computer security

db57

can someone please explain to a computer idiot - that is me - about computer security

what i need and why - for example firewall, spyware - and which is the best or good enough for an ordinary pc

thank you

rmg1

OK - from one non-techie to another:-

Firewall - this stops people and nasties accessing your computer and controls what can access the internet from your computer. I use PCTools free firewall which seems adequate and easy to use.

I think you meant anti-spyware/anti-malware - this removes items from your computer like keyloggers (that transmit the keys you press to someone else, passwords, etc) and things like that

You'll also need some good anti-virus software. I personally use Avira (and let the arguments begin) but you will get other recommendations from others which will split between free and paid for.

thomas01155

All the links here are FREE

Antivirus to stop viruses
Anti spyware to stop spyware
Windows has a built in firewall which only protects against inbound traffic so you may want to use a different firewall(Stops people for getting into your computer)
http://www.pctools.com/firewall/ or http://www.comodo.com/

For a anti-virus use Avira (lighter & high detection rates) http://www.free-av.com/ or http://www.avast.com/ (email scanner)

Use Firefox as your browser http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
Best addons
- https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865
- https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/722

Spyware blaster protects your browsers and prevents infection.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Also Spybot-S&D use the immunize feature which stops you visiting sites infected with malware.
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

Then run weekly scans with Malwarebytes and your anti-virus http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

db57

thank you - much appreciated