What do I all need for securing my PC?+question

[Satangel]

I'm a bit confused of what I really need for securing my PC.
If I have a good free firewall, why should I still need an anti-virus program?
Plz recommend a good free firewall, and what else should I download to secure my PC?


And what is the use of Windows Update?
Do I have to update my Windows Update if I dont use the Windows Firewall?
And is the Windows Firewall any good?

Tnx for your time

 

[ZAFDeltaForce]

Firewall: Comodo Firewall Pro
Anti Malware: Comodo BOClean
Anti Spyware: Spybot - Search and Destroy
Anti Virus: avast!/Comodo Antivirus/AVG Free

They are all free, and will really secure your com good if you get all of them. Windows Update merely updates the system with updated and improved stuff. Windows Firewall sucks. Really bad. Nuff' said

 

[Satangel]

And I will install CCleaner too, and Ad-Aware.
That are some really good programs too IMO.

And do you recommend me to use Windows Update?

Tnx for your quick answer, and for the info on your mouse

 

[xabier]

Don't run warez, don't visit porn pages, use responsably p2p software(use free softawre solutions). Try not to use windows whenever you can. Don't use av software such as norton, panda, mcaffe, use nod32, avg or avast

 

[Urza]

Don't waste your time with third-party software firewalls. Configure the hardware firewall built-into your router and use that as your main line of defense. Much more secure.

 

[Smuff]

Firewall - waste of time and lots of hassle IMO - I just use my router's built-in as previously stated

Antivirus - AVG Free - Works fine for me, and I'm infection free so far. Can highly recommend this over Norton (yeuch) and Avast! both of whih I've tried and dumped in favour of AVG.

Malware - Spybot S&D - Again, does the job quite nicely

 

[Urza]

Also, for antispyware, you're better off with two or three scanners.

I recommend Spybot S&D and Lavasoft's Ad-Aware.

 

[Satangel]

And what about WinPatrol?
Its not really a firewall program, but I remember it was quite low on resources, and it was especially handy to organize your start-up,...

 

[ZAFDeltaForce]

And I will install CCleaner too, and Ad-Aware.
That are some really good programs too IMO.

And do you recommend me to use Windows Update?

Tnx for your quick answer, and for the info on your mouse

You're welcome

Use Windows Update only if your Windows OS is legit. If it is hacked/cracked/pirated, don't use Windows Update. Otherwise, Windows Genuine Advantage will find out that you're using a pirated OS and bug you to buy a genuine one. It is really annoying

As for WinPatrol, it is okay. I use StartupCPL to organize my start-up though, because most of the features of WinPatrol is already covered by the rest of my security software. Bear in mind though, it may be great to have a variety of security software to safeguard your computer, but too many will slow your system down. Moderation is key

 

[TLSpartan]

And I will install CCleaner too, and Ad-Aware.
That are some really good programs too IMO.

And do you recommend me to use Windows Update?

Tnx for your quick answer, and for the info on your mouse

You're welcome

Use Windows Update only if your Windows OS is legit. If it is hacked/cracked/pirated, don't use Windows Update. Otherwise, Windows Genuine Advantage will find out that you're using a pirated OS and bug you to buy a genuine one. It is really annoying

As for WinPatrol, it is okay. I use StartupCPL to organize my start-up though, because most of the features of WinPatrol is already covered by the rest of my security software. Bear in mind though, it may be great to have a variety of security software to safeguard your computer, but too many will slow your system down. Moderation is key

1. Lauch Windows Task Manager.
2. End wgatray.exe process in Task Manager.
3. Restart Windows XP in Safe Mode.
4. Delete WgaTray.exe from c:\Windows\System32.
5. Delete WgaTray.exe from c:\Windows\System32\dllcache.
6. Lauch RegEdit.
7. Browse to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify
8. Delete the folder ‘WgaLogon’ and all its contents
9. Reboot Windows XP.

Worked on my dad's computer

 

[Urza]

 1. Lauch Windows Task Manager.
 2. End wgatray.exe process in Task Manager.
 3. Restart Windows XP in Safe Mode.
 4. Delete WgaTray.exe from c:\Windows\System32.
 5. Delete WgaTray.exe from c:\Windows\System32\dllcache.
 6. Lauch RegEdit.
 7. Browse to the following location:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
   Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify
 8. Delete the folder ‘WgaLogon’ and all its contents
 9. Reboot Windows XP.

Worked on my dad's computer

Or a much simpler answer: set Windows Update not to install automatically, and uncheck the "WGA Validation Tool" when it shows up in the list.

 

[Twiffles]

If you use Firefox also remember to get the No-Script plugin.

 

[Satangel]

If you use Firefox also remember to get the No-Script plugin.

Tnx for the tip!
And what are the best plugins to stop getting popups/unders/... on firefox?

 

[fischju]

Don't waste your time with third-party software firewalls. Configure the hardware firewall built-into your router and use that as your main line of defense. Much more secure.

They are extremely useful to keep applications from calling home, or for securing local files against deletion/modification (talking about the Defense+ that comes with Comodo)

 

[xJonny]

I find adblock plus for firefox very useful for blocking ads, banners, popups, etc.