I need some help!

I am getting a new notebook, and unsure of the safety software I will need orwhats included, so I dont have to buy it. I will have vista premium, and will be using my wifi on campus. I've never had to dothis before so what do I need and what is a good brand to go with?

 

When you were in the process of building your Dell, you had a choice of security suite-Norton Internet Security or McAfee, did you pick one?

 

JUst the 30 day trial of norton... Because I was unsure of what to do! But other than anti-virus, do I need firewall, anti-spam, hackware...ect?

 

When you get your notebook go ahead and install some good free software that will help with your security needs, below is what I use.

Anti Virus: AVG
Spyware: "Ad Aware SE" and "Spy Bot Search and Destroy"

All three can be found at http://www.download.com/

 

Windows has a firewall some like others better but it does work, you can find others free also.
You need anti virus, you can pay or not, I use AVG Free works well many other also.
Anti Spyware, Windows defender download it is free, many more free out there
I use Aol active security monitor (free) checks that my fire wall, anti virus, spyware apps are running and working. It tells more also.

You do not need to pay unless you want, free high quality out there all mine require me to do nothing and no nag adds.

 

I also use Spywareblaster, rather than clean it blocks (Spybot does too, but only paid versions of AdAware block, I am pretty sure)

http://www.download.com/SpywareBlaster/3000-8022-10196637.html


and Winpatrol, which blocks browser hijacks and has some useful startup tools

http://www.winpatrol.com/

Both free, as is CCleaner (make sure you configure each of the tabs)
Cleans a lot of temp files (many of whichyou can clean in Windows, but this is easier)
http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/


All free.

I don't think you need a firewall if connected to a router at home or a school network. If they have firewalls installing another can block things you don't want blocked and generally be annoying. ( I am not an expert on firewalls and you may want to ask for more advice but I have not used a firewall since getting a router and cable broadband and have not had a single issue,using the stuff above)


And AVG is great anti-virus, is free and doesn't suck resources like Norton (hear it's getting better recently) or McAfee.

 

don't forget your school probably already has its own recommended security suite free for students.

 

This correct do not run 2 firewalls and hardware ones are better, I am mobile so I use what I use. If I was useing wi-fi not my own or school type place I would use my own firewire.