June 28, 2008

  • Recently, two well known computer software have released updated versions for public download. One is the popular free internet browser "Firefox," and the other is the popular free anti-virus software "AVG." I've been using those two software for several years now, and I've been very happy with them. Firefox 3 has seemingly subtle improvements over version 2, but whatever they did, using it really does "feel smoother and better." AVG 8 however feels a little bloated and was problematic to me when installing it compared to the previous version, although I am still currently sticking with, unless it proves to be more of a change for the worse (I hear "AVAST" is a good free anti-virus alternative).

    Along with "ZoneAlarm Free Firewall," "Mike Lin's StartUpMonitor," and "Microsoft's Windows Defender," these five programs are pretty much what I rely on for security against viruses, spyware, adware, pop-ups, hacking, etc.. In fact, I can proudly say that I have never had any of those problems since I started using those five programs together. They are all free as well, which is a nice bonus.

    Each one of them have specific beneficial purposes against attacks on your PC. Firefox has proven to be very effective in preventing malicious websites from infecting your PC, through means of pop-ups, activeX related attacks, and other such things (plus I like the add-ons that Firefox has). AVG detects computer viruses, and the most recent version now even detects spyware as well. ZoneAlarm prevents intrusions from unwanted sources through your internet connection. StartUpMonitor alarms you when a possibly suspicious program is attempting to run on your operating system. Finally since I use Windows XP (boycott Vista!), I figured that I may as well rely on Microsoft's very own anti-spyware software; Windows Defender; even though AVG has now added that to it's feature list.

    The people that I've recommended these programs to use with their own PCs, have had similar success stories as well (as long as they keep the software updated of course). If you own a PC with a Windows OS and are reading this, I urge you to consider trying these software out if you haven't already done so. It's a good feeling using your computer and using the internet, without worrying about viruses, spyware, hacking, etc... Plus they are all FREE!

    Firefox 3.0 internet browser
    AVG 8.0 anti-virus software
    ZoneAlarm Free Firewall
    Mike Lin's StartUpMonitor
    Microsoft's Windows Defender

    *update* ignore ZoneAlarm Firewall, it's not necessary anymore. Just keep the standard Windows XP firewall set to "on."

Comments (2)

  • wow that is a lot of programs to protect your computer! i just used zone alarm on the desktop =P

    i never understood the point of adaware, ever used it?

  • you never understood the point of a program like Ad-Aware? It's used to prevent adware and spyware from infiltrating your PC. It's those hidden malicious little programs that you might unknowingly get, by just browsing through a web page, or through using a P2P program, etc... Zone Alarm has anti-spy ware features too, but that's only if you pay for that service. It's important to protect yourself from adware/spyware.

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