Using a "Router"...it's needed Spybot?

[Alex 007]

Hello!

As I'm a newer computer user...at my age 64 years old, my oldest/first Son, is an a very seriously "Hi-tek" computer programmer, gift me a new table computer & open me a Mail account at Google Gmail..with an officially Windows XP-pro software.

He also acquire for be much more safly a "Router"...with his explanation that NO defenses/Slower programs will be necessary to be added...till, this moment...it's TRUE!!!

I download the FREE AVG anti virus program...after 4 months that I'm connected DON'T found nothing...also the Windows "Defender" was there since he load the XP-Pro same results...always CLEAN.

Today I deleted both programs the AVG & the Windows Defender...but decided to download this Spybot 1.5.2.20.

Which found a lot of "Defects"...as I named...I deleted all, by mistake that one from Windows SP that now shoe me that I don't have installed a Anti Virus software...never mind was my fault! I open Advance mode. to select at what time each morning alone will check my computer.

Now to the "Bottom" line of my question!

With all your heart...did you seriously recommend me to leave this lovely software inside my computer or after that I check once & deleted all what this superbly program found...will continuing founding more "Adwares/Spys...etc...? or as happen with the Windows "Defender" one...NONE??? + if really don't slower my computer speed...which my Son delivered choose NOT the most expensive one,,,as for my Picasa photo organizer/Paint Shop pro-9 & FrameFun" all photo programs + my Gmail account I DON'T needed the most powerfully computer...but he say me..."Please Papa...don't ADD any more programs that I set up for you...as more "Defense" programs will SLOWER your computer totally unnecessarily".

Please my dear "Gurus"...your LAST WORD...please!

Sorry if my English is not 100% perfectly...as Spanish is my mother language...but I'm 100% sure that you will comprehend this first post!

Truly yours,

Alex!

[nOInfectIOn]

...I deleted all, by mistake that one from Windows SP that now shoe me that I don't have installed a Anti Virus software...Hi Alex, I´m definetly not a guru and I only want to contribute a little bit.
The described popup isn´t a "defect" but a normal XP-function. You could e.g. change the warning-settings and this popup would disappear.
Is your router always up to date <- important?!

[Alex 007]

Is your router always up to date <- important?![/QUOTE]

Hello nOInfectIOn,

Really I don't know nothing...I will ask my First Son if needs ti "Updated' & if yes how?. I will inform to my forum!

Thanks a lot!

Alex!

[nOInfectIOn]

Only some weeks ago, there was trouble with some routers:
http:// www .heise-online.co.uk/security/Symantec-reports-first-active-attack-on-a-DSL-router--/news/102352

The name of hardware/device-software is "firmware" - maybe there is a new version for your router.
LG

[md usa spybot fan]

Alex:


I download the FREE AVG anti virus program...after 4 months that I'm connected DON'T found nothing...also the Windows "Defender" was there since he load the XP-Pro same results...always CLEAN.

Today I deleted both programs the AVG & the Windows Defender...but decided to download this Spybot 1.5.2.20.
What are you using now for an anti-virus?

[Alex 007]

Alex:


What are you using now for an anti-virus?

No anti virus at all...as my Son say me that with a Router which also has a "Firewall" among the already installed from Windows updates...so now if apprehend well my computer has or use/protected (Whatever I named...I'm 100% sure that you comprehend me better...the I explicated!), two "Firewalls"...sufficient/adequate!!!

This finishing week I tried 2 differently FREE anti virus programs the AVG & the German one Antiwir...DON'T found nothing after 2 days of using each one...so I "canceled" them, first the AVG (Deleted), Antiwir installed after same two days test...same "Clean" results I deleted...& Install the SpyBot...which found ONLY "Cookies" & such Windows Anti virus updated information...this I leaved...the cookies I erased them each day the same one...as I "grok"...such Cookies help to return what I was looking next day easier & faster...NO risk at all to my computer.

It's truth?

Sincerely,

Alex!

[md usa spybot fan]

Alex:

An Anti-Virus product is a necessity. Since you tried both AVG and Antivir, I suggest that you pick the one you liked best and reinstall it. You may never find a virus but that does not mean you should be without the protection (I've never had a claim on my homeowners insurance policy but I wouldn't consider dropping it).

It's ok to keep cookies. I have about 30 cookies that I keep. They are primarily for sites/forums that I visit regularly (for example the forums.spybot cookie(s) from this forum). The rest I delete regularly. If Spybot is finding tracking cookies, they should be deleted.

[Alex 007]

Alex:

An Anti-Virus product is a necessity. Since you tried both AVG and Antivir, I suggest that you pick the one you liked best and reinstall it. You may never find a virus but that does not mean you should be without the protection (I've never had a claim on my homeowners insurance policy but I wouldn't consider dropping it).

It's ok to keep cookies. I have about 30 cookies that I keep. They are primarily for sites/forums that I visit regularly (for example the forums.spybot cookie(s) from this forum). The rest I delete regularly. If Spybot is finding tracking cookies, they should be deleted.

Thanks a lot for your heart fully advice...but as I wrote...my "Guru" in computer programs first Son...INSIST/take a firm stand...that with a "Router" + two "Firewalls"...adding any Anti Virus software...will "SLOWER" my computer which is NOT "The 2008 State of the Art" one...as I already do last week...& really NEVER find one...(Both of Them!)...so my common sense tell me that my "Erudite" son say the TRUTH!.

Please my dear Buddy...rethink again & write me your last word!...Please!

Thanks a lot, for your polite & noble responses to my tread!

Sincerely,

Alex!

[md usa spybot fan]

Alex:

I don't want to start or be in the middle of a family feud.

I just received a brochure in the mail from the United States Federal Trade Commission on how to avoid identity theft. It stated:


Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails;
instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls,
anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect
your home computer; keep them up-to-date.
Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.
That reference lead to this:
OnGuard Online - Stop • Think • Click
7 Practices for Safer Computing
http://onguardonline.gov/stopthinkclick.html

3. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.

Dealing with anti-virus and firewall protection may sound about as exciting as flossing your teeth, but it's just as important as a preventive measure. Having intense dental treatment is never fun; neither is dealing with the effects of a preventable computer virus.

Anti-virus Software

Anti-virus software protects your computer from viruses that can destroy your data, slow your computer's performance, cause a crash, or even allow spammers to send email through your account. It works by scanning your computer and your incoming email for viruses, and then deleting them.

To be effective, your anti-virus software should update daily with antidotes to the latest "bugs" circulating through the Internet. Most commercial anti-virus software includes a feature to download updates automatically when you are on the Internet.

What to Look For and Where to Get It

You can download anti-virus software from the websites of software companies or buy it in retail stores. Look for anti-virus software that:
Removes or quarantines viruses.
Updates automatically.
Anti-spyware Software

Installed on your computer without your consent, spyware software monitors or controls your computer use. It may be used to send you pop-up ads, redirect your computer to websites, monitor your Internet surfing, or record your keystrokes, which, in turn, could lead to the theft of your personal information.

Clues that spyware is on a computer include:

A barrage of pop-up ads
A hijacked browser — that is, a browser that takes you to sites other than those you type into the address box
A sudden or repeated change in your computer’s Internet home page
New and unexpected toolbars
Unexpected icons on the system tray at the bottom of your computer screen
Keys that don’t work
Random error messages
Sluggish or downright slow performance when opening programs or saving files.
You can take steps to limit your vulnerability to spyware:
Update your operating system and Web browser software. Your operating system (like Windows or Linux) may offer free software “patches” to close holes in the system that spyware could exploit. Make sure to set your browser security high enough to detect unauthorized downloads.
Download free software only from sites you know and trust. It can be appealing to download free software like games, file-sharing programs, customized toolbars, or other programs that may change or customize the functioning of your computer. Be aware, however, that many free software applications bundle other software, including spyware.
Firewalls

Don't be put off by the word “firewall.” It's not necessary to fully understand how it works; it's enough to know what it does and why you need it. Firewalls help keep hackers from using your computer to send out your personal information without your permission. While anti-virus software scans incoming email and files, a firewall is like a guard, watching for outside attempts to access your system and blocking communications to and from sources you don't permit.

Some operating systems and hardware devices come with a built-in firewall that may be shipped in the "off" mode. Make sure you turn it on. For your firewall to be effective, it needs to be set up properly and updated regularly. Check your online "Help" feature for specific instructions.

If your operating system doesn't include a firewall, get a separate software firewall that runs in the background while you work, or install a hardware firewall — an external device that includes firewall software. Several free firewall software programs are available on the Internet.

Don't Become a Zombie Drone

Some spammers search the Internet for unprotected computers they can control and use anonymously to send unwanted spam emails. If you don't have up-to-date anti-virus protection and a firewall, spammers may try to install software that lets them route email through your computer, often to thousands of recipients, so that it appears to have come from your account. If this happens, you may receive an overwhelming number of complaints from recipients, and your email account could be shut down by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).