How do you protect your computer? [Archive]

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ABV

10-04-2005, 02:30 PM

I'm going to be loading windows again on my home computer in the next couple of days, because what I have now is FUBAR. I'm not sure what happened with mine, but I think it's a combination of things. First of all, I'm not even sure if I have a legit version of windows on there right now (I just ordered windows XP Home from NewEgg, it should be here soon). I also think that I have some viruses and other crap on there too. So after I format the hard drive, and load my new legit version of Windows, how do I keep it safe? What do you use for virus protection, or a firewall? I thought I knew enough about this to keep things going smooth, but apparently I don't, which is why I'm posting this.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks
Rickshaw4evr

Khadgar

10-04-2005, 02:59 PM

Just format and install the new os on there. You can use this http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10342876.html?tag=lst-0-6 for antivirus it works great. IMHO if you aren't stupid about what you download you wont have many problems. You might want to look in to using Firefox btw.

XP has a built in firewall

Super Bleeder!!

10-04-2005, 03:32 PM

http://www.grisoft.com/doc/1 <free program, works VERY well!

i use Adaware as well just to get the little stuff because its fast.

rk4g63

10-04-2005, 03:53 PM

First disconnect from the Internet altogether!!!!
Then format the hard drive
Then load the OS
Then load the drivers - video and sound
Then download all service packs or the latest service packs and patches from Microsoft.com.
Then load Zone Alarm - it's a free firewall
Then load an antivirus - Norton or McAfee are good
THEN go online

Optional -
Then install a pop-up blocker. Popup killer is free. StopZilla is OK too.
Then install a spyware blocker/remover. Spybot is good.

Jakey

10-04-2005, 05:59 PM

Steeltwo

10-04-2005, 06:08 PM

i myself run

linksys router
xp firewall
tiny personal firewall
mcaf. antivirus
spybots tea timers that stops all reg enteries
and a pop up blocker that has yet to allow a popup on my pc since I put it on almost a year ago.

use spybot and ad-aware for removal of crap once a week.

at most i'll get 2 pieces of material a week, if I wait a month, it goes up to 4 pieces.
it's enough to stop what I want stopped and not totally hinder my computer like zone alarm can do.

ABV

10-04-2005, 07:08 PM

Isn't XP Pro recommended quite substantially over XP home? I know that IBM only sells their absolute bottom line laptops with XP home, everything else comes with XP Pro. I can get Microsoft products dirt cheap through Iowa State since I'm a student so if anyone ever wants me to check into pricing I would be more than happy to.

I've read that the only advantage that Pro has over Home is that you have alot more networking capabilites. You can still network with the Home edition, but only a couple computers. There might be other small differences, but that's the big one that I found. Since I hadn't planned on networking, I decide to go with the Home edition.

Just out of curiosity, how much can you get the home edition for? I paid $86 (they had a one day sale) on newegg.com. You have to buy it with a piece of hardware, but that was a $5 cable that came with a $5 instant rebate (free).

Jakey

10-04-2005, 07:12 PM

Just out of curiosity, how much can you get the home edition for? I paid $86 (they had a one day sale) on newegg.com. You have to buy it with a piece of hardware, but that was a $5 cable that came with a $5 instant rebate (free).

I'll check tomorrow.

10-04-2005, 09:47 PM

don't use IE. And stop accepting all the porn I send you!

IndiEP

10-05-2005, 12:58 AM

LOL. I'm looking at these long lists of programs and sets people take and I don't do anything what so ever to my mac. I don't know if there completely immune to pop ups, viruses or spyware but so far it'd seem that way. But for my PC, thats a little different.