Expert: James Filmer - 11/26/2011

Question
Hi James, I am using Windows 7 and Firefox 8. Today I clicked on an email about a package being held for me by a Canadian shipping company ... and received a bucketload of Java exploits for my trouble. I shut down the browser within minutes, but my system was almost undefended. I do not use antivirus software. The only protective software that I had been running was "Windows defender".

I found and installed "Microsoft Security Essentials". A full scan revealed and fixed many java exploits. Plus I downloaded all the Windows updates that I had been avoiding.

I have used "add/remove programs" to take Java off my system, and I disabled the Java browser plugins.

My question is, now that I have done all that, is it safe to visit my favorite password-protected sites again? Do I need to wipe/reinstall my operating system to be sure, or did I "get religion" in time? Is there anything else that I should do?

Thank you :)

Answer
HI Jim,
Please review the following, pick one and install. If you don't like something about it, you can remove and test another. You should always have anti-virus protection. There's no substitute for it. Must have it on the Internet. Others deal with some viruses, but mostly spyware, trojans, general malware, adware..
http://antivirus.about.com/od/freeantivirussoftware/tp/freeantivirus.htm
but techsupportalert.com, cnet.com, and pcmag.com also have good reviews.
Remember to keep it updated. Let me know how it works out.