For signing agents, our computer is our lifeline. We get our assignments, map out our trips, update our calendar, set up our billing, and download documents. Without our trusty 'puters, we're toast. The question arises often; what programs should I be running to protect my computer and keep it virus free?
First of all, I don't think there is any one catch-all program. I run several different programs that all do different things or catch different intrusions. Here's what I run (and they're all free):
Zone Alarm - Zone Alarm is a Firewall. It blocks open ports and prevents people or programs from unauthorized access of your computer. Zone Alarm was recently listed on Maximum PC Magazine's 100 Greatest PC Technologies Of All Time. Note: A couple of people on Notary Rotary mentioned that they had problems with the newer version of Zone Alarm. Regardless of which firewall you choose, it's still vital to protecting your computer. And I personally love Zone Alarm.
AVG - Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware protection
Spybot Search & Destroy - Blocks & removes Spyware
Ad-Aware - Anti-Spyware. Even though AVG, SS&D, and Ad-Aware all detect and remove Spyware, each one has a different set of definitions, so each program finds intrusions that the other doesn't.
I also run Windows OneCare Safety Scanner. It removes a lot of junk from your computer.
Two caveats:
Some programs have ads built in. If you disable the ads, you may disable the program (For instance, many illegal download programs like Kazaa or Morpheus run adware).
If you have McAfee, you may have conflicts running another virus or spyware program. My personal opinion; AVG is better, and it's free. Uninstall McAfee.
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