which security program should I pick?

[juggler94]

I reinstalled my computer because it was broken yesterday.
I already know I'm going to install the one over here-http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/001240.html.
Now, I'm going to install a firewall. Which one should I use? They're both free.
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_d ... RSS,00.asp
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/c ... opnav_zass

I'd really appreciate your advice.

[karlofootball10]

i have zone labs on my comp, and it works like a charm, ive had it for a while now, and i have had 0 viruses.

but, just one thing. i have the one you buy from the store for like, $60, i dont know what that one is like.

[cfrealmadrid]

expert not only knows, he probably wrote the one that works best. ask him, he's really good with computers

[zizou10-5]

i think zonelabs wsi better, oits more renowned than pcworld n nearly plenty ppl use it n say its safe.

[romania_soccer]

Zonelabs is very good and another program called Sygate too, they're both free. I also use Avast! Antivirus (free again) and Ad-Aware. I've never had problems with my computer ever since.

THIS has been a major major help to me, please read it it's extremely helpful: http://www.biline.ca/lockdown.htm

[expert]

Security is really important to me, but I never, ever, ever use security programs. For a number of reasons:
1. Most of these programs don't prevent, they only "detect" and "treat" spyware/viruses
2. They slow down system performance and often make other programs malfunction
3. The anti-virus/spyware programs will always be one step behind the hackers
4. The whole "anti-virus" "anti-spyware industry" is bent on the trust of the computer illiterate. Just because "Program X" tells you you're safe, doesn't mean that you are
5. There is no "magic program" that will keep you 100% safe
6. I don't trust other people. Hell I don't even trust myself

PS. Romania_soccer, I went to the page your mentioned. They recommend a 3rd party program for disabling Windows Messenger. This can be done by going to Control Panel->Administrative Tools->Services... They also recommend permanently shutting off Universal Plug & Play. Wow

[romania_soccer]

I agree with everything you said, no program whatsoever will make internet safe 100%, but I do have a question, if you don't use any security program what the hell do you do?
When I had no firewall, there were about 20 viruses and trojans on my computer (without exagerrating) without even counting all the spy/adware programs.
Remove my firewall now and basically my computer will stop responding in 5-10 minutes.
Of course my computer knowledge is only general, but I'm curious about how do you achieve to stop most intruders.

[expert]

Ok, just out of curiosity I installed Avast on my Windows PC, updated it... ran full scan (for over an hour) and of course "nothing found"

When I had no firewall, there were about 20 viruses and trojans on my computer (without exagerrating) without even counting all the spy/adware programs.

A firewall will not save you if you download a trojan and run it. A firewall simply blocks unused network ports so that no information can come in or be sent out. So if you ALREADY have a virus on your machine, it won't be able to spread out to other PC's. The virus will still be there and running, it just won't be able to multiply.

if you don't use any security program what the hell do you do?

1. If you HAVE TO run Windows, make sure you install all security and critical updates: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ (if you have anything older than Win 2000, you're screwed)

2. Go to "Control Panel" -> "Users" and make a "Restricted" account and an "Administrator" account. Set passwords for both. Use the "Restricted" account for browsing the net. The "Restricted" account will not be able to install new programs (including spyware or adware) or edit your system files.

3. Go to "Control Panel" -> "Administrative Tools" -> "Services" and disable dangerous services like "Messenger", "Telnet" and stupid ones line "Indexing Service"... this guy explains what each service does read his tutorial: http://www.overclockersclub.com/guides/ ... ices_2.php

4. Use a browser other than IExplorer, for example Mozilla( http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/ ) If you MUST use explorer, go to "Internet Explorer" -> "Tools" -> "Options" and disable "3rd Party Browser Extensions"

5. When browsing the net, never, ever, EVER accept scripts when asked by ANY website. Example:

Be especially cautious with anything called "integrated," "search," "toolbar," "optimizer," "automatic" and so on

6. Don't belive in anything you read in an e-mail (especially if it asks you to "log-in here" or "update your information") NEVER, EVER, EVER click on links found in a e-mail. NEVER download attachments from an e-mail (unless it's from a friend) Don't give out your personal e-mail to any web site you're not familiar with.

7. Run a firewall if you're still paranoid

8. General security: Try not to store passwords (turn off "Auto complete") or personal information on your PC or remotely on any web site. Use different passwords for your mail, messenger, etc... Make each pass more than 6 chars, letters and numbers, no dictionary words... you know the routine

[ajc]

I realize this topic is way old, but that post that expert made has helped me a lot!! I just did everything you suggested and I'm hoping now that I will have no problems at all. Anyone interested in securing your computer should take a look at that.

[expert]

Another thing - if you don't like microsoft's 'geniune verification' ( ) you can update your windows at : http://windizupdate.com/ But you need to visit that site with a non-IE browser