I see a lot of posts and get a lot of PMs from folks regarding basic computer issues, so I figured I'd throw this up real quick and help some people out who might not know how to effectively protect their computers against malware (viruses, spyware, etc.), phishing/data-mining, and other intrusions. It's really quite simple:Step 1: Get protected. I recommend a combination of one of the following anti-spyware programs along with a solid general security suite (see below):
1.) SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition -or- Malwarebytes Free Edition
These programs are extremely effective and there is really no need to purchase the full suite for either program, as the only real benefit is real-time scanning with the full versions. If they are used properly and as needed, real-time protection (i.e. 24/7 monitoring of your PC by the program) is generally unnecessary. For the record, I feel that SAS is a more "complete" program as it stands and I personally use SAS Pro over Malwarebytes Pro, but it also requires a bit of tweaking that less experienced computer users might not understand how to do. Malwarebytes is what I install on most of my clients’ computers because it is pretty much “idiot-proof” and also auto-saves a log that can be quite helpful in rooting out the more difficult-to-remove infections.
2.) Microsoft Security Essentials (free) –or- ESET Smart Security aka NOD32 Professional ($$$$)
Truth be told, MSE is one of the first products from Microsoft since XP Pro that I actually can put my full support behind. VERY effective program, completely free, and easy to install, configure, and integrate into Windows’ built-in security package.
However, if you have the money (not sure how much it is now, but it ain’t real cheap), there is no better general protection than ESET’s Smart Security suite, which includes the extremely powerful NOD32 anti-virus package. This is really something you will find more helpful in managing protection for several networked computers, such as in a small business environment, than you will on your own home computer. I will go so far as to say that unless you’re downloading and browsing some pretty gnarly shit on a regular basis, NOD32 Pro is a little unnecessary.
Step 2: Change your habits.
-Stop downloading on P2P networks that are not private torrent sites. Limewire/Frostwire/Bearshare -- all of these are just about insta-death for your PC in terms of the malware you WILL get from these types of programs.
-Stop downloading pirated movies/tv shows/porn. It is very easy to find high quality, streaming versions of just about everything you could ever want (short of video games, but if you're pirating that, you probably already have some clue what you're doing and I won't really comment) that do not carry as high of a risk of infecting your system as actually downloading these types of files does. That is not to say that using streaming sites is in any way "safe" -- use your head. I know there isn't anything more uncommon than common sense, but really -- it does apply here.
-Consider putting an ad-blocking extension on your browser. Both Firefox and Chrome have excellent anti-advertisement protection suites called AdBlock that are extremely effective and, best of all, completely free. If you don't do this, then learn what NOT to click on questionable sites. Advertisements (especially Flash-based advertisements) are like internet land mines on certain unsavory sites. Be careful, use your head.
Will add more to this shortly, but one caveat: please don’t “acquire” security suites online, even through “safe” networks such as private torrent sites. Believe me, it ain’t an ethical quandary – it’s just plain silly to pirate something that is built to root into your computer and have full access to every file on the system (and the network).
Feel free to post any questions or additional suggestions.
Hope this helps a few people.
