virus-firewall protection

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Apr 1, 2008 | 07:46 AM

Green Streak

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Joined: Dec 2002

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From: Wallaceburg On.

virus-firewall protection

I can turn on and operate my computer-thats about it. What I need to know is what should I be looking for in an anti-virus program and do I need a firewall? Can I get one program that does both? My computer is running slower and slower and sometimes won't start.
Thanks in advance
Greg C

Apr 1, 2008 | 07:58 AM

lswartz

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From: MD

What operating system are you using, Windows XP etc. ?

If you are using Windows use the firewall that comes with it & I like avast for an anti virus program (it is free but there are others that are also good).

It sounds like you have had that computer connected to the internet without a firewall or anti virus program running. I would do a clean install of the operating system & don't connect to the internet until you have the firewall on & an anti virus program running.

Apr 1, 2008 | 07:58 AM

F350-6

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: Texas

Virus protection is a good idea. A lot of the anti-virus software comes with a firewall. I usually don't buy the everything under the sun version since it seems if you load all that junk on there the computer seems to run slower.

You can do a free virus scan by running housecall here Trend Micro HouseCall - Free Online Virus and Spyware Scan - Trend Micro USA

It sounds like it would also be a good idea for you to run a disk defragment and scan disk to help clean things up. If you open the folder called "My Computer" right click on local disk C, then select properties. A new little window comes up. At the top of that little window is a tab that says "Tools" select it and then do both of the options (error checking & defragmentation) to see if that helps any.

Apr 1, 2008 | 10:32 AM

rebocardo

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Joined: Jun 2002

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From: Atlanta GA

I usually use these on personal IBM PC computers

sysgate firewall (free)
f-prot virus (paid )
spybot (free - I paid though)

I have given up on Norton and McAfee.

Apr 1, 2008 | 11:36 AM

Green Streak

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Joined: Dec 2002

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From: Wallaceburg On.

Thanks for the relies. I am running that scan from trend as suggested. I will advise of the results. My system is Windows ME.

Apr 1, 2008 | 12:01 PM

stormyrider

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Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 699

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From: northern Michigan

If you are running slower, you probably have a load of adware running in the background. I run PCCillian for antivirous which also removes some of the addware. I also run an antiadware program called ad-aware that removes this stuff.
Also if you computer has crashed several times or been powered down by loss of power you may have issues in your registry and need a registry repair program. There are several of these you can get on line that are good. I use the site called ZDnet.com for this. Try using your disk cleanup utility and run the disk defrag program first to see if this helps. These two programs should be run monthly but a lot of folks forget until they are in trouble.

Apr 1, 2008 | 03:40 PM

blue beast

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Joined: Nov 2004

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From: sunny fla sometimes windy

This can keep you from getting in trouble in the first place Protection from Adware, Spam, Viruses, Online Scams | McAfee SiteAdvisor
Another little thing that caan prevent trouble to an extent is DO NOT type the website
directly into the address bar since one mis type or misspelling and you are to a fake
site and getting loaded up with crap. Free Software Downloads and Software Reviews - Download.com