Protect Your PC ( Guide )

I’ll give you a basic shell for your PC, you wont be invulnerable, but it should serve as good protection. Been problem free for about 5 years now.

You need only three programs:

1) A Firewall. I prefer ZoneAlarm, its free and it does the job.

http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/ … ist_za.jsp

I recommend having things set to ASK setting. Nothing should be going online on its own unless you have autoupdates or have set up a program intentionally to do just that.

2) Spybot. This is a must have. It can act as a cookie/trojan/other problem remover but its real benefit is registry protection and file protection, two prime places for people to put unwanted things onto your computer. Its free for download at:

http://www.spybot.info/en/spybotsd/index.html

I would suggest checking for problems as well as immunizing your files often. If and when a spybot window pops up asking you whether you should allow a registry change, the only time you should select yes is when you are installing a program or using an antivirus program to clean up a threat.

3) Any antivirus program. In my use i dont have one, and occassionally just go to

http://service.mcafee.com/VirusRemovalH … 1033&sg=VR

and get a free scan. However any one of the majors are good to have:
Norton Anti Virus or McAfee.

NOTE : I know of some people who have Ad-Aware, Avast, McAfee, and Trojan Hunter. Thats fine and dandy and all, but unless a virus/worm/trojan has been

a – detected
b – reported
c – resolved ( found a "cure" for )

There is no av program in the world that will help you. You best bet against these is prevention.

PREVENTION

Firefox works faster, better, and i feel is just flat out superior except: It doesnt support my windows ActiveX settings.

I have a personal setting in which i have windows prompt me before running an ActiveX. In the case of graphics or Flash, i will enable otherwise i deny. I get laughed at, or told its a pain in the ass, but you know what? I can visit ANY site without worries. Ive visited thousands and have never had any problems from visiting a site. Some sites can modify Windows and install unwanted things on your computer via ActiveX controls.

Its up to you to decide whether that little annoyance is worth it. ActiveX control settings can be modified in (XP):

Start button -> Control Panel -> Internet Options -> Security Tab -> Custom Level

And most importantly, watch what you download. That exe may be a fun new game but it also might include some other things in it. If you are downloading porn videos and anything free you come across you might as well just accept that fact that your computer has AIDS.

Ive had friends ask me for help:

F : "My computer is running really slow, i dont know whats going on."

Me : "Do you download a lot? Especially porn?

F : "Yes"

After that i can pretty much assume they have some sort of Virus, Trojan, Worm, Spybot, etc, as well as a bunch of porn. Which so far thats been the case. One person i know is very cautious since his pc was "fixed", that was of course after a keylogging program got a hold of some bank info and the bank account was used by somebody else. He know watches what he downloads.

It takes a little common sense. Websites cost money to maintain. Where is this money come from? Some recoup with ads, donations, or are businesses that sell things/services. Some sites are run by people who already have money, and are using the site for educational or promotional reasons. If your at an unknown site with a free download in front of your face, ask youself the question "Why would they give this to me for free?" Yes there are generous people out there, but more often than not they are profiting off your visit/download in one way or another. Theres no need to be paranoid, just be cautious. Dont download every free thing that comes your way.

BACKUPS

Sh1t happens. And when it does its safe to have a backup. If there are things on your computer you value, back it up through a cd. I create music, which is the most valuable thing in my possession. Because of that i backup my data almost weekly. Backup your data unless you could care less if your hard drive is wiped out completely.