security advice, please

howardw · 09-30-2007, 12:53 PM

I have Windows XP. My current security is the windows firewall, Malwarebot, regcure, and AVG free. I recently installed Malwarebot and the computer seems to be reacting differently. Also, I've had AVGfree for a couple years and run the scan frequently. In 2 years it's never found 1 virus or problem. When I had Nortons and Mcafee it seems I was being attacked every hour. Do I need to purchase the full AVG program? Lastly, is there an optimal set of programs for protection. I'm pretty low level when it comes to computer and have relyed on friends etc for advice. I understand questions like mine are vague and everyone has their favorite programs but I'm asking anyway. Thank you for the help.

**Glaswegian** · 09-30-2007, 01:59 PM

Hi and welcome to TSF.

Have a look here for general hints and tips on security.

PC Safety and Security--What Do I Need?

**Wox** · 10-02-2007, 06:40 PM

The article covers it real well, but- REMOVE MalwareBot. It's a rouge anti-spyware program that either
A. Doesn't work
B. Gives you false positives
C. Contains ad-ware, spy-ware etc etc.

And after a little googling, you should remove RegCure as well. It doesn't optimize your system; it's a scam program trying to get you to pay for nothing.

Seeing you have so many nasties on your system, you might want to follow this guide.
I'm not an expert/mod or anything, but just to be safe.

howardw · 10-04-2007, 05:17 PM

Thanks Glaswegian. I'm still wondering about AVG free and why it hasn't detected anything in the 2 years I've had it. I always install updates and check for viruses regularly. Wox Thanks for taking the time to respond. I have looked ate the guide and was unable to find Malwarebot and Regcure on the list of unreccommended products. Where did you find them listed. Thanks. H

**Wox** · 10-04-2007, 07:52 PM

Oh.. I see. How did I know that MB & RC ain't good?

MalwareBot- the name already sounds weird. It doesn't pop up anywhere on the internet except some warez sites and its homepage. I couldn't access the homepage because (I think) it was blocked by SpwareBlaster. Even if it's legit (which I'm 99% sure it's not), there are still better choices- free choices too.

RegCure- It's a known scam + rouge program. Google it around and you'll see. That MUST go.
Proof Proof
Their homepage looks awesome, just like any scam software's.

PLEASE do remove the two programs and follow the five steps.

**Glaswegian** · 10-05-2007, 06:11 AM

I have used AVG free for years with no problems. It's detection rates are good and it's light on resources. As the article suggests, an AV is only one layer in an overall security package. Make sure you have a good combination of programmes.

09-30-2007, 12:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
howardw Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 3 OS: windows xp	security advice, please I have Windows XP. My current security is the windows firewall, Malwarebot, regcure, and AVG free. I recently installed Malwarebot and the computer seems to be reacting differently. Also, I've had AVGfree for a couple years and run the scan frequently. In 2 years it's never found 1 virus or problem. When I had Nortons and Mcafee it seems I was being attacked every hour. Do I need to purchase the full AVG program? Lastly, is there an optimal set of programs for protection. I'm pretty low level when it comes to computer and have relyed on friends etc for advice. I understand questions like mine are vague and everyone has their favorite programs but I'm asking anyway. Thank you for the help.

09-30-2007, 01:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
Glaswegian Moderator/ Rangemaster TSF Academy; Analyst, Security Team; Oor Wullie; TSF Surgeon and Resident Comic Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Glasgow Posts: 21,651 OS: Win XP Pro SP3 My System Blog Entries: 10	Re: security advice, please Hi and welcome to TSF. Have a look here for general hints and tips on security. PC Safety and Security--What Do I Need? __________________ Iain - Defender of the Haggis and all things Scottish. I don't help by PM - post in the Forums. Ad-Aware::SpywareBlaster::SpyBot::SpywareGuard::SnoopFree::AVG Free::HOSTS File::HijackThis::Donate::5 Steps For Infected PCs

10-02-2007, 06:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
Wox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 638 OS: XP Pro SP2 My System	Re: security advice, please The article covers it real well, but- REMOVE MalwareBot. It's a rouge anti-spyware program that either A. Doesn't work B. Gives you false positives C. Contains ad-ware, spy-ware etc etc. And after a little googling, you should remove RegCure as well. It doesn't optimize your system; it's a scam program trying to get you to pay for nothing. Seeing you have so many nasties on your system, you might want to follow this guide. I'm not an expert/mod or anything, but just to be safe.

10-04-2007, 05:17 PM	#4 (permalink)
howardw Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 3 OS: windows xp	Re: security advice, please Thanks Glaswegian. I'm still wondering about AVG free and why it hasn't detected anything in the 2 years I've had it. I always install updates and check for viruses regularly. Wox Thanks for taking the time to respond. I have looked ate the guide and was unable to find Malwarebot and Regcure on the list of unreccommended products. Where did you find them listed. Thanks. H

10-04-2007, 07:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
Wox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 638 OS: XP Pro SP2 My System	Re: security advice, please Oh.. I see. How did I know that MB & RC ain't good? MalwareBot- the name already sounds weird. It doesn't pop up anywhere on the internet except some warez sites and its homepage. I couldn't access the homepage because (I think) it was blocked by SpwareBlaster. Even if it's legit (which I'm 99% sure it's not), there are still better choices- free choices too. RegCure- It's a known scam + rouge program. Google it around and you'll see. That MUST go. Proof Proof Their homepage looks awesome, just like any scam software's. PLEASE do remove the two programs and follow the five steps.

10-05-2007, 06:11 AM	#6 (permalink)
Glaswegian Moderator/ Rangemaster TSF Academy; Analyst, Security Team; Oor Wullie; TSF Surgeon and Resident Comic Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Glasgow Posts: 21,651 OS: Win XP Pro SP3 My System Blog Entries: 10	Re: security advice, please I have used AVG free for years with no problems. It's detection rates are good and it's light on resources. As the article suggests, an AV is only one layer in an overall security package. Make sure you have a good combination of programmes. __________________ Iain - Defender of the Haggis and all things Scottish. I don't help by PM - post in the Forums. Ad-Aware::SpywareBlaster::SpyBot::SpywareGuard::SnoopFree::AVG Free::HOSTS File::HijackThis::Donate::5 Steps For Infected PCs