what protection does a computer need!

[Amy]

As a new computer user and purchaser, i really have no idea about viruses and hackers and all the rest.
I panicked watching Current Affairs Program and purchased Spyware Doctor which is now current version.
When i purchased a new computer i told them i had Spyware Doctor and was advised i still needed Internet security so i purchased Trend Micro PC - cillin Internet Security 2006 on their recomondation.
My computer was going so slow that my sister restarted it, losing all my programs and settings, so i'm starting again!
I have noticed Norton Internet Security is already on the computer, i have tried to uninstal this but not sure if its completely gone.
Have i doubled or trippled up on programs?
Is Spyware Doctor Fine on its own and does it cover everything. I am worried i just want to use a computer safelywith no hassles.
Novice Computer User.
Thanks for taking the time to read!!!!
Very appreciative of any advice and help, THANK YOU.

[Reodor]

As a basic, You need one Anti Virus, and one Anti Malware/Trojan/Spyware program running in active mode.
However quite some of the systems today have them both combined, some have plug-inns that gives You both.
You seems to have doubled-tripled. with Norton, PC Cilin and SD .Might work providing they are all not running in active mode at the same time.
Suggest You uninstall them ALL, after first haveing shut them down and re-booted. Use the windows uninstaller, it seems that the different suppliers un-installers might leave some bits and pieces left.
Be sure all folders are gone in the 'programs' folder.

Choose either one programme with combined 'all-in-one' as Your running protection, or one pure AV and one pure Anti Spy.

No programme is perfect, non of them catches everything. Pick the one You trust and have a decent customer support AND user set-up manual.

[OUTTA HERE!]

And don't forget about a firewall. You didn't mention your operating system, so I'll assume Windows. But, XP or Vista? If it is XP, the built-in firewall only controls inbound traffic. Vista's firewall works both ways, but from what I hear, it isn't all that great (I don't know, don't have Vista) Most people add a firewall on their own. There are free and paid ones out there. I'm happy with the free Sygate version. Others prefer Zone Alarm. There is also Comodo.

While we're talking security, are you using a wireless router? If so, it has a firewall as well, but they come with a default password that anyone can crack (my password was PASSWORD!). Hopefully, your's came with better instructions than mine.

You may ask, Why do I need 2 firewalls? You didn't say if you have a notebook or a desktop. If it's a laptop, and you visit coffee houses, airport lounges or any of the other public "hot-spots" springing up all over, that firewall on your router sitting at home ain't gonna do a hell of a lotta good!

I hope that helps a little.:)

[tom.tdw]

try the antivirus plugin for spyware doctor. if you have spyware doctor it is free to upgrade:) also pctools free firewall works well

+when antiviruses/internet security programs have built in antispyware it is usually rubbish

+if you have vista take windows defender off startup if using other antispyware

[mjq424]

Hi Tom.tdw
Im not sure if your observation about AV plugin upgrade is correct. Im fairly sure if users upgrade they will have to pay more at renewal. I would suggest confirming this with AChen/Support.

Amy
I do however agree with Tom.tdw, the AV plugin for Spyware Doctor is very good, it certainly saves a lot of time having to use 2 scanners seperately. PC Tools offer free antivirus should you want it, also AVG and Avast are reasonable free products. I would recommend ZoneAlarm Firewall (a free version is available, although the Pro version is better)
Hope that helps

[LarBruns]

You need a good firewall for hackers, and a good antivirus and antispyware program. I use Norton 360 and I'm very pleased with it. And I've tried just about all of them.

Lar