Computer Security-Free! & Viruses!

Fran

You don't need to pay to protect your computer. There are many free antivirus, firewall etc. downloads. You can also pay if you want extra features.


These are not recommendations by this site so research your choice first.

For maximum security you will need:-

An antivirus- scans your computer for viruses and alerts you when it finds one. They will usually have a removal tool which you have to download from the internet to get rid of it. Often you can also find the removal tools on other websites too. It is best to set your antivirus to run once a day automatically.

One way to find free antiviruses, is do a search on your computer using a search engine such as Google or AltaVista using the words "free antivirus". Popular antivirus downloads are:- Norman/Opistat - You have to register to join the Opistat surveys Avast, AVG, EZArmor -12 months free/new users only, AntiVir

Advice from moneysavers on nod32 antivirus

Info (Feb.2005) re AVG connected.telegraph

Free online pc scan
pcpitstop.com, Housecall (Trend Micro), PandaActiveScan

Sunflower wants to know - Naughty sites. Virus?
She also wants to know If I eat the cookies will I die?

Free security check Symantec

A firewall- Monitors traffic to and from the internet. You can set your firewall to alert you every time there is a request to access the internet from your computer or coming in to it.

Popular free downloads are:- Sygate , Kerio , ZoneAlarm

You could check the Firewall Guide and Toxteth_O'Grady has provided a link to Whois where you can check whether you want to "allow" or "deny" access to your computer while using a firewall.

Trojans, Worms etc. - Antivirus programmes have weaknesses meaning they don't always pick up trojans. a-squared and Ewido do a good job at cleaning up. prevx helps prevent intrusions. TrojanHunter offers a free trial period.

Spyware/adware protection-Spyware is where other computers gather information from your computer. Adware is adverts. You can download programmes that you can either run manually or automatically that pick up spyware and adware. You can then remove them.

This site has loads of information about which anti-spy/adware products to get and which ones are rogues too. Spywarewarrior

Many people use AdAware and Spybot-Search & Destroy. Extra Spybot info. You could try this free trial which picks up more - Giant, also SpySweeper offers a free trial.

Dealing with unwanted spyware & parasites Useful link provided by Chippy_Minton

Guide to removing Malware/Adware - mse thread

KazaaBegone - removes Kazaa components


Prevent spyware- You can download programmes that help prevent spyware getting to your computer in the first place.

Spywareblaster is popular. You can also use Spyware Guard

Startpage Guard warns when your home page is being hijacked and replaces your choice of home page.

Can't get rid of it? Hijackthis will create a log that you can paste on I'mnotageek or to other forums for help.

It has been said on some threads that using a different browser and email increases security. You might find this useful:-

These are other browsers you could use:- Mozilla, Opera, Deepnet Explorer

Firefox "V" IE
Mozilla discussed on this site.

Alternative Operating Systems - if you don't want to use Windows

Child safety
Links to useful websites re children and the internet.
http://www.chatdanger.com/, http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/v3/youth/chatsafe/, http://www.childnet-int.org/safety, http://www.parentscentre.gov.uk/usingtheinternet/internetsafety, http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/home.htm

Email
Here are Examples of suspect emails

System Restore Go back to a time before the problem started. System Restore

Back Up How to back up info on your computer. Backup- Microsoft info.

Help on the web
Other websites have useful info and forums, such as:-
Annoyances - Info collated by Microsoft Windows users.

Techsupportalert - Info on free software

Help in person NASCR - National Association of Specialist Computer Retailers

Web info about computer viruses
howstuffworks

itsafe.gov.uk - New UK government site with useful glossary (23/2/05)

Forums There are forums that give help to people with problems such as Spywareinfo and D-A-L.

What security do you use? - Find out what other site visitors use for computer security.

Two threads about passwords & backup: Backup of personal information on the web and Remembering passwords/usernames

Fran

There has been much discussion about antivirus protection etc.

This thread is very useful:- Infected please help!

Firefox Spoof!

Four posts listing free software - 1, 2, 3, 4


The following are links to questions already asked on this board, including advice from techie wizards and others.


Unknown diallup dialler has cost me

Virus advice please

Question about Antivirus, Firewall and Internet Security

The Wizard's complete guide to removing garbage from your computer