Keep your computer secure! Revised 1-8-2009

Disturban · March 16, 2006, 07:07:33 PM

Been awhile since I updated this page so I added a few new tips and software download links as well as removed some outdated software links.

1. Keep Windows Updated

A large proportion of Windows updates are to close holes exploited by malicious programs. Simply staying updated will keep a lot of infections off your system. If you are using windows XP Service pack 3 has been released...however myself and many others have experienced issues after downloading so I removed it from my PC until microsoft works out the bugs. I will try downloading it again in a few weeks.

Windows update

2. Change your browser, Firefox is far more secure than Internet Explorer.

Firefox

3. Use a firewall, Surfing the internet without a firewall is like inviting malware onto your system. Only use one!

These 2 are free.
Zonealarm

Kerio

4. Use an Anti-Virus, if you cant afford to pay for one there is a few that are free listed in the other sticky. AVG has really got their act together and I just switched over to using them again...Kaspersky was realy slowing down my PC and updates was painfully slow.

5. Install Anti-Spyware protection.

These programs are excellent at removing malware off your system but use caution of what you delete and always back up your system incase you delete something you need. Also run these programs in safemode...you can access safemode by holding down the f8 key at startup.

malwarebytes

combofix

6. Update your Java...alot of malware is installed using old versions of Java. You can update Java here.

Java update

And last but the best program ever, if you get infected download hijackthis do a system scan and save log and copy and paste it in a new thread and I will walk you through the steps to rid your computer of malware.

Hijackthis

If anyone else has any usefull tools or advice for protecting your computer please feel free to add to the list.

390JOE · May 25, 2007, 05:09:30 AM

does anybody know anything about black ice its like spybot (i think) does anybody have it or use it.

BroncoChick · May 25, 2007, 08:12:36 AM

Quote from: 390JOE on May 25, 2007, 05:09:30 AM
does anybody know anything about black ice its like spybot (i think) does anybody have it or use it.

black ice is a very good firewall, I have used it in the past. It is not very user friendly though.

MrGrey · May 25, 2007, 08:57:08 AM

ewido is an excellent tool. I use it at client offices quite a bit, but now it is owned by AVG. You can get it for free and free anti-virus and anti-rootkit at

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

Personally, I just run linux to keep my computer secure.....

jeepinjimmer · May 25, 2007, 08:58:28 AM

thanks chevying...you are like obewan kanobie...except with computer stuffs

~SwampRAT~ · May 26, 2007, 02:34:51 PM

Quote from: MrGrey on May 25, 2007, 08:57:08 AM
Personally, I just run linux to keep my computer secure.....

as do i, but unfourtnatly if you havent been trained with linux, its not exactly the easiest os in the world to learn....

Disturban · May 27, 2007, 04:32:50 AM

Linux is pretty cool but alot of people that use it have driver issues, every version I have tried I always had problems installing new software and getting my printer and digital camera to work right...for the convenience factor I love windows. Linux is much more secure thats a fact but dont be fooled there are viruses out there that target Linux but with Vista out now every script kiddie in the world will be trying to exploit any hole they can find...that will take the heat off all other operating systems including XP...I will stick with XP for a year or two before I make the switch.

Corman · January 03, 2009, 12:08:46 AM

Windows is a virus...especially vista.

Linux FTW

Disturban · January 03, 2009, 02:10:36 AM

Quote from: Corman on January 03, 2009, 12:08:46 AM
Windows is a virus...especially vista.

Linux FTW

I agree...but try playing games or using other programs running Linux.

rc3sanchez · May 11, 2009, 12:52:39 PM

Firefox is a great browser!

gator82 · May 11, 2009, 01:31:01 PM

thx for the info. I just downloaded firefox and it does seem quicker.

rc3sanchez · May 11, 2009, 07:54:56 PM

390joe- that troll knowing my ip address is kinda creepy. lol

as for more tips:

a computer that is off is better than a computer that is on. shut down your machines people.

dsJeep · May 25, 2009, 07:24:31 PM

for those that are interested in Linux but don't want to give up windows you could always make your computer dual-boot, its not very hard to do, and the second (or more) OS could be an older version of windows too, there are some versions of Linux that are
beginer friendly, and if you want to try Linux but not install it you could try DSL Linux, it boots and runs off of a CD, no hard drive needed

www.damnsmalllinux.org