sam15
asked on
pc_Security
I have an windows XP pc. I noticed if i leave the PC on for a few days, it catches some viruses. is this possible and is it better to shut it down when not being used.
Do i need any security software for viruses and trojans and firewalls anda registr cleaner software.
or would the windows firewall and combofix and hijackthis and malaware would do the job free of charge.
what do you usually recommend.
Do i need any security software for viruses and trojans and firewalls anda registr cleaner software.
or would the windows firewall and combofix and hijackthis and malaware would do the job free of charge.
what do you usually recommend.
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Remember that free anti-virus programs will not offer real time protection. I would suggest any one to get real time protection. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Superantispyware is having a sale right now and you can get the real time protection for $9.99. I installed it on all of my PC's. Great software at a great price.
1. You need to have an antivirus protection. Free one is not bad, I'm using the FREE Avast.
2. You need to have a Firewall, I'm just using the Windows Firewall.
3. You also need to have an anti-malware with real-time protection(not free but cheap).
MalwareBytes seems to be the best so far out there and it's only cheap for a lifetime
license.
You don't need a Registry cleaner.....but as part of basic cleanup a temp file cleaner is good like TFC Cleaner, ATF Cleaner, or CCleaner.
As already mentioned ComboFix and HijackThis etc are removal tools they can't protect the system as they don't have real-time protection, they are just removal tools.
ComboFix should not be used without guidance from a Helper who knows how to use the tool. The tool was created for the Helpers.
2. You need to have a Firewall, I'm just using the Windows Firewall.
3. You also need to have an anti-malware with real-time protection(not free but cheap).
MalwareBytes seems to be the best so far out there and it's only cheap for a lifetime
license.
You don't need a Registry cleaner.....but as part of basic cleanup a temp file cleaner is good like TFC Cleaner, ATF Cleaner, or CCleaner.
As already mentioned ComboFix and HijackThis etc are removal tools they can't protect the system as they don't have real-time protection, they are just removal tools.
ComboFix should not be used without guidance from a Helper who knows how to use the tool. The tool was created for the Helpers.
In addition to the other great suggestions posted; if they all fail, try creating a bootable antivirus CD. If that doesn't fix it, then you've got some serious problems. It's always good to keep on hand at anytime:
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/25347695/anti-infection-CD-solution.html
https://www.experts-exchange.com/articles/Storage/Misc/Creating-a-bootable-CD-USB.html
What I like is that there are just some pesky items that can't be removed while in Windows. I run from a bootable source first, then go into Windows and see what's left over and then deal with it after. The bootable CD sometimes will take care of 80-100% of the infected items; making it that much easier. Best of luck to you.
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/25347695/anti-infection-CD-solution.html
https://www.experts-exchange.com/articles/Storage/Misc/Creating-a-bootable-CD-USB.html
What I like is that there are just some pesky items that can't be removed while in Windows. I run from a bootable source first, then go into Windows and see what's left over and then deal with it after. The bootable CD sometimes will take care of 80-100% of the infected items; making it that much easier. Best of luck to you.
Some free anti-virus programs that provide real time protection that a lot of people use and love would be Avast! anti-virus and Avira.
If you currently have an infection, please run Malwarebytes (malwarebytes.org) as its been the most successful, but if it doesn't catch everything - SuperAntiSpyware has worked well for me in the past too. If these or your AV has trouble connecting to the internet, please check in Internet Explorer -> Tools -> Options - > Connections Tab -> LAN Settings -> ensure that "use a proxy server" is NOT checked.