The program(s) can either be free or pay for them... Doesn't matter...
If you know please report the amount of RAM and CPU usage (in a %) the programs use when running...
Thanks...
Andy...
2006-07-07 03:52:21 · 8 answers · asked by ? 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
I use all the following and have for a few years.
I found them on my own but later found the University Of Harvard Computer Science Division also recommends them. They are all free.
I have used them and Windows XP with SP2 and keep it updated.
I also use Internet Explorer for the browser with MSN toolbar with popups blocked.
Sense SP2 (Service Pack 2) came out I have not had 1 Single problem with any of my computers running all the programs listed and practicing safe computing. (knock on Wood) I can't guarantee the same results for you but that's what I use.
The best Anti-virus is: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition. (www.grisoft.com)
The Best Spyware defense is: SpyBot Search and Destroy (www.spybot.info)
AND: AdAware SE (www.lavasoft.com)
AND Spyware Blaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.info/kb/)
The best Firewall besides the one that comes with Windows is: Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/co... or just (www.zonelabs.com) and select the FREE version.
These are all FREE and are all that are required. There is no reason to pay for this kind of software, except to give a donation to the writers if you can.
ALL the above programs are recommended and should be run on a regular basis. With some the free versions they must be run manually.
The best way to avoid getting any Malware (virus, Trojan's, spyware, etc) is to practice safe computing. Microsoft and many others have countless articles on the subject of safe computing. (something I think should be taught in schools)
2006-07-07 04:04:36 · answer #1 · answered by space_man_stitch 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best firewall program I've used has been Zone Alarm, which has a free version at Zone Labs. You can upgrade to Zone Alarm Pro, which can be 'tweaked' more to your liking. Zone Alarm Pro comes with a pretty good anti-spyware program, but I also like Spy Sweeper, which has received the "Editors Choice" award from PC Magazine. I've used both these programs for three years, and have never had any problems with them. They are easy to use, and the support is well documented.
For Antivirus, I've used Norton forever, and it works great, but Zone Alarm has a Security Suite which includes an antivirus program along with the antispyware.
Here's a rule of thumb: do not use more than one firewall program. You can use multiple antispyware and antivirus programs (and I recommend multiple anti-spyware programs because they're not 'perfect' yet), but if you have multiple firewalls they'll 'fight' each other and you'll have all sorts of odd computer problems.
Firewalls like Zone Alarm take a few hours to 'train', but once they are, they only flag you for unusual events.
Also, I recommend adding a hardware element to your security: a router. This makes it even harder for outsiders to get into your system.
Just make sure that you have your firewall up and running -before- you start surfing with a new system. It's been proven that an unprotected system on a broadband connection can be hacked and jacked within minutes.
As far as CPU and RAM usage, these programs are pretty light- they only jump in when you're actively sending and receiving traffic on your internet connection. The firewall does actively monitor your system, but again, it won't slow it down.
Hope this helps!
2006-07-07 04:15:19 · answer #2 · answered by sunfell2001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2
2016-08-27 19:49:36 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use and recommend NOD 32 anti virus, and for anti spyware, get SpyWare Doctor, SpyBot Search and Destroy, and the Windows Defender. Between all of these you will have a nice clean system.
2006-07-21 01:14:36 · answer #4 · answered by Daz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AVG for Anti-Virus ( free )
Sunbelt Kerio for FireWall ( free )
Adware Se and SpyBot Search and Destroy for AntiSpyware ( free )
Not sure what percentage of resources are used for each, but they are all very light. These programs are all TOP-RATED.
2006-07-07 04:00:18 · answer #5 · answered by Abstract 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not being the computer geek in the family, I can say that my husband, who's a network admin, doesn't rely on programs. He says hardware is the safest and best way to go.
2006-07-07 03:57:19 · answer #6 · answered by parsonsel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with SpaceMan. You can find these and a couple of other essential free ones here: http://www.cranecomputerconsulting.com/security.html
2006-07-07 12:55:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll love me after this. It's ok, I get it a lot from both teams:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
You're welcome.
~Just My 0.02
2006-07-15 08:19:23 · answer #8 · answered by salvagedrover 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋