What is the best protection from viruses, worms etc?

Answer 1

best protection from viruses is anti-virus with real-time protection and the best protection from worms/spyware/adware/stuff like these is antispyware.

Answer 2

A strong inhibition to downloading software and some general security practices. The media commonly reports about the super hackers and dangerous viruses that take down all computer systems left and right. The effect of such reports is mixed. On one hand, it raises awareness of dangers to computers. On the other, the media reports don't properly highlight the real causes of damage to computers.

I'll mention downloading software as a first. A majority of viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, malware, and you-name-it is transmitted through downloads you voluntarily must obtain. That means, you have in your hand the ability to stop the majority of the danger.

If you're a P2P/filesharing user, you're obviously at risk. Avoid downloading executables, because almost all executables on P2P networks are infected.

Now, if you aren't a filesharing software user, your danger comes from various software you think is useful for the computer. Perhaps that nice looking screensaver, a wallpaper, a greeting card software, and so on. If you take a very cynical and distrustful approach to software, you'll get a good sense of protection. You can trust Microsoft, Apple, Norton, and major companies who stake money on their reputation. For the rest of the free software and downloads on the internet, be less open to them.

E-mail attachments get a special mention. You've probably heard the advice, don't open attachments you don't trust. That's true. If the e-mail isn't from someone you recognize, they have no reason to send you an attachment. A cruel deleting policy works quite nicely.

Now, that doesn't give you 100% protection, especially on Windows machines. Linux and Macs fare a bit better, but bad security practices will negate their advantage as well. So there's a few things worth remembering.

The first is to update your system frequently. For windows, this is windows updates. Check windows updates weekly. The second is to use good passwords. Passwords should be at least eight characters long, but 12-14 or more is ideal. The third is to avoid opening up yourself explicitly: unsecured HTTP or FTP servers, VNC without a SSH tunnel, sending passwords through cleartext e-mail, running a P2P server or service.

Try to avoid the media hype, and instead realise that you can voluntarily prevent most attacks, just by saying NO to untrusted downloads.

Answer 3

Any anti-viral software that offers real time protection would be a good investment. Check out the products from either Symantec, McAfee, or V-com to name a few. Also make sure you have a good firewall between your machine and the net. Lastly, be careful of the sites you go to. Don't open any email attachments from sources you don't recognize as they may contain malware. Visit the Microsoft download page and get a copy of Windows Defender. It's free to licensed users of the Windows OS.

Answer 4

Knowledge is really the best protection. You can use virus scanners, but they don't catch all. A good rule is to not open any attachments from people you don't know, and don't download software from unreliable computers. You could also get a DeepFreeze system to use to download things, and if it seems to be okay, then put it on the desired computer.

Answer 5

I think the best protection from viruses is Kaspersky. The best protection from Trojan horse is AVG-anti-spyware.(it is free)

Answer 6

Scan the PC with standard antivirus software. If you do not have one, I can give a few links that offer free virus and spy ware removers...!You may be having a virus or spyware installed on your PC. Norton, AVG , Avast are free antivirus software. Ad-aware, Ewido are free spyware removers. You can download free softwares at
http://fixit.in/antivirus.html and http://fixit.in/spywareremover.html

Answer 7

I just got rid of a trojan called xcp.sony.??? some **** like that, but anyways...
I have to give it up to Verizon!Yahoo Online Protection
they cured my wife's computer blues.
Check them out,I won't use anything else EVER!!!!!
-A Very Satisfied Customer

Answer 8

Turn off your computer!
That would be the best protection.

Also you can install a firewall, antivirus, and spyware protection.
http://filehippo.com/software/antispyware/
http://filehippo.com/software/firewalls/
http://filehippo.com/software/antivirus/

My favs are: AVG Free, Zone Alarm, and Ad-Aware.

good luck

Answer 9

Abstenance.

Answer 10

I hear spyware doctor is one of the best.