Ok has nothing to do with HEMI's just wanted to get your attention, in this thread I’m going to bring you up to date on how to protect your computer against internet threats. I have compiled a list of great protection tools. All the programs on this list are free unless otherwise noted. After listing the program I have provided the website it can be downloaded from. I will try and address as many security issues in this thread as I can.
I have categorized the downloads into 5 separate sections. First is Anti-Spyware, these programs will search your computer for spyware and other malicious coding and remove it.
Second is Spyware Prevention, just as the name says it prevents spyware and other malicious code from being able to install on your computer. Most contain a list of cookies and controls that will be blocked when you visit a website. Some programs refer to it as immunization. Block them cookies that track your surfing habit. Some allow a 3rd party to see how long you were at there site, what you did, and where you went.
Third is Anti-Virus, every computer needs to be protected by an anti-virus program. These programs search, destroy and prevent viruses, worms and other malicious code from being installed on your computer. E-mail scanners, attachment scans, plus prevention of Spam are all part of keeping it safe. Now most anti-virus programs search and scan each program you execute, and enter or leave your computer. Keeps you safe from receiving a virus or sending one.
Fourth is Firewall, firewalls’s allow and deny access to other users, programs, and hackers from gaining access and control of your computer. With these programs you can decide what can and can’t be shared. They also help block cookies that can track your surfing habits. Most offer popup protections so you don’t have to play, how fast can I X out the box. Firewalls can now also encrypt instant messaging systems, as long as both parties use a firewall compatible. Most offer great parental control, you can decide what sites can and can’t be visited. Some even go as far as to allow the amount of time that can be spent online. These are especially useful if you have a broadband connection that is always on, most programs offer a feature to lock internet access when you leave your computer.
Fifth is Browsers. Some browsers are better than others, simple reason is one may be more vulnerable than the other. I do not recommend Internet Explorer, if one must use it then make sure you have the latest updates.
Why did I list these and not others? There are several choices out there, these listed are FREE and popular amongst the internet community. Sure you can download any product that is SUPPOSE to protect your computer but does it? Some come bundled with spyware, some hardly ever offer updates, and others are just plain easy for a virus to disable. Most of these programs offer an auto-update feature, which means you can always be fully protected without having to sit there and manually update each individual program. Others offer Real-Time protection, meaning it runs in the background, if it catches a program, code, virus, or spyware it will terminate it! Some of the programs listed offer a Professional version, if you have the money and want to spend it then research it and buy it. In some cases they are not always better. Watch some sites(none I have listed) are free to try but after so long you must buy!
The internet is constantly changing and so is users demand for better products. Always research any product you download. There are several good sites such as
www.cnet.com where you can read USER reviews of programs. I always watch taking the editors review of a product for a few reasons. Most of the time, the review being given of a product is a sponsor of the site. So the results will favor the pros and overlook the cons.
Anti-Spyware:
Ad Aware SE Free Edition
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/Spybot Search & Destroy
http://www.safer-networking.org/Spyware Prevention:
Spyware Blaster
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.htmlMicrosoft Anti-Spyware Beta, Can be found in Microsoft’s Download Center
Spyware Guard
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.htmlIE Spyad
https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htmAnti-Virus:
AVG Anti-Virus
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1Avast
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.htmlAntiVir Personal Edition
http://www.free-av.com/Firewall:
Zone Alarm
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jspI would not recommend Windows Firewall (bundled with XP), it only protects you so far where as free alternatives offer better protection.
Browsers:
Mozilla Firefox
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/Opera
http://www.opera.com/What to watch for?!?!?
Many computer users are into Peer to Peer sharing networks. What most do not know is that when the program is installed and executed it is bundled with spyware. Read this article and find out if the P2P network you use is infected. Plus do you really know what is tagging along with whatever file you’ve actually downloaded from another user? Better question do you even want to know?
http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/p2p/Like to chat online? Many users use programs such as AIM, Yahoo Messenger, Trillian, and MSN Messenger. You could be having a private conversation, but is there someone else watching your conversation? Check for programs that offer encryption! You don’t want them Chevy and Ford guy’s knowing your new combo before it hits the streets. Messengers also come bundled with you guessed it SPYWARE!!! AIM (Aol Instant Messenger) is one of them. It can be recognized as Viewpoint manager, and Viewpoint Media Player in case your curious.
When you download a program always search it for a virus and spyware. Do this before you setup or install the program. Most cases you can just right click on it, and whatever scans you have available you can click on to search it. Or you can do it manually by opening up your Anti-virus or Spyware program and searching that particular folder. Watch what you download and who you download from!
If a program offers you the ability to edit or change your Windows Registry, make sure you know what your doing first. Some changes cannot be changed, some once made will require Windows to be reinstalled. Several websites are setup so that you can post a printout, and most of the users on that site can tell you what is safe and what isn’t safe to delete.
ALWAYS REMEMBER, always run Windows Update and make sure you have all of the critical updates installed. It will automatically search your computer for the updates you do and do not have. Then it will let you choose which ones to download. The process can also be done manually.
ALWAYS update your anti-virus, anti-spyware, spyware prevention, firewall, and browser. Most developers offer updates daily. Want a good reason to update?? HACKERS never take a day off, you don’t want them going on an all expense paid vacation to Mopar Nationals with all the information they gain off you!
If you have a wireless laptop and use it in public places make sure you use a firewall setup to handle it, such as Zone Alarm.
What about giving your information to a website? Make sure the website offers its own encrypted protection. Typically in the lower right hand corner you will see a little lock indicating a secure sever. Identification Theft is on the rise and becoming worse each day, don’t be a victim. It can take YEARS to sort it out.
Adult sites are a playground for spyware, tracking cookies, and porn-ware, so watch where you surf. If you don’t, when your kids access the computer they will get adult oriented pop-ups!
Always make sure any programs you use for protection are enabled. Just because they are installed doesn't mean they are doing their job. If your not sure then locate a help button on the program.
Good reads, listed are some good links that can give better information on how, what, where, when, and why.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/expert/honeycutt_spyware.mspxhttp://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/Default.mspxhttp://support.dell.com/support/topics/g...;l=en&s=bizwww.sarc.com Check out the latest virus news and removers here. Also can do an online virus scan, and a security check to see if your vulnerable to attack.
What if I still need more protection or want name brand protection?
Look into Norton, McAfee, Panda, and Trend Micro. They all offer all in one packages so you don’t have to go hunting over the web for protection.
Most computer users, use SEVERAL of each type of program. Just make sure they will all be compatible. Example Zone Alarm Internet Suite(a pay version) includes anti-virus software, often times it will disable other anti-virus protection you already have.
Still not enough? Get a router, you would be surprise how much difference it will make
Ok ok still isn’t enough? Get a MAC
Ok there is tons more I could go over, and I will make changes and updates to this thread as long as it lasts. Hopefully some learn about new programs and can better protect themselves. If you know of a great program, then post it. If you don’t know or have a question, then ASK! For some this may be common sense but you would be suprised how many users are unsure or just don't know. Thanks Tom for letting me post this!!
I'll need to go plug into DSL to get somemore software. 
Also new version of Firefox is available, version 1.5. 
