Question:
Looking for security software for my pc?
tarielle_au
2011-10-02 16:02:41 UTC
What software should I have on my pc to make it safe?

I have cable internet so as a first line of defence I was wondering if a firewall was enough to stop a hacker?
Is the windows firewall enough or should I get a different one? Can I have 2 firewalls?

What is the best way to keep my personal information safe, such as banking details and other personal information?
Is there a good software product that will offer that protection?
Six answers:
RJGoodhouse
2011-10-02 16:06:48 UTC
Microsoft’s Security Essentials, which has been a favorite anti-malware application for a while and it’s free, unobtrusive, and it doesn’t slow your PC down, but now it’s even better with the new 2.0 release, which adds network filtering, heuristic protection, and more.

Just to be clear and direct with you: we absolutely recommend Microsoft Security Essentials as your anti-malware / anti-virus utility over any other option—and how can you argue? It’s totally free!

New Features in 2.0

Here’s all of the new features in the latest release, which make it even more of a must-download:

* Network Traffic Inspection integrates into the network system and monitors the traffic at a low level without slowing down your PC, so it can actually detect threats before they get to your PC.

* Internet Explorer Integration blocks malicious scripts before IE even starts running them—clearly a big security advantage.

* Heuristic Scanning Engine finds malware that hasn’t been previously detected by scanning for certain types of attacks. This provides even more protection than just through virus definitions.

These new features make MSE on par with other anti-malware applications, especially the heuristic scanning, which has been the only complaint that anybody could make against MSE in the past—but now it has it.

Disabling the New Features (Though You Shouldn’t)

If you head into Settings –> Real-time protection, you can remove “Enable behavior monitoring” to disable the heuristic scanning, or uncheck “Enable Network Inspection System” to remove the network traffic filtering.

Limiting CPU Usage

We can’t remember if this is a new feature or not, but you can head into Settings –> Scheduled Scan to reduce the CPU usage during the weekly scan—normally the weekly scan only starts when you’re not using the PC, but if you sit back down on the PC while the scheduled scan is going, performance will be less impacted with lower CPU usage.

Again, you should download this new version. It’s excellent. Note: you should make sure you only have a single anti-virus utility installed at a time.

Download Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1.110

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



I choose to use Malwarebytes to remove and Protect against Malware

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Malwarebytes is a site dedicated to fighting malware. Malwarebytes has developed a variety of tools that can identify and remove malicious software from your computer. When your computer becomes infected, Malwarebytes can provide the needed assistance to remove the infection and restore the machine back to optimum performance.

Malwarebytes' products have proven successful in removing malware from customers computers time and time again. Malwarebytes is constantly working on creating new products which are continuously updated to assist you in keeping your computer infection free.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is an anti-malware application that can thoroughly remove even the most advanced malware. It includes a number of features, including a built in protection monitor that blocks malicious processes before they even start.

FileASSASSIN is an application that can delete locked malware files on your system. It uses advanced programming techniques to unload modules, close remote handles, and terminate processes to remove the file. Please use with caution as deleting critical system files may cause system errors.

How To Remove Malware Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfvhkWBpksk
Sanguas
2011-10-02 23:25:16 UTC
It never hurts to have two firewalls (one hardware and one software, not two software), and having Windows Firewall AND a hardware firewall is recommended by most software and hardware companies.

Windows Firewall should already be on by default, so that takes care of that.

Most descent routers nowadays already have a basic firewall built in, so make sure it's on by logging into your router configuration page (it's your gateway IP, which is usually 192.168.1.1, but can be different depending on your router. Check your router documentation.)

As for antivirus, check local PC software publications and forums for recommendations from people who actually use the software. Here in the states, Eset NOD32 is great and none of my clients have gotten any viruses since I installed it. You're better off with a full suite that included antivirus, anti-spam, and firewall. Eset has such a suite FYI.

So all in all, good coverage includes a strong Windows logon password using at least one special character, a strong password on your router and wifi network, router firewall, and full antivirus suite.



A final note....even with all of that, it still depends on YOU, the user. Ignore antivirus warnings and click on a bad link and there goes your security. Respond to a scam e-mail with your bank login and password, say goodbye to your retirement fund. Etc., etc., etc. Just use common sense when online. It's just like the real world. You wouldn't trust a guy in a trench coat standing on the corner selling Viagra, would you?
2011-10-02 23:11:58 UTC
Ok firewalls...Windows firewall will be good, if you want a second, then get a router that has a firewall built in, like this one:



http://www.amazon.com/Siemens-SpeedStream%C2%AE-Router-Built-4-Port/dp/B000063EJV

Then you will have a hardware, and software firewall.



Here is a comparison of the major AV's



http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/dyn/wpdt2011_1_en.pdf

Some are free, some are not. F Secure, the best one is not free.

Here is a comparison of the best free ones:



http://dottech.org/freeware-reviews/14151/avira-vs-avast-vs-avg-a-comprehensive-comparison-to-help-you-decide-which-free-anti-malware-security-software-you-should-use/



You can download the free ones here:



http://download.cnet.com/windows/



And last but not least is AS programs, and the best ones are Malwarebytes Antimalware, and Super-antispyware also available at cnet.
Lucky
2011-10-02 23:06:35 UTC
Install a software suite such as "norton internet security" or "kaspersky internet security". These are well known proven programs that are an antivirus and firewall combined (and possibly some antispyware utilities).



You are not safe with Windows Firewall itself, and no you not ever use more then one firewall or more then one antivirus (if you install a firewall or suite programs it will usually automatically turn off your windows firewall to avoid problems if it needs to)
One Horse Pony
2011-10-02 23:36:05 UTC
I use Norton Internet Security.
Belgariad
2011-10-02 23:06:22 UTC
There is no firewall that will stop a hacker. It will only make it difficult for him to break into your computer.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
Loading...