[plainsman]

My last computer was unusable due to pop ups, and all sorts of problems, I can't even begin to imagine. A few questions, what is the most economical way to protect your computer from all this junk and invasions?

I have Road Runner as my carrier. They said they have some sort of firewall, various protections, etc, but in looking at their website, they also say they scan their customers looking for open connections, and all sorts of technical stuff, in connection with their service. Does anyone know about this, is this something that can be abused by authorities? I use my computer for nothing but email, and some fun websites, so if anyone sees what I look at it's no big deal, and there is not any worth while data on my computer.

I want to learn though how to stop this garbage that can happen to my computer. Once again, I am basically dumb when it comes to this subject.

[DeadMansLife]

I run AVG Free antivirus, AdAware, SpyBot, ZoneAlarm Free firewall.

This setup works well for me.

[Washington,D.C.]

For most economical protection,

Firewall-Zone Alarm

http://majorgeeks.com/ZoneAlarm_Free_d388.html

Antivirus-AVG

http://majorgeeks.com/AVG_Free_Edition_d886.html


Spyware scanner-Ewido

http://majorgeeks.com/Ewido_security_suite_d4677.html

Browser/PC hijack protection-SpywareBlaster

http://majorgeeks.com/SpywareBlaster_d2859.html


Registry cleaner-CCleaner

http://majorgeeks.com/CCleaner_d4191.html


Safer browser-Mozilla Firefox

http://majorgeeks.com/Mozilla_Firefox_d2248.html


Latest version of Java

http://majorgeeks.com/Sun_Java_Runti...ent_d4648.html

These are for Windows XP.They are all free.I chose these versions because they are the easiest to use.Some more computer savvy people may prefer other solutions but these are the easiest to use and maintain.Keep everything updated.

[IndyGunFreak]

Originally posted by DeadMansLife
I run AVG Free antivirus, AdAware, SpyBot, ZoneAlarm Free firewall.

This setup works well for me.

Minus Zone Alarm, and add a Netgear hardware firewall/router.

No probs

IGF

[VXShooter]

Of course there is the most effective solution out there: Buy a mac.

[David_G17]

Originally posted by VXShooter
Of course there is the most effective solution out there: Buy a mac.

effective or "expensive"?

the most efficient would be to install linux.

[VXShooter]

either way you look at it, dropping windows is a good start! And you could always keep your current monitor, mouse and keyboard and start with the Mac Mini for $500...

[RaiderRodney]

Originally posted by DeadMansLife
I run AVG Free antivirus, AdAware, SpyBot, ZoneAlarm Free firewall.

This setup works well for me.

Same here

[Bronson7]

Originally posted by RaiderRodney
Same here

And here.
Bronson7