Nice guide you got there, Luna. I'm a little surprised that no-one has mentioned Avast! anti-virus. It's one of the best free AV programs out there (there is also a pro version available, but isn't free). The detections are updated sometimes 2 times per day. I have been using it for a long time now and I can say it's a really good product.

Although it's ranked 21st in that list, it's still a good option.

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Ah. I've got one question. I heard there used to be a lot of Spybot/Adaware installers which were total shite, and all they did was install more viruses on your computer. Is this true?

Well I've never tried any "shitty" ones so I can't say for sure but I wouldn't be surprise if some people took the time to make small programs that are suppose to get rid of spywares but installs crap instead.

Is it possible for a router or modem to have a virus? i connected my router and modem to my computer after it got reformatted and came up with a virus then i put the router and modem on my sisters computer and the same virus came up instantly. If there is a virus in the modem or router is there a way of fixing it? Thanks

What virus is it? The only ones that I can think of that can attack a PC right away would be the Sasser and the other one that is similar to Sasser. They'll infect any PC that is connected to the web and isn't patched yet.

I'm patched I think it's my Norton. Without it, I'd have many nasty viruses. Alcra.B seems to love my computer, too.

First off, Windows has a tendency to degrade its self in a timeframe of 6-12 months. Every time you move, copy, or delete a file, it leaves short cuts all over the place that the system can't seem to help but try to find these files without you even knowing it. Thus helping to "bogg" down your performance. Me Personally, I reinstall windows every 6-12 months. (especially if I have been installing and uninstalling a lot of programs)

Norton System works, will help you clean your registry, Defrag your harddrive correctly, if you have professional it will include ghost for backups.

System restore is garbage, but you can't turn it off because it will throw a fit. I would recommend setting it to 1%. If your serious about saving your data, invest the money in somthing like Norton Ghost. Store this image of your Harddrive on a DVD or another drive if possible.

Now, I used to Use Internet Explorer. But I also had to use Norton Anti-Virus, lavasoft Ad-Aware, and Panicware Pop-up Stopper. This is how I kept my computer clean.(this was also really really annoying.)

For the Last 4 months I have been using Mozzilla FireFox 1.5. Since then I haven't had to use my pop-up stopper, Ad-Aware, and NAV hasn't told me that anything is trying to attack my system.

I would have to say that about 98% of all Viruses, Spyware, Worms, and Tojan Horses are desigined for MS Windows Internet Explorer. Thus explaining why NAV as kept quiet.

I'm going to leave everybody with some good browsing tips. Stay away from filesharing sites, and Porn Sites because this is where the majority of these little bastards are hiding.

Before you close your browser, go to a general search site IE: Yahoo, MSN, Google. Clear your Tempory Internet Files, Cookies, and history. Some malicious files will remain dormant in your caches, untill a later date. Cookies are good if they are used correctly. (this site uses them to help your browser remember where you are in your journey) but other sites can use them to track how, where, when, what, and why you were online. This is why I clear my cookies.

Having multiple protection programs running in the back ground will noticably slow your computer because they are scanning every single file passing through. IE, NAV, McAfee, Ad-Aware, and so forth. (this pulls from your processor power)

Do the simple thing. Make sure Windows is updated, Use FireFox, and keep a Anti-Virus Handy for scanning files comming across the network, and email.



Comments, Good or Bad. let me know.

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.................................................. ........Freeloader Joe on Myspace Cadillac Rock Box on Myspace

That's bullshit. Most of the times you get a virus from actually DOWNLOADING a file, not just browsing a website. You'll still get the virus on Firefox, Netscape or whatever else browser you're using from the same file. Virus don't suddenly appear on your PC because you went on a website. It's a little more true for spywares because of those annoying windows asking you to install stuff on IE. Just learn to say NO once in a while.

Weird I visit both of these types of site and never got a virus from them. But since you think that just browsing a site get you viruses, I can understand why you blame those type of sites. Use your head when you go online and you won't get any viruses. Don't click on everything and when asked to download a file ask yourself this: "Did I ask to download this file?". If the answer is no, then don't download it.

So much red in your post

whats that thing called?? oh yea, Temporary Internet Files. Isn't that where your computer DOWNLOADS webpages for cacheing?

hmmm....interesting.

I won't use red no more. But thanks for your input.

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.................................................. ........Freeloader Joe on Myspace Cadillac Rock Box on Myspace