Internet Security Guide and FAQ… freeware for all
May 26, 2009 
UPDATED: added Avira Antivirus Free
Since late 2002 to 2003, PC owners have been bombarded by something new called “Mal-ware” (short for malicious software), which includes spyware, adware, browser hijackers, desktop hijackers, etc.
I remember when the epidemic hitting the masses around that time when I was a senior technician at a computer store chain. It seems that it took everyone off guard because just so many people came flocking in as the days went by with the same issues:
- slow computer
- browser not working right
- desktop not responding
- random pop-up (and pop-under) windows
….etc….
I had to do something to help pre-empt (preemptive) this from happening to more people, especially with those that are buying new computers. Many people that buy computers do not realize that they are not usually safe (internet security wise) since they may or may not be software pre-installed in their computer to properly protect them. The problem with most computers that do come with a internet security software suite (like Norton Systemworks or McAfee Suite) is that they are usually trial or evaluation versions, meaning that you only have 30 to 90 days of protection until the program will disable itself and require you to pay up (usually around $50 annually), which is a total rip-off. If that was the case, might as well not include that “bloatware”/”crapware” when you purchase the computer.
So I recommend for those that want protection, as well as not have to pay a yearly subscription fee, just remove those commercial programs if they came with the computer. I have to warn you that Norton and McAfee are infamous for not being able to remove successfully, which you would then have to go get the “Norton Remover” or “McAfee Remover” utilities if you run into any issues during the un-installation.
Most people do not realize that there are so many great freeware programs out there. For this guide, I will go over my recommendations for internet security free programs. With the combination of a free anti-virus, free firewall, free malware remover(s), and free web browsers (like Mozilla Firefox)… your system will stay nice and protected without you having to spend a single penny. 
I initially wrote this Internet Security Guide a few months after the epidemic started… during the week I had laryngitis (lost my voice). I couldn’t give lectures to customers like I normally do, so I had to type up what I wanted to tell people.. which eventually became this guide. Then I revised it almost every month (even presently) after testing new software and made it printable to fit on one single page (front only).
Download the PDF version of this Internet Security Guide
Without further ado, my…
Internet Security Guide and FAQ
NOTE: The following is a guide, which has the purpose to educate and to help those to PREEMPT their computers that have been newly installed or is just about to get internet access… NOT a guide to clean out an already infected computer. If you have an infected computer, it has to be cleaned out thoroughly (an Anti-Virus and spyware/adware removers might not be enough), so the infected system needs to be cleaned out by an external source (another PC or outside of the Windows environment).
Misconceptions about PC protection and security:
- Regardless of PC brand (ex. Dell, Sony, Compaq, HP, custom brands, etc.), ALL computers are susceptible to having problems from “worms/spyware/adware” if connected to the Internet.
- You DO NOT have to be doing anything online and can still be hit by multiple intrusions as long as you are connected to the Internet.
- An anti-virus program is NOT a firewall and will not be sufficient by itself.
- An anti-virus can MAINLY handle the detection and removal of viruses… NOT “worms/spyware/adware.”
- A virus is NOT a “worm/spyware/adware”; they have entirely different characteristics and purposes.
- A “worm/spyware/adware” or “malware” is usually a program/modification installed into the background of your PC to take up resources to mainly: (1) send signals out to the Internet to another source to send you ads and/or pop-ups AND/OR (2) to exploit a bug or program error of applications or even the OS (ex. Windows) to hijack, disable, or even corrupt the program itself.
- Microsoft Internet Explorer and Outlook Express should be AVOIDED or minimally used because they are the programs mostly prone for attacks and exploitations. Use Mozilla Firefox (web browser) and Thunderbird (e-mail client), which are FREE alternatives that are much safer and better in terms of security and stability.
Questions for everyone (before/after having service on your PC):
1. Do you have the following 3 items needed to securely protect your computer when connected to the Internet?
- A personal FIREWALL (hardware and/or software)
- An up-to-date, Anti-Virus program
- One or more up-to-date Spyware/Adware/Worm remover programs
2. Do you have a personal firewall program that is on your computer?
Answer:
YES: If Yes, what kind and is it configured (blocking ports, signals, etc) to be used to the best of its ability to protect your computer?
NO: If No, then it is very important for any computer with Internet access to have one.
3. What is a firewall? What does it do?
Answer:
A firewall is the frontlines of your Internet security. You can say that it monitors signals going in and out of your computer at all times when you are connected to the internet, which will block any to all unknown intrusions or unwanted objects to enter your PC or to activate from your PC to send a signal out to the Internet. Although it does not filter files directly, it will help to block out a majority of things (mainly from signals that are scanning for vulnerabilities) that would try to enter your PC through different ports (entrances to get into your PC).
4. Do you have an Anti-Virus program? Is it up-to-date?
Answer:
YES: If Yes, what kind and, most importantly, is it kept up-to-date with the latest virus definitions?
NO: If No, then one is needed to be installed immediately to monitor any to all suspicious files that could be infected with a virus.
5. Do you have one or more programs (NOT Anti-Viruses) to scan, detect, and remove worms (spyware, malware, adware, etc)?
Answer:
YES: If Yes, what kind and, most importantly, is it kept up-to-date with the latest reference definitions for known threats?
NO: If No, then get one or two recommended FREE programs immediately, update them regularly and scan the computers weekly.
RECOMMENDED PROGRAMS:
|
Type of Program
|
Name
|
Where to download
|
Price
|
Program Automated or Manually Used
|
|
Firewall
|
Comodo Firewall (firewall-only)
|
FREE, so get it
|
Automated
|
|
|
Adware, Spyware, Worms Remover
|
Malwarebyte’s Anti-Malware**
|
FREE, so get it & update it
|
Manually Used
|
|
|
Spybot: Search & Destroy**
|
FREE, so get it & update it
|
Manually Used
|
||
|
Anti-Virus
(only use 1) |
Avast! 4 Home Edition
|
FREE, so get it
|
Automated
|
|
|
Avira AntiVir Free
|
FREE, so get it
|
Automated
|
||
|
Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus
Free Version |
FREE, so get it
|
Automated
|
||
|
Web Browser
|
Mozilla Firefox
|
FREE, so get it
|
N/A
|
|
|
E-mail Client Program
|
Mozilla Thunderbird
|
FREE, so get it
|
N/A
|
** These programs are FREE, which means that they are NOT automatically running at all times, or updated. You must run them, update them routinely, and regularly run scans with them (recommended at least twice a month). They will only take a couple of minutes of your time because they are looking for specific locations of known threats, unlike an anti-virus (which takes hours to do).
Hope this helps,
-Gophn
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Comments
Great! Now I can sleep soundly knowing my laptop is in good hands. Out of the Anti-virus and removers, which would you best recommend or do you use yourself?
3 yearss agoAVG or avast are both good, no significant differences between them when I tested.
as for Malware Removers, get them both.
… since they are not automated, they wont conflict with each other.
And one malware programs might not find things another would find, so by having two scan the computer (one after the other, NOT at the same time) would be more thorough.
Thats what I do… no malware for years now.
I am always on the look out for freeware and utilities…. why pay when free alternatives are better.
3 yearss agoThanks for clearing that up ^_^. Will you possibly be making a “Bang for the buck” notebook accessories list sometime in the future?
Definitely free is ideal.. that’s why so many people are here :D. lol
Just a small error in your spelling “during the week I had laryngitis (lost my voice). I couldn’t give lectures to customers (liek) I normally do”
3 yearss agooh… didn’t notice.
UPDATED.
as for notebook accessories… that might be tough since there are so many items that notebooks can use.
if I can come up with a list of accessories, then it might be possible:
lets see…
- external mouse/keyboard
- carrying case (bag/backpack)
- notebook coolers / stands
- protectors for the screen or case as well
- external speakers / headphones
- USB devices (TV Tuner, external HDDs, etc)
that might be a bit much to keep track, but possible.
3 yearss agoSomeone’s up a bit late :). Thanks for the consideration… if there’s anything I can help with, feel free to ask.
I’ve a few off topic questions, if you don’t mind:
1) Is there a ‘smiley/emoticon’ list somewhere? I’ve been a bit spoiled by NBR forums.
2) Is there a way to edit/delete our posts? To keep spam and unnecessary posts to a minimum.
3) Are you considering creating a forum for the site? Would be convenient to ask random questions or give site suggestions in a more focused and easy to access environment.
Thanks Gophn.. I’m going to sleep so goodnight!
3 yearss ago1) smileys/emoticons are auto if you type it here and on NBR, here is the auto-smileys:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/misc.php?do=getsmilies&editorid=vB_Editor_001
2) you should be able to edit your own post here (under your name, next to the date/time).
3) I have been thinking about opening a forum, but moderating might be hard if there is too many people in there…. still thinking about it.
3 yearss agoYou could probably get some people to moderate, and help reduce the burden from you
I’m sure many would be willing (myself included :D)
Great guide, just wondering how Avira ranks compared to other free av programs
3 yearss agoAnother great guide from Gophn,
3 yearss agoI agree with you that computer sellers (dell, hp, etc..)
shouldn’t put those bloatware/trial anti-virus programs.
It just bothers me and you pointed out exactly same as my thought.
I will probably set up a forum… like an extension to NotebookReview
…. since NBR is plagued with slowness and 404s now.
as for Avira, I really liked it back in 2007, but they slipped a bit recently.
Not to say that they are not good.
Any of the free anti-viruses should give sufficient protection as long as its running and up-to-date….
but the firewall is the most important factor to really protect your system.
I will test Avira once again… and up date this guide.
3 yearss agoAnother great guide, Gophn!
I find it very annoying that the large companies like Dell/Hp etc add all the trial-programs and “extras” that only clog up your system. Friend of mine got his new computer and thought it had malware because it was very slow, turns out it was just all the trial and “extra” programs. As you say, many free programs are better and sometimes more user-friendly.
Keep it up, you’re doing a great job.
3 yearss agoThat’s a great idea
Having the forums as an extension of NBR
If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask
3 yearss agoSchools out soon so I’ll have a lot of free time on my hands
Awesome guide, Gophn!
3 yearss agoI would also suggest Avira AntiVir. It usually performs better in virus tests compared to Avast and AVG, but it does have a pop-up from time to time.
You only recommend comodo’s firewall? So im assuming the virus protection isnt that great?
3 yearss agoI have thoroughly tested Comodo’s Internet Suite…. the firewall is the best.
The rest is fine, but extremely slow in loading and starting up your computer… as compared to other free antiviruses.
So thats why I just recommend to install the Comodo Firewall-only.
3 yearss ago