What are some must have programs to protect your computer?

[vengeance]

I'm not an expert on computer or anything. I know that its important to have a firewall and all. I current have mcafee running. Don't know how good that program is. But is that all that is need in protecting your computer? Do i still programs such as ad-ware and spy ware remover as well? Could of sworn mcafee was suppose to be to do all that stuff if i'm not mistaken. If not, any recommendations?

[ElderKain]

Mcafee and HP/Compaq computers have conflicts so I can't use it since I have a Compaq, lol.
I dunno why most HP/Compaq Comps come with Mcaffe tho, becasue most people that complain about Mcaffe giving problems either have an HP or a Compaq computer, lol.

For good Free Stuff, I suggest the PCTools Products, they have freeware stuff like AnitVirus, Internet Security, Registry Mechanic, & Spyware Doctor

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

And the Stuff is free ^.^
All u have to worry about is now and then, there may be a popup saying buy this and such, but other than that, It's all good for people who don't want to buy the stuff ^.^
I've been using them for the past couple years, and i've had no problems with them ^.^

:beautifu2: :beautifu2: :beautifu2: :beautifu2: :beautifu2:

[vengeance]

Thx for the tip & suggestion.

[krnxknight]

mcafee is decent antivirus but you still need the firewall (if you have a newer version of mcafee it has antispyware as well). i suggest zonealarm if you wanna pay for it but there are shareware firewalls out there. norton has a package deal where you get norton antivirus+antispyware+firewall for like $70 (in midwest states of america, overseas it's over 100$) that was rated very highly by PC magazine.

[pretmaker]

mcafee is decent antivirus but you still need the firewall (if you have a newer version of mcafee it has antispyware as well). i suggest zonealarm if you wanna pay for it but there are shareware firewalls out there. norton has a package deal where you get norton antivirus+antispyware+firewall for like $70 (in midwest states of america, overseas it's over 100$) that was rated very highly by PC magazine.

Yes I agree, it was rated verry high. But it is a pain in the ass if you want to remove a commercial program from your Windows operating system. So if you use windows then stick with a program that you like. Mcafee or AVG or anything else. It does not mather aslong as you are protected for a bit.

Not one virusscan knows all the virusses. I have tested this with my own virus that I wrote and not one virusscan is able to distinguise that virus. (I tested this in a closed environment so there is no leakage to the internet :P)

The best anti-virus and firewall is yourself at the current technology.
The best firewall is no internet or network at all... There is this thing known as brute force... For as far as I know it is possible to break any firewall with brute force... And it will be a pain in the ass if your CPU reaches 100% all the time becaus some dofus is attacking your PC like they did with me one time...

I countered it by banning his IP adres in my router... So each time he pings or brute forces met with UDP 0 packeges he will get no reply. The packets are simply dropped and not even read. It is really handy for me :).

Zonealarm is a nice firewall. But way to annoying. Use Windows firewall for the normal applications. Then use an other firewall that monitors all the packages... I would advise ISA for you... But I do not think that you can incorperate it like I did with my home network. So maybe you are better off with mcafee or outpost. I really liked outpost. So give that one a try...

I mostly use AVG for anti virus. I refuse to use Norton or Symantec since both of them are comparable with a swiss cheese. They have so much anti virus holes that is not to be believed. A simple MSN virus is getting past the virus scan.

An even simply produced virus of 50 lines is able to pass the virus scanner without anything hidden or what so ever. Just the executable without the cloaking function activated comes trough the virus scan....

In my perception, NOT ONE anti virus is good enough for me... The reason for that is complicated so I will not bother with telling it.

But let me tell you this...


I have run my old computer for 6 years on the internet without a firewall or anti virus. And trust me I only got 2 virusses. That was the blaster that exploited a Windows vunerability and one other that I do not remember. I deleted the Blaster virus within 2 minutes wihtout the help from the internet or an anti-virus thingy.

So the best anti-virus for me is myself since I am the last line of defence for my files. And I do not trust a 3rd ranking program for my security. And I have yet to come accros a anti-virus that I can trust.

[krnxknight]

So maybe you are better off with mcafee or outpost. I really liked outpost. So give that one a try...

is there a vista compatible outpost now? i used to use that when i was on XP.

[JEskandari]

Use Eset Internet security ,you cant find anything that use as low as it from system ressource ,and nag you as less as it when you using it and protect yoursystem as effective as it belive me i examined at least 12 antivirus and fire wall ,it's better than other.

if it's okay for you to use pirated software mail me i will send you some link.

[pretmaker]

is there a vista compatible outpost now? i used to use that when i was on XP.

If you look on the website then you will see that it also works with vista if you use the latest outpost.

[Christie]

Get EVEREST home edition. If you ever have problems with your computer and resort to online help with experts on tech forums, they will ask you for info that EVEREST can provide.

Also get driver wizard. Smart shutdown is a decent tool.

[ErgoProxy]

Yey ... Everest or TuneUp 2008 both are very good :>

Netlimiter Pro is a program I need to rule the band width (4 cp) works great
with that you can rule the band width of any programm that runs on your cp

Spybot Search & Destroy -name sayZ everything...

Hide IP Platinum - ^^ in contrast of some IP changing prog. this one is quite fast


Avira AntiVir << never let me down & for free

[Mabus]

I tend to stay away from the big names like Norton and McAfee only because they want your money for service. I use a free virus protection called Avast! It is one of the best free ones you can get and it rivals Norton! I use with Avast! a firewall called Zone Alarm. Though sometimes Avast! and Zone Alarm conflict. Both have free versions that are great!

[rush21hit]

I only use AVG Free Edition.For the Firewall I use none.And it's been 3 years since ever connected to the internet.There is one time I got a DDOS attack,geez...WTH? for three days I got banned from my ISPD(>.<).But it was settled.Till this day I got no problems whatsoever with viruses,except for my friends laptop that happens to be contaminated with parite when he docking at my house using my internet connection lol

any suggestion for this parite crap? poor him...he needs to reinstall his windows all over again lol

[pretmaker]

I only use AVG Free Edition.For the Firewall I use none.And it's been 3 years since ever connected to the internet.There is one time I got a DDOS attack,geez...WTH? for three days I got banned from my ISPD(>.<).But it was settled.Till this day I got no problems whatsoever with viruses,except for my friends laptop that happens to be contaminated with parite when he docking at my house using my internet connection lol

any suggestion for this parite crap? poor him...he needs to reinstall his windows all over again lol

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Read that link... Maybe it helps...

[vengeance]

Good suggestions people. This will be helpful.

[DDv]

Eh... TuneUp. On the first use it managed to render my computer completely unusable....

Btw, I use NOD32, ZoneAlarm and AVG Anti-Spyware. Plus RegCleaner.
I don't have any problems. :)

[ErgoProxy]

Eh... TuneUp. On the first use it managed to render my computer completely unusable....


:hahaha: I heard of some people TuneUp crashed or distrubed their computer system... -I'm using it since TuneUp 2003 ;D and since then it never did sm.
I wouldn't be happy abbout.

But anything can happen to Windows...

And AVG is quite good but as far as I know AntiVir is slightly better ;)

[DDv]

I was one of the unfortunate ones...

Are You saying AVG AntiVir is better than NOD32?

[ErgoProxy]

Sorry ... I mistook AVG Anti-Spyware with the AVG Anti-Virus software.

-never seen test results from NOD32, so I can't rate this


:monk: ok this shows sm. else than I said xD
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[DDv]

The truth is I'm not really concerned about my antivirus software. These days viruses aren't a real threat. I didn't get a virus alert in years. Spywares are much more common. Imo.

[ErgoProxy]

Thats true ... and I'm not afraid of Spyware (no e-banking and so on ...) ^^

Is AVG Anti-Spyware for free?

[DDv]

There is a free version of it, yes. But to fully use it's potential you have to buy it. (Or crack it.)

[Hamael]

yes avg antispyware is free. as antivir program I recommend nod32. anti spyware is search and destroy or Ad-aware. firewall, there was this one that i liked, sygate firewall, but the norton anti folks bought them and then it turned to crap so i cant recommend any firewall.

[ErgoProxy]

I see o,o maybe I test it. :monk:

[pretmaker]

I am thinking of trying sophos or maybe even buying it... It seems like a decent thing... It is better then McAfee at least and it has a nice CP for the admins with domein servicing etc.

[Fappy]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]


Spyware Terminator 2 with AV Clam Virus protection. It's badass, and it's simple and free, unlike AVG Free. Which isn't really all that free to begin with...

Download is here:
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[kiziroglu]

I've used prettu much all of the programs , and NOD32 is the best...

[Aur0ra]

As for virus checkers both Avast and AVG are the best free ones
if your speaking of paid ones, i suggest Trend Micro PC Cillin, note: PC Cillin can be quite demanding in terms of system memory if you don't have a particularly good cpu if thats the case Avast or AVG is probably more suited as they require less memory

In terms of spyware
Adware and Spybot Search & Destroy are two of the best

Other recommended tools would be
RegCleaner - Helps to clean old,dead unused HKEYS
Window Washer - Cleans hidden files that may remain after uninstalling a program, also clears caches and generally cleans up your computer freeing up some space (Excellent program to run i highly suggest)
Regseeker - Is another program similar to Regcleaner yet performs a little better in my opinion

Note: i highly disagree with the people suggesting Norton, zone alarm and mcafee, Norton can and will conflict with nearly every program on your computer the same with zone alarm. mcafee isn't nearly as effective as AVG, Avast or PC Cillin

Hope i've been of help. :)

[Sleepy-Mouse]

For anti-virus software I use NOD32.

In the case of anti-sypware; I use the older version of adaware, not the 2007 version. Unfortunately I seem to be getting an error whilst updating now so I guess they've stopped supporting it or something. Now I use Spyware Terminator which is pretty decent.

I also use a little piece of software called CrapCleaner which clears the cache. There's also a regcleaner built in it, though I personally don't use it out of fear of breaking something hehe.

[Fappy]

Counterspy kicks ass too. It's pretty deep.

[EchelonV]

Nice rec's Aur0ra, I'm going to have to check some of those out.

For me I use AVG, Spybot, Ad-aware, and Tuneup Utilities.

[brokenlax]

Anti Virus: I use kaspersky because it has a very little memory footprint ( its using 5mb atm ), plus it has the best firewall currently on the market. I host a server for a game so it is very important for me to block syn attacks to prevent the server from being taken down.

Spyware: I don't remember the last time that I got spyware that kaspersky didn't detect, but I use spybot & Ad-aware because I am paranoid.

Tweaks & hacks: I use Tuneup ( has everything that you need and don't need ).


I would highly suggest you guys use kaspersky over other anti virus, its lite and has the highest detection rate there is.
Some would suggest Nod32, it somewhat has a smaller memory usage than kv, but it does not have a built in firewall. ( it also lags firewalls like comodo )

So yeah, unless you have more than 4gigs of ram, I highly suggest the program I listed above.

[toadvine]

Personally, I just run naked through the internet - nothing but my (carefully configured) router's firewall between me and the world. :D

[Blu]

Anti Virus: I use kaspersky because it has a very little memory footprint ( its using 5mb atm ), plus it has the best firewall currently on the market. I host a server for a game so it is very important for me to block syn attacks to prevent the server from being taken down.

Spyware: I don't remember the last time that I got spyware that kaspersky didn't detect, but I use spybot & Ad-aware because I am paranoid.

Tweaks & hacks: I use Tuneup ( has everything that you need and don't need ).


I would highly suggest you guys use kaspersky over other anti virus, its lite and has the highest detection rate there is.
Some would suggest Nod32, it somewhat has a smaller memory usage than kv, but it does not have a built in firewall. ( it also lags firewalls like comodo )

So yeah, unless you have more than 4gigs of ram, I highly suggest the program I listed above.
4gigs to run a anti virus? Get the f*** out. Damn you can run nortons (even though it's trash) real time scanner on 512 ram and barely notice it you fool.

I use avast and use all eight of real time scanners all the time and it barely uses 20mb (Got 4gb of ram but meh) even with 512/1gb I wouldn't notice it cause it's nothing in reality.

And remember, Firewalls don't "always" save you.

[zPASz]

well... im using avast antivirus and spybot. My computer is ok about 3 years with these programs

[brokenlax]

4gigs to run a anti virus? Get the f*** out. Damn you can run nortons (even though it's trash) real time scanner on 512 ram and barely notice it you fool.

I use avast and use all eight of real time scanners all the time and it barely uses 20mb (Got 4gb of ram but meh) even with 512/1gb I wouldn't notice it cause it's nothing in reality.

And remember, Firewalls don't "always" save you.



You should of re-read my post before calling me a fool, it was a bit unjustified, don't you think?

I was saying if you got low system specs, go for the programs above, unless you got more than 4gigs of ram.


Edit: Also, avast hahaha.
And I don't understand what you meant by:
And remember, Firewalls don't "always" save you.

[Blu]

You should of re-read my post before calling me a fool, it was a bit unjustified, don't you think?

I was saying if you got low system specs, go for the programs above, unless you got more than 4gigs of ram.


Edit: Also, avast hahaha.
And I don't understand what you meant by:
4 gigs of ram, There ya go again. Most anti vrius's are coded for systems with low specs to use less resources (except a few most of us know already)

Nothings wrong with avast if you know how to configure it correctly, I suggest you learn your anti virus in and out before "laughing"

A firewall isn't going to save you from a hacker, One that knows what he's doing and has a good enough grudge/reason to want to hurt your computer will get passed it.

[brokenlax]

Well apparently, it sounds like you know your anti-virus "in and out" >_>

anyways, goodluck with avast.

[JEskandari]

Anti Virus: I use kaspersky because it has a very little memory footprint ( its using 5mb atm ), plus it has the best firewall currently on the market. I host a server for a game so it is very important for me to block syn attacks to prevent the server from being taken down.

Spyware: I don't remember the last time that I got spyware that kaspersky didn't detect, but I use spybot & Ad-aware because I am paranoid.

Tweaks & hacks: I use Tuneup ( has everything that you need and don't need ).


I would highly suggest you guys use kaspersky over other anti virus, its lite and has the highest detection rate there is.
Some would suggest Nod32, it somewhat has a smaller memory usage than kv, but it does not have a built in firewall. ( it also lags firewalls like comodo )

So yeah, unless you have more than 4gigs of ram, I highly suggest the program I listed above.
Eset Nod32 Smart Security have a very good fire wall ,and use far less than Kaspersky from system resources.

[brokenlax]

the updated version of nod does have a built in firewall, but does not block syn attacks.

[ZERO_ice]

well basically you need a antivirus (NOD,BitDefender, Kaspersky, Avast...), then antispyware (spybot search&destroy, ADvare,...) and a reg cleaner (CCleaner, RegistryBooster,...)

[demoniclsayer]

My university basically full of modified virus and spyware created by some Indonesian or Malaysian who has basically nothing to do. So, I did had a share of problems with those virus or spywares which all those famous antivirus or antispwares can't remove them.

Basically, this is the recommendation:
Antivirus- Kapersky (the best). AVG, Panda or any china-made antivirus are not recommended.
Antispyware- anything will do but probably spybot search and destroy (but ADAware is not so recommended)
Registry cleaner- CCleaner, Registry booster, Registry Mechanics ( CCleaner is not so good compared to the other paid registry cleaner)

[Bluefire101]

In actuality, you don't need anything, all you need is a smart user. I only use Windows Firewall for years, and so far I've been fine.

[autumnsgrace]

I only use the Nvidia firewall that comes with my motherboard software. It's not the most renowned, but it does its job. I don't need antivirus, since they all tend to get weird about legit keygens and the like, and I haven't had a virus in years anyways.

[demoniclsayer]

Bluefire, to tell the truth, that is if you don't use pendrives to transfer data, chances is low. Although we do learn some basic computer knowledge, the girls who get 'A' in them don't even know how to use any antivirus programs or disinfect their pendrives. Basically, they bring every nuisance virus, trojan horses into any computers and pendrive they encounter (it is cruel to speak like that, but that is the truth). My roommate brought back a virus from his gf pendrive and causes Kapersky to scream over 3 hours...

[xxneilxx]

I suggest using bitdefender total security, it has antivirus, firwall, internet security, parental security, defragmnter and registry optimiser all in one package

[rurushu]

If you're looking for free tool then maybe you would resort to AVG antivirus free edition or avast!4 as these provide some decent protection to your machine. You can get it at [Only registered and activated users can see links] And also, for the spyware side, you can get yourself an Ad-Aware 2007 or Spybot Search and Destroy. These 2 are some of the best free antispyware tool you can get from the net. And if you're still feeling your machine are under threat, you can get the ThreatFire support for antivirus and spyware at [Only registered and activated users can see links] After you installed threatfire, it can work well with your current antivirus and antispyware without any conflict and the best thing is, it just "sits" there at your system tray and automatically quarrantine suspected files or potential mallicious files. The neat feature of this software is that, it can detect the "behaviour" of mallicious spyware and viruses and therefore can block those newfound viruses that havent got their signatures installed in your antivirus. And, for antispyware, if you're using windows-based OS, it is recommended that you dl the Windows Defender from Microsoft and install another antispyware for optimum protection.

[Kalamadea]

I use Kaspersky myself. Used to use Norton, brother uses AVG.

No program will keep everything off your computer. Most important thing is to be careful of what you surf or download from the internet.

I use Ad-aware too sometimes but it's more important to keep stuff from getting onto your computer cause sometimes getting rid of it once it's there can be difficult.

[paulbob1089]

Webroot products are the best things ive seen so far visit the site and see what you want the have antiviruses+spyware, desktop firwalls and a program called Window Washer if you like anything pm me and ill give you some that i have. But other than that for "must haves" thats it for protecting your computer (in my opinion) Want recommendations entertainment wise?

[coconut]

I have:

- McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 8.5
- AdBlock Plus Firefox Extension
- Spybot Search and Destroy
- ADS Scanner

=)

[bushidomizer]

i myself had much exp. when using anti-virus/malware.
most of the programs i use have already been mentioned but one was left out. bazooka spyware removal is a very effective tool for removing spy-ware. it also serves as a learning process as you get to know your computer better because it tells you how to remove rather than removing it for you. very helpful tool indeed in more than one way.