how to protect my computer from viruses etc?

Question

not very experienced with all this still a novice

Answer 1

get a Mac

Answer 2

Dwightl and Peabrain offer very good advice.

To recap simply:
1) download or buy an anti-virus suite of programs. This will scan email as it comes in, and your PC on a regular basis. Do not open attachments to emails that you are not expecting, and only click on links in chats and Instant Messenger sessions from people you trust (and verify each session, because someone may have stolen their account).

2) Ensure you have a fire-wall software. This prevents hackers from using loop-holes in Microsoft's operating systems from using the internet to use your computer. An unprotected computer is typically accessed within 12 seconds of being connected to the internet!

3) Use anti-spyware software to pick up bits of software left behind from some less-than-100-percent-scrupulous web-sites. These include cookies (small text files) that track the next sites you go to or even download bits of software ("adult" sites are notorious for this) that slow down your PC or even stop it.

4) If you must use Microsoft (and most of us have to at some point, thanks to websites that have never heard of "coding standards"!) then make sure it is kept up to date (from XP, Start > All Programs > Microsoft Update). Until you are experienced, set it to download and install automatically. Yes, sometimes this will install things that sometimes experienced users will sneer at you for installing (windows "genuine" advantage, for example) but you are miles better off than the idiot who leaves their system with un-patched holes in it...

Well done for having the courage to ask, and good luck!

Answer 3

Remove Windows from your computer and install Linux.

Look for a Linux User Group in your area, or ask around among your friends. Ubuntu is a good distribution at http://ubuntulinux.org/ and you can download device drivers at http://easyubuntu.org/ Ubuntu will send you the cd for free, they even pay the postage. And the installation is easy, you only have to answer 3 or 4 question, just chose the suggested option.

There is a "Live CD" which allows you to test-run Ubuntu on your Windows machine without in any way corrupting your Windows installation. If you like what you see, you can load it on the hard drive. Otherwise simply remove the disk and your Windows environment will be there for you.

Remember, Windows is inherently buggy and subject to attack.

Good luck.

Answer 4

firstly you need anti-virus ,i cant stress this enough,go to http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html,right now and download the latest version of the free avast4 anti-virus software
this is about the best free anti-virus software avalible,dont listen to the jokers who say avg is the best,its very unreliable and tells you that you are infected when you are not,causing you unnessecary worry
while on the subject of security you will also need spyware protection,so go to http://www.safer-networking.org/,and download the 1.4 version of spybot,again this is free and comes highly recommended
to protect you from adware(popups,browser hijacks)you should install lavasoft adaware personal (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/),this should now make you secure enough to browse the internet in saftey
finally,make sure you update your windows by turning on automatic updates in control panel,this should already be done ,but check to be sure
as a novice ,if you are unsure about any security related computer issue,please contact me for advice
good luck

Answer 5

1) Don't open e-mails with attachments

2) Use a firewall/router to block incoming worm traffic that can
connect to your computers ports

3) Avoid going to malicious sights to get free goodies you have
to pay for

4) Use Firefox don't use Internet Explorer except for updates.


5) Turn off java script


6) Scan your computer with antivirus 2-3 times a week and
make sure you keep your definitions up to date.

Answer 6

Hi, you can try Norton or Mcafee to stop the virus, but you should pay for the software.

i also recommand you to use firefox with Google toolbar, which can disable the virus, becasue the virus can only run on IE.

firefox can block any any poppus and disable any virus and spywareware on webpage, so, firefox is much safer than IE. as you know, most of the virus is spread throught internet and webpage.

firefox is much smaller than IE, so i run faster than IE.

download firefox for free:

http://www.adcenter.net.cn/firefox/

Best Wishes && Good Luck!

Answer 7

There is enough top quality freeware so it doesn't have to cost you a penny! You'll hear people say that its not as good, but thats just not true. Program writers know that we don't like to switch programs, so if we decide to upgrade we're more likely to buy a product that we're familiar with! Plus they are free for home use, business have to pay; but they get more bells and whistles.
If you download any security program you need to follow a few basic rules.
1) Only download from the originating website - that is, the website by the company that wrote the program. Other downloads may not be genuine.
2) Google for the program to see what others think of it, and ask on here. I know you're likely to get 20 different and conflicting opinions, but you;ll soon get an idea of whats what.
3) remember that there are two types of security freeware; genuine and fake. Fake antispyware programs don't protect you and install their own spyware! There is a website called spyware warrior dedicated to unmasking the fakes.
http://spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

You need;
A firewall - the windows firewall is inadequate.
An anti virus - I suggest Avast! as your main program and Bit Defender as a backup.
An anti trojan - Ewido
An anti adware - Ad Aware SE PErsonal
An anti spyware - Spybot Search and Destroy.
You need to update and run all of these every week, its a nuisance but its the only way to stay safe online.

But you also need to use good habits; never open an e-mail if you don't recognise the sender, and if the subject looks dodgy - once you open the e-mail to see if you really have won the lottery, it sends a message back home to let them know that address is active, and they sell it on.

Here is a full list of software plus the download addresses;

The Windows firewall doesn't stop malware on your pc from dialling out. Either of these firewalls are free for personal use and stop unwanted incoming and outgoing traffic. You choose which programs are allowed to access the internet. They are both fairly easy to use and updated regularly.
http://www.zonelabs.com Zone Alarm firewall
http://www.kerio.com Kerio firewall

Shields Up security site, check your firewall works
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

http://www.mozilla.com/ Firefox web browser
http://www.opera.com/ Opera web browser
Instal both these web browsers, turn off javascript on one and use that browser for vising unknown websites. They don't support Active X so thats one less way for problems to get on your pc.

Winpatrol is a handy utility that tracks cookies on your pc and stops unwanted changes to your startup folder.
http://www.winpatrol.com

Spywareblaster works with Internet Explorer and Firefox. It won't uninstall spyware that is already on your pc, but it will prevent hijacks and other malicious changes to your browser.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

http://www.grisoft.com/doc/30863/lng/uk/tpl/tpl01 -Ewido anti trojan

Ad-Aware SE Personal anti adware
http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/

Spybot Search and Destroy anti spyware
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

http://www.avast.com Avast Antivirus

http://www.bitdefender.com -BitDefender can be used as a second, on demand anti virus.

http://www.ccleaner.com Cr*pcleaner Registry cleaner and privacy tool

Microsoft have two free online scanners that look for malware.
http://safety.live.com/site/en-US/default.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx
You can also download Microsofts free Windows Defender from the official Microsoft site, and the Malicious Software Removal Tool.

Answer 8

Try norton Anti-virus Auto protect

Answer 9

Download "AVG Free" and Zonealarm
they will look after you!

DO NOT use Norton! It is RUBBISH! When you get a virus, it will tell you that you have it, but it won't remove it, to remove it, the robbing SOBs want you to pay them another $70. Take my word for it, AVG Free is the best there is!

Answer 10

Download an Anti-Virus. Duhh

Answer 11

The best Anti virus soft ware at the best price I have seen anywhere is Panda at this time.
It checks your in and outgoing email, all downloads and uploads and has a built in firewall. You can set it for exactly as much (or little) security as you are comfortable with.
I bought mine through http://www.pricewatch.com and it cost $8.00 including 1 year's worth of updates (automatic)