Critical PC Apps and Security
From PsirainWiki
Most users don't know how to keep their computer secure without making it slow. Here is some basic knowledge on how to keep safe and fast.
For the software listed below, just search via Google or just go to http://www.download.com. When you find the software it may take a bit of work to find the "free" (sometimes called "home") version. Persistence pays off.
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Uninstall
After you've downloaded your new antivirus/firewall software (see below), uninstall and reboot your Norton (Symantec) software. This is major bloatware and only performs well on very new systems. Users have noticed a difference comparable to night and day after uninstalling this software.
Anti-Virus
We use Avast. This is free and as of January 2008 was ranked among the top 5 in protecting your computer from viruses. Note that Norton was not in the top-10. After it is installed run it on a full scan and fix any issues. You don't have to run a full scan often, just be careful not to open anything suspicious.
It should default check for updates automatically - if not, turn this feature on.
Check-out PC World's website for rankings if you're curious. I've heard good things about AVG but have not yet tried it.
Firewall
Disable the Windows firewall. This software really is not useful.
We use the ZoneAlarm (free edition). Install this and keep up on updates. You should be able to configure it to do automatic updates for definitions but you may have to manually download and install program updates. But its worth it. ZoneAlarm asks you whenever anyone attempts to contact your machine or when a local program attempts to contact the internet. Be smart. Email me and ask if you don't know whether the situation is ligit. If you're sure of the program you can select "Always".
Anti-Spyware
We use Ad-Aware for anti-spyware. The free version simply scans your computer. I start a detailed scan before going to bed and clean-up the junk in the morning. Once every couple of weeks. If it finds something, have it clean it up, reboot and run it again. If the offender shows up again you may have to search the web for instructions on manually uninstalling it. Again, email if you have any questions.
Hardware
Having a router with NAT (Network Address Translation) helps a lot. What this device does is tell the internet its address, not the address of your computer. This way when a bad program tries to infect your PC it can't get past the router. Always a good idea.
In Closing
We know there are many more programs out there than these but we've tested these and have never had a problem. Our 7 year old desktop and 6 year old tablet PC are running as fast as they ever have and we've never seen a virus. Should be good enough.
