hi Julie,
good. glad to help. happy safe surfing.........and now for your reading pleasure:
Be careful of what you download, and where you download it from. Many programs come bundled with extra software.You may be installing more than you think. Learn more about the program, Does it come bundled with other "3rd party" programs? If you search hard enough you can always find a "clean" alternative to any software. Stay away from warez and crack sites. Becarful what you download from file sharing networks. If you are not sure, scan it with your Antivirus app. DO YOU TRUST THE SOURCE? Check this database:Spyware Guide or this: Library before installing free/shareware.
Make sure you keep your Windows OS/Browser current by visiting Windows update
occasionaly to download and install any critical updates and service packs. These patch flaws/bugs that can be exploited.
Adjust your browser settings: Change your(active x) settings in IE. With IE open go to tools, internet options, security tab. Click on the internet globe, then custom level. Set the first option "download signed active x controls" to prompt, the next two to disable. Read more:
Working with Internet Explorer 6 Security
Many exploits are directed at Internet Explorer, you dont have to use it. Try a different browser. You can have and use more than one browser on your computer.
Like Firefox,
Install a Firewall:A firewall will help to control what comes in from the internet and what leaves your computer to the internet. Zone Alarm is a free and easy to use firewall, that will provide in and outbound protection. XP firewall dosnt block outbound traffic. Its important to know/learn what routinely needs a internet connection.
Zone Alarm
OutPost Lite
Jetico Personal Firewall
Look n Stop
Outlook Express with the default settings is not secure. It will run scripts, download images etc, just like a browser, but this was the old Outlook Express. Service Pack 2 has made huge improvements to Outlook, but just like with Internet Explorer, you dont have to use it.
try Pegasus E-Mail.
Make sure you have and keep updated Antivirus software
Free for home users:
avast! 4 Home Edition Download
AVG free version 7.0
AntiVir Personal Edition
Clam Win
Download one or two of these, install and update before using:(if these are constantly finding malware, then you need to make changes to your browser and or your habits)
CounterSpy Free trial version
Spybot Search and destroy
Ad-Aware SE Personal edition
Microsoft Windows Defender
Becarful with spyware "removers and scanners"-- there are many "rogue/suspect" programs that "claim to remove" spyware.Check here first.
AntiTrojan software to fill in the gap:
a2 free
Ewido Anti-Spyware
Trojan Hunter
Tauscan trial version
Other programs to consider:
Process Guard stop events/processes with user intervention
SpywareBlaster add security to IE
IE-SPYAD adds adware peddlers sites/domains to IE restricted zone
ATF cleaner (W2K,XP only) cleans out temp files,history, cookies etc.
Learn More:
Test Your Browser
Parasite Free
Safe Hex
Shelf Lifes page
Browser Security Checkup
good. glad to help. happy safe surfing.........and now for your reading pleasure:
Be careful of what you download, and where you download it from. Many programs come bundled with extra software.You may be installing more than you think. Learn more about the program, Does it come bundled with other "3rd party" programs? If you search hard enough you can always find a "clean" alternative to any software. Stay away from warez and crack sites. Becarful what you download from file sharing networks. If you are not sure, scan it with your Antivirus app. DO YOU TRUST THE SOURCE? Check this database:Spyware Guide or this: Library before installing free/shareware.
Make sure you keep your Windows OS/Browser current by visiting Windows update
occasionaly to download and install any critical updates and service packs. These patch flaws/bugs that can be exploited.
Adjust your browser settings: Change your(active x) settings in IE. With IE open go to tools, internet options, security tab. Click on the internet globe, then custom level. Set the first option "download signed active x controls" to prompt, the next two to disable. Read more:
Working with Internet Explorer 6 Security
Many exploits are directed at Internet Explorer, you dont have to use it. Try a different browser. You can have and use more than one browser on your computer.
Like Firefox,
Install a Firewall:A firewall will help to control what comes in from the internet and what leaves your computer to the internet. Zone Alarm is a free and easy to use firewall, that will provide in and outbound protection. XP firewall dosnt block outbound traffic. Its important to know/learn what routinely needs a internet connection.
Zone Alarm
OutPost Lite
Jetico Personal Firewall
Look n Stop
Outlook Express with the default settings is not secure. It will run scripts, download images etc, just like a browser, but this was the old Outlook Express. Service Pack 2 has made huge improvements to Outlook, but just like with Internet Explorer, you dont have to use it.
try Pegasus E-Mail.
Make sure you have and keep updated Antivirus software
Free for home users:
avast! 4 Home Edition Download
AVG free version 7.0
AntiVir Personal Edition
Clam Win
Download one or two of these, install and update before using:(if these are constantly finding malware, then you need to make changes to your browser and or your habits)
CounterSpy Free trial version
Spybot Search and destroy
Ad-Aware SE Personal edition
Microsoft Windows Defender
Becarful with spyware "removers and scanners"-- there are many "rogue/suspect" programs that "claim to remove" spyware.Check here first.
AntiTrojan software to fill in the gap:
a2 free
Ewido Anti-Spyware
Trojan Hunter
Tauscan trial version
Other programs to consider:
Process Guard stop events/processes with user intervention
SpywareBlaster add security to IE
IE-SPYAD adds adware peddlers sites/domains to IE restricted zone
ATF cleaner (W2K,XP only) cleans out temp files,history, cookies etc.
Learn More:
Test Your Browser
Parasite Free
Safe Hex
Shelf Lifes page
Browser Security Checkup