Calling all computer experts!!!

[ARIEYELLOW]

I am needing a little help here! I have always had MSN dial up and have now switched to roadrunner. What are some things I need to know to keep my computer safe and free from viruses and hackers? TIA

 

[Dan Murphy]

Not an expert, just another user, but I use a software firewall (mine is Zone Alarm Pro), plus a hardware router/firewall, one antivirus program (mine is Panda, and several anti-spyware programs (even though the two programs mentioned above do have also)(I use Ad-aware Plus, Spy Sweeper and Microsoft's Anti-spyware beta. The first two are pay-for versions (as are the firewall and antivirus), the last program is currently free. it costs me about $125 a year to be PC safe, I never have a problem. Also, make sure you do you Windows updates as they are sent to you. Good luck, enjoy.

 

[Equidae]

A router (wireless or otherwise) will serve as a firewall and help protect you from outside threats (viruses, hackers, etc) since you have an always on connection to the internet as long as your computer is turned on.

 

[JCJRSmith]

I have been working in IT for the last 10 years. You need, at a minimum, anti-virus software, pop-up blocker, anti-spam, and a firewall. I like the McAffe suite, Symantec is good as well. Windows XP with SP2 has a decent (not spectacular, but decent) firewall. Microsoft updates their malicious software removal tool regularly as well. Keep your computer up to date with Windows Update (I prefer to do it manually, but automatic works fine for a lot of folks).

Don't open emails with attachments from addresses you do not recognize. Be very careful when you get a security alert from Windows telling you some web site is attempting to install software on your PC, even if the company who wrote the software has a valid security certificate. NEVER use the "always trust software from XXX company" - not even Microsoft.

All of that should help

 

[ARIEYELLOW]

Don't mean to sound stupid but to do the windows updates thing is there a particular website I go to do this? Also I'm new to this roadrunner thing the guy didn't tell me anything about how to get to my email now or how to get into settings or anything like that!!!

 

[Papa Deuce]

Don't mean to sound stupid but to do the windows updates thing is there a particular website I go to do this? Also I'm new to this roadrunner thing the guy didn't tell me anything about how to get to my email now or how to get into settings or anything like that!!!

go right to microsoft.com

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3646728

 

[dbarker]

We have roadrunner. You can call your cable company and get a better person to help you. I had some questions at one time when we first got RR. I called the cable company and they were very helpful. Some of the people who come out for installations are not always very "user friendly". I think they are busy and forget that everyone does not know as much as they do.

 

[ARIEYELLOW]

Thanks everyone!!