Too much/little security

[makeshiftpat]

I hope this isn't too repetitive a question. I have done hours of research, but not knowing much about computers, (this being my first one that I have bought) I was hoping someone could tell me whether I have too much/little security. I download a decent amount of music. I stay away from the facebook apps and what not. I don't know enough to really personalize a firewall so something simple yet effective in that regards would be best. Here is what I am currently running for security: Advanced System Care (use it almost daily), Avira, SpywareBlaster, Malwarebytes', Zone Alarm (which always turns off my Windows Firewall), and finally Windows Firewall. I guess I have Windows Defender also, but I almost never use it. Thanks for any help, it is much appreciated.

 

[joel406]

Zone alrarm is a firewall. Thats why the windows FW is off. It's supposed to be off, running more than 1 FW can cause big problems. As far as the rest goes your on the right track. Layered security is the only sure way to stay protected. But I would dump Zone alarm and Avira and get ESET smart security. It is pretty much the best there is.

 

[makeshiftpat]

Zone alrarm is a firewall. Thats why the windows FW is off. It's supposed to be off, running more than 1 FW can cause big problems. As far as the rest goes your on the right track. Layered security is the only sure way to stay protected. But I would dump Zone alarm and Avira and get ESET smart security. It is pretty much the best there is.

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely take ESET smart security into consideration when I have the money for that. I have been relying on free downloads at the moment. Thank you.

 

[manhunter2826]

This is what I have now -- and it is sufficient for my security needs: Malwarebytes paid version with real-time protection, Avast free version, Firefox and the excellent NoScript and AdBlock Plus add-ons, Windows Firewall and Windows Defender (built-in).

 

[makeshiftpat]

This is what I have now -- and it is sufficient for my security needs: Malwarebytes paid version with real-time protection, Avast free version, Firefox and the excellent NoScript and AdBlock Plus add-ons, Windows Firewall and Windows Defender (built-in).

I should probably switch to firefox, huh. Unemployment checks do not allow me to buy anything right now, but that $25 price isn't too bad. I am going to consider that. Thank you Miss California(I mean that in a complimentary way). It feels good to get some advice. This is the first forum i have found where it didn't seem like people would rip your head off if you weren't already a computer expert. Thanks peeps.

 

[surfasb]

Microsoft Security Essentials + Windows Firewall is all the security you'll ever need.

 

[manhunter2826]

This is what I have now -- and it is sufficient for my security needs: Malwarebytes paid version with real-time protection, Avast free version, Firefox and the excellent NoScript and AdBlock Plus add-ons, Windows Firewall and Windows Defender (built-in).

I should probably switch to firefox, huh. Unemployment checks do not allow me to buy anything right now, but that $25 price isn't too bad. I am going to consider that. Thank you Miss California(I mean that in a complimentary way). It feels good to get some advice. This is the first forum i have found where it didn't seem like people would rip your head off if you weren't already a computer expert. Thanks peeps.

I understand the financial difficulties (esp. during these troubled times) but, yes, Malwarebytes is a decent investment - money well spent ! If Avira is giving u any headache then do give Avast a try -- the free version is sufficient for my needs and it remains an excellent program. It's got a lovely user interface now also.

 

[tw33k]

If I were you I would use Avast! (free), Malwarebytes (free) and Windows Firewall (free). As long as you avoid "nasty" websites, those 3 will keep you safe.

 

[HMonk]

The free Comodo security suite is also very good and consistently highly rated, although it has a steep learning curve (because you can infinitely tweak it).

Not to downplay the importance of AV software the odds of the average computer user being targeted is nil - unless, of course, you frequent torrents, hacks, "adult" sites, open attachments from unknown senders, and practice other risky behaviors. One can never tell, and better safe than sorry, but I would not worry too much if you "safe" surf.

There are many good free AV apps (Avira, Avast, AVG, e.g.) and the free ZoneAlarm firewall. Since you are a noob (we've all been there), I would suggest something simple and easy to understand quickly (for your peace of mind). To that end, I would suggest Avast (rated somewhat better than Avira) and ZoneAlarm. Avast updates its definitions database whenever you are connected to the Internet and little tweaking is necessary. ZA is a very simple app that has a half dozen or so manageable settings. In conjunction with safe surfing practices, you should be quite safe. If I am any example, I have not had a malware attack for years and I spend hours each day on the Net in various projects and doing research. Attacks are just not that common.

After you researched a while and, if the mood hits you, you can experiment around with more complex apps like free Comodo suite or ESET ($60 bucks a year), Kaspersky ($80 bucks a year).

One other suggestion, you might look into the free Spybot Search and Destroy which you will find at The home of Spybot-S&D!. Basically it scans your system for already present spyware not classified as viruses, Trojans, etc. that AV apps might not detect.

Yet another suggestion: if you surf with FireFox, you can install the WOT (Web of Trust) addon which flags potential malware sites that show up in search results (Google, e.g.). It places a green (safe), yellow (caution), or red (danger) button next to each hit in your search results. Clicking on the button will take you to mywot.com where you can read what their findings are in relation to the flagged site.

As you see, one can go crazy with protective measures but, if you practice common sense, you will not likely be subject to any attacks.

Hope this helps.

Monk

 

[makeshiftpat]

Microsoft Essentials? I'll have to look intol that. I am doing like 4 things at a time right now, so i'll look into that tomorrow. I appreciate every bit of advice. Thank you

 

[surfasb]

Microsoft Security Essentials has actually gotten great reviews compared to previous Microsoft AV solutions.

Recently, it was praised because it was immune to the latest kernel hook exploit.

Microsoft: MSE safe from Windows kernel hook attack

 

[makeshiftpat]

i guess what it boils down to is if i am going to be visiting adult sites and downloading torrents then i should have many layers of security and just be careful not to approve anything that i don't trust.....:sarc:

 

[surfasb]

Or make a VM for those "special" sites.

 

[makeshiftpat]

Or make a VM for those "special" sites.

VM?

 

[JMH]

I hope this isn't too repetitive a question. I have done hours of research, but not knowing much about computers, (this being my first one that I have bought) I was hoping someone could tell me whether I have too much/little security. I download a decent amount of music. I stay away from the facebook apps and what not. I don't know enough to really personalize a firewall so something simple yet effective in that regards would be best. Here is what I am currently running for security: Advanced System Care (use it almost daily), Avira, SpywareBlaster, Malwarebytes', Zone Alarm (which always turns off my Windows Firewall), and finally Windows Firewall. I guess I have Windows Defender also, but I almost never use it. Thanks for any help, it is much appreciated.

makeshiftpat,
Re -
1. Firewall - Are you using a router / modem? Does it include a firewall? If so,combine this with the built in Windows firewall & you are covered. IMHO you then don't need Zone Alarm.
2. Advanced System Care - May I ask why you consider that you need this & to run it daily?

Avira, Malwarebytes & SpywareBlaster are ok.

Should you have any more questions please ask us.

 

[makeshiftpat]

I hope this isn't too repetitive a question. I have done hours of research, but not knowing much about computers, (this being my first one that I have bought) I was hoping someone could tell me whether I have too much/little security. I download a decent amount of music. I stay away from the facebook apps and what not. I don't know enough to really personalize a firewall so something simple yet effective in that regards would be best. Here is what I am currently running for security: Advanced System Care (use it almost daily), Avira, SpywareBlaster, Malwarebytes', Zone Alarm (which always turns off my Windows Firewall), and finally Windows Firewall. I guess I have Windows Defender also, but I almost never use it. Thanks for any help, it is much appreciated.

makeshiftpat,
Re -
1. Firewall - Are you using a router / modem? Does it include a firewall? If so,combine this with the built in Windows firewall & you are covered. IMHO you then don't need Zone Alarm.
2. Advanced System Care - May I ask why you consider that you need this & to run it daily?

Avira, Malwarebytes & SpywareBlaster are ok.

Should you have any more questions please ask us.

not sure exactly what it does, but it takes such a short amount of time, maybe 2 to 3 minutes, but i feel like it keeps the computer un-cluttered. Now that you point it out, I guess I really don't need to run it but every once in a while. I do have a wireless router. Thanks for the input. I am learnig new things all the time.

 

[HMonk]

Or make a VM for those "special" sites.

"Special sites": I like that.

"Hey Monk, what you do all afternoon?"

"Me? Oh I was visiting some special sites." :devil:

@Makeshiftpat: VM = virtual machine

 

[JMH]

I hope this isn't too repetitive a question. I have done hours of research, but not knowing much about computers, (this being my first one that I have bought) I was hoping someone could tell me whether I have too much/little security. I download a decent amount of music. I stay away from the facebook apps and what not. I don't know enough to really personalize a firewall so something simple yet effective in that regards would be best. Here is what I am currently running for security: Advanced System Care (use it almost daily), Avira, SpywareBlaster, Malwarebytes', Zone Alarm (which always turns off my Windows Firewall), and finally Windows Firewall. I guess I have Windows Defender also, but I almost never use it. Thanks for any help, it is much appreciated.

makeshiftpat,
Re -
1. Firewall - Are you using a router / modem? Does it include a firewall? If so,combine this with the built in Windows firewall & you are covered. IMHO you then don't need Zone Alarm.
2. Advanced System Care - May I ask why you consider that you need this & to run it daily?

Avira, Malwarebytes & SpywareBlaster are ok.

Should you have any more questions please ask us.

not sure exactly what it does, but it takes such a short amount of time, maybe 2 to 3 minutes, but i feel like it keeps the computer un-cluttered. Now that you point it out, I guess I really don't need to run it but every once in a while. I do have a wireless router. Thanks for the input. I am learnig new things all the time.

I believe that Advanced System Care is a "registry cleaner" that they claim will fix repair, tune, and maintain your PC etc.

Note - No registry cleaner is completely safe and the potential is ever present to cause more problems than they claim to fix.

THEREFORE

If you do not have knowledge of the registry, then you would probably be better off leaving it alone, and definitely not placing blind trust in a program to do the job for you.

 

[manhunter2826]

Yes, I'm inclined to agree with JMH -- I personally would be wary of anything that claims to 'tidy' the registry. See here also:
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/82213-how-safe-tune-up-utilities.html

 

[AussieGuy92]

Avanced system care does more damage then good how do i know it deletes system restore points and does dameage if you want one that does not. get tune up utilites much safer.