.0. There have been many discussions on that comparison.

2) I would add ProcessGuard and RegDefend as further enhance protection against malware ever being able to install on your machine. Both of these products have a modest learning curve, since they both require some degree of user interaction. KAV is very strong. So you may want to wait until you are very comfortable with KAV before installing these programs.

3) If ProcessGuard and RegDefend are not your cup of tea, you could install a secondary anti-trojan. I would recommend Ewido free (on-demand) or licensed (real-time and on-demand). This is stictly a back-up measure and will do very little to enhance KAV - but if you are looking for very strong protection you may decide to install it.

4) Ad-aware is useful in detecting certain types of malware (particularly tracking cookies) that may get past KAV.

5) Put on your to-do list to learn how to read a HijackThis log as well as how to monitor and interpret your port usage. I use DiamondCS Port Explorer.

6) Familiarize yourself with your regularly running resident programs by using Task Manager, Process Explorer, or Security Task Manager. It will make your life easier down the road if you need to identify possible trojans.

7) Consider creating image copies of your hard disk. I use Image for DOS (Terabyte Unlimited) and an external Maxtor USB hard drive.

8 ) Conisder using Firefox instead of Microsoft IE.

Hope you find these suggestions useful.

Rich

 

Thanks all, I'll look into that.

Any further suggestions leave a post as I'll check back periodically and let you know how it's going.

 

After alot of reading and research is here my updated list..
(This is a tentative plan, feel free to make suggestions)

--ANTIVIRUS
Norton AntiVirus - (Have paid version)

--INTRUSION
Prevx - (Buy paid version)
http://www.prevx.com/default.asp

--FIREWALL
Zone Alarm
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp

--SPYWARE
Ad-Aware (Spyware removal)
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/

Spybot Search & Destroy (Spyware removal/protection)
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

SpywareBlaster (Spyware prevention)
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/products.html

SpywareGuard (Spyware protection)
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/products.html

--SCRIPTING
Script Defender (Script protection)
http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/system/sdefend.htm

-------------------
Anti-virus Comments:
I plan on sticking with Norton Antivirus over the others that were recommended because I can't justify the expense when I already have an antivirus of near equal value.

Instrusion Comments:
I installed Prevx on my system and find it to be doing a good job. I plan to buy the paid version.

Firewall Comments:
ZoneAlarm has server me well for many years. No reason to change now.

Adware/Spyware Comments:
The above list seems to be a common installation to defend against ad/spyware. I've used SpyBot for a good while but will give the other apps a chance.

Scripting:
From what I've read Script Defender seems popular.

Trojan/Malware/Worms
I don't believe I have this area of attack fully covered. I am considering Trojan Hunter. As for Malware/Worms.. I have no idea. I'll have to keep searching unless you all have some advice.

System Backup:
I am of the school of thought that says backup your data, not your system. I do a fresh installation of windows every year at minimum. I don't mind reinstalling windows or my applications.

Missing anything?

Thanks you,
Robert

 

It's looking pretty good, depending on your surfing style, you may want to look at a hosts file for prevention, which is always better than cure and also a Browser such as Firefox, both are in the 1st link provided above.

Cheers