Must have for new laptop

I am getting my acer 8204 in a day or 2. THis will be my first laptop and I was wondering what security software or other programs are a must have for security and other things like performance. I don't want anyone to be able to get into the computer exept me.

Mike

 

Just set your windows password, or you could even set a harddrive password in the BIOS if you're paranoid.

My fav' anti-virus/script blocker/a whole bunch of other stuff can be found in one program; Avast Pro.

Check it out, it's a great anti-virus program.

If you just want to know if anyone's been on your laptop you could also get a logging program that logs all input on the keyboard and login attempts so you can see who's been messing around.

Cheers,
Mike

 

Hey hang on a sec, I want dibs on that Logging program, where can i get one/it?

 

Zone Labs firewall also ****cleaner and adaware spy removers.

 

Family Key Logger makes a notepad file with all the information, another program is Golden Key Logger - both of them do the job well. Goldkeylogger is better but its only a trial version 30 days after which you have to pay. Both can be downloaded at http://www.spyarsenal.com/download.html

 

Have a look at Spybot S&D http://www.safer-networking.org/ - very nice spyware removal tool. It's free.

If you plan to use your notebook on different Ethernet locations install a "network switcher", like Net Profile Switch from http://www.jitbit.com/

You might also want to create an encrypted virtual disk, look at http://truecrypt.sourceforge.net/ TrueCrypt opensource utility. It creates a virtual "disk" in your system where you cann keep you sensitive data. Encryption is performed on-the-fly.

 

You'll definetly want some spyware removal tools-I also recommend ad aware and spybot.

Also mcafee internet security suite is a great setup. Or you can try avg antivirus and a free firewall like zonealarm

 

But the 8204 comes with 2 smart cards (one "emergency", and one for an additional or the same user). Once you set it up, if the card isn't in the machine, you supposedly can't get in. It also has an anti-theft alarm that will go off if someone tries to move it, and a system level password as mentioned above.

I haven't tried any of the above, though.

- Ed

 

Ooooooh as for spybot stuff and script blockers and antivirus, you only need ONE program for that, that does an excellent job.

I say better than Mcafee and Norton and the others, as I have used those.

Avast Pro, no I don't work for them, hahaha, I just love their product.

It has built in script blocking so if you're surfing around and there's a malicious script on the website or a videostream you're watching has a virus attached it blocks it.

Popup blockers and spyware blockers are useless in my opinion because Firefox and IE have built in popup blockers. As for the spyware thingy, I'm not bothered by them at all with my setup. So don't bother with those.

As for the keyboard logging program, I do'nt have one anymore, but my friend actually made one for me, but I have lost contact with him. Long story.

i'll try to find it and post it online, I hope I still have it.

 

Been using NetVeda's Safety Net for a firewall lately. Doesn't have as many issues as ZoneAlarm.

 

Great alternative, thanks zazonz