It is important to have software that will detect problems and remove them if necessary, but, what is much more important, is how to avoid these problems in the first place.
Top of the list is Read. As in read what you about to click before you click it. The vast majority of viruses and spyware don't sneak onto your computer or use some technical wizardry to magically bypass all your security measures, they are invited on by you. A healthy does of cynicism and paranoia about clicking every banner you see on the 'net will help avoid this.
Next, I would have to say is Avoid dodgy sites. Sites where you can download cracks and pirated music and programs are the narrow side streets of the net where the shady types hang out. Now that's all very well if you are either a shady type yourself, or are well versed in security. If you are neither, simply avoid such sites until you know a little more about how to avoid the traps you will invariably stumble upon.
Next, Keep up to date.
Windows and OS X both have automated updaters. Neither Microsoft nor
Apple (despite what they may say) create secure or reliable software,
and are continually fixing problems well after release. The automatic
updater will download the security fixes while you sleep, or whenever
you decide. Leave your machine on, perhaps one night a week, or at
least the first Tuesday of the month, which is when Microsoft send
their update rollups.
Now, you may have noticed that I haven't
mentioned any actual software at this point. That's because, with the
right mindset, software is really the bandaid over the stitches. Not
100% necessary, but hey, if it's free... go for it. Now, many of you
are wondering why I'm talking about free software when you have
probably splashed out on a nice shiny security suite from Symantec or McAfee. Well, the free solutions are at least as good, if not actually better. Some to consider are...
AOL Active Virus Shield
Microsoft Windows Defender
Avast Antivirus Free
AVG Antivirus Free
AVG Antispyware Free
Spybot S&D
Adaware SE Personal
Now with that little lot, you should be well prepared for your forays online. Bear in mind, however, that one antivirus package and one antispyware package is sufficient. If you install more, they can conflict.
To
be honest, the Windows firewall included in Windows XP Service Pack 2
is more than adequate for most uses. If you want something more
substantial or are running Windows 2000 (or less), consider the
following...
Kerio Personal Firewall
Sygate Personal Firewall
ZoneAlarm Free Firewall
As with the antivirus packages, one
firewall is sufficient. At best, a second would be redundant, at worst,
it might stop your machine from connecting to a network at all.
Just so the Mac users don't feel left out...
ClamAv for OS X
OS X also has a built in firewall, so none is necessary.
Finally,
if you are interested in becoming more aware of computer security and
how to better defend yourself against the manifold threats, security
guru Steve Gibson and professional geek Leo Laporte have a security
podcast Security Now that's well worth a listen.
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