need computer advice

[snips]

hello, i just went out and got me a really nice computer, and i would
like for people to let me know, what you guys and girls recomend as
far as virus, spywear protection and firewall stuff.
i mean i want my computer to be closed off like fort knox.
any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Celtic_Emperor]

Well, a good start would be to check the computer itself for these programs. Some of them may be included free as part of the package. When I bought my laptop here for example, it came with Norton Anti-Virus already installed with free renewal upgrades for life. Your computer may already have some internal firewalls up that you don't even know are there, and other protection programs.

You'd be surprized how many people don't even know the full extent of their computer, what it has, what its capable of, or how to operate these programs and features.

[TklDuo-Ann]

I personally like Norton Internet Security. It includes most of the stuff you'll want...virus protection, firewall, anti-spam, add killer, pop-up killer. The only thing is that you do NOT want to leave things on the default settings. As with other programs, the defaults only give you very basic protection. If you know your way arround computers or know someone who can give you a hand, I'd reset everything so that nothing goes in or out without you approving it. (This can be a pain at times, but is definitely worth it.)

Ann

[snips]

thanks for the advice, i shall look into both of those options

[Mitchell]

I agree with the two other posts. Norton is the most popular, and probably the most effective virus package, and you should have a firewall as well, for extra added protection.

Mitch

[buggs]

Also make sure that your computer has been updated with Windows "Service Pack 2". If it is brand new it prbably will have it already, but check to make sure. To do this, hit "Start". When the menu comes up highlight "My computer" and right mouse button click on it, and another floating menu will come up. At the bottom of this new menu you will see "Properties", left button click on that. The "System Properties" winow will pop up. Underneath "Windows XP" it will say either "Service Pack 1" or "Service Pack 2". If it says "Service Pack 2", you are good to go. If it says "Service Pack 1", then click Start>All Programs. ONce that menu pops up, at the top You will see the "Window's Update" button. Click on that and it will take you to Microsoft's Windows Update page. or you can just click on this link here to go directly to the Winidow's Update page:
http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/v5consumer/default.aspx?ln=en-us

Once there, select "express install", and it should prmpt you to install "Service Pack 2". Just follow the instructions.

Also, Windows now has a firewall built into it. go here:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/

There is an automatd system that will turn it on for you in 3 easy steps.

I also have Norton and have been experiencing no problems.

[featherfingers]

I bought my computer just weeks ago. I have the Norton Anti-Virus and am very happy with it... however, some days later that Spyware crap invaded my territory. My computer's technical assistance support (you may have received a phone number for your team)walked me through the steps to get rid of it and even helped me install additional protection. I'm very happy with the service... although I still have one browser page called "Quick" that pops up every now and then. Anyone know if that's legitimate or is it yet another virus?