New laptop - advice please

Tatty_

Hi everyone,

After much soul searching, I’ve decided to buy a Dell 1525 laptop. In view of what I’ve read about Norton, I’ve also decided not to have this installed.

The laptop comes with Vista, and I’ve read Martin’s article on security. As a result I intend to download:

AVAST, COMODO/ZONEALARM and SPYBOT

As a non techie female, I think I’ve covered everything but when I read some of your posts, some people have endless lists of security

When I log onto the internet the first time, I will not have any security. This obviously leaves me open to allsorts. I take it that once I have downloaded the software mentioned above and then rebooted my laptop, this should find any nasties that have got on?? I’m just worried about leaving myself open to different attacks whilst I’m downloading.

I’ve never done this before, and any advice would be most welcome.

nomoneytoday

Windows has a basic firewall built in, or download the firewall and virus checkers on another (protected) pc, burn them to disc / USB key and install before going online

malamute

kdst wrote: »

Hi everyone,

After much soul searching, I’ve decided to buy a Dell 1525 laptop. In view of what I’ve read about Norton, I’ve also decided not to have this installed.

The laptop comes with Vista, and I’ve read Martin’s article on security. As a result I intend to download:

AVAST, COMODO/ZONEALARM and SPYBOT

As a non techie female, I think I’ve covered everything but when I read some of your posts, some people have endless lists of security

When I log onto the internet the first time, I will not have any security. This obviously leaves me open to allsorts. I take it that once I have downloaded the software mentioned above and then rebooted my laptop, this should find any nasties that have got on?? I’m just worried about leaving myself open to different attacks whilst I’m downloading.
I’ve never done this before, and any advice would be most welcome.

I would think that the dell will have Norton already installed so you will be protected download the software from AVAST, COMODO/ZONEALARM and SPYBOT then un-install Norton re boot and load on your software and away you go. :j

Tatty_

Thanks for the replies.

I will ask my friends if one of them can download them for me and burn them onto a disk, but if they can't (and Norton definately won't be installed coz I'm getting the laptop from Dell and specifically asked them not to), is it crazy to log onto the i/net and expect the software to pick up the problems afterwards??

davetrousers

Download Anti Virus from another computer (old comp/work/friend's) before you get your new lappy. Then install it before connecting to the net.

rabialiones

hi, i need advice about anti virus please.
my laptop has no anti virus and it has been used on internet, i suspect it may have some virus.
is it best to download avg or should i do system restore to date purchased before installing anti virus.
advice appreciated.
thanks

malamute

rabialiones;

Don't bother restoring to any other point this will do nothing apart from messing up anything else you may have installed..
Get Avg or whatever you chose and do a full scan of your system (it will actually want to do this following installation) it will find anything untoward.

*manda*

kdst wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.

I will ask my friends if one of them can download them for me and burn them onto a disk, but if they can't (and Norton definately won't be installed coz I'm getting the laptop from Dell and specifically asked them not to), is it crazy to log onto the i/net and expect the software to pick up the problems afterwards??

The inspiron 1525 does come with 2 years Norton on it for free- so have you actually told them NOT to install it? Or have you just not paid the extra to have the 3 year version added? Just asking as i'm ordering the same one but will have the standard 2 year Norton on it to start with as it's free and then tweak it to my own specifications once it arrives. Some protection being better than no protection and all that ;-)

Marty_J

*manda* wrote: »

Some protection being better than no protection and all that ;-)

I see you haven't used Norton before.