Make my computer invincible

[Mylan]

Yo guys i just ordered a new computer. I'm not a computer expert at all. Its a sony vaio and i basically want to make this virus proof. I want to be able to download stuff without the fear of getting a virus or if i get one i want the computer to be able to quickly dispose of it. Is this possible??? if so tell me how thanks.

 

[pparks1]

It's not possible...especially on a Windows computer. There are steps that you can take to make it safer
#1). Use a router to provide basic NAT firewalling
#2). Leave the built-in Windows firewall enabled
#3). Get an Antivirus application, keep it updated, scan regularly. There are several free choices.
#4). Don't download from warez sites, software sharing sites, peer to peer networks, etc. Don't use hacked or pirated software
#5). Don't visit porn sites.

 

[Petey7]

You can never make it invinciable, but you have the right mentality. You'll want to use a good real-time anti-virus to begin with. I recommend Microsoft Security Essentials because its free, easy to use, and rarely causes conflicts with other software. Others on the site regularly recommend Kaspersky (subscription* based) and Avira (subscription and free versions available). You should also run an on-demand anti-virus (only runs when you tell it to), like MalwareBytes (what I recommend) or Hitman Pro, both of which have subscription and free versions. Windows Firewall is pretty good, but if you have or can buy a router with a built in firewall, that would be even better. Another good idea is to back up all your data in case you get a particularly nasty virus that requires a reinstall to get rid of.

*Subscription mean a yearly fee.

 

[Jaxryley]

Sandboxie, Returnil and Images.

Learn their capabilities and you will get very close to the magic 100% security even when deliberately downloading/running malware.

Defensewall and Shadow Protect are another good match up.

 

[Francis93]

You can never make it invinciable, but you have the right mentality. You'll want to use a good real-time anti-virus to begin with. I recommend Microsoft Security Essentials because its free, easy to use, and rarely causes conflicts with other software. Others on the site regularly recommend Kaspersky (subscription* based) and Avira (subscription and free versions available). You should also run an on-demand anti-virus (only runs when you tell it to), like MalwareBytes (what I recommend) or Hitman Pro, both of which have subscription and free versions. Windows Firewall is pretty good, but if you have or can buy a router with a built in firewall, that would be even better. Another good idea is to back up all your data in case you get a particularly nasty virus that requires a reinstall to get rid of.

*Subscription mean a yearly fee.

If I may interrupt, is Hitman Pro free?

 

[Petey7]

If I may interrupt, is Hitman Pro free?

On the website I linked to it specifically states that there is a free version. They even have a native 64-bit version.

 

[johng]

Free version of hitman pro allows unlimted scans but only offers 30 days malware removal,if you want more after that then you have to buy.

 

[Petey7]

Free version of hitman pro allows unlimted scans but only offers 30 days malware removal,if you want more after that then you have to buy.

Thanks for the info. I don't use it but a couple members often recommend it, so I included in my post (wanted to provide plenty of options). I think MBAM is better anyways.

 

[Night Hawk]

Welcome to the Seven Forums! Mylan

The one sure way to make any system invincible is simply to unplug everything and stash it away for a good 10yrs. or so and end up with a good clean museum piece! As far as the Microsoft Security Essentials or any program for that matter none are ever 100% fool proof where the best advice anyone can offer besides "smart browsing" as pparks1 pointed out is getting familiar with various programs as well as removal tools.

As far as the MS Security Essentials that detected a trojan manual removal was needed when first looked over here. The Windows Firewall isn't the best found since various malwares are designed to get through that. With the free av programs you also would want to consider some IE protection and not wait for the av program to remove things but be alerted to bad sites when hitting one on a web search for example.

Surprize more reputable seeming sites are guilty of dumping adwares on you then ??? other sites it would seem. The free downloads from various places may contain bugs or automatically have a new toolbar option already checked off to install. Malicious code detection for zip and rar files will help spot bugged downloads.

 

[sandeep108]

Surprize more reputable seeming sites are guilty of dumping adwares on you then ??? other sites it would seem. The free downloads from various places may contain bugs or automatically have a new toolbar option already checked off to install. Malicious code detection for zip and rar files will help spot bugged downloads.

This is one of the frightening trends. Today at least they have a check box. Tomorrow they will not.

Sandboxie does seem the way to go, though. I am actually thinking of using an Ubuntu Live CD and USB stick when browsing potentially unknown sites.

 

[Night Hawk]

VMs are great for taking chances while at the same time anything imported to the main OS by Cloud or other method like a dvd-rw since VMs are limited to floppy and optical drives would still prove risky.

As far as toolbars some already see the installation of the toolbar being a requirement! in order to finish the installation. I've run into that on a few occasions when looking over new freeware sites. In fact when a selection of old XP downloads never opened in zip file form were scanned a few revealed bugs hidden inside never detected by any other protections like the free versions of AVG, Avast, a few different adware/spyware removers, MS SE didn't do any better there!

The big word for downloading off even some familiar sites on occasion would be "Enter at own risk"! Poorly written utilities like system tweakers can lead to problems as well. You may think a malware struck to find out it was simply a garbage freebie stuck on a download page somewhere.

That's where IE protection can often be the largest help by filtering questionable unknown sites by flagging them if anything is detected. A firewall of course as well as an active registry guard serves to add some extra layer of protecttion. The more layers(as well as more common sense note) you have the less likely you will get struck. But even with safeguards inplace never be "overconfident" that nothing can get through!

 

[malexous]

Besides the advice already given:

Keep everything up-to date, i.e. Windows, third party applications and third party plugins.

http://www.sevenforums.com/system-security/72070-whats-best-anti-virus.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/security-basics/76173-whats-best-anti-malware.html

The information provided by Jaxryley is what you are after but all other points are important.

Free version of hitman pro allows unlimted scans but only offers 30 days malware removal,if you want *more after that then you have to buy.

Something worth mentioning as many don't realise is that Hitman Pro's 30 day trial does not start until you activate it.

Thanks for the info. I don't use it but a couple members often recommend it, so I included in my post (wanted to provide plenty of options). I think MBAM is better anyways.

MBAM and Hitman Pro both have their advantages over each other.

P.S. Night Hawk posted while I was typing. I didn't take their post into consideration.

 

[Borg 386]

You can never make it invinciable

Sure you can Petey7

Just stay off the internet and make sure no one ever plugs in a FD.

And don't forget the tin foil hat:roflmao:

But seriously...what the people in this thread have suggested is good, experienced advice. Follow it and you'll be as safe as you can be...the best you can hope for is to hold the bad guys off for as long as possible

EDIT - Oopsy...I forgot about DELL shipping all those motherboards with malware...guess you're right Petey7

 

[Greg S]

Sandboxie, Returnil and Images.

Learn their capabilities and you will get very close to the magic 100% security even when deliberately downloading/running malware.

Defensewall and Shadow Protect are another good match up.

Either of the two options mentioned above are as close as you can get.

 

[Night Hawk]

Well besides staying offline entirely there is another option of simply staying on one site by itself and using that site's own version of IE. Where? you might ask. SilveOS.com - Silverlight operating system

That's kind of the "Windows for all" site seen there with a virtual desktop and working browser as you can see! :roflmao:

 

[Mylan]

Sandboxie, Returnil and Images.

Learn their capabilities and you will get very close to the magic 100% security even when deliberately downloading/running malware.

Defensewall and Shadow Protect are another good match up.

Ok so how would you go about learning their capabilities? I'm pretty much an all around noob lol

 

[Mylan]

Well besides staying offline entirely there is another option of simply staying on one site by itself and using that site's own version of IE. Where? you might ask. SilveOS.com - Silverlight operating system

That's kind of the "Windows for all" site seen there with a virtual desktop and working browser as you can see! :roflmao:

Oh ok thats cool so by using this "virtual browser" my computer won't be able to catch a virus? and also my friend says he knows how to remove viruses how do you go about learning this technique, I think he said he uses BIOS to do this. Thanks for all the help btw guys

 

[Jacee]

There is no way possible to make your computer 'invincible'. You may need to follow the advice of others, and just disconnect from the Internet.

Don't use the computer, put it in the box that it came in and put it in the closet.

That being said ... follow this guideline (even tho' your friend knows how to to remove viruses

Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This
can be done by following these simple instructions:
From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then


click on Options.Click once on the Security tab Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted. Click once on the Custom Level button.

• Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
• Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
• Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as
  safe to Disable
• Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
• Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to
  Prompt
• Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to
  Prompt
• When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
• If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings,
  press the Yes button.
• Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the
  Internet Properties page.
• Use an AntiVirus Software - It is very
  important that your computer has an anti-virus software running on your
  machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the
  future. See this link for a listing of some online & their stand-alone
  antivirus programs:
  Virus,
  Spyware, and Malware Protection and Removal Resources
• Update your AntiVirus Software - It is
  imperitive that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week
  (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then
  it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.
• Use a Firewall - I can not stress how
  important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall
  your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken over. I am very
  serious about this and see it happen almost every day with my clients.
  Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk
  greatly. For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones
  see the link below:
  Understanding
  and Using Firewalls
• Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site
  Frequently - It is important that you visit
  http://www.windowsupdate.com
  regularly. This will ensure your computer has always the latest security
  updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to
  install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the
  site until there are no more critical updates.
• Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will
  added a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer
  settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious
  programs. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
  Using
  SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and
  Malware
• Update all these programs regularly - Make
  sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular
  updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are
  released.

Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will
reduce dramatically.

 

[Night Hawk]

Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will
added a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer
settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious
programs. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:
Using
SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and
Malware

Again that only points to one program when there are actually tons of so called antispyware programs. The newer updated av programs often have better malware detection for spotted and blocking adwares and spywares with some also filtering rootkits.

Remember no one program is a cure all for that type of malwares. Each program regardless of how good it may seem can still be found vulnerable. This is why multiple layers which might include a separate firewall program or a better av program with one included will often be found more effective.

If fact to insure nothing stays on any system long simply wipe the drives daily which will clear the OS and any bugs off of any system kept running. You may as well toss backups on removable media away as well since you may have unknowingly backed an infected file or a new bug posing as one.

As far as the D item of installation of desktop items that is disabled here in all four sections of IE.

The latest MS update seen monday addresses shortcut exploitation a new vulnerbility discovered by MS in more then one version of Windows. So checking for the latest security fixes can always be a plus.

As far as internal cleaning on a regular basis you may not want to remove all cobwebs since some garden variety spiders will help catch other types of bugs crawling around inside the case itself. :roflmao:

Well that's what you get when leaving a case parked in a closet. By keeping it regularly maintained at least you wouldn't see that type of problem. Dust is the hardwares worst enemy there since it acts as an insulator.

 

[Jaxryley]

Sandboxie, Returnil and Images.

Learn their capabilities and you will get very close to the magic 100% security even when deliberately downloading/running malware.

Defensewall and Shadow Protect are another good match up.

Ok so how would you go about learning their capabilities? I'm pretty much an all around noob lol

The best way is to have a bit of a read about them then try them out to see what suits you.

These apps when used as per instructions will keep you far safer than any regular AV/AM.
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