[gomerj]

my HDD just died a couple days ago and ive had to replace it. obviously ive lost all my data and am starting fresh.

could someone please recommend the antivirus and malware software that i should install? i was using NOD32 - is there anything that is better? and what are the best malware programs to get?

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Many helpers are reluctant to post what anti-viral programs they prefer -- everyone has their own favorites. Many of the guys here on the board like NOD32. I use the free AVG-Grisoft anti-viral. I also run lavasoft adaware and spyware blaster. I also have a good firewall. That's all I run.

[coachwife6]

Many helpers are reluctant to post what anti-viral programs they prefer -- everyone has their own favorites. Many of the guys here on the board like NOD32. I use the free AVG-Grisoft anti-viral. I also run lavasoft adaware and spyware blaster. I also have a good firewall. That's all I run.

[gomerj]

Hi C

thanks for the help. i think ill stick with NOD.

what do you think about anti-spyware protection programs such as spywareblaster and spywareguard? they are recommended by "spyware expert Eric Howes" at http://www.spywarewa...nti-spyware.htm. (i found this link in the How-to remove malware guides and tutorials)

Edited by gomerj, 22 March 2006 - 01:37 PM.

[coachwife6]

Spyware Blaster is necessary, IMO and it's free. I know some people like Spyware Guard, but I'm of the school of thought that less is better. I dont use spyware guard, but one of the administrators here advocates it's use. Its up to you.

[alandemartino]

Hi gomerj,

I personally use the following, as I found them to be the best

Anti-Spyware: Ad-Aware SE & Spybot S&D
Malware: AVG
Firewall: Zone Alarm - http://www.zonelabs....reeDownload.jsp

Alan

[gomerj]

ok - thanks for your thoughts.

my last question is in regards to firewalls. could you possible explain what they are and what they do? i know i had enabled mine...but didnt really understand why (just thought it was a good idea).

cheers

[alandemartino]

A Firewall is a system which limits network access between two or more networks. Normally, a Firewall is deployed between a trusted, protected private network and an untrusted public network.

Alan

[Thef0rce]

also if you have a bit of spare cash, you might want to consider buying xoftspy for antispyware. It's the only thing I'll install on my comp and in my opinion, there's no need for anything else. It picks up and removes far more than ad-aware or anything else. I once got a serious malware infection because I stupidly opened a file that installed hundreds of items. Tried everything before that. then 2 scans with xoftspy and everything was back to normal.

http://www.xoftspy.co.uk/

[gomerj]

thanks - i appreciate the advice!