Advice for protecting a computer from malware?

After losing a computer to damage caused by viruses and malware, I can't stop worrying about the security of my other PCs. I recently set up a brand new machine and I would really appreciate some advice on what firewall to install and what antivirus to use. I'd also like to know if it's safe to use a firewall while running an anti-virus or anti-malware program at the same time.





If you were using a new computer, what would you do to protect it?|||Get Hicks Defender, it's a free anti-spyware program from Hicks Tools. I used it to get rid of some nasty stuff.|||Don't download anything yet until you get the most certified antivirus and firewall. Try to seek advice on this site's newsletter to know methods on how to protect your computer from computer viruses and what is the most recommended brands of antivirus programs that you can use to protect your computer and how to administrate network of computer security. http://systemsecurityinstitute.org/|||First set up a basic 'running' anti virus like Avira free - Then D/load Malwarebytes and SUPERantispyware and update every week - These 3 programs are the basis for detecting and removal of 99% of all known infections -


Scan at least once a week with the last 2 removers and set your Avira to do a daily scan (mine is midday every day) - If you think any infections have slipped past your 'running' anti virus then run a quick scan with SUPERantispyware -


If you used these on the last system you would not have needed to junk it - Also set M/soft updates to D/load as they are important to your system -|||um you can download Antivirus 2009 which gives total protection and nothing to worry about|||If you want a virus scanner, go for something reputable. Avast, AVG and Norton are all reputable. Some cost, some are free.


Using a firewall with antivirus software is usually fine. In general, you don't want more than one of each or they may conflict with each other. One antivirus program, one firewall and one anti-malware program.





The most effective way of making your computer more secure is through something I like to call security through minority. About 88% of all computers run Windows. This means if you were to make a virus, you would make it for Windows as it would affect the most number of people (making a virus that infects more than one operating system is very difficult, sometimes impossible). As a result of Window's market share, over 99% of all viruses target Windows machines. You are several hundred times less likely to get a virus running a non-Windows machine. Since you already have the machines, you could install Linux on them, however, Linux is not as user friendly as the geeks who use it would like to think, and almost all software you have for Windows can't be run on Linux, so there's quite a few downsides.





What I suggest to you is this: Stop using Internet Explorer. Internet viruses are downloaded to your computer through exploits in the browser, which means it can usually only target one browser. Internet Explorer has around 80% share of the market, so it is the most likely to give you a virus, as that's what virus makers will target to affect the most users. It's the whole security through minority situation again.





Alternative browsers are


Safari http://www.apple.com/safari/


Chrome http://www.google.com/chrome


Firefox http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/


Opera http://opera.com





Opera is what I use, but it's not for everyone. Don't forget to get the antivirus/malware/firewall as well. All four are as important as each other.





Also be aware that older operating systems are more vulnerable. If you get offered the choice to have Windows XP instead of Vista, don't take it. The OS is 7 years old, as well as it's security system. Vista is the most recent, but Windows 7 is being released in October. As time goes on, the security system gets better (because as time goes on, hackers get better). Also make sure your system updates are up to date, via Windows Update.