rory129

what is the best free security program

johnb35

These are the most common of each type.


Antivirus software

AVG
Avira
Avast

Antimalware

Malwarebytes
Superantispyware

Firewalls

Zonealarm
Comodo

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rory129

thanks

tlarkin

The best security is practiced in layers. You want to start at the router level of your home network. Get a router that supports NAT and SPI firewalls. That will stop almost all remote traffic from connecting to you directly.

Use strong passwords and passkeys for admin accounts and wireless encryption. If you use a weak password simple dictionary attacks can bypass them.

Then, on the client machine run something that will catch processes that are outgoing since SPI firewalls on the router level don't mess with out going traffic.

Then have an application to monitor your computer and audit it from time to time as mentioned in the previous post.

Last, use "best practices," on your computer to help avoid and mitigate potential malicious things from running on your PC. This involves using legit software, not going to illegal sites, scanning all your email attachments, so on and so forth.

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rory129

wow that helps thanks

richJ

these are really nice & effective .......

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ProxyRepair

There is also the new Microsoft Security Essentials which works good

Stoic Sentinel

+1, I recommend MSE, it's lightweight as well. If you don't trust Microsoft , I'd go with Avira or AVG.

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Slacker7

Avast 5 is in Beta right now and Online Armor firewall is close to releasing their version 4 very soon. OA already they have a Windows 7 32-bit version and sometime in early 2010 a 64-bit version will be released.

gamblingman

If you dont mind paying for your software I would recommend Trend Micro. Its a great product to protect your computer. Their software offers LOTS of features, and I love it. Also if you ever have a problem their support line is very helpful and knowledgeable.

I also use AVG free, its great too. Though the free version doesnt come with as many features, but its still great for protection.

I have AVG free on my fiancees computer and Trend Micro on mine.


In addition to anti-virus software, I would continue by saying....

Rule of thumb I follow is, dont:
1. do anything,
2. go anywhere,
3. download,
4. open any mail
5. run unknown/untrusted .exe files
...that may be a threat.

Also, stay away from:
* file sharing sites
* illegal sites
* PORN
* "free stuff" sites
* anywhere that seems weird (you know it when you see it)

Staying away from those things will prevent a LOT of problems. Also be careful what emails you open. Even if its from a friend, ask yourself

"how careful is the sender/friend... could they be emailing me something malicious, accidentally?"

Dont use illegal software. If you didnt pay for it, its probably pirated, thus illegal (in many cases, not all). Illegal software is usually full of problems, both legal and virus related.

Also I would highly recommend that you have only ONE anti-virus on your computer. Having more than one will create conflicts between them, causing loads of false positives, among other things.

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