Viruses: How do I keep myself safe from Viruses?

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As an information systems student at a community college, I am asked by several people (after learning from my mom that I am, "into computers") about viruses, worms, etc-and none of this is hard to do. Just get the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer, Microsoft Antispyware, AVG, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Ad Aware SE. Download them, do any updating necessary, and, if possible, keep them on constant scan. Doing this, and not downloading attachments from emails will keep you safe. Just use your common sense around computers.

how do i keep my computer away from viruses? well i think i know what it is first are computer is getting old by that I mean we need new updates because are old ones can't do us any good. here's a site www.freewebs.com/automaticupdate best site ever!!! and i think in every file there has to be a virus is that true?

I am a new pc owner, bought it in 6/05 and just today had to do a complete system recovery (destructive) as everything our tech support had us do did not work. It all started when I tried to update my Norton, something went wrong and that was that. Since I didnt have any bond to my files, I let them all go.
Okay here is my question: I have Norton and Webroot. My tech told me about hometrend, but how many free things can I download and have them be compatible with what I have already purchased and installed on my pc? H E L PPPPP!

I meant Trend Micros housecall not trend home. E gad.

Well, there isn't some magical number. I have LOTS of free things on my machine and all is well. Others download just one and *poof*. It depends, naturally, on WHAT you are downloading and installing. As you've seen with Norton, even the for-pay programs can have problems. (I've gotten several reports of Norton's 2006 update causing problems. I expect the Norton site to have a fix for it someday.

In general, only download from trustworthy sources. Look for trustworthy recommendations. If you're not sure, don't download and install.

Thank you I have had problems galore with the Norton updates and in fact have to take the pc in for a good going over. I just recently got my card for pay pal and as soon as I activate the thing, I am going to buy you a cup of coffee.
I will probably end up buying you a house some day with all the questions I always ask. Lol
What a great site this is. Thanks again

Unless I missed it, your list of anti-virus s/w vendors did not mention www.eset.com's NOD32. We used to be Norton fans, but Norton 2004 (or 2005) updgrade created some havoc on more than one Windows machine I tend to baby-sit. NOD32's credentials appear, first, valid, and, second, impressive. Any thoughts about this one? Tks!

Pc Mag jan 21 rates Zone alarm #1 Your buddy David L. likes Panda. Kim K. touts Spy sweeper. David says Spy Sweeper NG. You don't mention Zone Alarm. I just got a new computer and want to install the best anti-virus program. I had Panda 2006 on my old computer. Norton updates messed up my computer. I also had Spy sweeper. I have David's recomendations on spy and PC-cilln (trial) the came with my new dell. What do you think about Zone Alarm. Bill

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS NEW VIRUS THREAT? THE ONE THAT IS SET TO HIT ON FRI THE 3RD? I THINK THAT IS WHAT HIT MY COMPUTER EARLY IN JANUARY AND THE THING HAS NOT BEEN RIGHT SINCE EVEN THOUGH I DID A SYSTEM RECOVERY. MY TECH TELLS ME THAT THERE ARE PROBABLY STILL REMNANTS LEFT. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS NEW ONE.

MFROST

I recently installed Spysweeper and removed Norton from my 2005 dell computer. I heard spysweeper is not enough and I should also have 2005 or 2006 norton loaded back on my computer. Is this true and if it is what is the reason?--Thanks

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