[axkman]

So far as computers are concerned, I'm a fairly simple soul. I have a router for an ADSL2+ connection, coupled with Zone Alarm firewall. I run AVG 7.5 free edition, SpyBot, Ad-Aware and have recently added Windows Defender. Plus I run CCleaner regularly. I have always imagined that this would offer pretty good security.

However, I was reading a blog by a supposed security "expert" recently, which suggested that, with increasingly sophisticated malware, this is no longer adequate. He was saying that we need to run PC Secure Test, then use Arovax Shield

He was also suggesting ewido, F-Secure, Trend, and a-squared, and for advanced users, HijackThis, and either IceSword or DarkSpy. I have to confess that although I've heard of trend, and have used Hijack This, the others are a mystery.

I guess my question is, how much security software is adequate to prevent most malware attacks, and are the packages referred to in the blog worth looking at? I know that this forum has some REAL security experts, and I'd appreciate some informed comments.

Many thanks

[hewee]

You could get a good hosts file to block out ads and bad sites. Get a router and your do good.

[Talamasca]

What you have is great. Keep them updated.
5 years ago no one would have used most of what you are using. spyware/malware was running rampant.
As public awareness increased, so did the market.
Hence you see trojans etc. disguised as spyware removal programs. This is the 'new generation' of spy/malware. Some need a single/special program or set of instructions for removal.
Some of the newer programs work great, others are knock-offs or wanna be's.
I have to stay loyal to what has worked for me in the past.

[golferbob]

i use some of what you posted but also use spyware blaster free and super antispyware free.

[pfurball]

Howdy axkman,
I agree with all of the above and have also used asquared and it is a pretty good little programme but the main ones I keep with are Adaware 2007 Pro, Spybot Search and Destroy 1.5, SpywareBlaster and my ZoneAlarm Security Suite.
You only use one AV and one firewall, but I find I need a couple of antispyware programmes as no one programme catches it all, so far.Sometimes it doesn't hurt to run an online scan like Panda or Trend but ewido is the spyware branch of AVG as I understand it and F-secure is a new security suite that is supposed to be you beaut!! I google anything I wish to research but mainly stick with my old faithfuls that have kept me clean and clear for 7 years now.
Regards Paula

[Rivera42]

I'm already using AVG, Spybot and Spyware Blaster. I'd like to add Ad-Aware but I can't decide whether that's worth doing, or whether it'd be pointlessly redundant, or whether I'd be asking for trouble.

[jamee360]

Im in the same boat as Rivera42, im using AVG 7.5, Ad-Aware SE Personal, SpywareBlaster, SpywareGuard and Spybot Search and Destroy. I'm wondering whether i need all of these programmes or if some are the same as others and arent neccessary?

[DoubleHelix]

A good offense is the best defense. I don't use firewalls or run anti-spyware programs. I don't go to questionable sites or download suspect software.

[Rivera42]

But...doesn't everybody need at least a firewall?

[DoubleHelix]

I have Windows XP's activated. I don't use another one.

[Rivera42]

Yeah, I use that too. The way you had phrased it confused me