[littleredhen]

Just got a new laptop running Vista 64-bit. I'm really uninformed on how to keep my system protected. Currently running McAfee security which came w/the laptop. Have the following questions:

1. I've heard there are free downloadable virus protection programs, AVG being one. Are these dependable? Which is best?
2. It really bugs me that there is software that tracks my browsing/shopping habits & targets me w/ads. Can I block these? If so, how?
3. I have two email addresses, one of which I use for shopping and one which I try to keep "junk free". Some sites send return messages to my "junk free" email even when I've entered a different address. How can I stop this from happening?

Answers will be extremely appreciated! Remember, most of this is new to me, so lead me by the nose with specific instructions (as noted on this site--the dumb questions are the easiest to answer!!)

Thanks!

[vicks]

Littleredhen:
Welcome to TSG forums.
What most of us suggest is:
Run 1 antivirus, 1 firewall. Multiple anti spyware programs are okay.
here is a list I have compiled of free programs.

SITES FOR FREE PROGRAMS AND TECH SITES


www.komando.com free newsletters on computer tips,. She also has weekly radio program in some areas.
*****************************************************
www.grisoft.com Free AVG anti virus program (Use only 1 anti virus.
www.lavasoft.com Free ad-aware spyware removal program
www.spybotsearchanddestroy.com another spyware program
www.zonelabs.com Free firewall (use only 1 firewall)
www.outpostfreewall.com Free firewall for win98
http://www.superantispyware.com
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
__________________
The above are all available on:
www.download.com : www.majorgeeks.com: or www.filehippo.com




Tech sites
www.computing.net
www.kelleyscorner.com
www.techguy.org
www.cnet.com
www.onecomputerguy.com

*******************************************************



www.belarc.com Small program that tells you everything on your computer, hardware & software, including license/key numbers.

Happy computering.
Vicks

[lunarlander]

There are several free antivirus programs, AVAST, AVG, Antivir. No one antivirus program can detect 100% of all viruses. I would stick with Mcafee if you like it. Of the freebies, AVG has a internet link scanner, which scans websites for nasties when you click on a link - I like that feature. AVAST has a boot time scanner, and it can scan before the OS finishes loading, which is a good tool to have when you are infected with certain kinds of viruses.

The software you're referring to is called spyware. There are different kinds of them. Some are cookies. Cookies are small txt files sent to you by a web site, usually just for personalization things. (they then retrieve the cookie from you on your next visit.
like how TechGuy remembers your login name) But some advertising banners also gives you cookies and track your surfing across different sites. Then the advertising companies know which banners may appeal to you. Then there are the malicious programs, which log your keystrokes, credit card numbers, and account names/passwords and send them to the hacker who distributed the spyware. I use Webroot Spysweeper ( not free ), which claims to take care of all these things.

In addition, I do not use Internet Explorer, which is a prime target of hackers who modify websites to install spyware onto your system. Firefox is a better alternative browser and it has a add-on called NoScript which allows you to selectively disable Javascript on the sites you want. Javascript is a language thats part of your browser that enables pretty features like the pull down menus on TechGuy. But it is also a source of vulnerabilities. Websites that are hacked to install spyware usually use Javascript. So I would say using Firefox is a part of your defense against spyware.

[extons]

1. I've heard there are free downloadable virus protection programs, AVG being one. Are these dependable? Which is best?

I would advise either AVG or avast! as free anti-virus programs. If you're willing to pay for protection, then I'd totally advise Norton.

2. It really bugs me that there is software that tracks my browsing/shopping habits & targets me w/ads. Can I block these? If so, how?

If you are using Firefox, Tools > Options > Privacy > Firefox will "use custom settings for history > uncheck "Accept cookies from sites".

Let me know if you're using any other browser, however I'd advise Firefox.

3. I have two email addresses, one of which I use for shopping and one which I try to keep "junk free". Some sites send return messages to my "junk free" email even when I've entered a different address. How can I stop this from happening?

You may have put in your "junk free" email address as your alternative email address when signing up to the shopping website. Check in your email or privacy options at the website you're getting the emails from.

[littleredhen]

Thanks much for the help!

[vicks]

You are most welcome.
Happy computing.
Vicks