What is the best way to protect my computer from harm?

Question

what is the best way to protect my computer, is there a program that will zap out spyware, be a good antivirus program as well as a firewall. I'm a big IM chatter and get hit often

Answer 1

If you want the best and secure it has to be Norton Internet Security 2007 does cost but it is one of the best out there. It has Antivirus, Antispyware, Two-way Firewall, Rootkit Detection, Intrusion Prevention, Anti-Phishing
etc..
# Blocks online identity theft
# Detects and eliminates spyware
# Removes viruses and Internet worms
# Protects against hackers
# Detects and removes hidden threats
# Includes protection updates and new product features as available throughout the renewable service period*
# Vastly improved product performance
# Norton Ongoing Protection keeps your computer protected against the latest internet threats and includes Automatic Renewal which automatically renews your subscription at the regular renewal subscription fee (plus applicable taxes) – so you don’t have to worry.
+
Awards
2007
PC Magazine:
Best of 2006
PC Magazine:
Editors' Choice
2006
PC Utilities:
Recommended Award, scored 86%
Computer act!ve:
Awarded 4 stars
Personal Computer World:
5 stars - Recommended Award
cost £49.99 well worth it!!

Answer 2

Get a good anti-virus program. There are many free ones out there. I use McAfee myself.

A good firewall is a must. A good free one is Comodo.

http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

For spyware I use a combination of programs.

Download, update and run Spybot---http://www.safer-networking.org/ . Don't forget to use the Immunize feature.


Download, update and run Adaware---http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/products/select_your_product.php

Download SpywareBlaster---http://majorgeeks.com/download2859.html

SpywareBlaster doesn't scan and clean for spyware - it prevents it from ever being installed.

It's main features include:
- Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted pests.
- Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox.
- Restrict the actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer.


Detailed reading on how to secure your computer at http://www.tom-cat.com/security.html

Answer 3

Now there is a rather big list! If you are looking for a 'All-in-one', good luck. The best I can suggest is like this:
Freeware: AVG Free 7.5 (Anti-virus)
Zone alarm Free Edition (Firewall)
Ad-Aware, Spybot: Search & Destroy (Antispyware)
Spyware Blaster (Act like a Anti-spyware firewall)
Win Patrol (Prevents spyware from downloading itself to your registry, and Start-up folder)

Programs to buy:
Norton Internet Security (Anti-virus, Firewall, Anti-spyware (somewhat good), and Anti-spammer)
Webroot Spyware Sweeper (Very good Anti-spyware program)
Add one or more anti spyware programs from above to create a overlapping shield.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Go here and download free antivirus and antispyware software:

http://www.helpero.com/Questions-and-answers/Computers/Software/Are-there-any-good-FREE-spyware-programs_291.html

http://www.helpero.com/Questions-and-answers/Computers/Software/Can-you-recommend-me-a-free-antivirus_2568.html

Helpero is a web site that helps every Internet user, from all over the world, solve any computer related problem. You can ask Helpero for free.

Answer 5

The ZoneAlarm Suite.

Answer 6

Download AVG anti Virus free here –

http://www.get-antivirus.com/avg-antivirus


Download Microsoft Defender free here - http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Download AdAware free here –
http://downloads-zdnet.com.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_2-10399602.html?tag=lst-0-1

With those three programs your computer will be pretty secure from viruses, ad ware, spyware & malware.

Answer 7

keep it safe