Virus Software Suggestions

Andy_Thomas · 04-03-2006, 06:03 AM

After running SP2, and Norton Anti Virus my computer went AWOL!!
So spent all night re-formatting and re-installing XP & SP2.

Im now ready to start installig my programs again, but want to get the security up and running first.

What recommendations do you suggest for Virus Checking?
Im also have a Netgear Router with a built in firewall. Is this OK for a firewall or do i require additional software?

Ive been put off Norton for LIFE

thanks

Andy

**Glaswegian** · 04-03-2006, 06:53 AM

Hi Andy and welcome to TSF.

You are well advised to stay away from Norton. Have a browse through some of the forums and see the problems it causes.

You need a combination of things to keep safe - as you may be aware, not every AV solution will find and stop every virus. Here are my recommendatiosn for a good mixture of AV, firewalls and general security programmes - and they are all free!

For AV i would recommend either of these two - both are well rated and light on system resources
Avast!
AVG

Here are some firewalls
Sygate Personal Firewall
ZoneAlarm
Tiny Personal Firewall
My own favourite is ZA.

Other general security programmes I would recommend are

Spyware Blaster to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place.
Spyware Guard to catch and block spyware before it can execute.
Spybot - Search & Destroy with its TeaTimer option. This will provide realtime spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection.

Ad-Aware. You should use this program to scan your computer on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with Spybot.

IE-Spyad places more than 4000 dubious websites and domains in the IE Restricted list.

The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one that will restrict known ad sites from serving you unsolicited advertisements.

Winpatrol is another programme that monitors suspicious activity and alerts you to any attempted system changes.

I also use SnoopFree - it's an monitoring programme that warns when other programmes want to monitor your keystrokes or capture your screen.

Hope this helps.

04-03-2006, 06:03 AM	#1 (permalink)
Andy_Thomas Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 1 OS: XP Professional	Virus Software Suggestions After running SP2, and Norton Anti Virus my computer went AWOL!! So spent all night re-formatting and re-installing XP & SP2. Im now ready to start installig my programs again, but want to get the security up and running first. What recommendations do you suggest for Virus Checking? Im also have a Netgear Router with a built in firewall. Is this OK for a firewall or do i require additional software? Ive been put off Norton for LIFE thanks Andy

04-03-2006, 06:53 AM	#2 (permalink)
Glaswegian Moderator/ Rangemaster TSF Academy; Analyst, Security Team; Oor Wullie; TSF Surgeon and Resident Comic Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Glasgow Posts: 25,503 OS: Win XP Pro SP3 / Win 7 Pro My System Blog Entries: 10	Hi Andy and welcome to TSF. You are well advised to stay away from Norton. Have a browse through some of the forums and see the problems it causes. You need a combination of things to keep safe - as you may be aware, not every AV solution will find and stop every virus. Here are my recommendatiosn for a good mixture of AV, firewalls and general security programmes - and they are all free! For AV i would recommend either of these two - both are well rated and light on system resources Avast! AVG Here are some firewalls Sygate Personal Firewall ZoneAlarm Tiny Personal Firewall My own favourite is ZA. Other general security programmes I would recommend are Spyware Blaster to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place. Spyware Guard to catch and block spyware before it can execute. Spybot - Search & Destroy with its TeaTimer option. This will provide realtime spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection. Ad-Aware. You should use this program to scan your computer on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with Spybot. IE-Spyad places more than 4000 dubious websites and domains in the IE Restricted list. The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one that will restrict known ad sites from serving you unsolicited advertisements. Winpatrol is another programme that monitors suspicious activity and alerts you to any attempted system changes. I also use SnoopFree - it's an monitoring programme that warns when other programmes want to monitor your keystrokes or capture your screen. Hope this helps. __________________ Iain - Defender of the Haggis and all things Scottish. I don't help by PM - post in the Forums. PC Safety & Security::PC running a bit slow?::Donate::Photographers Corner