Useful Tools
The following links are tools I use everyday. Some of the tools are free and some have to be purchased. Please be careful when using the tools as some of them can be challenging.
Firewall
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 firewall is effective for most users of Windows XP Home or Professional. The questions are straightforward, but please pay attention. Wrong answers can render your system useless. If you are not familiar with firewalls, you may need some guidance.
Zone Alarm - a great FREE personal firewall. Follow the links to the free version. However, please be aware that a personal firewall can be very dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. You can have your whole system shut off from everything in a matter of minutes. Guidance highly recommended!
Anti-Virus
Symantec Security Response - This is an excellent resource for virus notifications and removal tools.
Authentium Security Threat Analysis and Research - also known as Command Software Anti-Virus. Another excellent resource for notifications and removal tools.
Hoaxes - some of the more current and popular hoaxes circulating via email and the internet.
AVG Anti-Virus - FREE! Anti-Virus Software - This is a good reliable Anti-Virus product (This is the product I use at home). You won't be bothered with a lot of extras and the software is easy to download, install, use, and update. What's the catch? Direct support is limited.
AVG Anti-Spyware FREE is also available at this link...see below.
Anti-Virus software must be the current version and have definition files no older than seven days to be effective. Otherwise, you are leaving your computer open for virus infection.
NEVER use more than one Anti-Virus program on your computer at a time. Otherwise, the programs will work against each other slowing your system down.
Spyware
AVG Anti-Spyware - FREE! Anti-Spyware Software - This is a good reliable Anti-Spyware product (This is the product I use at home). The software is easy to download, install, use, and update. The product is an active Spyware combatant for the first 30 dys. In other words, it is real-time protection as you surf. After the first 30 days, it becomes just another great tool to rid spyware that may already be on your computer. If the program constantly catches spyware during the first 30 days, you should seriously consider purchasing the product for continued real-time protection. If you don't catch active spyware, then the free passive version (after 30 days) may be sufficient. Guidance for use is highly recommended.
Ad-Aware - another great free resource. Follow the links for the free version. You can remove hidden spyware from your computer. Once again, please be careful as you can accidentally eliminate crucial files from your system. Guidance highly recommended!
Spybot - an excellent companion to Ad-Aware. This resource removes some of the stubborn spyware that Ad-Aware sometimes misses. Follow the DOWNLOAD link for the FREE software (they do accept donations). While this software is effective, it is not quite as intuitive as some of the others. You can make quite a mess if you are not careful. Guidance highly recommended!
Home Search Assistant Removal - these guided instructions are effective in removing Home Search Assistant which basically hijacks your web browser and bombards you with pop up ads. If you believe you have this problem, check the Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, and look for Home Search Assitant. DO NOT use the uninstall routine listed in the Add/Remove Programs as it takes you to a site to remove the program which does nothing...except put more spyware and viruses on your computer. This is one of the more ugly spyware routines found on many computers. It can be removed, but it is a complicated and lengthy process. Not for the faint of heart...Guidance highly recommended!
Security Updates
Microsoft Windows Update - Keep your version of Microsoft Windows up to date. You must have the latest critical updates.
Microsoft Security - a great resource for the basics of security.