Adding Memory and Virus Protection

So this system is on it's way:
Inspiron E1705, Intel Core DuoProcessor T2500 (2GHz/667MHz FSB)
17 inch Wide-screen WXGA+ Display for Inspiron 9400/E 1705 (matte screen yay!)
512MB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm for Inspiron 9400/E1705 (will add more later)
256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GS, for Inspiron 9400/E1705
80GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive for Inspiron 9400/E1705 (planning on getting an external hd)
Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Service Pack 2, English, for Inspiron
24X Combo CD-RW/DVD, for Inspiron 9400/E1705
Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR), for Inspiron9400/E1705
Primary Battery, for Inspiron 9400/E1705 (thats the smaller battery it comes with, i'll be plugged in mostly)

Will this memory work in it? I want to get it now so it's here when the computer is: this memory from newegg
also is that the cheapest? from a known/trusted company that is. i heard about corsair and crucial, but i'm not sure if they're cheaper.

ALSO ^_^

i didn't get the antivirus stuff that came on the customizing page because no one i know reccomends it. I own a mac, thats the only computer i've owned other than a windows 95 machine way back in the day (no anti virus on that thing) So i have no clue what anything means when it comes to protecting my comp from other people.

I read the comprehensive guide to anti-virus on this site. as well as the "best av" thread.......... i'm right confused. i think a working knowledge of the difference between a firewall, a scanner, and a virus destroyer is needed... I don't have that hehe.

so just tell me what's the cheapest way to make sure
1. no viruses that cause me to loose files get on my comp.
2. no one can see what i'm doing on my comp
3. no ads always popping up on my comp.
4. my comp doesn't slow down because the program that is supposed to keep me from being infected needs everything i got just to run.

Thanks very much in advance ^_^ i hope this PC proves alot more worthwhile than the trouble it is to protect it.

 

My combo is:
AV: AVG free
Firewall: Zonealarm
Anti-spy: Ad-Aware & Spybot S&D & Spyware Blaster

The first two run all the time in the background whereas the last three dont. They dont slow down my system at all and work problem free. If you want real-time spyware protection then get Windows Defender. Make sure you do regular scans of your computer. Use firefox to block pop ups and even ads on pages (use an extension called AdBlock) its also better and safer then IE.

About the memory, shouldnt you be looking at getting SO-DIMM (200 pin) memory for your laptop?

 

I use NetVeda for firewall, but ZoneAlarm is good as well. If you want to be safer I would suggest using FireFox and getting your mail on Yahoo, MSN, GMail, etc.

 

Please do not install a software firewall. This may upset some, but trust me. I'll explain.
1. The major ones (i.e. ZoneAlarm) are bloated. They slow your system significantly.
2. They cause many issues and do not play nice with many programs. It will be a headache.
3. Most virus/spyware/worm/trojan, etc are aware of your software firewall and simply turn it off, or go around it. It is software, it can disabled.
4. Firewall fatigue. It will try to make itself look useful and tell you everything that is trying to access the internet. The problem is that in a modern computer EVERYTHING accesses the internet! You will get so many notices you will just keep clicking allow because you are tired of hearing about it.

Also, do not get Norton or McAfee. Both are like ZoneAlarm, bloated. They will cause many of the same problems. Here is what I recommend:

1. Most important. Ditch IE. DO NOT USE IT, unless there is a site that you trust that requires it. Download Firefox and use it all the time. That will plug your buggest hole.

2. Almost as important. Get a router. This is 100 times better than a software firewall. It too is a firewall, but won't cause the conflicts that software firewalls do. Also, since it is hardware it cannot be circumvented.

3. Get an AV such as NOD32. It is lesser known, light weight, and quiet good. You won't even notice it exists.

4. Use Microsofts Defender for anti-spyware. Turn on the real-time protection. You also may want to get spy-bot and adaware to scan once in a while.

Personally I have a router and use Firefox. I don't run AV or anti-spyware. If you use a router and Firefox and have common sense and good habits you don't need the other 2. I have not gotten a virus in 6 or 7 years. If you go this route, make sure you know what you are doing and use something like Trend-Micro's Housecall to scan every once in a while.

Anyway, hope I cleared some things up! Good luck!

 

well i have been using McFee and my computer is no slow than it was when i purchased it. at the same time i haven't had a virus ever on this computer or the last 3. i have a friend who uses norten and he has to get a new computer every 3 months or so... as for a router i wouls strongly suggest getting one they are cheap and are very effective. i just use the basic McFee anti virus. and windows Firewall, and i have had no problems at all. but i do use EI but i hear firefox is better... so there you go is you aren't downloading any thing you probably don't even need a 'good' antivirus. try McFee it is about 50 bucks a year and works very well.

 

MacAfee is one of the worst offenders in terms of system slowdown, second only to Norton.

AVG has a free version which uses very few resources.

as above poster mentioned, the best way to keep your computer virus free is to use smart browsing habits and firefox. IE has an active X weakness that spyware exploits; FF doesn't have this problem.

be smart, use FF, don't download a bunch of freeware, don't open suspicious emails

 

i thank you all for your replies. alot of contradicting information but i think i get it mostly.

as far as a router goes, i don't think i can use that in college with their internet.

also, the memory must be 200pin? okay i'll look for that instead. thanks. i didn't know that so-dimm meant it had 200 pins. =)

"512MB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm for Inspiron 9400/E1705"

thats the same as so-dimm?

 

If it is for college, I highly reccomend a router. They will, I'm sure allow you to use it, they wouldn't even really know if you did. Without one, you will be running on a open network most likely, which means everyone on that network could access your machine. I would check into it further with the college.

 

This PC is alot more trouble than my mac ever was . Okay, I'll look into it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146123

is this the right type of memory instead?

 

=/ I don't know anything about routers

I use ethernet at school and bellsouth dsl at home.... i don't know what kind of router i need.

i don't plan on using wireless too much because it acts wonky with the online programs i'll be using.

so i'm so stupid when it comes to computer stuff. i read another college dorm thread and i can't follow it. i wouldn't know how to circumvent or prevent someone from finding out about my personal wireless router.... i don't know what connections i need, and as you can see from the signature, I also have a Mac desktop, so i can't use it as my router.

i guess i'll take this to the networking forums =)

 

The link you provided to the RAM should be ok to use.

I think you should just stick to wired connection @ college. Is it me or does adding a router over-complicate things?

I use a wired connection when @ uni and wireless @ home.

 

Everything is already complicated hehe.
I'm an idiot, no joke, when it comes to this.