11.30.05
Beginners Guide to Securing a PC
gHack’s Beginners Guide to Securing a PC.
I will explain the basics of securing your computer, will tell you what you need to secure it and give you alternatives if there are any. But first of all, all programs that I name will be freeware or open source. We want a secure computer but don´t want to pay hundreds of $$ for it. There will also be some geeks who will comment that program XY is way better and pro than the program I named and that only people with no security understanding whatsoever will use. Don´t listen to them, there are many factors that play a role in selecting a suitable software. I tried to find the best mix between security and userfriendliness.
gHack has a good list here, with some programs that I’ve recommended here on TechTips. His first antivirus recommendation is Antivir Personal Edition; I’ve never used this program but I agree that AVG is a good alternative. I don’t like his other alternative suggestion; Avast. I’ve used it in the past and didn’t like the user interface. gHacks makes the bold suggestion of not using a software firewall, saying they only give a false sense of security. I disagree as a layered approach is benefitial. It is just important to realize that all of the other security procudures cannot be ignore because you have a firewall; you must still run Windows Update frequently and have good antivirus and antispyware programs installed (and used!).