Outline of an LPCUG program presented by Bob Warwick at the September 20, 2010 meeting.
Protective Software comes in many forms, either as a whole suite that does everything--but usually costs around $ 70, or individual programs that do the job and are free. Consumer Reports did a recent test of security software and put their ratings all in one table.
There are several anti-spam programs available that are free. I have tried them all at one time or another. The one that I like best is:
This link goes to CNET which will tell you about the program and you can easily find the "Download Now" link to get the program.
From SpamFighter:If you are looking for an Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows Mail or Mozilla Thunderbird spam filter to remove spam and phishing e-mails from your Inbox, Spamfighter is the spam filter you are looking for. Spamfighter is using the power of 7 million people that instantly report if they receive a spam mail. When several people have reported the same spam mail, it's automatically blocked for the rest of the Spamfighters. In this way very few people will ever see the spam mail. On top of that a lot of spam is filtered before it ever hits the community by the spam filter.
Cost: Free
Avira Antivir
Personal
CNET
download link
If you don't have virus protection, your PC will be infected with malware in a matter of minutes. Avira AntiVir Personal offers basic protection against viruses, worms, Trojans, rootkits, adware, and spyware that has been tried and tested over 100 million times worldwide. What's more, it is available free-of-charge. It not only protects against these types of malware, but offers as well, in case of an infection, the possibility of removing viruses very easily and repair the system automatically.
Functions: AntiVir stops all kinds of viruses; AntiAd/Spyware protects against adware and spyware; AntiRootkit detects hidden rootkits; QuickRemoval removes viruses at the push of a button; NetbookSupport support for computers with low resolution; AHeADTechnology detects even unknown viruses by their profiles; AviraSupport there for you in person when questions arise.
Cost: FreeWindows Security Essentials from Microsoft
Download
Link
This program was rated pretty high by Consumer Reports, but it will require a genuine copy of Windows XP or Vista to download it.
From Microsoft:With Microsoft Security Essentials Beta, you get high-quality protection against viruses and spyware, including Trojans, worms and other malicious software. And best of all, there are no costs or annoying subscriptions to keep track of.
Security Essentials is easy to install and easy to use. Updates and upgrades are automatic, so there's no need to worry about having the latest protection. It's easy to tell if you're protected - when the Security Essentials icon is green, your status is good. It's as simple as that.
When you're busy using your PC, you don't want to be bothered by needless alerts. Security Essentials runs quietly in the background, only alerting you if there's something you need to do. And it doesn't use a lot of system resources, so it won't get in the way of your work or fun.
Cost: Free
Malwarebytes
This is a super program if you find that you already have some bad stuff on your computer, as well as finding bad stuff. It has gotten me out of trouble more than once!
From Malwarebytes:
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is a high performance anti-malware application that thoroughly removes even the most advanced malware and spyware. With one of the fastest, most effective quick scans and malware removal capabilities on the market, this program is the perfect addition to your PC's defenses. The full version of the product includes a number of key features, including the ability to schedule updates and scans and most importantly, a real-time malware protection module that blocks malicious processes before they even start.
Cost: Free
Combofix: (a last restort program that can get you out of
trouble OR in more trouble!)
Use at the point where it is either this or reformat the hard drive
Download Description:
ComboFix is a program, created by sUBs, that scans your computer for known malware, and when found, attempts to clean these infections automatically. In addition to being able to remove a large amount of the most common and current malware, ComboFix also displays a report that can be used by trained helpers to remove malware that is not automatically removed by the program.
Please note that running this program without supervision can cause your computer to not operate correctly. Therefore only run this program at the request of an experienced helper.
Cost: Free
The functions of Spyware and Adware programs is now performed by most of the Anti-Malware programs and therefore is not really necessary or desirable to have on your computer.
McAfee Antiphishing Site Advisor Tool Bar
Download
Link
While Vista has a real firewall built in Windows XP has half a firewall. To get a real firewall, use one of the selections below and turn off the XP firewall.
ZoneAlarm from Zone
Labs, Inc.
Download
link
This is my favorite firewall. Made by Zone Labs, it will render your computer
invisible to hackers’ probes. Hackers run scanning programs over the Internet,
looking for computers with electronic openings, called ports. A good firewall
such as ZoneAlarm makes your computer invisible to the scanners.
The goal of these intruders is to place a Trojan horse on your computer. The
rogue program uses the open port previously identified by a scanner. However,
ZoneAlarm blocks those transmissions. They can only go through if you agree.
Always say no, unless you recognize the program.
Cost: Free for personal use
Trust me, no matter what you have in the way of protection on your computer, sooner or later something will get you and lock you out of the operating system. The machine will not boot under any circumstances, and if you have no backup you can do nothing but cry! With a back up system you can say a few choice words #@%&$ and spend the next four hours getting your machine back to what passes for normal.
Reasonably large external USB hard drives are available on line, like at TigerDirect or if you want to shop locally, Staples. Many of these drives have backup software already installed on them. Also, Window 7 is said to have a reasonably robust backup program included.
However, if you really want protection, it is worth having a commercial backup program such as Acronis True Image . I am currently using Norton Ghost, which has been around since DOS days. However, it does not seem very user friendly and I have some doubts about its reliability. The important thing is that the software have the capacity to burn or provide a bootable CD that has its own operating system. If your machine is completely dead in the water, this is the only way that you are going to get it back.
Many machines have a second hidden partition on the hard drive that allows you to bring your computer back to the condition that it was in when you bought it, by reinstalling the operating system. The rest of the programs and data that you put on your machine will still be available but probably will not run if not reinstalled. This is because the new operating system included a new registry, blowing away the old registry information that the programs need to run. On some Compaq and HP laptops, you hold the F11 key down while powering up the computer to replace the operating system. Of course, you will send an afternoon getting all of the updates from Microsoft downloaded and reinstalled :(