Internet virus worry what do you do?

Question

What if you can't afford to renew your subscription to Norton Security? It costs btwn 70 - 90 Aust $'s:Do people just close down and not go on computer any more? Is it a huge risk or is it 50/50 or what? Are there any other ways to ensure you don't pick up a virus? Ive got antispy ware Lava soft pgm, and Yahoo & msn same thing: what can be done to make it safe, but affordable??

Wow; 6 answers and practically SOLVED: woohoo...it's gonna be hard to choose a best answer coz they are ALL GREAT! Hey guys: thanks heaps!

and now another answer that is TOTAL...WOT CAN I SAY BUT THANK YOU ALL

Answer 1

There is NO short, two-or-three-sentence answers to this. You need some background and to understand what you’re doing. I’ve tried to give you this, but it is not a short read. I also have tried not to give you a bunch of links with no explanation. That’s another reason my post is so long. I urge you to read all of it before deciding what to do.


Anyway, as for security, here are some basics. First, you need a good anti-virus program (only one....never run two, because they'll work against each other and cause problems). I recommend AVG (free version) anti-virus. It's what I use, and haven't had a problem since I put it in. Just be sure to keep it updated (as with all the other programs I'll suggest). AVG's icon in your bottom toolbar will turn gray/white when it needs to be updated (it stays colored with black, red, green and yellow while it's still OK).

Also, you need a firewall. This keeps hackers from finding your computer. I use ZoneAlarm (the free version). It always asks if you want to update to the Pro version. I just click "remind me in 60 days." The basic ZoneAlarm will protect a personal computer just fine.

I also use SpywareGuard and SpywareBlaster. They keep a lot of "crap" from getting into your computer to start with.

Besides this, when offline (or online -- it doesn't matter), I run AdAware AND Spybot Search & Destroy weekly. They will get rid of a lot of "crapware" that does manage to get through the protection programs I listed.

Finally, there are two more things.

(1) Go to Windows Updates weekly (Google search if you don't know where it is), and download & install any critical updates it lists (all of them)

(2) Run Defrag weekly (Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter

Do these things, and you should have no problems. I repeat, the "secret" is to keep these programs updated regularly. If they don't have the latest updates, you're not protected against new threats. If you need further info, I suggest you do a Google search for "Pctorium." They are a free computer help group with real knowledgeable (and courteous) people willing to help you for nothing (no fee).

Just doing the above will keep you from almost all problems. Hope this helps.

AdAware (Get the se personal)
http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/

Spybot Search And Destroy
(choose language, then click icon for “Spybot - Search & Destroy”) http://www.spybot.info/en/index.html

AVG anti-virus (free version)
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

ZoneAlarm
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp (scroll down and click “Free ZoneAlarm and Trials”, then scroll to the right on the page it opens and click to download just the basic firewall -- the others you have to pay for).

***NOTE*** -- ZoneAlarm version 6.5 and above will not work with Windows 98SE or Windows ME. It is only for newer Windows systems (2000, XP, Vista). If you have 98SE or ME, you’ll have to Google search for a firewall compatible with 98 and ME.


SpywareGuard and SpywareBlaster
(several downloads here -- just get these two) http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/downloads.html

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

I have been using one form of antivirus or another for the past 9 years, since the days of dial up. Norton and Mcafee and all the other pay services dont really do jack for you other than keep asking you to pay more for a more advanced product when you purchase a basic one. I have found one that has been of most help to me http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html is a small company but has a very reliable antivirus software that i have been using for a couple of years and its completely free for home users. If you are a business then you can license it for your business. once on their website download the HOME version and register your antivirus its free and they will email you a activation code right away no waiting. use this code for as long as you want, i am still using the activation code i got a little over two years ago.

Answer 4

I've had internet for well over 8 years. I've only gotten a virus once and it was my own fault for downloading program cracks. You shouldn't get virus period if you are using your computer properly. Don't click pop up ads, when you download things, do not open anything that ends with .exe unless its from a trusted, or trustworthy source. Anyway, look for the program stinger.exe, its common on the internet, its free and will find and delete most virus. Again, your computer is as safe as you let it be. I don't use firewalls or anti virus, and have never been hacked or infected.

Answer 5

Spy VS. Spy

Norton VS. The Bad Web-Gang

Answer 6

I don't know how old is you'r antivirus!! Use Norton But it only works for 12 months! I'ts great!! If you have some cheap antivirus, in the long run, you'll be paying more!!

Answer 7

You may be having a virus. Norton, AVG , Avast are
widely used and effective antivirus software. You can
download these free softwares at
http://tinyurl.com/yahtjk

Answer 8

AVG free antivirus,AVG free antispyware from the same company,
http://free.grisoft.com
Zonealarm free firewall.
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp

for those who need more protection from keyloggers. Here is a free one.(It is fully functional and free for unlimited use, but displays registration request, kind of nagware, press X to close the nag window) anti keylogger, keylogger hunter 2.1
http://www.styopkin.com/keylogger_hunter.html


If you are a owner of licenced version of windows, then download+install windows defender from microsoft website(It is microsoft's antispyware program)

Answer 9

i know i've been there try this http://www.torrentspy.com/default.asp file sharing is illegal so DONT! click on directory and dont click on Applications and most importantly DONT CLICK ON security and dont look for McAfee Security(mcafee is better than norton) but if norton is what you want norton IS NOT THERE! and you should not download a program called Azureus that will NOT help you download these programs

Answer 10

Go to http://www.grisoft.com/doc/1 and download the free AVG antivirus. It is totally free and very good, I use it myself.