Computer Security

[Jaged]

I need some programs to increase my computer security. I just installed ZoneAlarm and a few programs poped up wanting internet access that diddn't sound like programs that should be there. I need some good anti spyware/virus to run on my machine. Also is there any software the can detect anything running in the background that might be (mostly) legitimate so I can shut them down?

Thanks.

[Disconnecting]

Five Steps:

Step #1
Download


Step #2
Buy a decent router with a built in firewall.




Step #3
????????


Step #4



Step #5
Profit.

[Jaged]

I use firefox and I am behind 2 routers with firewalls.

[Setari]

First, if you have hardware firewalls (especially two), you shouldn't need ZoneAlarm. Go grab Spybot:S&D and MS Antispyware (I think it's called Defender now). I personally use Spybot and Ad-aware but I've read that Ad-aware gives a lot of false-positives, and the MS program has never picked anything up for me, but people have good results.


As for useless processes, I know there are sites that tell you what the process is and you can determine for yourself whether to keep it running or not. I don't know if there are any programs that will do this for you. Also, if you are comfortable with it, you can bring up msconfig (from the run dialog) to stop possible superfluous processes from starting so you don't have to kill them every session.

[Disconnecting]

Well in that case how much do you know about computers?
I recommend getting spybot search & destroy since you can use it make registry edits without trashing your system. You should also consider turning off all activex/scripting from Internet Explorer. As well disabling java, activex, ect.. in gpedit.msc depending on who else uses your machine.

Also this site also has a few good things that can help you. I personally like the tool that monitors registry activity in real-time.

[Evilmp]

Here are some good programs everybody needs:

Hijackthis
Lavasoft Ad-Aware
Personal Antispy

Hijackthis pretty much covers everything you asked. Antispy isn't free though

[OneManArmy]

use a pen and paper. no one can haxxorz your ball point and tree slices.

[Hamma]

Tree Slices

Yea adware and spybot are the one's I use mainly. Here are the utils I used to use when I was cleaning spyware off dumbasses computers for 2 years:

Adaware - Always run this first.
Spybot
Hijackthis - Be very careful with this app you can hose your system and browser.
CCleaner - Another app to be careful with, but it will clean out old reg keys and cache/cookies. Its a nice app.
Windows Update - No brainer really, but sometimes it will fix strange issues.

If a machine was to bad I often would have to do some manual removal. And dont forget about virus scanning that is important as well.

[Infernus]

My computer security consists of a pirated version of McAfee Deluxe and Spybot Search and Destroy.

It works well.

[Ivan]

My security consists of...

Well, I have Norton Anti-Virus Enterprise Edition that never expires thanks the wonderful UPMC.

Windows Defender, doesn't seem to catch anything, and Ad-Aware.

[Infernus]

Originally Posted by Ivan

My security consists of...

Well, I have Norton Anti-Virus Enterprise Edition that never expires thanks the wonderful UPMC.

Windows Defender, doesn't seem to catch anything, and Ad-Aware.

The UPMC?

What have you been stealing from my school?

[Ivan]

UPMC = University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

So you really go to UPMC? Is there a campus in Philly?

[Infernus]

I'm going to the University of Pittsburgh in like a month for school.

Therefore, anything related to UPitt, is "my school's".

[Ivan]

Oh noes! Inf is coming to da 'burgh!

*Ivan runs and hides.

[kurushio95]

dudes...Norton and Mcafee = bad, bad security. All you need is spybot S&D and windows defender. and, if you want a good anti-virus, Trend Micro PC-cillin is the best on the market