Keeping your PC safe

[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

[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

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

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

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")

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)

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")

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")

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)

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)

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)

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)

[-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.