I wasn't sure where to post this so here it is
Since we all play an internet-game, i think a thread about personal computer-security would be helpful.
Please add to this thread with your own tips and knowledge.
The point in this thread is to help players...
1. Protect their privacy.
2. Secure their computer against infringement (hacking, malicious software etc).
3. Make your PC more Effective.
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Part one, nessesary software.
Some people will list some of the software here more or less important, but all these diffrent software-types will help you preserving 100% control of your pc and internet-profiles.
Anti-Virus Software.
Anti-virus is the most important tool for keeping your PC working proper, prevent harm, hacking, remove viruses and sustain privacy.
Programs of this kind should offer real-time protection.
Do not have more than one Anti-virus program on your computer.
Avast Antivius
http://www.avast.com/
One of the best free Anti-Virus programs available.
AVG
http://www.grisoft.com/
Good program, easy too use with a good reputation.
Norton
http://www.symantec.com/index.htm
Very good anti-virus program.
Panda
http://www.pandasoftware.com/
Reliable program here. Offers other types of sofware aswell.
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Anti-spyware.
Software that removes spyware, everyone need this!
You can and should use more than 1 program for removing spyware.
The programs will overlap eachother on most areas, but the protection will be 360 degree with more.
Adaware
http://www.lavasoft.com/
Easy to use, is updated regurarly.
Microsoft Anti-spyware
http://www.microsoft.com/
A good program, easy to use and has enchanced features.
Spybot
http://www.safer-networking.org/
Very good program, works exellent combined with Adaware and Microsoft Anti-spyware.
CWShredder
http://www.trendmicro.com/cwshredder/
Specialised program.
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Firewalls.
Software of this kind gives you control of which progams is allowed to access internet/server.
A firewall is a must-have for anyone connected to the internet.
One program of this kind is enough.
Zone-alarm
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
Very secure, easy to use.
Zygate
http://www.symantec.com/Products/ent...cat&refId=1006
Good and secure.
Active ports
http://www.protect-me.com/freeware.html
This is not a firewall, but the mechanic is similar. You can monitor all open TCP and UDP ports on the local computer with this.
This particular program can be used as an addition to your firewall.
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File-deleting programs.
These programs will delete unessesary files from your pc such as stored passwords, last browsed url's etc.
Btw, if you delete something it isn't really deleted...these programs helps deleted files become useless.
CCleaner
http://www.filehippo.com/
Maybe the best program of this kind currently outhere.
Eraser
http://sourceforge.net/projects/eraser/
This is good, very good but be careful when use it (know what you are doing)
MRU-Blaster
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/mrublaster.html
Exellent tool, easy to use.
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Misc.
Additional software to increase security and control...
Rootkit-revealer.
http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilitie...tRevealer.html
Use this to spot most rootkits on your computer.
Hijackthis
http://www.spywareinfo.com/%7Emerijn/downloads.html
Checks your registry where viruses/spyware can be found (know what your are doing).
Additional link:
http://hijackthis.de/index.php?langselect=english
Abtrusion Protector
http://www.abtrusion.com/Downloads/appersonal.asp
It prevents software that you haven't personally installed on to the system, from running.
CompuSecTM
http://www.ce-infosys.com.sg/CeiNews_FreeCompuSec.asp
A decryption-tool
CrypTool
http://www.cryptool.com/
same as above.
Password Safe
http://sourceforge.net/projects/passwordsafe/
Increases password-security.
Process explorer
http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilitie...sExplorer.html
Helps you monitor whats going on.
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That should cover some...there is heaps more such as email-services, online scanners etc so search on the resources link under this