computer security |
AVG Anti-Virus features automatic updates, a real-time email scanner, always on protection, a virus vault, manual and scheduled testing, and more. You need anti-virus protection, there is no exception. Luckily however, you can get quality protection for free. I previously used AntiVir but switched to AVG and recommend it because it is easier to use and has a better auto-update program. As of version 8, AVG Anti-Virus now includes some components that I don't like. Linkscanner looks at all of the links that come up in a search result when you do a search on Yahoo, Google, or MSN (maybe more?) to see if they are safe. This causes increased traffic for these websites and wastes your bandwidth. If you are using Firefox, you are already reasonably safe with their reported attack site protection. Fortunately, you can install AVG without linkscanner or disable it if you have already installed it. I also do not install the AVG Security Toolbar by simply unchecking the checkbox during the install. |
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Comodo Firewall will close open ports on your computer, which stops hackers from being able to break in. A firewall stops hackers from being able to access your computer. You need to run some sort of firewall!!! Comodo Firewall has many advanced features, such as pop-ups that give you information on risks, component authentication that tests to see if your programs have been modified, and shutdown protection that prevents spyware from stopping the firewall. When you first run Comodo Firewall, be sure to click the "Security" button and run the "Scan for Known Applications" wizard that will scan your computer for thousands of known applications and will automatically assign access rules to them. Comodo Firewall will also alert you to programs that use other programs to access the internet. Be sure to take time and read the manual. |
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Spybot Search and Destroy is an anti-spyware program that can remove spyware (bad software similar to viruses that hijacks your computer) and immunize Internet Explorer and Firefox to prevent it from coming back. Do not use Internet Explorer without this program! It also has many other valuable utilities like a secure file delete and Windows startup editor. Take lots of time to go through this program to turn on all of its features. You can start by going through the official Spybot tutorial. |
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Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is a free on-demand anti-spyware application that is capable of detecting and removing some of the worst malware that other programs miss, including MS Antivirus (also known as XP AntiSpyware 2009). It also bundles a utility called FileASSASSIN that can delete locked files from your computer. The non-free pro version allows real-time monitoring that can stop spyware as it trys to install itself on your computer. It also allows you to schedule automatic updates and scans. The license is a one-time $25 fee, which according to the Malwarebytes forums is a lifetime license that will be valid for all future versions.
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