Re: Any protection programs I should download?

AAaron123 wrote:
I scan with ad-ware occasionally.

I was wondering if there are other free programs you would
recommend me downloading for protection.

You mean "LavaSoft Ad-Aware"?

Personally - other than a good AntiVirus application (many free versions are
just as good, if not better, for the home user than the pay versions) and
the built-in firewall (supplemented by a NAT device further separating me
from the internet) and a little common sense - I'd say any other
applications are more cleanup than protection. ;-)

That's not to say there are not some fine products out there that help fill
in the gap for those who lack some of the computing common sense others
might learn. MalwareBytes, SuperAntiSpyware, SpyBot Search and Destroy all
some to mind in one category of products.

As far as what I would recommend for most home users:

- Good and updated AntiVirus (not a "Suite", just AntiVirus.)
- Built-in Windows Firewall enabled.
- Ensure Windows stays patched/updated.
- Ensure all installed applications stay patched/updated.
- Keep good and consistent backups.
- Occassionally do other maintenance on your system...
- Disk Cleanup (that is an application)
- CHKDSK
- Defragmentation
- Occassional sweep with an AntiSpyware/AntiMalware application (or many)
- Uninstall unused applications
- Read up. Learn. Don't be taken by surprise.

Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/

Outfitting an XP computer for the Net
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/advanced/xppc.mspx

Getting started with a new PC
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/yournewpc.mspx

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html


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