Security Software

[disturb]

what are some softwares that are a must have for security and performance on my computer.

[disturb]

what are some softwares that are a must have for security and performance on my computer.

[Spyder32]

Well, some spyware protection, AV software, Firewall's, maybe a proxy.. Just to name a few? Check out downloads.com for some good PC protection and maintenence tool's.

[Spyder32]

Well, some spyware protection, AV software, Firewall's, maybe a proxy.. Just to name a few? Check out downloads.com for some good PC protection and maintenence tool's.

[AngelicKnight]

Check out the tutorials. Personally, this is my basic defense, which has served me well:

ZoneAlarm Firewall
Avast! Antivirus
Spybot S&D
Adaware
Spyware Blaster
Spyware Guard
AntiOnline

All FREE I might add.

There's more hardcore stuff out there though. First thing's first: make sure you have all the latest Windows updates and that unnecessary services (namely WINDOWS MESSENGER!) are shutdown.

[AngelicKnight]

Check out the tutorials. Personally, this is my basic defense, which has served me well:

ZoneAlarm Firewall
Avast! Antivirus
Spybot S&D
Adaware
Spyware Blaster
Spyware Guard
AntiOnline

All FREE I might add.

There's more hardcore stuff out there though. First thing's first: make sure you have all the latest Windows updates and that unnecessary services (namely WINDOWS MESSENGER!) are shutdown.

[MrLinus]

Hrmm.. I think this has been answered a few times and it is a bit broad and subjective. Depending on what you define as "security" I'd narrow some of it (IMHO) to the following (generic and specific):

• Windows
  - some kind of Anti-Virus
  - adware/spyware detection tool
  - trojan detection tool
  - firewall (may be on another machine/hardware based)
  - intrusion detection (may be on another machine)
  - auditing tools (retina, nmap, other scanners)
  - backup software/plan

• Unix/Linux
  - host-based IDS
  - trojan detection
  - firewall (may be on another machine)
  - auditing tools (nmap, nessus, ettercap, netstat, etc.)
  - backup software/plan

That all said, the best security tools is the human brain.

Edit: added backups to both lists

[MrLinus]

Hrmm.. I think this has been answered a few times and it is a bit broad and subjective. Depending on what you define as "security" I'd narrow some of it (IMHO) to the following (generic and specific):

• Windows
  - some kind of Anti-Virus
  - adware/spyware detection tool
  - trojan detection tool
  - firewall (may be on another machine/hardware based)
  - intrusion detection (may be on another machine)
  - auditing tools (retina, nmap, other scanners)
  - backup software/plan

• Unix/Linux
  - host-based IDS
  - trojan detection
  - firewall (may be on another machine)
  - auditing tools (nmap, nessus, ettercap, netstat, etc.)
  - backup software/plan

That all said, the best security tools is the human brain.

Edit: added backups to both lists

[AngelicKnight]

Actually, the best defense is to kidnap MsMittens and make her guard your computer for you.

[AngelicKnight]

Actually, the best defense is to kidnap MsMittens and make her guard your computer for you.