Different types of protection software

I ordered a notebook from dell and I got McAfee security center that has virusScan and Spyware Revoval. Now is there any other kinda software I need, I've heard of things like spyware (I guess it has that) addware (no idea what that is) or any other programs that will protect my notebook from things that will slow it down. Also should I keep the McAfee running at all times or just run it once a week to check for viruses. Thanks

 

Hey

Spyware is programs that 'spy' on yuo, everytime you use the computer. It's normally(actually...bad term but) used to market based on one's information.

Using SpyBot Search & Destroy is a great freeware.

Adware is just useless advertising that occurs on your computer. Gets very annoying.

Ad-aware is another great program that gets rid of that.

Theres more but I'm too tired, someone else help

 

If you're going to get rid of adware, do it the right way. Use Microsoft AntiSpyware.

Spybot is good, and if you pair it with MS AntiSpyware, you should be good. It doesn't hurt to have more than one spyware scanner, so use Spybot and MSAS, and AdAware if you want to run 3.

That is all free.

 

Yep, one program is not going to catch all the spyware/adware out there. Running your antivirus & some spyware/adware removal programs once a week will generally keep your computer safe.

 

OK, there is not a software that catches them all (yet anyway). I personally run Microsoft Anti-Spyware and Ad-Aware SE. the biggest thing is to keep them updated and run them frequently.

For anti-virus you should keep it running all the time as the main way to get viruses is via email. Virus scanners will check your emails and remove viruses right away (good anti-viruses anyway). Again it is even more important to keep your anti-virus up to date!

Pop-up blockers are nice too. I use the google toolbar. it has the only search engine that is worth anthing and it blocks pop-up adds. WARNING: Some of the toolbars from other companies are actually spyware!!

 

When I try to download the MS Anti-spyware, after I get my validation code this message pops up:
It appears that your Web browser is not configured to run the components or scripts required by the genuine Windows validation process. Let's try validating a different way: click Continue below to run a genuine Windows validation application. When prompted, click Open or Run this program from its current location.

So what do I do about that? when I run the program it tells me, my internet explorer just opens up a random site and has nothing to do with the validation.

 

I would recommend you use a Internet Browser that it not Internet Explorer. I personally use FireFox, but there are others like Opera or Netscape. Most of the Malware is written for Internet Explorer. I just ran Ad-Aware after a month of usage, I had two bad cookies. Don't forget a firewall. I use ZoneAlarm. It is free for personal use. Good Luck.

 

I use firefox as well, and that was the browser I was using when I got that message.

 

You can go around the windows validation and can still download the antispyware...just select NO and it will take you to the download.

 

MS Spyware(Free) and spyware doctor (not free) are good. I would also reccomend Spyware Blaster, it blocks a lot of things for IE and Firefox! Also protects against browser HiJacks!

 

i use Microsoft AntiSpyware...Spybot Search & Destroy...and Lavsoft Ad-Aware and they all work great...they are all free as well