What's the best protection for a computer?

Protecting your computer is simple, easy, and inexpensive (or even free). Just use the programs below.

For internet security: use Mozilla Firefox (free, mozilla.com) as your web browser. It is not only more secure than Internet Explorer, but much faster, easier to use, more customizable… the list goes on.

For antivirus: you can use AntiVir (free, free-av.com). I use Norton on my main computer, but it isn’t free. Other free options include AVG and Avast. You should also occasionally scan your computer with Trend Micro HouseCall (free online virus scanner, housecall.trendmicro.com), just to be safe.

For antispyware: use Ad-Aware (free, lavasoft.com). It will protect you from spyware and adware.

To reduce spam: use Mozilla Thunderbird (free, mozilla.com) as your email client and/or Yahoo Mail as your web based mail. Thunderbird can block most spam easily using it’s “mark as junk” function, and can pretty much block the rest using it’s message filters.

For a firewall: use ZoneAlarm (free, zonelabs.com).

Note: do not use more than one antivirus or firewall program installed on your computer; it can cause serious computer problems, possibly resulting in data loss. However, you can use online virus scanners while you have antivirus software installed on your computer.

The best protection is a stand alone computer with no floppy drives.

If you must connect with the internet, consider installing a separate hard drive for any data that you consider critical. Reinstall the needed programs to this drive.

Most antivirus programs are suitable. I prefer Norton to others, but it is best purchase in what Symantec calls the Internet Security package. It comes with a firewall. This is all you should need. The key to Norton products is to remove any other antivirus programs first. (also keep the disc if you need to reinstall or scan from boot).

As for Spyware, Spybot Search&Destroy is a freeware program which is excellent. You can find it on the web. (see first site below).

You did not mention Ad-ware, which is annoying and wasteful on resources. To remove these, use Ad-Aware SE Personal from Lavasoft. It also is freeware (see second site).

Buy a Internet Security Suite, such as Norton Internet Security.

For Firewall/Antivirus i suggest ZoneLabs Zonalarm Security suite it costs for that version

For spyware get Adaware and spbot SD because 1 will find something that the other wont; together they find 99.999% of all Spy ware and adaware.

Norton virus, spyware doctor

McMafee does work and scan faster but is slows to your computer

Whatever Virus protection you get, DO NOT GET NOTRON ANTI-VIRUS!!!

dont go on the internet