I've finally got my computer working again and I don't want to mess it up Help!

My computer had been taken over by spyware so bad I couldn't use it. It also had a virus. I had downloaded AVG, AdAware, SpyBot and Spy Sweeper. They would find alot of stuff every time I would run them. I finally got tired of trying to fix this problem myself and took the machine in to be wiped out. It works great now but I'm afraid to go anywhere in case I pick up all that stuff again.
So far I've downloaded AVG and Ad Aware. What I really want ot know is what is the best program for keeping them off? Also should I avoid opening all attachments in my email? Probably the things I like to do on the computer is what got me into trouble. I like to do reward programs, mypoints, pch etc.
I also like to enter contests. Do I need to quit these? I hope this post is ok this is my first but I'm am so thrilled to find a board that can answer your computer questions.
Thank you.

 

Alright first off I the best programs besides AVG and adaware are Spybot:

http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2471

And also Spyware Blaster which actually blocks spyware and adware from getting on your computer in the first place.

http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2859

Secondly, only open attachments in your email from people you know. Don't just go opening any old attachment, that is the worst thing you could possibly do. Last, I wouldn't enter the reward programs and contests unless its a trusted site and they are like a trusted company. For instance, don't just go clicking on a random banner ad that says "Click here to win!" type of thing. They are usually bad. Along with all that I would also make sure you visit www.windowsupdate.com and download all the updates there. Also make sure that you have the latest updates for every antivirus and antispyware programs like the ones I just told you to download.

 

Thanks I will download Spybot again and Spyware Blaster sounds like just what I was looking for. I would never open an attachment from someone I didn't know but I am just so paranoid about it now that I'm not wanting to open one from anyone. Can't you pick up things from the silly email that has been around to everyone in the country. I find that when I open them it's usually something I've seen anyway.
As far as the reward programs, I don't know if you realize how they work. You get points for clicking on websites through email and on their sites. I only enter contests through legitimate companies .Thanks again for the help.

 

If you want to be cautious this is what I do. I tell everyone I know that if they want to send me an attachment then they have to tell me first like on the phone or something. This way I positively know its from them.

I know what the rewards programs are but some of those will put like tracking cookies and data miners on your computer. If you want to test it out, just scan your computer and make sure its clean, then go to one of the rewards links and then wait like 10 minutes and then run the scans again. This is always a good way to check if they have spyware or not.

 

When I downloaded Spyware Blaster after everthing had downloaded I got this

Cannot find import;DLL maybe missing corrupt, or wrong version. File MSVBVM60.DLL error 1157
What do I need to do now?

 

Try uninstalling it and then downloading it again, but when you go to download it off majorgeeks.com pick a different location to download it from. Also make sure that it is compatible with your operating system.

 

Here's a link to why and how to fix the error message your getting.

http://www.javacoolsoftware.info/kb/idx/2/002/article/

Also, if your using IE, install firefox and give it a try. You won't be dissapointed

 

Thanks, I'll give this a try later today can't wait to see if it works.

 

Oops, just noticed I quoted the wrong post in my previous reply. Sorry bout that.

 

Thank both of you for your help. I now have Spyware Blaster installed. Do I understand right that there is nothing to scan on this like adaware & spybot? I just check it for updates right?
Thanks again!

 

Correct, all spyware blaster is, is a protector type thingy. It prevents anything from getting on the computer. Then if one does, spybot and adaware get rid of them.

:: I would also second that you download firefox. It's faster, and more secure than IE.