Dave, I am getting a new computer with WinXP?. Do I need Zone Alarm? SpyBot?? AdAware?? A-squared? Spyware Blaster? Help! I don’t want to be one of those statistics you read about on the ‘net…
This is a great question! I asked my research team to offer their own answers and present them here. Lots and lots of excellent information:
What every new computer needs, but the computer salesman did not tell you.
The first thing to do with a new computer is UPDATE. Run Windows Update from the Start Menu. Install Service Pack 2, if it is not already installed. Hopefully, you have a broadband connection as the downloads are going to take quite a while on a dial up connection.
Now that your computer is up to snuff, let’s keep it that way. There are four mandatory programs. Three are free. Download and install the following free programs:
• Zone Alarm.
After installing Zone Alarm, make sure that the Windows Firewall is disabled:
Right click on Local Area Network, select properties, right click on your method of connecting to the internet, select properties, select advanced tab, click on the settings button, select off, and finally tell the system ok.
Now, download:
• Spybot Search and Destroy
• Ad Aware
Finally, obtain and install a good anti virus program. Any of the following three will work well (I personally use AVG Anti-Virus on all of my PCs):
• Norton AV
• McAfee
• AVG
The new Microsoft anti virus, while still in Beta, seems to work well, and is worth a try. It is free and if your budget is such that the purchase of a commercial anti virus program is out of the question the Microsoft program is a good alternative.
This has required a lot of work for you to complete the above tasks. There is one final step so that all your hard work does not go to waste. UPDATE, UPDATE, UPDATE. Run the programs regularly, weekly is best, if you even only do a moderate amount of surfing. Prevention is the key to a healthy computer. A virus can make you sicker than any flu bug your body has caught.
Don’t forget to keep your browser up to date. If you use Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, then it will be kept up to date for you with the auto update feature of SP2. If you opt to use a different browser, stick to Firefox and keep it up to date.
I would consider Microsoft’s AntiSpyware package a must have, along with at least one other piece of antispyware software. The Microsoft AntiSpyware package is unique in that it monitors what is happening on your machine, helping to prevent infections, while most every other available package only detects infection after the fact.
Prevention is an important aspect to consider. It’s a lot easier to prevent spyware infection than it is to clean up the mess it leaves behind. Consider an alternate browser like Mozilla Firefox (getfirefox.com) or Opera (opera.com), rather than using Internet Explorer. And no browser is immune from security issues, so make sure which ever one you choose, you keep it up to date.
Antivirus software is, of course, also crucial in the overall protection of your machine. Install a reputable antivirus package, and make sure it’s always up to date. For home PC’s, I have had good luck with AVG antivirus (grisoft) and it is available free for personal use.
A firewall is also essential, especially if you aren’t behind a broadband router or similar device that provides your first line of defense. The firewall built into Windows XP Service Pack 2 is good at blocking incoming connections and decent for controlling outbound access, but some of the commercial options provide better outbound control.
Protection against spyware and ad-ware is also essential. Lavasoft Ad-Aware Personal is excellent for periodic checks. Spybod Search and Destroy can be set to run whenever the computer is operational, and can alert you when software packages – both legitimate and illegitimate attempt to make changes to your registry files, and that can help prevent hijackings and similar attacks.
To add to the good advice above: I have been reviewing general PC security in relation to making our counseling clinics HIPAA compliant, and have come up with four basic things that are necessary to retain a relatively secure computer:
1) up-to-date antivirus software. Both AVG (noted above) and Avast! (avast.com) test as well as most commercial products and are free for personal use; in some cases they are free for nonprofit organization use (i.e., my university) as well.
2) Firewall software. As noted above, the firewall in SP2 is adequate for basic needs and completely invisible, a plus for those who can’t or don’t want to mess with learning a firewall. Other excellent products are zonealarm basic (you don’t necessarily need the pro version) and Kerio personal firewall (you don’t need the paid version). Some more recent versions of zonealarm have had stability issues, making Kerio an excellent choice for those who are less computer-savvy. In the words of another article I have read recently (but I forget the source), Tiny Personal Firewall is almost the best out there, but is a complete monster to get configured. As this author noted, use it if you are a security professional or a masochist ONLY.
3) Antispyware software. It is good to have a combination of at least two spyware programs. Microsoft and AdAware? are the choices of the day. Spybot Search and Destroy has been a staple for a few years, but has become less effective recently and only works best with Internet Explorer (whose concerns are noted above). I have used Microsoft Antispyware for about a week now, and have had good results with it, considering the esoteric mixture of things that I have running on my machine.
There is a separate category of software, typified by the Winpatrol program (winpatrol.com) which works in the background to recognize any and all system changes, adding a layer of protection against both spyware and trojan attacks.
4) Update! Update! Update! Individuals who do not keep their important software patched regularly are the worst security risks. This includes not only windows, but programs like Internet Explorer, Firefox, Office or OpenOffice, anything that is used regularly.
I would also install software to see what actually starts when your computer does. A lot of anti-spyware programs still miss those sneaky ones that slip through. I have used CodeStuff Starter for a while and find it easy to use, and reliable. You can stop certain programs from starting and also see the current running processes. It’s free too from http://members.lycos.co.uk/codestuff/.
There are also some tools to prevent against spyware infection to begin with. Here are couple I like: Blockfile and SBdownload.
Thanks to -M. Trimble, Tommy Martin, James Foster, Jeff, John Carson, and Chris Buechler for their great answers to this fundamental Windows question. Nonetheless, we probably missed one or two. What do you consider must-have software for your Windows PC?
Thanks for that my dear fellas!
Although the first, or opening post if you like is rather old, I found it rather hilarious that of the three anti-viruses it recommended, all three are bad.
Norton: has been trash for a very long time. I’ve heard rumors that it’s gotten better but their image is ruined and I would never use it.
McAfee: a joke
AVG: not quite rubbish but one of the worse AV’s out there. Most people don’t realize this.
Zone Alarm Firewall: This is the most annoying firewall I have ever used. Windows default firewall is strong enough for anyone. I read a good article on firewalls once, which basically stated that any advantage a beefier or paid firewall offers over windows default firewall is negated by the fact that the only weakness windows firewall has is that a threat has to get past it before you’re in trouble. Problem is all other firewalls, no matter how fancy or expensive, have the same weakness. The weakness is too obscure to worry about; your pc would have to be infected already to be vulnerable.
Sounds like the repair job was a bust. I’d take your computer back *with your hardware* and tell them to make it work properly. Good luck!
I have a question
I recently had my computer repaired…A new video card and a windows XP reinstall
Since then my computer stalls on boot up at thr screen stating “press F1 to continue or DEL TO ENTER SETUP” aLSO MY COMPUTER DOESN’T recognize my mouse or keyboard (the pin type connection)
I have a USB mouse and keyboard now and they work fine…Why doesn’t my old equipment work??
And finally My computer now locks up in standby
Sometimes on bootup, but always when it goes into standby automatically after it is left on but not used for a few minutes
Can anyone help me on this????
Hey , panda is good but Bitdeffender is cheaper and it has way more than that. Plus panda may slow your computer down but bitdefender won’t. Choose bitdefender and get the good results. It covers you for 2 years and only 30 dollars. Check it out at future shop or london drugs. I am a 13 year old boy but now alot.
I have Bitdefender total security 2009 nad Netwrok MAgic Pro 5.1 with a subscription and I only have to install those two programs and it has everything in it. I get my wireless internet info, shared printers, internet trouble shooting, best firewall, protection from all viruses, 3 types of scanes and updates every morning. Identity Control tuneup, back up and much more. These programs include all the other 15 programs u download and even more. Plus it doesn’t slow your computer. Stuff i open comes up in a sec and Bitdeffender is so easy to use one program does everything.
Hello people. I would just like to know if the Panda Internet Security 2009 anti-virus software package is good compared to other types of software similar to this? Also would it work well with the other types of software that have been mentioned here?
I have tried to compile a list. Check out here : http://everythingoutthere.izfree.com/?p=9
Hope it is helpful.
Hi I just want to know why Ive try to install my fireball to my computer and it dosnt turn on and I want it to get on to protect my computer and I aslo have the anti virus live one care and when I do my cleaning on the computer well it dont finish the process. it all turn off and restarts the computer.. that it dont finish what can that be??
You raise an interesting point, Steve. What I was suggesting is that you basically run Windows Update again and again until it finally says “no updates”, then start adding the additional layers of safety and security you need (e.g. AVG, etc). Perhaps I wasn’t clear with this?
I must be seeing things here.
I am assuming that Dave Taylor is some kind of expert computer person even though he doesn’t come right out and say that.
I must admit to being shocked at the advioce given out at the top of the page.
“Get Updates” ….. I guess that means connecting to the internet while the updates download.
Same thing for Zone Alarm, Spybot and Ad-aware.
Then, and only then, after all that chasing round the net for the downloads, are users of a brand new computer advised to get an Anti-virus prog running.
What about the Blaster virus?
Surely it’s better to install an Anti-virus prog such as AVG BEFORE connecting to the internet?
Steve (shocked from Blackburn UK)
I used the following package initially:
AVG Free Anti-Virus
Windows Firewall
AVG Spyware
——————–
It worked fine uptil yesterday when my hard disk crashed (single partition — “I was dead”…) while downloading a crack from one of the crack sites.
Well, there aren’t many things which are more un-cool than seeing your 4 years of data (NO BACK UP) suddenly become size = 0 bytes.
So it took my around 20 hours to get back my system in place, and I recommend the following setup.
1. Partition Magic (If you have a single partition)
2. Total Recall Data-recovery software (It recovers deleted and corrupted data)
3. Spybot
4. Kaspersky Anti-Virus
5. Windows Firewall
Although I might install another firewall in a while.
Cheers..
Besides the virus programs, there is alot of other free “must have software” like. VLC Media player and Firefox.
I’ll second your recommendation for AVG. It’s a great piece of software and I even upgraded to the pro version with antispyware too. So far, so good! 🙂
A couple more suggestions:
1. This isn’t really a suggestion, but if you’re looking for virus protection, AVG is the way to go. It’s not as much of a hassle to update as McAfee, and it’s FREE. A must have for the xp user on a budget.
2. Kerio Personal Firewall is the best free firewall out there. I’m behind a wireless router, and I still make sure I have it on all the computers in my home. Once again, it’s free.
3. Another great program is aAdvanced Ram Recovery. Instead of manually closing those unneeded programs through task manager, ARR redistributes RAM where it is needed most.
With these programs I have been virus free and saved hundreds on upgrading or buying a new computer for 3 years now.
Happy XPing
MC
i like to have Winzip or Winrar on my computer, also flashget for downloading. RealPlayer to listening radio.
🙂
Need some help!
On Nov 10th 2006 I downloaded a single user license from Nod32, v2, antivirus program..pd $29 or $39(from http://www.eset site)
Then, had many other problems with my PC, and the manufacture recommended to do full system recovery. In this process, software completely erased and reformats the hard disk drive. Told to reinstall any software that was not installed on the PC at the factory.
Went to Eset site and tried to download…….
it says I have already downloaded Nod32.
I retained my user name and password, but no way to let me enter.
I tried to locate them by e-mail address, to ask for another download…it is not listed. I have the address of Eset Co from Coronado, Ca and the website. and phone #……..Truly need a name of a contact person who will respond back.
While I am waiting, have NO ANTIVIRUS PROTECTION. From the Eset site, on Jan 17th
I e-mailed “sales@softwaresecurity.com”
and no response!!!!!
Options please………..don’t want a virus!!!!
Another free spyware preventer to add to the above suggestions – SpywareGuard.
And as a final, comment, companywide rollout of FireFox 1.0.4.
Until I can figure out all the GPO stuff to try to harden IE6 and that looks to be a real pain (IE7 probably is probably the only answer), I will stick with an alternate browser.
My reason? We already were stuck with Pheonix 0.7 on Windows 95 (Remember those days?) after a particularly nasty scare with IE 5.0 (SP? 2 or 3) and being stuck with no security updates, (IE 5.5 not an option for compatibility reasons and once again no security updates). Horrible situation being spyware and virus free on a Windows 95 network ;^), one of the most insecure installations out there, but somehow, I pulled it off.
I have spent the last 2 years trying to get my bosses home computer with Windows XP to stay spyware free (never underestimate the sheer lack of self-preservation of teenagers with administrative access). This is all in spite of having a DSL firewall, XP SP2, Spyware Blaster, Spybot S&D, Adaware PE, Microsoft AntiSpyware, IE-SPYAD with locked down restricted zone, Norton Antivirus all active. I’m still not sure I can trust IE on a limited user account (haven’t been given the option to try it though my lady boss is probably going to jump at that opportunity since the young adults now have their own personal computers to mangle and she wants her own back) though people have told me that they are running relatively spyware free since SP2.
We’ll see what limited user accounts do on our new WinXP/ServerW2k3 network. It’s the latest in supposed security, but it’s an experiment in reliability.
And UPDATE is one major component.
Just finished a 27 computer network upgrade and the REALLY IMPRESSIVE item in the whole process is the fact that:
1) These systems had Windows XP SP2 preinstalled and that still needed about 25MB of updates,
2) they had Microsoft Office Basic 2003 and that needed 30MB of updates, and
3) they had Norton Internet Security Suite and that needed 50MB of updates.
Needless to say, the SUS server and the T1 line were getting a pretty good test out, four systems at a time. And all this previous to the final 20 minutes of the actual accounting application installation and setup which is the real reason we are upgrading the equipment.
you mention something about checking what programs start when you boot up. You didn’t mention this strategy:
Go to Start –> Run –> and type “msconfig” and hit the go button.
This brings up a box called “System Configuration Utility.” The last tab is called “startup”, and shows all the programs that start when you boot up. For each item, there’s a complete file path and file name. If you don’t know what something is, just Google the file name. A site called http://www.liutilities.com gives good information about what files are and whether you can disable them.
This is great for locating spyware.
Yes, we have an incorrect description of the binary that we link to on the Microsoft site. In fact, I can’t see that MS has its own branded antivirus software package available in beta form (though wouldn’t it be a nice built-in addition to Windows?)
You can get more information about what specific security software downloads are available for Windows by visiting the following page:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/downloads/default.mspx
I found that by using Google to search for “site:microsoft.com download antivirus”, by the way. The ‘site:’ notation tells Google to only return results from the microsoft.com Web site. Very useful!
Maybe I’m being picky but your article said “The new Microsoft anti virus, while still in Beta, seems to work well, and is worth a try.” The link was to the Microsft AntiSpyware which you went on to mention in a following paragraph.
I’m impressed with the beta myself, but it isn’t anti virus and I’ve heard of work at MicroSoft on an anti virus product which I am interested in following.
It may be too early, but when you update the article a mention of the Netscape 8 seems in order. I just began inspecting it myself and I think they built a better mousetrap and perhaps an end to the dread browser wars.
I’ve been using Nod32 from Eset for my anti-virus (which rocks); Zone Alarm, Microsoft Antispyware, Spybot, and ad aware on sp2. No infections, no spyware (for more then the immediate browser session). The only cookies kept on my system are ones the I want and need for sites that I’ve signed up for or need to ‘personalize’ certain sites to my liking.
However, I hardly ever see Nod mentioned as an AV choice…any reason?
Hello, from Finland!
I have been using this kind of protection:
*AVG antivirus
*Sygate firewall
*Microsoft antispyware (got this one as soon as it was released)
plus ADaware, Spypod Search and Destroy, Blockfile and SpywareBlaster
With this kind of protection my computer has been virus & spyware free for 3 years now :-). I would recommend this ‘bundle’ to everyone. Also, I keep my computer and all programs I use frequently updated! That is VERY important!!!
-Renee-
I have been running sp1, avg, adware, spybot S & d, and use free zone alarm firewall. In addition my computer uses a router. I also use spyblaster to prevent and scan daily with regular updating of definitions for all the previously mentioned programs. I also run Iolo system Mechanic suite to clean my registry and hard drive. With that being said, Why do I need to Install SP2? I heard of all the popssible problems after installing it and currently I am doing well with my current defense. Please let me hear anyone’s response to my setup for security. Why is sp2 better? I have had no problems or easy ones which take 2 minutes to remedy. I have a 3 computer home network running both Win xp and Win98se. Thank you very much.
Sincerely.
MESMD
Please note the microsoft linked as antivirus is not antivirus, but instead antispyware. It is a good product to use alongside Adaware and Spybot. Thought you should know.