I have to switch back to Windows XP for school, and I've fallen behind the times in knowing what's best for it!
I've used Linux, so I havn't kept up with what's "good" for security.
IT NEEDS TO BE FREE!
I need...
Firewall (Not Windows-Built In)
Antivirus
Spyware Monitor / Cleaner
Register Cleaner
What else?
[EDIT: I'm using TinyXP Rev09]
ID:277942
 Aug 28 2008, 11:37 am
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Well, I want to "get away" from Microsoft.
Since XP (as I hear) transfers information back to Microsoft, would I be able to block all communication with Microsoft through a Firewall? | |
CaptFalcon33035 wrote:
Perhaps you always have problems with Windows because you like to do the stupidest things on it. p0rn? :P | |
XP doesn't send information back to Microsoft, I don't know where you get this, unless you misunderstand the activation process.
You don't need a registry cleaner, as unused don't really slow things down. This is an old geeks myth. In fact, I've found many registry cleaners that break stuff, because they assume disconnected harddrives are dead references, and nuke an entry. | |
The best thing you can do is use a non-privileged user account. You can use MakeMeAdmin to temporary gain access to administrator only functions. This will stop almost any virus or worm.
And yes you can use a firewall to block the limited communication to Microsoft or you can just shut off windows update and not install WGA. | |
Danial.Beta wrote:
XP doesn't send information back to Microsoft, I don't know where you get this, unless you misunderstand the activation process. | |
A.T.H.K wrote:
Danial.Beta wrote:what ATHK and Danial said. | |
Windows Firewall is sufficient, anything else is just you being plain paranoid. Antivirus, no good free ones. Clamwin is a nice non-realtime scanner. NOD32 is the best paid for av.
On second thought, I didn't know avast was free, I'm gonna have to check that out. AVG is no good though, stay away. Spybot is the best antispyware scanner/monitor. Registry cleaners are largely unnecessary, I wouldn't know which ones are good. | |
Good times!
Alice (the program were using) is available for Linux! Now I won't have to worry about security and protecting my computer! :) | |
Another good windows tool is http://www.ccleaner.com/, it is good for cleaning junk out of your computer.
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Not really security-related (if already, then privacy, but it barely has anything to do with hackers or malware), although it is a nice program.
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Sygate and ZoneAlarm have both done me fairly good in the past.
AVG and Avast! are the two I use, both free.
Windows Defender is really good (and free), Spybot, AdAware. The combination of the three will keep you covered pretty well.
No idea here, I always clean my registry by hand, less chance of something getting seriously screwed up.