Bob's Computer Security Guide

[Bobbbb]

I keep a guide to computer security up on a few sites. I decided to update it for you guys in honor of joining the ranks of mods. I won't provide all programs, just the ones I feel will benefit people the most.
Legend
* = recommended
# = notable
$ = not free
! = advanced users only

I. Active Protection

Antivirus
standalone:
*avast! (http://www.avast.com/index)
#Avira Anti-Virus (http://www.avira.com/)
Microsoft Security Essentials (http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security_essentials/default.aspx)
$nod32 (http://www.eset.com/us/)
if you want a full security suite:
$*Norton Internet Security 2011 (http://us.norton.com/internet-security-us.html?s_tnt=23824:1:0)

Firewall
you don't need a software firewall if you have an internet security suite
*Comodo (http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/)
- use only the firewall (and deactivate defense +)
!$#Online Armor (http://www.online-armor.com/products-online-armor-free.php)
!$Outpost Firewall (http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpost/)

Second Opinion Scanners
*Prevx (http://www.prevx.com/)
- Run it along side your AV.
- Don't bother paying for the cleanup or safe-online. If it detects something use your on demand scanners to ensure your computer is safe.
- Runs in the cloud so uses little to no system resources

II. On Demand

Scanners
Run these every month, or if you think your computer is infected.
*Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php)
*SUPERAntiSpyware (http://www.superantispyware.com/)
*Hitman Pro (http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro)
- don't buy it, just use it as a second opinion on demand scanner
- it runs multiple scanners at the same time in the cloud
#Emsisoft Anti-Malware (http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/download/)

III. Browser Security

Browsers
*Firefox (http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/fx/)
#Chrome (http://www.google.com/chrome)

Addons
works with both browsers
*Web of Trust (http://www.mywot.com/)
*xmarks (http://www.xmarks.com/)
- saves your bookmarks and passwords onto their secure server
- can sync across browsers and operating system (even onto mobile phones)
!#NoScript (http://noscript.net/)

DNS
*Norton DNS (http://nortondns.com/)
#ClearCloud DNS (http://clearclouddns.com/)
OpenDNS (http://www.opendns.com/)

IV. Hardening

(pseudo)HIPS
$*WinPatrol (http://www.winpatrol.com/)
- great, light on resources, multipurpose program for a one time payment
- advanced task manager
- keeps tracks of newly installed programs for quick virus removal
- easy program start up management
- more advanced features for more advanced users not listed above

Browser / Application Sandbox
$!*Sandboxie (http://www.sandboxie.com/)
*BufferZone (http://www.trustware.com/)
- 64bit version in beta - will come out soon - can try the beta here (http://www.trustware.com/BufferZone_Beta/)

Environmental Virtualization
Use one of these to test out new programs that don't need a restart, or allow someone else (or a young child) on your computer. When the computer is restarted while one of these programs is running, all changes will be reversed.
$*Shadow Defender (http://www.shadowdefender.com/)
#returnil (http://www.returnilvirtualsystem.com/)

Backup
offline:
*Paragon Free (http://www.paragon-software.com/home/br-free/features.html)
$*Shadow Protect 4 (http://www.storagecraft.com/shadow_protect_desktop.php)
#Keriver 1-Click Restore Free 2.1 (http://www.keriver.com/)
online:
*CrashPlan (http://www.crashplan.com/)
#Carbonite (http://www.carbonite.com/lp/mktg/pilot-overview.aspx?utm_campaign=CB_-_TM_Handhold&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_content=Trademark&utm_term=%7BQueryString%7D&match=s&adnumber=8677998781&mkwid=sxm3zeY0a&gclid=CNL7oJPNiKgCFcJx5QodTCdCtA)

Encryption
*TrueCrypt (http://www.truecrypt.org/)
- make encrypted containers or encrypt entire hard drives
- great for ensuring the safety of data you wouldn't want a thief to have if your computer gets stolen

[onehit]

Great post, these will come in very handy with me when i reformat my pc and gotta reinstall my shit

[siosios]

personally i dont use any of that except truecrypt (for my own personal reasons), but the info listed will definatly help those in the community keep thier pc's safe. the more advanced users like myself are fully aware of the black pits of the cyber world and welcome more posts of this nature to help those with lesser skills at defending themselves

thank you
sio

[Mongoloid]

He thinks he is god hahahaha

[siosios]

the above post was made while drunk, sorry but was truthful in it

[Mongoloid]

he still thinks he is god

[onehit]

and who are u then mongo? his trusty steed he flys away on?

[Jackd]

I don't know about you but I prey to Sio every night :P


he still thinks he is god

[Asian Invasion]

always knew Jackd liked to get on his knees

[Mongoloid]

jacd was saying he had to buy new knee oads now we know why he is getting themn

[Bobbbb]

Hi networked.net