Securing a new PC & keeping it so!

[Quacker]

Further to Wolfey's post above, I'd just like to ask a few things.

 

Firstly, I will be using Windows 7, does that have any in-built security (a firewall for example) and secondly are there any advantages or disadvantages in having an antivirus & firewall together over separate ones.

 

As well as antispyware/malware & the mentioned tools, are there any other considerations? Also, I understand the rule of only one AV and Firewall, but is it ok to have more than one program to keep the other stuff at bay?

 

Prevention being beter than cure etc.

[Match]

Windows 7 comes with windows firewall, and also windows defender (Anti Spyware) unfortunately due to some strange laws on choice, and freedom of it, don't come with a built in AV, however Microsoft security essentials is free, and so is Avast, and Avira.

 

Personally I use Zonealarm Firewall, Avast Antivirus, WOT (Web of Trust) browser plug in, (AS Well as the Zone Alarm Browser plug in), and other than having a load of different popups and warnings appear when going to dodgy sites, and a couple of downloads stopped and interrupted, I haven't had any Infections.

 

On my XP Virtual, and Vista Virtual machines I've been running just the Microsoft, and windows products, and they seem to work just as well. ;)

[Quacker]

Well I am an Avast fan - good start:cool:

 

What about any other tips? for example I find when purchasing a new machine there's plenty of tech info, but fot the average user, little practical stuff. How and when to maintain etc. It might be obvious to some, but not all. These pages help to fill the void;)

[Dalo Harkin]

MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) in my opinion is one of the best FREE packages available.

 

NOD32 suite if you are looking to buy.

[Quacker]

Hi DH

 

Just to update. Currently using the Windows 7 firewall. Have also added Avast's latest version and I understand Windows Defender is included with Windows 7, Which of the other (free) standalones are worth adding. I assume there are no major conflicts?

[Dalo Harkin]

Download MSE from here

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

 

Remove AVAST and use the above if I were you

[kevh]

Hi Quaker

 

I agree with Dalo , Ms security essentials is great free AV software and barely touches cpu speeds when scanning.

 

Cheers kev :cool:

[Starbuck]

I removed Avast about 6 weeks ago from my Vista and XP Pro m/c's and installed MSSE.

Have had no problems at all.

Runs a background scan everyday and i don't even notice it.

[Quacker]

I guess things change, Avast was preferred on here (a good few years ago I switched from AVG).

 

Quick question, my new machine came with Norton - free trial etc. I have not activate it, but cannot remove it and it always pops up requesting I start the free trial. Is there a way to remove this - I've tried programs and remove but it will not let me?

 

Cheers.

[Quacker]

Sorry for the double post, but I missed the 5 minute deadline to edit:p

 

Just so I'm clear here, is there anything I need to add to MSE - I understand Windows 7 inc. Windows Defender. Will that little lot suffice, or do I need more?

[Starbuck]

Hi Quacker,

 

Quick question, my new machine came with Norton - free trial etc. I have not activate it, but cannot remove it and it always pops up requesting I start the free trial. Is there a way to remove this - I've tried programs and remove but it will not let me?

Try this:

To remove Norton Products:

Go to: Norton Removal Tool

 

Download it to your 'Desktop'.

Then click on the desktop icon to run the removal tool.

When completed you may be asked to reboot the system.

 

is there anything I need to add to MSE - I understand Windows 7 inc. Windows Defender.

MSSE will use Win Defender along with the Windows Firewall.

I add MBAM which i update and run at least twice a week.

SAS is also a good program, use which ever you are comfortabe with.

 

Scan regularly with a 'Stand Alone' Anti-Malware scanner:

Installing another scanner that you can run once or twice a week is always beneficial.

Something like:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

SUPERAntiSypware

Remember to update these programs each time before running.

You can install more than one of these if you only run them as stand alone programs.

Edited June 4, 2010 by Starbuck

[Quacker]

Thank you all so much!

 

Which specific Norton Removal as looks like a trial to me?

Edited June 4, 2010 by Quacker

[Starbuck]

Hi Quacker,

 

Which specific Norton Removal as looks like a trial to me?

from the download page, just click on:

Softpedia Secure Download (US) [EXE]