I like Malwarebytes anti-malware. It's free, updates definitions almost daily and does a heuristics scan (a fuzzy scan that looks for general characteristics of viruses to catch new variants before a new definition is created). it is VERY thorough and finds infections even the big expensive AV programs miss.

 

That is generally true.

The problem is that if you do that, it will take you nearly ALL DAY to install XP, download/install Service pack 1, Service pack 2, Service pack 3 and the PLETHROA of updates each of which requires a separate reboot. You MUST do all the updates since many of them are the actual protection against most of "malware" out there. (Another reason I switched to Linux)

Of course then if you want to continue to use it on the internet, you'll have to install some sort of anti-virus and security program.

They're pretty much all good. Just get a free one (there's several including AVG) and set it up to update daily.

Oh, and another thing. DO NOT connect your computer directly to a cable modem. (MS Winblows simply doesn't have a good enough firewall to protect you)..........Use a router between your computer and your cable or DSL modem. It will have a FAR more robust firewall.

(oh by the way.......most routers are running Linux inside.......I wonder why?)








It's maddening!



Cheers,


Rick