Comments on: What Other Programs Should I Add With Avast Antivirus Program?

By: Dunbar Pappy

Dunbar Pappy — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:38:00 +0000

“FL swamp…” gives solid advice (except for the ‘completely finish off ..” part)
>>>The #1 defense against any malware: Use a “Limited User” account & Firefox, with ‘NoScript’ add-on, with “locked down” settings< << and dual browser set up as I describe here:http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;…
(Use IE only for Windows updates)
Also, use "Sandboxie": http://www.sandboxie.com/
The key element or common principal is to keep rubbish from all sources out of your system in the first place: stopped @ your doorstep, with a layered defense. And because of the fluid nature of the threat matrix, methods and configurations must keep pace and change accordingly.
Most novice users do not like hearing this, but nonetheless, it’s true: using Windows requires you to become a security expert, it’s that simple. Something they conveniently omit telling you when you buy this system…

By: South A

South A — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:38:00 +0000

In addition to Avast, I run Malwarebytes
and Spybot Search and Destroy. Make sure you are firewalled,, also. I’ve run these programs exclusively on my computer for 6 years and have never had any problems. These are all free programs and I think you’ll find they are easy to use.

By: teacup raincoat

teacup raincoat — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:37:54 +0000

I do not recommend that you have more than one anti virus/spyware product installed and running on your computer at a time. The reason for this is that if both products have their automatic (Real-Time) protection switched on, then those products which do not encrypt the virus strings within them can cause other anti virus products to cause “false alarms”. It can also lead to a clash as both products fight for access to files which are opened again this is the resident/automatic protection. In general terms, the two programs may conflict and cause:
1) False Alarms: When the anti virus software tells you that your PC has a virus when it actually doesn’t.
2) System Performance Problems: Your system may lock up due to both products attempting to access the same file at the same time.

By: FLSwampB

FLSwampB — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:37:53 +0000

Avast or Avira are just fine for your AV protection. Do not use AVG free version.
These will completely finish off your security protection:
Free – Malwarebytes – Good at removing malware, and acting as a back-up program and scanner.: http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-An…
Free – Ad-Aware – Anti-spyware program that, unlike other free anti-spyware packages, has a live-protection module: http://download.cnet.com/Ad-Aware-Annive…
McAfee Site Advisor. Site Advisor updates you on approved sites (as you surf) that have been previously verified: http://download.cnet.com/McAfee-SiteAdvi…
Secunia PSI (free). Secunia actively monitors software programs and their latest patches to make sure you are up-to-date with the latest security patches on your computer (Firefox, Adobe, Flash, etc.): http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scannin…