Programs you need to have if you get on the net

[smack500]

If you get on the internet there a certain programs that you need to be running seriously.

A Firewall
Click here to download Zonealarm

Spyware/adaware removers
Click here to download adaware
Click here to download spybot

Virus scanner
Click here to download AVG

You need to update and use these regularly. The programs I provided links for are the ones I recomend, and are all free. If you want to pay I recomend Norton antivirus for a virus scanner.

Also run disk defragmenter and disk cleanup regularly. Just go to start > Programs > accessories > System tools

 

[DE_Wrangler_2]

And one other that will help prevent stuff before it happens. Stops spyware/adware (and browser hijackers) before they are copied to your computer, usually as cookies but sometimes as registery enteries. Keep and use Spy Bot and Ad Aware but you'll see that after installing Spyblaster, you'll seldom see anything crop on those two programs to delete. It's free, easy and very effective.

Spyblaster

 

[Happy29]

There maybe some side-effects with these though, for example, the firewall may not take too kindly to some PC games like NASCAR Racing 2003 Season if you try to play it online behind a firewall, sometimes you'll have to turn off the firewall programs for the online game to work. However, I believe if the game manufacturer has released a patch, the patch should solve the problem.

The Spybot/Adware Remover might also delete files that require P2P File Sharing Programs such as Kazaa, because Kazaa if you run the free version relies on advertisements.

 

[DE_Wrangler_2]

Both Spybot and Adaware have restore features..........should you find that some of your programs need the tracking cookies or whatever. Simply restore and it un-does the deletions. You can also protect the ones you know you will need. Not a problem really. Same with Spyblaster.

And I've never had a problem with ZoneAlarm preventing me from doing anything on the net.......simply set your options to ask you each time a query is requested by your computer to access the internet or a site. If it's a request to play a game you want to play, then check the box to remember this next time, you won't be bothered again. You're better off going through the minor inconvenience of an occassional pop up asking you about something that could be a potential problem than just wingin' it in the blind. You wind up hacked or your computer gets used as a server, you'll think that a small price to pay...........the program's free and it's only a second of your time (usually only once at that).

 

[smack500]

If your going to use p2p software you need to use something besides kazaa its crap in my opinion no offence.Anyway as dew said they have restore, and protect features.

As for zonealarm not only will it ask anytime something wants to connects also you can go into program control, and set what you want to allow to connect.