Is my computer safe to use?

6 Answers

1. 
   

   
   

   VenuG on Sep 13, 2012 reply

   Yes, all that you wrote are possible. Use Linux and the danger is reduced considerably, because every activity on a Linux machine needs authorisation.

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2. 
   

   
   

   SeiRruf on Sep 13, 2012 reply

   For ultimate Free* Protection, Consider installing at least 3 of the following. That’s what I do!

   http://free.avg.com/ -> USE FREE VERSION. NOT TRIAL
   http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials
   http://www.safer-networking.org/mirrors/

   Extra Security, Install:
   http://www.malwarebytes.org/

   Do scans with the first three, fourth if you are very scared. You should be safe now!

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3. 
   

   
   

   Pulsar on Sep 13, 2012 reply

   You have to get yourself an anti virus system.
   Norton is nothing more than commercial crapware
   so forget about that.

   There are many anti virus systems that are FREE for the home computer user.

   Do this on-line scan first : http://www.eset.com/online-scanner
   only if you think you might be infected now.

   Then
   i suggest you go and get Avast : http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?part=dl-85737&subj=dl&tag=button

   you can not get a better anti virus with anti spyware system for free.
   it has many features you will have to pay for in other systems.

   don’t forget to register : http://www.avast.com/registration-free-antivirus.php
   or you will only have it for 30 days
   by registering you will get a licence for a full year.
   just re-register at the end of the year to get another one year licence.

   The next best free one is,

   Avira AntiVir Personal : http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus

   if you do not like the look of Avast or Avira,
   then microsoft supply a system for free..

   Microsoft Security Essentials : http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

   Remember
   you must only have one antivirus system on your computer at anyone time.

   If you want a complete internet security suite,
   then there is,
   Comodo Internet Security for Windows : http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php

   OR

   Outpost Security Suite FREE : http://free.agnitum.com/
   (not so good)

   .

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4. 
   

   
   

   Allan on Sep 13, 2012 reply

   Download Avast! free home edition from http://www.avast.com. I have used this for over five years to protect my computer.

   If you have been operating without protection, the chances are that your computer is already infected so follow this procedure:

   Boot into Safe Mode with Networking. Download and run Rkill.exe from http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/anti-virus/rkill
   Rkill stops all but essential processes from running.

   Download and install Malwarebytes Antimalware (free) from
   http://www.malwarebytes.org/
   A fresh download will prevent Malwarebytes being infected before use.
   Allow updates when requested.

   Run Malwarebytes and delete malware.

   Reboot normally.
   Then download Avast!.

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5. 
   

   
   

   ? on Sep 13, 2012 reply

   Well the key to safety is personal use. Ie, don’t download free (cracked) videos, games etc. Stay clear of adult WWW sites as well. That is not to say ‘free’ stuff contains virus(s) spy ware, there are plenty of legitimate stuff,
   1) http://www.avast.com (it is legit 100% free virus scanning software)
   2) openoffice (very similar to Microsoft office but it ‘free’ and legit, been using it for years)
   3) zone alarm (an easily configurable firewall that offers some level of intrusion protection from the INTERNET)

   The main part of safety is common sense, don’t randomly click on stuff unless you know for sure that it is legit. Ie, if you get an email from a friend unexpectedly, say and he/she says “hey check out my new video and click on the link” the other person may have gotten a virus and it (not the person) may have emailed itself to you. If you use winxx, (even though it updates automatically) check for updates say once or twice a week. This keeps your PC itself up-to date from security leaks in software coding.

   A alternative to Microsoft windows explorer is Fire Fox. For me it’s awesome, more customizable than ie. But I keep my add-ons to a minimum. (they tend to slow down your browser over time). Some people also forget to keep the browser (ie Firefox) up-to date. To check for updates with Firefox
   1) left click help
   2) left click about Firefox.
   If there are core updates Firefox will update them here. I usually check once/twice a week as well.

   If you have add-ons in Firefox keep those updated as well, when Firefox is opened
   1) Left click ‘tools’
   2) left click ‘add-ons’ This will open a separate window,
   3) left click ‘plugins’ This will show all addons you have installed
   4) left click (at the top of the screen) ‘Check to see if your plugins are up to date’
   5) This opens a window and displays any addons that need to be updated, just scroll down and update the ones needed. Fyi: when you update say Java for example, it will start the download process, close out all your Firefox Browsers before the download is complete (except the installation window) and install the add-on.

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   Harus on Sep 13, 2012 reply

   Use AVG free anti-virus. http://free.avg.com/us-en/free-antivirus-download
   if you are using such important personal data or stuff, you must afford to buy bit defender or kaspersky.

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