Keep system clean and safe

[DJMONDY]

Whats's the best software to use to keep my system clean and safe?

At the moment i use:

AVG antivirus scan
Norton firewall
Window washer
Windows defrag (monthly)
Windows disk cleanup

Whats good out of what im using?
What the best programs to use on my pc?

Thanks for any help :)

[CDsDontBurn]

AVG is pretty good i've heard. Norton firewall.....from my experience, anything norton uses up alot of resources, but so long as you don't game, or do anything else intense, then Norton firewall should be plenty. A good alternative software program as an alternative to Norton i would recomend ZoneAlarm, it's not free, but it's a very good firewall program.

and for the rest, i just install windows about once a month.....rarely go more than that :p. That's just me tho, lol.

[DJMONDY]

Thats the thing...Im a big gamer!!

I thought norton might be taking alot out of my system. I notice it loads when im playing CS:S and i didnt really want to turn norton off.

I tried zone alarm and didnt really like it.

Cheers

[sytaylor]

Swap Norton firewall for Sygate Professional :)

[H3avyM3tal]

Whats wrong with the windows firewall? I use it, and keep in cold sleep norton av just for checking once in awhile.

[crainger]

Whats wrong with the windows firewall? I use it, and keep in cold sleep norton av just for checking once in awhile.

Yeah with SP2 Windows Firewall is pretty good. But it still doesn't offer all the functionality of other Software Firewalls, but the Windows Firewall serves me fine. One day I'll implement something better.

[DJMONDY]

Thanks for all your help guys :)


Just one more thing. What about software like Adaware and spybot?

Ive read here they are the best for the jobs they do??

What should i do with the stuff they find and can it damage my system if i dont use them properly??

Thanks again

[sytaylor]

They won't damage your system, spyware will most likeley annoy you and give a performance hit, but you aren't really taking a huge risk by having it on your machine... I see it like having spots though, not desireable.

[DJMONDY]

Thanks :)

[brady]

i think the best way to keep your system clean and safe is to simply not download and install everything you come by on the net. im 23 and ive been building computers since i was 14. ive never used any form of virus protection, of course with networks ive always had a firewall, and recently have begun using adaware and spybot. in any case, i have never once had a virus on my computer. i think smart computing is the best way to protect yourself. imho. and i dont say that and mean you have to be a genius or anything.

[JRepin]

I use:
Spy Sweeper
NOD32 antivirus
A linux firewall
Firefox (just don't use IE)

[NemesisChild]

I currently use:
McAfee Anti-virus, but plan to switch to AVG soon
Spybot S&D
Ad-Aware SE
Linksys router firewall (much better than software)
Firefox (Moox optimized 1.0) - IE is in the toliet forever!!!