Best Security for New Desktop PC

Cactus.Flower · Feb 28, 2009

Hi Folks! :wave

It's been quite a few years since I've visited Major Geeks - since 2003! It's nice to be back here and request some much needed advice. I am an advanced end user, but need the help of a malware expert in helping me set up security software on my new desktop PC for home use.

Until now, I have been limping along on an archaic tower I purchased back in early 2000 - when Microsoft ME was the OS of the day, the latest chip was Intel Pentium III and the processor speed was 733 MHz. Yep - it has served me well for almost 10 years, but I have been LONG overdue for an upgrade. SOOOOOoooooo, I was finally able to afford to get a new state-of-the-art desktop PC. YAY! :dancer This is where I can really use the assistance of a security geek.

This weekend, I will be hooking up the new PC, and I'd like to purchase the best security software. I've been doing quite a bit of research and reading a number of reviews, but they all have strengths & weaknesses. So I am considering downloading the strongest components from each manufacturer - such as Avira Antivir Personal Antivirus, maybe Zone Alarm Firewall or Online Armor and top rated spyware utilities. Can an expert in security software recommend the best components to download that will run efficiently & compatibly on my new desktop and provide me with maximum protection?

New specs include: Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33 GHz 4M 1333 Processor, 1T hard drive (two 500 GB 7200RPM 3G SATA II hard drives with RAID 0), Windows Vista Business, & 4 GB DDR2 PC6400 800MHz Dual Channel (1GB x 4).

Thank you in advance for your prompt feedback. It's greatly appreciated!

chaslang · Mar 1, 2009

Try the below setup:

First make sure you uninstall all the junk that your PC manufacturer may have installed. Most of them install a pile of stuff you don't want on your PC.

Now install Comodo Internet Security which includes a firewall and an antivirus.

Now install SpyBot-Search & Destroy

Use the Immunize feature.

Use SDHelper which integrate into Internet Explorer to block your browser from downloading bad programs from known malware sites.

DO NOT allow it to use/activate Teatimer. Uncheck it during the installation.

Now install SpyWare Blaster After installing it, click Download Latest Protection Updates, Check for Updates, and then Enable All Protection, then exit. SpywareBlaster is not a malware scanner or removal tool and uses no system resources except a little disk space. It does a great job of preventing malware from being installed in the first place! It blocks the popular spyware ActiveX controls, and also prevents the installation of any of them from malicious websites.

You already have Windows Defender installed with Vista for antispyare protection. Make sure you keep it updated.

Let us know how this works for you.

Cactus.Flower · Mar 2, 2009

Thank you, chaslang, for your response. I actually had the downgrade to XP included in the configuration. It was recommended by Systemax. When I booted up the machine, XP is what appeared. I would imagine your feedback below is just as appropriate for XP as it is for Vista. I'll certainly follow your recommendations and see how it goes.

Just as an FYI - I was using Avira Antivir and Spyware Blaster on the old machine and it worked really well. But I thought I would ask for feedback on any new security software that has proven to be effective since I've been out of the loop in recent years.

Thanks again.

chaslang · Mar 4, 2009

You're welcome.

Cactus.Flower said: ↑

I would imagine your feedback below is just as appropriate for XP as it is for Vista.
Click to expand...

Not completely. Windows Defender is not very good in XP. For Vista it is better but still not great. You need a realtime antispyware blocking tool which Spyware Blaster and Spybot (without Teatimer) do not provide. I suggest you purchase SUPERAntiSpyware. You only get realtime protection if you purchase it.

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Best Security for New Desktop PC

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chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

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Best Security for New Desktop PC

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