What protection is absolutely essential for using the internet on my home laptop?

Question

I've just had to have my laptop wiped and everything reinstalled due to slow running/viruses. Nothing seems to be the same as previously, I've lost all my 'favourites' as it looks like only my documents were saved, and basically it's like starting all over with a new laptop. I'm desperate to avoid this happening again. I previously had a free firewall and anti-virus protection, but clearly this did not work. Where do I go from here? I should add that my main use is for email, general web browsing and limited internet shopping. I don't download films or games.

Answer 1

I'd suggest Malwarebytes Antimalware and Spybot: Search and Destroy. Malwarebytes is the best AV out there, and SaD is free. Both work well and have kept my computer clean even after visiting less than reputable sites and downloading lots of stuff.

Answer 2

No single program can provide 100% protection so it doesn't matter too much which AV program you prefer, although some are better than others there isn't usually much in it. Avast free is very good so try that. The Windows firewall is adequate for many people, there are better ones available but 'the best' may baffle you. The main thing is to keep ALL your software up to date with security patches, especially popular software such as Flash Player, Java, Adobe Reader - this is where most malware sneaks on to PCs. Also be careful about which websites you visit and what you download and install. List below of programs you might find useful, both free and easy to use



Secunia PSI warns you of out-of-date software

http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/



WOT warns you of known bad websites

http://www.mywot.com/

Answer 3

There are plenty of perfectly fine FREE Security applications.



1) Firewall:

PCTools Firewall

http://www.softpedia.com/dyn-postdownload.php?p=62975&t=0&i=1



2) Anti-Virus

Microsoft Security Essentials

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/products/security-essentials



3) System Cleaner

Advanced SystemCare

http://download.cnet.com/Advanced-SystemCare-Free/3000-2086_4-10407614.html?tag=mncol&cdlPid=10875987





4) Additional (manual) Malware Scanners

Malwarebytes

http://www.filehippo.com/download_malwarebytes_anti_malware/

SuperAntiSpyware

http://www.filehippo.com/download_superantispyware/

Answer 4

Avast do a free antivirus which is very good. Malware bytes is a good free one to have as extra, just run it once a week. If you only use it for browsing and not downloading then avast should be ok. Plus get yourself a maintainance program. Tune up utilities is very good and not too expensive, it will keep your registry and computer running good and help to prevent system crashes as well as optimising your computer automatically. Thats what I use and my computer runs great.

Answer 5

DELL. I unquestionably have worked on many HP/Compaq's attempting to restoration them they're much less costly, and that i might/won't in any respect purchase one. Dell's are good in high quality, and the corporate international makes use of them for a reason. you would be happier with the Dell, I promise.

Answer 6

I strongly recommend Norton Internet Security 2012. It's fast,secure,easy to use and uses less resources. You can pick it up for around £22 ($34) for three Users and 1 year Protection. I use it on all my computers.

Answer 7

You dont normally need protection when youre whacking one out.