Computer Security Options

[bojangles_8686]

Ok I am putting my own computer together soon and have everything picked out except the spyware/virus protection software. For all you computer savy people out there, what is the best product to get for the best price? I know that is kind of a general question but I have a $50 best buy gift card and would like to use it towards security software. If it makes a difference, I am going to be running Windows XP Professional.

[BlackSTX]

I use AVG free anti-virus software and SpyCatcher for Spyware/malware. Both are pretty good and both are free. Spycatcher has great tech-support. It's usually some genius from an Indian helpdesk, but they can find anything and fix it. AVG free has found like 9 Trojan horses on my computer. You can upgrade it and get it with a Firewall but it costs money that way.

[Snarfer]

hmm security...

1. Use Mozilla Firefox... much better then IE, and tabbed browsing is awesome.
2. Your profile says you are in college, check with you univeristy before you buy anything...

just on a guess if it is umd you go to check: http://www.helpdesk.umd.edu/virus/software.shtml it has a link for mcafee 8.0i for free. Generally these corporate editions from the university are less annoying then the consumer antivirus/spyware/firewall packages.

3. I never have problems with spyware, but if you know a thing or two about computers you can generally get rid of spyware with hijackthis. Firefox and a corporate antivirus should keep the spyware at a minimum.
4. Keep windows up to date no matter what

[bojangles_8686]

Thanks for the help guys! Snarfer I goto a community college and still live at home so I dont have access to corporate editions. What are your opinions on an antivirus program?

[BlackSTX]

hmm security...

1. Use Mozilla Firefox... much better then IE, and tabbed browsing is awesome.
2. Your profile says you are in college, check with you univeristy before you buy anything...

just on a guess if it is umd you go to check: http://www.helpdesk.umd.edu/virus/software.shtml it has a link for mcafee 8.0i for free. Generally these corporate editions from the university are less annoying then the consumer antivirus/spyware/firewall packages.

3. I never have problems with spyware, but if you know a thing or two about computers you can generally get rid of spyware with hijackthis. Firefox and a corporate antivirus should keep the spyware at a minimum.
4. Keep windows up to date no matter what

hijackthis is a good tool to show what's in your registry which is where you'll find most spyware, but I wouldn't make changes to your registry if you're inexperienced. Download a free spyware catcher if you can. It will be much easier to use.

[celica47]

Iam a computer Tech for my school, if i were you i would go with Norton bro they had a GOOD help desk.

[creis]

I recomend Spy Docter, its like 29.99 (the free spyware programs are ok but nothing compared to spy dr. its worth the one time payment.) but very affective and does not hinder your browser speed noticablie, I also dont reccomend firefox appose to IE because IE can be just as secure, sept people seem to think otherwise.

I would also say go with Norton because its pretty basic and is quite secure and safe to use.