Concerning Ad-Aware, you didn't indicate whether you're (still) running the older program, Ad-Aware SE 1.06, or whether you've "upgraded" to the newer Ad-Aware 2007. But in either case, assuming you're running the FREE versions of these, all you have there is an
on-demand scanner, but not
resident (
continually running in real-time)
protection. You should therefore obtain a resident anti-
malware program (which is separate from, and complements, your resident anti-
virus program) --- and my suggestion, in terms of free programs, would be Windows Defender (assuming you have Windows XP Service Pack 2; or Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 or Service Pack 2):
Also, no single anti-malware program will catch everything. So it's strongly recommended that you use more than one on-demand scanner. [Note that Windows Defender includes an on-demand scanner, in addition to its resident scanner, and you may find this to be sufficient, along with Ad-Aware, if your goal is to use the fewest programs possible.] There are many choices here... even among the free programs... and my personal favorite (as of the moment) would be SuperAntiSpyware: http://www.superantispyware.com/
Above all, it's critical that you keep all your security programs updated.
For example, AVG anti-virus generally provides daily updates (at least on weekdays), and hopefully, you've set the scheduler to automatically check for these each day.
Another point: Windows critical/security updates are made available the 2nd Tuesday of each month, and should be installed as soon as possible. If you've set-up AUTOMATIC updates, that's optimal; but if not, you can manually obtain them, in Internet Explorer, by clicking on TOOLS, and then WINDOWS UPDATE
Thanks for the information ky331. I should of had posted some more info about my computer so here it is:
Dell inspirion e1505
OS: Vista home premium
1.8 Ghz processor, 1 Gig ram, 120 Gig hard drive
So i'll use windows defender which as you said will protect against malware threats. I have ad-aware on my xp desktop and i update it frequently and have had no problems.
1) when Boppo stated above, "
windows works well", that was a reference to the included firewall, which is available on both Windows XP
SP2, as well as Windows Vista.
2) The
XP firewall works in only one direction... I believe it monitors INcoming traffic, but not OUTgoing traffic --- but I might have this backwards. That's why Dale suggested above you opt for a separate software firewall that "
works on both incoming and outgoing information".
[I don't know if the Vista firewall is unidirectional or bidirectional... I'm sure someone else will comment on this].
2) There are other factors to take into account: for example, if you're running through a router, it likely offers a firewall of its own [hardware firewall, (basic) NAT firewall, or other "advanced" Network firewall]. If you have router/firewall protection, then even the Windows XP firewall should be sufficient for most purposes.
boppo
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June 16th, 2007 00:00
dalem29
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Clockwork9
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June 16th, 2007 12:00
Thanks for the replies!
ky331
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June 16th, 2007 15:00
Also, no single anti-malware program will catch everything. So it's strongly recommended that you use more than one on-demand scanner. [Note that Windows Defender includes an on-demand scanner, in addition to its resident scanner, and you may find this to be sufficient, along with Ad-Aware, if your goal is to use the fewest programs possible.] There are many choices here... even among the free programs... and my personal favorite (as of the moment) would be SuperAntiSpyware: http://www.superantispyware.com/
Message Edited by ky331 on 06-16-2007 01:06 PM
ky331
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June 16th, 2007 15:00
Another point: Windows critical/security updates are made available the 2nd Tuesday of each month, and should be installed as soon as possible. If you've set-up AUTOMATIC updates, that's optimal; but if not, you can manually obtain them, in Internet Explorer, by clicking on TOOLS, and then WINDOWS UPDATE
Message Edited by ky331 on 06-16-2007 01:08 PM
Clockwork9
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June 16th, 2007 16:00
Dell inspirion e1505
OS: Vista home premium
1.8 Ghz processor, 1 Gig ram, 120 Gig hard drive
So i'll use windows defender which as you said will protect against malware threats. I have ad-aware on my xp desktop and i update it frequently and have had no problems.
Thanks
Clockwork9
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June 17th, 2007 18:00
ky331
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June 17th, 2007 19:00
Message Edited by ky331 on 06-17-2007 04:23 PM