Keeping your PC safe

[DO]

A surprising amount of people I spoke to didn't even know the basics to keeping your computer secure. But I'm pretty sure most of you guys know all this already but after all this is still for the uninformed.

1.) Stay off IE

I can't stress how much IE sucks. Security advisors have found a large number of exploits that can be used to make Internet Explorer launch arbitrary programs or execute any kind of code with local user privileges; there are a whole lot of other security problems as well. Instead start using Firefox: http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/ Firefox is a great Internet browser mainly because it's open sourced and they have a very fast
bug/security updating team.

2.) Get a firewall

Not having a firewall is like leaving your car unlocked with the keys in and the engine on. You're just asking for it. Sooner or later it'll catch up to you because hackers always look for that one unprotected computer to use for there bidding. Personally I use Zone Alarm:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=dbtopnav_zass



3.) Stay Current

Stay updated with window updates a patched system is a secure one. Windows has a Automatic Updates option that you can enable. This will keep your computer updated with all current released patches or you can visit there update site: http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/thanks.aspx?ln=en&&thankspage=5

4.) Get some antispyware/adware programs

Spyware is software that gathers user information on the computer it infects. It can gather anything from email addresses, passwords and even credit card numbers as well as browsing habits. Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse because it attempts to run in the background processes of your computer. Not only can it eat up bandwith but also RAM.
I find that Spybot S & D works great with spyware infections it can be found here: http://www.safer-networking.org/

Adware is incredibly annoying because it can direct popups to your system and monitor your web useage. A great program to rid yourself of this nuisance is Adware: http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/

5.) Use common sense

Become aware when your surfing the web. Don't click or run programs you have no knowledge of and then wonder why you got a virus.

Be sure to virus scan. I found an awesome Online Virus Scan that works great http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

This is pretty much all I could think of right now. All the programs that were listed are free and work great.

[6Zabuza9]

umm this thread is so random lol but thx for your advice man

[el_boss]

Doesn't this belong in the general support section? Good stuff anyway.

I would recommend using some sort of virus shield. Avast (http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html) and AVG (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/Get+AVG+FREE/lng/us/tpl/v5) are free anti-virus programs. Can't say much about them though since I have McAfee.

[xDarkMaster]

Hmmm, not sure if this goes here or not and it's random, but nice info man. This would really have helped me out awhile ago when I didn't know much.

[DO]

Yeah i think it does belong in general support. But I'm going to use this thread to link people who ask stuff on the IRC channel. Plus everyone is getting sick of my security speeches as they put it :D

[Knives122]

you'd think Common sense and not using IE would be one in the same. I mean everyone should have that knowlege.

[dragonrage]

thanks for the info....

[Board of Command]

I only use my router's firewall because it has proven to be pretty secure. I used to run Sygate firewall alongside my router's firewall but Sygate has never picked up anything (whereas it used to before I got a router), so to save some RAM I just use my router's firewall. (D-Link DI-624)

I tried installing Spybot a while ago but I think it doesn't like Win XP x64 very much... I'll give it another shot some time.

[woofcat]

For Linux people who need a firewall try out Firestarter it works great for me and its easy to set up / configure.

[masamuneehs]

moved and stickied in General Support.
-m

[darkshadow]

Well, if you know what your doing, even IE can be safe ( since i only use IE, and never had any problems )

also get Spyware Blaster.
While Spybot and Ad-Aware remove spy/adware, Spyware Blaster will try and keep it off your pc:

The most important step you can take is to secure your system. And SpywareBlaster is the most powerful protection program available.



Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted software.
Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox.
Restrict the actions of potentially unwanted sites in Internet Explorer.

SpywareBlaster can help keep your system spyware-free and secure, without interfering with the "good side" of the web.

And unlike other programs, SpywareBlaster does not have to remain running in the background.

Download:
JavaCool Software (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html)

[xDarkMaster]

Thanks for the tip darkshadow, I'll check it out if I have time. Although, already have Spyware Doctor, AVG, and Avast so I don't really need it.

[Deadfire]

Some things to add the following are some of the programs I use (or have seen used and worked)


System Information for Windows
Run the executable, and in a few seconds this little utility will tell you more than you could imagine about your computer's hardware, operating system, installed programs, and so on. What you do with that information is up to you--the tool doesn't offer diagnoses or advice.
Download link (http://downloads.pcworld.com/pub/new/utilities/system_resources_tune_up_/siw.exe)

CCleaner
Over time, your PC gets gunked up with old browser cache files, cookies, and other bits and pieces. CCleaner finds this digital detritus and zaps it.
Download link (http://www.filehippo.com/download/file/4af244373d1415fea69ab6d9f7caec9d95617f0a8a562f51c4 134364ece789ae/)

Spybot Search & Destroy Spyware:
Though no tool is a cure-all, Spybot is a powerful antidote to many ills. In addition to finding and deleting spyware, Spybot can continuously monitor your system for changes, giving you an opportunity to permit or disallow critical Registry modifications before they happen.
Download link (http://fileforum.betanews.com/sendfile/1043809773/1/spybotsd14.exe)

Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal
The free version performs on-demand scans only, not continuous monitoring. But Ad-Aware catches some programs that Spybot misses (and vice versa).
Download Link (Click on "download now") (http://www.download.com/3405-8022-5153545.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5)

Microsoft Windows Defender
Yes, you do need another antispyware app. Though this beta software (formerly known as Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware) expires on December 31, 2006, it's worth downloading. Microsoft's tool catches spyware that other programs don't--including the dangerous rootkit carried by some Sony music CDs that were released last year.
Download link (Click "continue" as it requires a valid copy of windows) (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=435BFCE7-DA2B-4A6A-AFA4-F7F14E605A0D&displaylang=en)

ZoneAlarm
This firewall keeps watch over inbound and outbound Internet connections, helping avert attacks by hackers and spyware programs. It offers greater control and is easier to use than Windows XP's built-in firewall. Make sure that you download the basic firewall, which is free for personal and nonprofit use, instead of the trial version of ZoneAlarm Pro.
Download link(Click on "download now") (http://www.download.com/3000-2092-10039884.html)

Anonymizer
This company hosts a free anonymous browsing service at its home page. Enter a URL, and Anonymizer displays the page you want--without revealing your IP address, your cookies, or any other information to the sites you surf.
Download Link(For free trial but you can see int he top right hand part you can do it for free labeled "FREE Private Surfing") (http://www.anonymizer.com/consumer/products/downloads/download.cgi?action=free_download&product_name=anon_framework)

GRC Shields Up
Shields Up is a convenient browser-based tool that checks for common vulnerabilities, such as open ports and hackable file-sharing services.
Main web page (from here go to proceed) (https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2)

Trend Micro HouseCall
If installing antivirus and antispyware programs isn't an option, do yourself a favor and visit this site regularly. Trend Micro's software runs in your browser to scan for and eliminate malware on your computer.
Main Page (you can proceed as you like from here) (http://housecall65.trendmicro.com/)

AirDefense Personal Lite
You should never lose sight of the security risks involved in using Wi-Fi. This simple program alerts you whenever you connect to an insecure wireless network or to a hotspot that you haven't designated as safe.
Web page (fill it in and download) (http://www.airdefense.net/products/adpersonal/trial.php)

Avast Home Edition
This easy-to-use antivirus scanner is free for noncommercial or home use. Unlike online scanners, it can perform a boot-time virus scan (the most effective way to catch viruses) and will continually monitor your system for threats. Avast is free, but you must register at the company's Web site to use the program beyond its 90-day trial period.
Download Page (Pick the version you want) (http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html)

[-ANBU-Sasuke-]

The only real piece of advise you need to follow is common sense. Clicking flashing banners that say Click Here You are a Winner! usually is a bad idea.

I'am using avast and its been catching things that norton failed to for the 2 years I have used it. I DO prefer Microsoft's anti-spyware client to any other scanner, but seeing how my version is going to expire, another good spyware/adware finder is webroot's scanner. (cant remember the name) It scored a high score compared to its compeitition.

[samsonlonghair]

Most of the best programs have already been mentioned. Firefox and Spybot are definite must-haves. Another good program to have in your article is Hijack this (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html). When you're having trouble finding out what's causing trouble in your computer this program will work wonders.


I only use my router's firewall because it has proven to be pretty secure. I used to run Sygate firewall alongside my router's firewall but Sygate has never picked up anything (whereas it used to before I got a router), so to save some RAM I just use my router's firewall. (D-Link DI-624)

Generally, a hardware firefall is a better solution. To make an analogy, a software firewall is like putting a security system in your home; a hardware firewall is like putting a deadbolt in your door. It's simpler, easier, and (usually) more effective. Just my opinion.

[naruto49]

I'm glad I read this. I just scanned my computer for spyware and found that I have about 7000 spyware infections.

[xDarkMaster]

Does anyone with AVG know how to prevent it from automatically starting when Windows starts?

[Deadfire]

I'm glad I read this. I just scanned my computer for spyware and found that I have about 7000 spyware infections.

IF you truly found that many I would suggest you reinstall windows as removing that many can cause windows to be very unstable. (As if it wasn't already)


Does anyone with AVG know how to prevent it from automatically starting when Windows starts?

There does not appear to be a simple disable option in the free AVG software but there is a way around it that is easier than uninstalling and reinstalling the software and this is to prevent it from starting automatically. If you uninstall it then you will have to download all the patches and updates and reconfigure it again.

To prevent it from starting click on start, run and type MSCONFIG then click on the startup tab and you will see all the programs that start automatically when the computer starts.

Now just remove the tick from the program called Avgcc, click OK and then restart your computer.

Any other questions?

[drims]

I got one Deadfire. You know what I could do so my computers usage doesnt get so high from playing online game "starcraft".

[Deadfire]

I got one Deadfire. You know what I could do so my computers usage doesnt get so high from playing online game "starcraft".

Don't play it?

The games are designed to run at 100% usage to get the "best" results.
remember how old the games are and what the top-of-the-range CPUs were like back then.

[ChaosK]

I got one Deadfire. You know what I could do so my computers usage doesnt get so high from playing online game "starcraft".

If your computer dies from playing starcraft, its time to get a new computer....

[skindred]

I'm glad there's a topic like this here, I've got a question which has been bothering me. I was using windows 2k pro before and I encountered a software called Registry Cleaner. I am just wondering how the window's registry could affect a pc in general, and everytime those registries get fixed, the next time I use my pc there are again alot of registry errors although I haven't found anything wrong with my pc since.

[Deadfire]

I'm glad there's a topic like this here, I've got a question which has been bothering me. I was using windows 2k pro before and I encountered a software called Registry Cleaner. I am just wondering how the window's registry could affect a pc in general, and everytime those registries get fixed, the next time I use my pc there are again alot of registry errors although I haven't found anything wrong with my pc since.

The Windows registry is a database of all configuration settings in Microsoft Windows operating systems.It contains information and settings for all the hardware, software, users, and preferences of the PC. As any change you do to Windows is stored in the registry

To in turn it can have a major effect on everything about windows, however not really the hardware.So to answer, registry errors don't mean anything is wrong with the hardware, just windows it's self

[skindred]

@Deadfire

So that'd mean only the performance of windows is affected then? Well I do have observed that softwares and other informations are stored in the registry so is it also important to prevent the registry from getting errors?

[complich8]

As a user, there's not much you can do to maintain your system's registry.

Well, there is, but you wouldn't like it. Basically, the best way to do it is to live in a limited-user account, and never be admin. Never install software, except for windows updates and updates to well-known and trustworthy applications. Stuff like that.

Windows itself doesn't corrupt its own registry. If things happen to it that cause problems, it's usually the fault of badly-written third-party applications trying to do things they shouldn't.

That said, if you're a "good" user (ie: use safer software, don't trust unknown apps, etc), even living in admin you should be able to get 3 years or so out of the life of a windows xp install. And by three years from now, you'll probably be shopping for a new computer anyway, and your hard drive will probably be on its way out <_<

As far as what's stored in the registry: everything that isn't stored in your user profile directory. Metadata about everything. System configs (like keyboard, display settings), drivers to load, startup applications, filetype associations, CLSID entries and application mappings for them, local user account info, MIME types, system variables, install paths and application infos, service configs ... it goes on and on. EVERYTHING in your system uses the registry (and if you don't believe it, check out sysinternals regmon.exe and watch what's accessing the registry and how often).

[skindred]

@ complich8

I guess I can't survive with that kind of method. Based on your explanation I could say I'm just an average user and I'm into gaming ( mostly pc games since I can't afford to buy expensive consoles like xbox,ps2, GC and the newest ones ) and I do know the risks of using unknown apps so that method is difficult for me hehehe.

Well I haven't survived a single installation of my OS for at least a yr because if I have problems that I can't fix, my last resort is to format and install again a fresh copy of it. It's tiring but it's the most probable way of fixing errors of an OS, well for me that is.

You're right about me buying a new pc although that'd be 2 yrs from now, I still have 2 yrs left until I graduate. Thanks to both of you for answering and helping me. I guess I learned something new :)

[tabo-trieu3]

A surprising amount of people I spoke to didn't even know the basics to keeping your computer secure. But I'm pretty sure most of you guys know all this already but after all this is still for the uninformed.

1.) Stay off IE

I can't stress how much IE sucks. Security advisors have found a large number of exploits that can be used to make Internet Explorer launch arbitrary programs or execute any kind of code with local user privileges; there are a whole lot of other security problems as well. Instead start using Firefox: http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/ Firefox is a great Internet browser mainly because it's open sourced and they have a very fast
bug/security updating team.

2.) Get a firewall

Not having a firewall is like leaving your car unlocked with the keys in and the engine on. You're just asking for it. Sooner or later it'll catch up to you because hackers always look for that one unprotected computer to use for there bidding. Personally I use Zone Alarm:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=dbtopnav_zass



3.) Stay Current

Stay updated with window updates a patched system is a secure one. Windows has a Automatic Updates option that you can enable. This will keep your computer updated with all current released patches or you can visit there update site: http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/thanks.aspx?ln=en&&thankspage=5

4.) Get some antispyware/adware programs

Spyware is software that gathers user information on the computer it infects. It can gather anything from email addresses, passwords and even credit card numbers as well as browsing habits. Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse because it attempts to run in the background processes of your computer. Not only can it eat up bandwith but also RAM.
I find that Spybot S & D works great with spyware infections it can be found here: http://www.safer-networking.org/

Adware is incredibly annoying because it can direct popups to your system and monitor your web useage. A great program to rid yourself of this nuisance is Adware: http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/

5.) Use common sense

Become aware when your surfing the web. Don't click or run programs you have no knowledge of and then wonder why you got a virus.

Be sure to virus scan. I found an awesome Online Virus Scan that works great http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

This is pretty much all I could think of right now. All the programs that were listed are free and work great.

The virse guard wont work :(
When ever its on, the internet turns off.
So I cant Register. What should i do?

[DO]

The virse guard wont work :(
When ever its on, the internet turns off.
So I cant Register. What should i do?

Do you mean firewall?


I found an awesome site that'll really tell you how safe your computer is.
http://www.pcflank.com/about.htm

Check it out ;)

[Board of Command]

Check for vulnerabilities of your computer system to remote attacks: :D

Trojan horse check: :D

Your system successfully defended itself from this attack! :D

Your computer is invisible to the others on the Internet! :D

Thank goodness for hardware firewall. For anyone who needs a software firewall and/or doesn't have a hardware firewall, I recommend NOD32. You'll have to find a pirated copy because it was bought out by Symantec and is now discontinued.

[Danad_corps]

I'd say to not get a software firewall at all. Hardware firewall >> software firewall.

For security's (and performance) sake, Opera>>Firefox

Kaspersky AV was rated among the best and its AOL version is free (its essentially AV lite).

Common sense is definitely key to remaining safe. Staying updated is part of common sense so log into a recognized compter-centric forum and look around every once in a while to make sure your PC is well equiped to defend against attacks.

[master_me]

I'll be entirely honest, I haven't had a firewall set up since I last reinstalled Windows XP in September. I've had this computer since mid 2005 and haven't once been the target of any harmful viruses. Of course, a lot of the time I am running Linux and not XP.

Still, with that said, I'll have the hackers all over me.

[itadakimasu]

if you for some reason dont have a good anti virus / spyware running on your system... do not recklessly surf shady sites. pr0n, warez, serials... i dl some keygens but only from certain places (i like the music ^^)

i was trying to find a serial for some program i dl'd this past year and i got some sort of nasty virus thing on my computer that would display this message saying i needed virus protection and it would link me to this kind of fake antivirus program... took me a good 2-3 hours of googling to finally find a fix.