What type of protection can a person put on their home computer to prevent uninvited malware, postings, phishing, etc.?
I'm looking to get, from Comcast or another provider, something to download that will protect my computer from downloading unwanted junk, emails, background files that prevent and slow down my computer while on the web. Is there a software or service that can alert me to something that is only interesting in getting on my computer to sell me something every time I click
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Feb 13, 2020
Antivirus software protects your device from viruses that can destroy your data, slow down or crash your device, or allow spammers to send email through your account. Antivirus protection scans your files and your incoming email for viruses, and then deletes anything malicious.
Mar 23, 2018
Hi friends,
According to me, avast antivirus is more protective for a home device. I also use this antivirus and I know it is capable of the fight against viruses and protecting your computer data: https://babasupport.org/apple/itunes-tech-support-number/309.
Sep 9, 2014
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May 10, 2014
Comcast provides Norton Security Suite fee of charge to their Internet subscribers. Search for it after you login to their site.
I use Malbytes for the anti malware.
Apr 8, 2014
Answers are good. Paying for the coverage garners about another 5% of possible malware/viruses, so I use free stuff:
*AVG Antivirus
*Spybot Adware
*Malwarebytes
This last one is excellent; has Windows safe mode capability, so once infected you can use this to get about anything. Keep updates current.
Apr 7, 2014
Lets focus on your needs. You want increased security. You have been installing software to solve the problem. It has not worked. Try a fresh approach. Rather than pushing on a string by loading and reloading countness software updates, deal with it at a new layer. How about the whole house? Just like a basic utility, like water. Security as a service as it were. That is the way to dramatically reduce the quantity of unwanted junk, emails, background files that prevent successful app execution and slow sown your computer while on the web. #liberteks
Apr 5, 2014
There is no single product that at the moment gives you full protection.
You need to have a combination of protection installed.
Installing it is insufficient, once installed it needs to be updated and scanned on a regular basis.
I recommend allocating about half an hour weekly to checking and updating all your security.
1 - A Good uninvasive Anti*-Virus Although FREE anti virus programmes are ok you will get better protection with a paid version of the same.
Norton and McAfee are very memory hungry so can cause older PC's to slow down dramatically.
As well as ant virus I recommend a good Spyware removal programme like Spybot or MalwareBytes but once installed these need to be regularly updated and scanned to stay protected.
Lastly Windows update need to be run regularly as automatic update miss many vital updates
Apr 5, 2014
Kaspersky is the best product for home PCs which also does not slow down the processing much like Norton.
Apr 4, 2014
I can recommend two freeware solutions which have kept me safe for years: ZoneAlarm firewall from www.zonelabs.com and Spybot Search & Destroy from http://www.safer-networking.org/dl/. They are super lightweight (unlike Norton and McAfee programs) and seemingly very effective.
Apr 4, 2014
Hello Martin,
There are a few schools of thought on this, but I think we need to know more about your environment before we recommend some of the bloatware and/or magical diet pills that I am reading above. What you need to consider is that what works for others may cripple yourself or leave your door wide open for invaders considering the type of user you are.
1. Is this a home or work PC and do you share it with family members? (are any of them kids?)
2. What are you running for an OS? (and do you do your OS Updates?)
3. What protection do you currently use?
4. Do you use limewire, bear share, or any of the other media downloading programs?
5. What are you using for an email client (Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows Mail, Thunderbird etc.)
6. Are you on a network? (are there multiple computers at your location)
7. Do you consider yourself to be a power user, are you comfortable and familiar working with some of the more advanced features of your operating system?
Looking forward to your answer
Apr 3, 2014
Hi Martin,
You can follow some points which can help you to get answer of your question:
Keep your operating system (eg. Windows, Mac OS-X) and your internet browser software up to date
Keep your computer updated with the latest anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Also use a good firewall
Use reputable pop-up blocker software to avoid 'pop-ups' or 'pop-unders' on your computer
Use strong passwords for online accounts, e-commerce and Wi-Fi networks
Avoid questionable websites and content
Never click on the links within spam email
Never open email attachments unless you can verify the sender and you trust them
Never click on pop-up alerts! Don't even click on the cross to delete the pop-up alert as this may result in getting more pop-ups. Instead, close your browser application
Never rely on the contact details provided in a pop-up message, spam email or suspect email. Instead, find your anti-virus vendor's contact details through an internet search
Thanks.
Aspire
Apr 3, 2014
There's nothing like a perfect system that won't encounter malwares or security threats as long as its on a network but there are some measures you could take to reduce it such as:
- Have an anti-virus program on your system. Make sure its a licensed version or upgrade the trial version so you could make use of all its features and scan your system regularly.
- Make sure your windows updates periodically.
- Ensure you de-fragment your hard disk & scan your hard disk when you notice your system becomes slow.
- I'll also recommend purchasing tune up utilities software. Its very effective for system maintenance. Use it very often.
I hope these ideas gives you your desired result.
All the best.
Apr 3, 2014
There are a few options (after following your judgements in downloading/clicking contents/files from web):
1. Install Antivirus software such AVG which can do a quite a lot of checks, shielding, cleanup infections, etc. Configure firewall (if not already) on your computer.
2. Use Mizolla Firefox - https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/plugincheck/: This does quite a few checks and recommends actions to prevent vulnerabilities
3. Use special vulnerability prevention software to check software packages/updates installed on your PC and other settings/configurations - http://www.secpod.com/saner-personal.html
Apr 3, 2014
There are some really great software services out there that are free which have options to buy. I personally recommend these; www.piriform.com which has a free software that will do what you want but you have to manually clean after each use; the paid version will clean automatically...it's called CCleaner. Another really great software is System Mechanic - they recently upgraded their software to also carry virus protection. Another great tool is Spyware Search and Destroy which can be downloaded from CNET. It's free but it also has a paid version too. Great for doing what you need; it does have an auto feature you can set up under the free version. Those are three I can recommend that you can try. Also, remember that on your computer, you also have Windows Defender aka Bit Defender - built in. It is a great tool as well. Defender has come out with some great software too and has great ratings that you can find in PC World. Hope this helps.
Apr 3, 2014
A "real" not enterprise firewall with enterprise features can help. We sell one that is fantastic for $475. But if you don't want to spend that much I agree with Laura windows firewall can help but be careful you could block ports you want open. Toolbar downloads are a great way for malware to hitch a ride.
There is also zonealarm from the makers of checkpoint an enterprise firewall vendor.http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-pc-security-free-firewall.htm Its a software firewall.
Malwarebytes is another one.
Good luck!
Apr 3, 2014
I renewed my Norton SW and so far things look to be running okay. This gives me comfort for the time being but I look forward to reading a few of your suggestions below. I have the old computer on my desk and look forward to try and getting one of my three computers covered so that I can use the old PC to do any downloads in the future. You (collectively) covered a lot of good ideas and I will look forward to making a comment to engage you. Thanks again.
Apr 3, 2014
For the most part the Windows Shield that comes with Windows 8 is good enough. Free AVG has worked very well for me although with an older computer I've bought their PC Tuneup to supplement it, and AVG's internet Security (also paid) does a good job of alerting you to typical phishing mail and known bad-actor websites.
But for the most part all that extra stuff is self-inflicted - quit clicking on all that rubbish. As you say, the only reason they want you to click on it is to sell you something or drop something on your computer. So don't.
One area to be aware of is ALWAYS check the "advanced" or "custom" setup for anything you install as the latest thing is to hide a bunch of annoying ride-along software (like the ASK toolbar) in the "Standard Install" option.
See also my tweet (@dbrownpm) about getting rid of a spyware hiding on your Google search page.