I have avast for my anti virus and zone alarm for my firewall. I also just downloaded mvps HOSTS file which I had never heard of before. I added adblocker plus to Firefox which actual blocks the add for kapersky and malwarebytes from this site. Maybe it was spyware warrior that had those adds I cant remember now. I also have a Router Firewall set up. Is there anything else I should add?
Stress Removal
Please review my anti Malware setup
3 min read
Sludge3000
Hello gsmith2885,
I haven't tried adblocker for firefox but I do run the No-Script add on which helps to stop various cookies from ending up on your machine as well as other hidden scripts running. It is available to download from Here. Their website can be found Here.
I would also highly recommend WinPatrol from BillP Studios. You can get both a free and paid for version. This tool can be used to investigate what's running on your machine as well as various issue you may come across. Bill's website can be found Here
Sludge3000
Edit: Almost forgot Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware. I find this most useful as a free on demand scanner to run every now and again just to check if my AV missed anything. It can be downloaded from their website Here
Apart from that, you have good foundations of a layered security system which will help protect you against threats online. But remember, not all protection is 100% effective.
I haven't tried adblocker for firefox but I do run the No-Script add on which helps to stop various cookies from ending up on your machine as well as other hidden scripts running. It is available to download from Here. Their website can be found Here.
I would also highly recommend WinPatrol from BillP Studios. You can get both a free and paid for version. This tool can be used to investigate what's running on your machine as well as various issue you may come across. Bill's website can be found Here
Sludge3000
Edit: Almost forgot Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware. I find this most useful as a free on demand scanner to run every now and again just to check if my AV missed anything. It can be downloaded from their website Here
Apart from that, you have good foundations of a layered security system which will help protect you against threats online. But remember, not all protection is 100% effective.
I actually for got to mention malware bytes and win patrol. I have both. I will check out the No Script add on thanks for the advice.
Sludge3000
"gsmith2885" wrote:thanks for the advice.
You're welcome
Haider
Sorry for jumping in - as a rule of thumb try as much as you can "use limited user account while on Internet"
Gary R
As a rule of thumb, try not to have 2 security programs on your computer that do the same job. They don't add any extra security and they may conflict with each other and cause problems.
If you already have MBAM, I would therefore not recommend you install SAS as well. The only thing that the free version of SAS would add that the free version of MBAM doesn't have is RTP (real time protection), but IMO that is offset by the better detection and removal facilities of MBAM.
Sandboxing is an effective technique if it is set up correctly by someone who understands it, but IMO it leads many people into having a false idea of their own security, and many people using sandboxing programs feel they can surf without a firewall or AV. This is wrong on a number of levels, and all I'll say is if you want to add a sandbox to your defences that's fine, but don't think it means you don't need your other defensive programs.
If you already have MBAM, I would therefore not recommend you install SAS as well. The only thing that the free version of SAS would add that the free version of MBAM doesn't have is RTP (real time protection), but IMO that is offset by the better detection and removal facilities of MBAM.
Sandboxing is an effective technique if it is set up correctly by someone who understands it, but IMO it leads many people into having a false idea of their own security, and many people using sandboxing programs feel they can surf without a firewall or AV. This is wrong on a number of levels, and all I'll say is if you want to add a sandbox to your defences that's fine, but don't think it means you don't need your other defensive programs.
askey127
To follow up on that note, at least make certain your ZoneAlarm does not have a built-in Antivirus. That would not play well with Avast.
In addition, with Zone Alarm being partnered with ask.com, the ZA toolbar may give misleading advice or redirects.
As of right now, in my opinion, the Online Armor free firewall is better. It's here : http://www.online-armor.com/downloads.php
It's a subject of discussion whether a separate firewall is necessary or whether the Windows firewall is adequate for stationary desktop systems behind a NAT router.
In addition, with Zone Alarm being partnered with ask.com, the ZA toolbar may give misleading advice or redirects.
As of right now, in my opinion, the Online Armor free firewall is better. It's here : http://www.online-armor.com/downloads.php
It's a subject of discussion whether a separate firewall is necessary or whether the Windows firewall is adequate for stationary desktop systems behind a NAT router.