MY Suggestion is this:
If you are a Heavy User on the Browser :-
- Get FireFox 2.0
- Download Plug-in call NoScript
- Download Plug-in call AdBlock-plus
- Go to your Firefox Options, Check the " Always Clear My Private Data When i Close FireFox " & " Ask
me Before Clearing Data " options.
- Keep Cookies : " Until I Close Firefox "
Anti-Virus Setup : (Check Your Local Security Forums for Details or one of my hotlist fourms here
I am currently Using AOL Active Virus Shield though the Policy for it is...well....it has a Down point. ;) But it is Russian KasperSKy empowered. Saved My Lappy many a times.
Anti-Spyware : Same as Above Under Anti-Virus setup
Try AVG Anti-SpyWare. No...NOT the Anti-Virus ~! Ergh...the Anti-virus ain't 70% efficient for me.
FireWall Suite : This is a Little Tricky. I have no recommendations since everyone's taste in NetWork Security varies. ;)
If you are Purely rich And Super Reliant on Browsing the internet and does not like the Hassle of downloading the software, Get NOD32, Kaspersky for your Port and Malicious Software protection. Else, for Firewall, ZoneAlarm Pro sounds awfully enough...(though it is a RAM Hog..ergh...) ;)
Throw in a SpywareBlaster and you are done.
However, if Your System is Already virused, duped, port pried, or worse, already converted into a slow startup and soon-to-be zombie PC, installing the add-ons will not help you most likely. You will need to go to a reliable online-scanner like Symantec or KasperSky website through your IE browser (Yes, it is dangerous since ActiveX is a hot Cookie for the "dark" Programmers to attack on) and scan your PC. This is to ensure your System and Systemfiles are not "taken" over by the Malicious Code so that when you instal your Anti-Spy etc etc, it will not be duped or the code will cause your Anti-spyware etc etc to stop running/installation.
Else, hrmmm...it is as good as a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) situation and reformatting is your only last resort solution.
Don't get me wrong but heh, not every anti-virus or spyware can detect all of the threats. Some are easy to remove, some ain't. Depends on the aggressiveness of the malicious code programmed by the creator.
Spybot Search and Destroy...ahh......the good old days when we first realise the potential threat of spyware and malicious port sniffing~.... *licks chops*
GEEzzz.. for the Last Time, Madam`e ~.... I am NOt a SalesMAN ! XD X-P