Computer Security & Viruses/Avast
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Question
Hi - I don't know a whole lot about internet security. I've used Norton and McAfee in the past. I've had several people tell me to use the free version of Avast, which I have downloaded. Can you tell me if I need anything else besides the Avast? I'm wondering if Avast covers everything - spyware, virus scanning, personal firewall, anti spam, etc. Do you recommend I download anything in addition to the Avast? If so, what? Thanks for your advice!
The free version has antispyware, anti-rootkit protection and secures e-mail and chats, but it's primarily an antivirus program.
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You should also be using a personal firewall: Windows Firewall, Sunbelt or Online-Armor
There are some others too. See Home PC Firewall Reviews on Enrgy21.com's home page and Computer Tip 14: http://enrgy21.com/computertips.html
About antispyware software, even though Avast does include that protection, but you shouldn't think that one antispyware program will detect and remove all threats. I'd go with Spybot S&D, and at least one, or even 2 other programs. Window Defender is one. Others are a-squared, Malwarebytes, Ad-Aware, Mamutu and Superantispyware (all on Enrgy21.com - there because of their quality free and free-trial versions).
If you want to check reviews, there are lots of them if you use a search engine (best antispyware for example), but Gizmo's Freeware - Techsupportalert.com (enrgy21.com/sitetools has a link) and Ask Leo! Notenboom Tech Questions (enrgy21 home page) are excellent info.
And: http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/lockdownyourpc/a/antispyware.htm is excellent too.
Antispam protection is something different. There are quite a few links to excellent sites on this subject (enrgy21.com home page), and also a few safe reviews like this one: http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,2806,4795,00.asp If you're having a problem with Spam, I suggest you learn more about what you can do without (and with) a spam blocker program.
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Computer Security & Viruses
Answers by Expert:
James Filmer
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Internet access problems, slow systems, application and system instability, network abuse, Spam, hacking, rootkits, trojans, viruses, Firewalls, layered security configurations, system maintenance support and general troubleshooting.
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