Protective
and maintenance measures for Internet-connected PCs -
Primarily intended for Microsoft Windows XP (*also works with Microsoft
Vista)
Anti-spyware recommendations:
To improve
the security of all Internet-connected
computers you should install on these anti-spyware
applications, such as those listed below. (***Note that spyware
is a primary vehicle for identity theft).
- For the highest possible protection against malware, adware,
spyware and Trojans/variants, install all of the applications below
(all will work together).
Alternately, install as many as you wish in the order below; they are
listed by installation priority.
- To be effective, these applications require initial and
periodic online updating of their definition sets, much like any antivirus
application. Remember to update these applications
online immediately following installation. ***Note
that each of these applications has extensive configuration options
& help files, as well as tool and features that you may be unfamiliar
with. Each will work as intended with their default (recommended) settings.
AVG
Antispyware*
SUPERAntiSpyware*
SpywareBlaster*
Microsoft_Windows_Defender*
Spybot Search & Destroy*
Registry
cleanup recommendation:
-
After performing spyware cleanup, use the following
application to delete invalid registry entries leftover by the spyware.
This will optimize your O/S boot time and protect the health of your
registry file:
EasyCleaner
(*Vista users install TweakNow
RegCleaner instead)
Free_Registry_Defrag
Firewall
recommendation:
To improve
the security of all Internet-connected
computers you should install on these a
software firewall application, such that listed below. (This is
still the case even if you are also protected by a hardware firewall
device built into a broadband router, for example).
Sygate
Personal Firewall (*Vista users
enable Windows Firewall instead)
Microsoft Windows / Microsoft
Office Update recommendation:
To address
the ongoing patching of newly discovered O/S vulnerabilities,
make sure to periodically run:
Microsoft
Update (install critical updates and service
packs, but be careful with driver updates).
Antivirus
applications:
Always have a valid, updateable antivirus application running
on your computer. (Remember to update
these applications online immediately following installation).
Symantec Corporate Antivirus (requires license
purchase)
AVG
Antivirus
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