i have just bought a new pc and have installed a firewall, antivirus, and turned automatic updates on. is there any other software to help protect my pc and keep it running well that i can download off the internet? (maybe drive cleaner or registry cleaner?) im new to all this and any help is apreciated
2006-10-02 01:14:47 · 7 answers · asked by spens dad! 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Some will tell you Norton. But I don't use it. Haven't since the late 90's for various reasons.
Here are things I have been using since then,
Free Anti-virus:
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
Free Anti-Adware/Malware/Spyware protection:
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1 I recommend ewido!!!
http://www.safer-networking.org/
Free Online Spyware Scan:
http://www.spywareguide.com/onlinescan.php Very good for newbies!
Free Firewall:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/trial_zaFamily/trial_zaFamily.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=zaskulist_trial
Free Registry Repair:
http://www.ccleaner.com/
You can also run this once in a while:
Free Security Analyizer:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/tools/mbsa2/default.mspx
This is not everything you need to protect yourself. You also have to be smart. By this I mean you can never take your eye off the ball of safety for a second. There are just too many who have gone over to the darkside.
If you have any questions just let me know.
Have fun but be safe!
2006-10-02 01:34:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spens dad....
In short - Yes there is without getting to technical or costly....
As people have already adviced a good Anit-Spyware, Malware, Adware program is now a days a must....
There are currently over 80,000 spyware and adware programs on the market to date, so knowing which 1 is the better 1 is getting harder. However hundread of thousands of systems are infected on a daily basis by spyware, adware, malware etc which can infect your system from a host of sources online such as downloading a file/program or clicking on a pop-up ad, or even opening an E-Mail you are risking infecting the system.
My Advice -
XoftSpy - (for a 1 off fee of $39.95) It is currently the market leader and cheap, and for good reason it incorperates Spyware, Adware, Malware,Spybot, Keyloggers, Unwanted Toolbars, browser Hijacking, pop-ups and more all in 1 nice easy to use package (see link below).
Registry Mechanic 5.2 - (£19.95 for a single computer) Is a nice registry cleaner (see link below). Registry cleaners are NOT as neccessary as a good AntiVirus and AntiSpy should be able to remove most unwated and dangerous Key/Hive entires. Yet there will be times when this will no be the case i.e. Installing/Un-installing software like games etc. But be very careful here as some progammes can cause more damage than good so ALWAYS back up data before running...
That said you could invest in a good backup program like PC Backup ($59.99) simple and very effective for a home user (see link below).
Always remember PCs do cost a lot of money, but our data like photos, letters and documents can cost a lot more if damaged. We wouldn't buy a new car without getting insurance - well same principle applies, for a few extra pounds you can try and enusre damage to your system is prevented.
Hope you are NOT using Windows Firewall? Why? well Windows Firewall is not as secure as MS would want you to believe since it does half the job a commercial firewall would do; which is to block both incoming and outgoing traffic. Windows Firewall only blocks or patrols incoming traffic and it can be easily turned off by another application, possibly a worm.
So buy a commerical Firewall like:-
BlackICE
Sygate Personal Firewall
Norton Personal Firewall
TINY Personal Firewall
McAfee Personal Firewall
Hope this helps
DM
MCP MCSA MCSE+S BIT
2006-10-02 02:14:12 · answer #2 · answered by Dark Mennis 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took these suggestions from the CNET site a year ago and they have been great performers for me.
I downloaded them all at http://www.download.com which is a CNET site and is completely trustworthy. At download.com you can do a search on each of the following software packages and read the developers description, the tech review, and the user reviews. Check them out.
AVG Antivirus FREE
Spy Sweeper $29.95
Spyware Doctor $29.95
Spybot Search & Destroy FREE
AdAware Pro SE FREE
Other good ones to help keep you PC tuned up and in good working order.
Registry Mechanic $29.95
PC Pitstop Optimize $29.95
I use the free firewall offered by Microsoft. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Windows Firewall and simply turn it on.
Hope this helps.
2006-10-02 01:35:21 · answer #3 · answered by Dick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have an anti-spyware solution on your computer. I recommend that you go to http://www.download.com and get AD-AWARE and SpyBot Search & Destory. Install, run, update and scan your computer with both programs.
Make backups regularly. Your CD burner gave you a program to do this. Just save the contents of your My Documents folder. That has your pictures and documents. Remember that your computer can DIE at any minute, so be prepared.
2006-10-02 01:21:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put a antispyware software. Nowadays Spyware is giving alot of problem to computers. According to my experience I prefer http://www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor/
2006-10-02 01:20:21 · answer #5 · answered by IT-guru 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use Norton Internet Security, and i have also downloaded Adaware, and i've never had any problems!!!
2006-10-02 01:20:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) macafee is the best
2) if your copy of windows is geniune then go to www.windows.com->downloads->windows defender(beta 2)
2006-10-02 01:25:23 · answer #7 · answered by dezinrs_passion 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋