What internet security programs do I need?

[AkhilStyle]

Hi,

I have 512k ADSL, with a hubbed network, and I use the following programs:

NAV 2004 (Virus Checker only)
Zone Alarm 5 (Firewall)
Spybot S&D, and Adaware 5 Premium (spyware/adware checkers)

What else should I use? Or is this ok?

Thanks
Akhil

[Virgin San]

You should be fine with those. Some people will moan because they don't like Norton, and others will say that Zone Alarm isn't the number 1 firewall at the mo, but its still one of the better ones so I wouldn't stress.

Possibly the only thing you would add would be something like Spywareblaster.

[Elaine]

I have to agree. I use Zone Alarm Pro 4, NAV 2003, Spybot S&D, and Ad-Aware 6 on my home network. I also use SpywareBlaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html). The only other thing to consider would be another trojan detector such as The Cleaner (http://www.moosoft.com/products/cleaner/download/). I never have any problems, and it isn't from a lack of trying. :rolleyes:

[Virgin San]

Have a read around on this site (http://www.firewallguide.com/), it covers all the necessities pretty comprehensively and has some reviews and useful links also.

[AkhilStyle]

Cheers guys,

Will look into the recommended

[AkhilStyle]

How does spyware blaster work?

I have just installed it? Is it like a search of your pc like spybot or is it something that always needs to be running?

What exactly does it do?

Thanks
Akhil

[Elaine]

SpywareBlaster runs in the background and is preventative.

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

However you have to remember to manually update it quite often if you don't pay for AutoUpdate, which costs $9.95 USD a year.

[Lazza]

Agree with everyone about this, those tools alone should be more than enough.

As with anything like this it's only as good as the last update so regular visits to the Windows update site is also very important as so many are security measures for OE & IE6.

Many people inc myself also feel that using an alternative browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Opera for instance is another good security measure as hackers etc usually target M$ products as a rule.