Complete PC Headcheck

Hi all,
This is my first time posting in these forums and I hope I've chosen the right forum and am not asking a question that's been thrown up many times before.

I was wondering if people can provide their instructions for a 'Complete PC and Home WiFi Network Headcheck'. Basically, a list of programs to download/install/run and system checks to ascertain the presence of any malware on a PC as well as the correct programs to download and precautions to undertake in order to secure a PC and also a home WiFi network against intrusion, ideally presented in a step-by-step, clearly explained manner, assuming little or no prior experience (obviously I'm quite competent, but certainly no expert).

My system information is I'm running Windows Vista x64 and have a home WiFi network with 3 other computers (including a tablet PC) based off a Netgear DG834PN wireless router. My current AntiVirus/Firewall is Norton 360 although I'd gladly consider alternatives, additions and replacements.

My thanks in advance.
-Thelps

 

Happy to help:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/probably-best-free-security-list-world.htm

 

Many thanks for the link!

I was wondering if you or anyone else could recommend a selection of programs from the vast list available on that website? Ideally ones that aren't so overly complex that they may result in confusion for a learner, but perhaps not so simple that they'll automate everything and leave me confused as to how they work... or, well, just a list of your favourites?

Obviously I'll be doing the rounds of various FAQs and manuals once I've settled on a nice spread of applications.

In particular, port monitoring and control software is where my priorities presently lie, so as to prevent any malware operation/intrusion.

Thanks again for the info!
-Thelps

 

Have a look at their Security Wizard, on the same site:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/SecWiz

Regards.

 

Everybody has their favorites, each reply to your question will be different. You could check our signatures to see the many different solutions people here are using. You could read up on them and ask specific questions. Look at your vulnerabilities, decide on which layers you want to use to protect those areas, and try different software in those layers until you find what you like on your computer.

Another good place to read is MajorGeeks:
http://majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20