new PC - what to install

Posted by qwerty123 (517 days ago)

what should i defaintely install in the way of protecting my new pc from virus etc - which anti virus is best - and anyhting else i should add? someone mentioned something like spider ware or something - anyone know about it? my old pc died as it was oso infected - so would greatly appreciate any help!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ldldjr (517 days ago)

AVG anti-virus, AdAware personal edition, zone alarm (all three free although you may have to search a bit for the free download links). (If your main concern in life is being virus free - Linux is the best choice.) I would also switch to OpenOffice (avoid Word macro virus problems, not sure how big a risk Excel is, but OpenOffice eliminates that too, if there is any risk).

(I am based in Vietnam)

Posted by onemorething (517 days ago)

www.download.com

Above recommendations are fine. I have experience with the following:

I used Norton Internet Security 2005 before, but it slows down my system a little bit.

Currently there is a 90-day free trial of the recently launched Microsoft Live OneCare.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ldldjr (517 days ago)

90 days have never been free - just a delayed payment scheme ;^)

(I am based in Vietnam)

Posted by BigDon (517 days ago)

Check out this previous thread for some good suggestions and links to download some useful utilities:

http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/forums/techtalk/threads/97450.asp

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by car_lover (516 days ago)

First u can download AVG ver 7.5 (Latest)

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti-virus-free/lng/us/tpl/v5

Then download Windows Defendar if ur using WinXP. It's FREE.

Then enable ur built-in Firewall if ur using WinXP.

That's abt it. Try not to visit websites in China, cos they have lots of viruses and spyware and also, AVG might not be able to detect it, same goes for Norton, NOD32, Kapaersky, etc..cos all this Anti-Virus is english version, it won't be able to detect chinese virus.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ldldjr (515 days ago)

Somehow I think (and hope) that anti-virus and anti-spyware programs care about the computer code - not about the language unless it is C++. English, Chinese, Russian are simply the human interface - not the damaging code that has to be identified.

(I am based in Vietnam)

Posted by briandwest (513 days ago)

Listen to ldldir; ignore car_lover.
I'd add Firefox to the list as it is superior to Internet Explorer.
http://www.west-web.net/pnet/teacher_resources.htm#Software

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by car_lover (513 days ago)

brianwest, i don't think u know what am talking abt and am not gonna explain to u. Anyways, what i said has been encountered and dealt with.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Sam999 (507 days ago)

Things you should install on a new PC:
1) AV software - Pick what works for you - Norton / Mcafee / AVG.... just keep them fully legal and updated regularly.
2) Anti-spyware is a good next step - Spybot is a good one.
3) Basic office applications - Word / Excell / ..
4) Firefox tends to be much safer than IE so would rec it as a browser.
5) Automated backup software that allows you to BU to an external USB HDD your important files.

After that I would just rec that you be VERY careful what "Free" software you pull down and install - EN or CH - they will all gradually slow down your PC, esp if they are added to your startup areas.

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by ldldjr (507 days ago)

The basic office app can be nicely supplied by openoffice - MS office compatible, and at a much cheaper price if you don't already own MS Office.

(I am based in Vietnam)

Posted by NRM (492 days ago)

And before installing any downloaded software verify the authenticity by calculating the MD5/SHA checksum. This will help narrowing down the attack vector somewhat.

(I am based in Shanghai)