Jessie P. wanted to know if she needed to go buy anti-virus software or if there were free application(s) that could be obtained online for a new computer.  There are the two big names, McAfee and Norton, which are both excellent packages.  However, the more experience I have with their newer versions the “bloated” they seem to be getting.

By “bloated” I mean they can noticeably slow down your computer.  They are very secure but sometimes I believe they are just too complex for most users.  Also, some commercial programs have a tendency to overprotect you by not allowing some programs to work properly.

Before I get started I have a warning for you…there is no perfect product today for total virus, spyware and or malware protection.  You still have to be smart.

Be smart by not opening any email attachments even from friends/relatives unless you are expecting something.  Also don’t open email from anyone you don’t know.  Next, stay away from sites that promote illegal or questionable activities (they may be going to get you too).  Regularly update your spyware, antivirus etc. software.  If you are on a high-speed, fulltime connection make sure you are running a firewall, which may already be in your router.  Software firewalls are usually very bloated.  Always update your Windows’ files; regularly, automatically is best.

And now one that will make me some enemies…make sure you don’t give users full rights to your computer if you aren’t sure of their intentions.  For instance, many times teenagers, who are usually advanced users, tend to go places they should avoid and download all types of apps which can be stuffed full of cyber-gremlins which may be destructive or unsecure for your system.

These are just a few ideas, look around the net for more.

Now onto the freebies!

For virus protection go to Avast.com and download “Avast! 4 Home Edition”.  This is highly rated antivirus software that I have used successfully for several years.

Go to microsoft.com and search for “Windows Defender“.  WD detects and removes known spyware from your computer.  The software is automatically updated when you update windows so you don’t have to worry about that too much.

Last, but not least there is Ad-Aware SE Personal edition (lavasoftusa.com).  Ad-Aware will help guard against spyware getting into your system.

All of these are good and will run quietly in the background; however, I suggest you run them yourself from your Start Menus just to be on guard.  Also, as I have said here earlier and about a million other times, update, update, update.  OK, 1,000,003.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 21st, 2007 at 11:30 pm and is filed under Columns. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.