Virus and Spyware/Malware protection for Windows users

[Jim]

9 warning signs of Spyware & Adware (also known as Malware)

See this presentation for more details: http://www.netgear.com/media/presentations/trendmicro/TrendMicro.php

Here's a summary of how to start protecting yourself against Net Nasties:

1. Get a good anti-virus scanner like AVG (free or pro) - http://www.grisoft.com

2. Get a spyware/malware scanner:

a. AVG Anti-Spyware - http://free.grisoft.com/doc/20/lng/us/tpl/v5 - 30 day free trial.

and/or - "and" recommended

b. Spyware Nuker XT - http://www.nuker.com - free scan or buy - so far, very good.

c. Windows Defender - http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx - free with basic account

Use them, keep them up-to-date and run scans regularly. If you have an infestation, run full scans in "Safe Mode" by pressing F8 just before Windows boot sequence (and just after the Post On Self Test - BIOS - display screens.)

3. Use Windows firewall or anti-virus/security package (software) firewall - available from XP SP2 - get SP2 and all other updates from (5)

4. Use a (hardware) firewall router/modem when possible - Netgear provide very good, cheap and well supported products:

http://www.netgear.com e.g. DG834 (v2 or newer) firewall router/modem for ADSL or DG834G if you need 54Mb/s (g) WiFi too.

For cable users try the FVS114 or (cheaper) RP614

Notes:

a. You will need a 10/100/1000 Mb ethernet network card/interface and cat5(e) or cat6 cable - cables are provided with Netgear products
b. Keep the firmware up-to-date by installing updates in the Netgear support areas for the product(s) in question.

5. Run Windows update regularly - http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and preferably use the new Microsoft Update - http://update.microsoft.com - to ensure all M$ products (Windows, Office etc.) are up-to-date. You will get Junk/Spam e-mail updates with Microsoft Update if you have Office 2003.

Notes:

1. Do not use more than one anti-virus product simultaneously!
2. Do not use more than one software firewall simultaneously
3. Use a (hardware) firewall router/modem and software firewall when possible
4. Beware of unsolicited requests/prompts about your security. These are often attempts at installing unsolicited products on your PC and will probably result in your machine becoming (or already being) infected

[TonyGosling]

I'm not sure about using any 'patch' Microsoft put out after reading the infamous Haloween Memo and checking out Gates' close links to US/Israeli intelligence.

[Jim]

... you could always run a Linux operating system instead ...