Looking for Recommendations:

Hello:

I am looking for links to reviews or any recommendations for FREE versions of the following:

1. Anti-Virus
2. Anti-Spyware
3. Firewall
4. Anti-Rootkit (do I really need this btw?)

I use Windows Vista SP1 and am currently using AVG (used to use Avast), Windows Defender, and Windows Firewall. I am certain that I can do better for the last two items; but it has been awhile since I tried researching any of this.

I am primarily interested in system performance/low overhead as this will be installed on a 'gaming' computer that I only do 'low risk' stuff with.

Thanks!

 

Hi!
Here's what I run on my personal home PC:
Active real-time virus protection: Avira's AntiVir http://www.majorgeeks.com/AntiVir_Personal_Edition_8_d955.html
Active real-time spyware/adware/malware protection: Comodo BOclean http://www.majorgeeks.com/Comodo_BOClean_Anti-Malware_d5616.html
Firewall: Online Armor http://www.majorgeeks.com/Online_Armor_Free_d4872.html (in addition to the weak Windows XP built-in firewall)
Browser protection for Internet Explorer: Browser Hijack Retaliator (BHR4.5) http://www.majorgeeks.com/Browser_Hijack_Retaliator_d4582.html
I also do a regular cleaning of the hard drive junk files and temp files. I run CCleaner every 1-3 days depending on my PC usage, and I run CleanUp! every 5-10 days or so.
CCleaner http://www.majorgeeks.com/CCleaner_Slim_No_Toolbar_d4191.html
CleanUp! http://www.majorgeeks.com/CleanUp_d4895.html

I think one of the best ways you can protect yourself online is to surf smart!!! All of the firewalls and virus killers in the world can't protect you from yourself (or from the actions of other folks in your home who use your PC). In addition to using safe and smart surfing habits, another really good (and really easy) way to stay safe is to NOT use Internet Explorer. I use Firefox 90% of the time, and Opera the other 10% of the time. I know what some folks are thinking: "Why run BHR if you don't use IE?" A valid question. I like it. That's my answer. It uses up no resources, runs quietly in the background, and offers a layer of protection. I do use the IE favorites from Firefox, and BHR protects the IE favorites from hijackers. I have never had a full blown infection on my home PC; NEVER. I attribute this to smart and safe surfing, and the ability to recognize malware when it strikes, and the ability to stop the malware if it somehow gets through my active protection (which has only happened once, and it never got a solid grip on anything and was removed pronto!). Understanding what your security programs are telling you is also important. Keeping everything updated (including Windows) is very important too. For more info about safe surfing, and recommended programs of all types, check out these links:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=106657
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=26948
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=25834
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=106650
Yeah, I know.... "You expect me to read all of those articles?!?!?" Not really. Just check 'em out, and read the ones that are the most fitting for your situation and for your level of PC savviness....

Good luck!!! I hope this helps!

[dlb]
:major

(oh yeah- another quality firewall type of program is Dynamic Security Agent, or DSA. It's similar to online armor in that it's a firewall and a whole lot more. And DSA is free also. If interested, here's the link: http://www.privacyware.com/dynamic_security_agent.html)

 

I appreciate the recommendations, and I like that there was some agreement in them as well.

Thanks!