[NomDeKeyz]

Topic #1: I have read the free antivirus/spyware pinned post,
but was confused by the different(and sometimes overlapping)
programs listed there, not to mention the out-of-date list. Tho,
I must thank this site for the post; it was very informative! ^.^

I am using avast! and I really like it. I want to stay with
it for a few months before considering AntiVir or another.

I have MBAM (LuV iT!), tho it seems I also need something for
rootkits as a supplement? Can you name three for consideration?

I plan on getting SUPERAntiSpyware to supplement avast! (I was
sorry to hear that avast! needed anti-spyware supplementation.)

I have been using the firewall that XP came with, but apparently
I should have a better one (with two-way protection)? I wonder
what the current options are? What about a hardware firewall?
(I expect they aren't free, but I don't really know why one or
the other might be a better way to go? I don't mind paying for it.

I don't know what ActiveX is so of course I don't quite understand
the need for SpywareBlaster or similar? I expect I will be getting
this too, and likely it's companion SpywareGuard, which I also do
not understand the need for. Can anyone explain/elaborate the needs?

My Tentative Plan:
avast!, MBAM, SUPERAntiSpyware, SpywareBlaster, SpywareGuard,
something for rootkits, and a better firewall. Did I miss something???
Please let me know what you think of my plan or might alter, and why...

BTW, All-Seeing Eye looked interesting and potentially useful? Opinions?
________________________________________________________________________

Topic #2: I need to update drivers (I expect), but I have never done this,
so I don't know how. I just reinstalled my OS, and little else so far.
I used a disk for my ATI video card driver and my D-Link wireless driver,
but I haven't updated these. I have a SB Live! sound card but have not
DLed any drivers for, tho it seems to be working. How did those drivers
get there w/o my knowing? I don't know what else I have that might need a
driver DLed/updated? Is there a way to find out? Also, what's the best way
to go about updating drivers? How do I find the specific driver I need? ex:
Creative Labs had several drivers, I didn't know which one I needed to DL.

(This is my first time reformatting - I think that's what it's called? LOL)

Anywhoznwhatsnit... Thanks in advance for any advice/information offered. ^_^

Edited by NomDeKeyz, 16 October 2009 - 09:42 AM.

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Whew that is a long list, so let me see if I can help.
The suggested combination of programs I can give is as follows:
Avast
SuperAntiSpyware
MBAM
Comodo Firewall

Never run more then one AV or Firewall at one time. This will cause false positive readings and in the case of firewalls it can stop or completely shutdown your internet.
As far as drivers some of them are loaded through the OS when you installed.
The best way to update drivers is to go to the Device manager and right click on the device you want to check for drivers. One of the options will be to update driver.
Then allow the update to check the web for newer drivers. This will download and install the newest driver out there if found.
Let me know if there are more questions I can answer for you.

[rshaffer61]

Whew that is a long list, so let me see if I can help.
The suggested combination of programs I can give is as follows:
Avast
SuperAntiSpyware
MBAM
Comodo Firewall

Never run more then one AV or Firewall at one time. This will cause false positive readings and in the case of firewalls it can stop or completely shutdown your internet.
As far as drivers some of them are loaded through the OS when you installed.
The best way to update drivers is to go to the Device manager and right click on the device you want to check for drivers. One of the options will be to update driver.
Then allow the update to check the web for newer drivers. This will download and install the newest driver out there if found.
Let me know if there are more questions I can answer for you.

[NomDeKeyz]

Whoosh-Ka-La!
You posted before I finished my edit! That's FaSt!

So, Basically, your recommending what I was thinking of, minus a few things?
Why would you not recommend SpywareBlaster, SpywareGuard, All-Seeing Eye or
'something for rootkits'?

I didn't exactly understand the need for the ones you did not recommend, so
I would happily shorten my list if you think I can run fewer protections...
I HATE having more on my computer than I need/use. I like when less is more.
I am just afraid of another infection that leaves me reformatting again; tho,
admittedly, next time I will know how to reformat and it will be easier, thanks
to some very awesome volunteers who created a great site full of tips and info.

In case this helps you determine what I might need, I mostly visit Elderscrolls
modding sites, Health sites, Home repair sites, and Computer info sites (lately).
I mostly DL Mods in various compressed formats, and the occasional freeware tool.
CCleaner is my favorite free tool, and what led me to this site. Thanks again ^.~
___________________________________________________________________________________

I will return tonight after I have had a chance to DL SUPERAntiSpyware, Comodo and
my new/updated drivers (If they need updating). Thanx for the driver direction!
Updating drivers sounds much easier than I thought it would be. YipeeE! ~NomDeKeyz

Edited by NomDeKeyz, 16 October 2009 - 10:07 AM.

[rshaffer61]

The others will only duplicate the work of SuperAntioSpyware.
The nice thing about Avast and MBAM is that before opening any file you may download you can right click on that file and run the Avast on it then repeat and run MBAM. This should ensure at that point the file is safe to open. I suggest you do this with everything you DL so that it becomes automatic.
Also it does not hurt to visit back here and do a Checkup with the Malware Techs to just make sure your system does not have any hidden infection.
No program is going to be 100% as there are just to many new virus's being created.
I hope this answers your questions and again don't be afraid to ask anything as that is why we are here.
Make sure to disable windows firewall before enabling Comodo
Do this after downloading it so that you can be assured you are safe. Just a suggestion you may want to disconnect from the internet for the time it takes while you are without a firewall.

[NomDeKeyz]

OK, so I have DLed, installed, and run avast!, MBAM, and SUPERAntiSpyware.
I have DLed Comodo firewall + antivirus, but I have not yet run the installer.
I hesitated because I had a concern/confusion over its dual-program pakaging.

If I run the installer, will I be installing both the firewall and the antivirus?
OR, do I get an option during the installation process allowing me a choice?
As you pointed out, I should only use one firewall and antivirus at a time.
Sorry for my noobish trepidation...

I won't forget to disable the windows firewall before installing Comodo ^.~
I assume that Control Panel>Windows Firewall>Off>OK is all there is to it.
And, I won't forget to disable my wireless connection during this process.
______________________________________________________________________________

YaY! I updated my drivers! Thankyou for the direction, it was a breeze! ^.^

There was one driver that windows couldn't update; is this cause for concern?
It was listed under Other devices (with a yellow question mark), it was labeled
RAID Controller (with a yellow question-mark and exclamation mark). Any idea?

Edited by NomDeKeyz, 17 October 2009 - 04:55 AM.

[rshaffer61]

Only load firewall for Comodo
You don't need the antivirus that it has.
Raid controller would be one of the controllers on your motherboard must be set to raid.
I am taking it this is a newer system with SATA hard drives?
If so that is where the problem is. One of the controllers is the bios is set for raid instead of IDE.

[NomDeKeyz]

ThAnKyOu!
My Computer is more protected than it has ever been.
My drivers are more attended to than they have ever been.
I will look into my BIOS settings with the help of a friend,
and hopefully we can get that sorted out. Thanx again!

Edited by NomDeKeyz, 17 October 2009 - 03:14 PM.

[rshaffer61]

Make sure you have auto updates turned on so that you get all the critical updates from Microsoft to help even more in protecting your system.

[NomDeKeyz]

When I turn on my computer, I update everything (unless in a rush, which is very rare).
I let updates run and install while I do house chores, so I never get impatient with it.
I also run scans/defrag/similar when cooking, again preventing impatience on my part.
I plan on updating my drivers every couple of months, scanning for malware every week,
defragging my C-drive every month or two and after any big changes in my program list.
I disconnect from the internet whenever I am not actually using it, and I close as many
background programs down(including malware protection)when I am playing offline games.
Oh, and I also open my computer up to 'dust' it and make sure that everything looks ok
every couple of months (not that I necessarily know what to look for when checking, lol).

If there is anything I should add/change to my general computer routine, let me know.

Edited by NomDeKeyz, 17 October 2009 - 06:36 PM.

[rshaffer61]

Sounds like you have a very proactive approach to computer health.
It is nice to see someone who takes such a genuine interest in keeping their system healthy and clean.
Thank you