Essential Software for PCs

[Hotaru]

I got pretty bored trying and testing all the softwares needed to run a day to day computer and using the internet.. The main point is, if I use the computer normally, the Internet and maybe IRC(I heard that you cant do anythng with the stuff that comes through there) what programs do I need.. To clarify the point, I ll list the sort of thng i think is useful then you correct me...

Anti-Virus
Firewall
Anti-Worm
etc...

If possible, pls recommend good sharewares !!! (ie. AVAST! which is brilliant)!!!

[KazeofWinds]

Spybot, as well as Ad-Aware will take care of a good number of annoying stuff.

As for IRC, Just make sure you don't have yourself setup to accept whatever people send you(Mirc hasn't caused me any trouble in the 8 years or so I've used it, but all I use it for is a chatroom)

As for firewalls and antiviruses, I have all my firewalls off because they dont do much besides complicate Bittorrent.

As for viruses, Use Firefox, and don't download suspiscous email attachments.

So...For software

Spybot Search and Destroy
Ad-Aware
Mozilla Firefox(Internet browser, way better than IE)


All of them are freeware.

Note: You should probably get an antivirus, I have MacAffe on my Laptop, but I have another computer thats been 'Naked' for a few years and seems fine.

[Chrono Detector]

Here are some good tools for your computer, I use these:

Norton Internet Security - Built in firewall and anti virus software, you can download a free trial off from Symantec
Mozilla Firefox - A good browser with built in security
Spy Sweeper - A good anti spyware tool which sweeps and protects your computer from spyware even when you use the internet

Thats pretty much it I can think off.

[AznPoi]

Microsoft office
SC/WCIII for lans
CS for lans
Spybot for protection
Some crack version of a major virus protection brand for protection
Mozilla to surf the web

[ultimate]

mozilla firefox: internet browser
avast anti-virus home edition/pro: anti-virus software
zonealarm/pro: firewall, also anti-spyware if u have pro version
ad-aware: anti-adware/spyware
winace: extract compressed files [.zip/rar/ace etc. files]

thats all i can think of now...

[dragoneyes001]

personaly hate nortons theres an unending list of programs you need to disable nortons for just so they can work <<< pretty useless if its disabled

adaware is old and has been bypassed by too many spyware makers it misses too much to be recomended.

as far as firewalls are concerned you want one that actively keeps you aware of all connections in/out of your computer.

there are several available.

one spyware option to use is the antispyware beta from MS (they are targeted so much they actualy made a decent anti spyware)FREE

spybot search and destroy free

zone alarm, tiny personal firewall. both free

AVG makes a free anti virus yet i recomend the pro version

and occasionaly go to http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ and scan there to be sure your not missing anything.

[Azalea]

Well only two for me:

AVAST! - like you said "Brilliant!"

Spyware Doctor - ad-ware and spy-ware remover

[Hotaru]

Ah ha... seems like most ppl have the same idea as me... anyway, zone alarm and tiny personal firewall are two different programs that can work together???

[Chrono Detector]

Are you saying you want two firewalls to be active on your computer? Thats not a good idea. I heard having two firewalls active on your computer will cause a conflict, so I suggest that isn't a good idea.

[dragoneyes001]

you can run multiples but those two do not like each other.

pick one or the other tiny will work with xp firewall active

zone alarm also will work with xp firewall active

just remember to add whichever to the exclusion list of xp firewall so your not prompted whenever it enforces rules.

xp firewall pretty much only protects itself barely not your computer.

the other two can keep you from completly sealed off to all the way open depending on what you want and what rules you make.

[Azalea]

I really dont get what firewalls do for the betterment of your PC. I turn my firewall off coz it slows my download speed a bit, and also some things are blocked by it. Ive turned it off for about a month now and nothings wrong with my PC :p

[novastar]

heres my list of essential programs and sites:
SpywareBlasterV3.2 (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html)
HijackThis (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html)
BazookaSpywareScanner (http://www.download.com/Bazooka-Adware-and-Spyware-Scanner/3000-8022_4-10247782.html)
CW Shredder (http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/cwshredder_download.html)
AdAware (http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button)
SpybotSearchAndDestroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html)
SygatePersonalFirewall (http://www.simtel.com/product.download.mirrors.php?id=53687)
AVG7FreeEdition (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5)
TrendMicroHouseCall (http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp)
TCPOptimizer (http://www.speedguide.net/downloads.php)
ZoneAlarmFreeEdition (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp?lid=zadb_zadown)
a2Scanner (http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/download/)
AvastHomeEdition (http://www.avast.com/eng/down_home.html)
PeerGuardian2 (http://methlabs.org/projects/)
AIDA32Download (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download181.html)
AntivirPersonalEdition (http://www.free-av.com/)
ComputerDriverRequestForum (http://www.driverrequest.com/forum/)
DriverGuide.com (http://www.driverguide.com/)
Toast.net (http://www.toast.net/performance/)
Bandwidth.com (http://www.bandwidth.com/tools/speedTest)
TextSpeedTest (http://download.enitel.no/speedtest/)
SpeakEasy.net (http://chi.speakeasy.net%3C/a%3E)
MoreSitesToTestD/LSpeed (http://www.dslreports.com/stest?more=1)
FireFox Browser (http://www.mozilla.org/)
Sites to test your personal firewall
GRC.com (https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2)
LeakTest (http://www.grc.com/lt/leaktest.htm)
SygateFirewallScan (http://scan.sygatetech.com/)
AuditMyPC (http://www.auditmypc.com/freescan/scanoptions.asp)
FirewallLeakTester (http://www.firewallleaktester.com/)
Sites to find Linux distro's
Distrowatch.com (http://distrowatch.com/)
LinuxISO.org (http://linuxiso.org/finddistro.php)

Also, the best tech support site ive ever seen:
NerdHelp Free Tech Support (http://www.nerdhelp.com/)

[Hotaru]

Wow useful novastar!!! thnx!!!

[novastar]

your welcome Hotaru, glad to be of help

[MazdaRxEight]

Here are some good tools for your computer, I use these:

Norton Internet Security - Built in firewall and anti virus software, you can download a free trial off from Symantec
Mozilla Firefox - A good browser with built in security
Spy Sweeper - A good anti spyware tool which sweeps and protects your computer from spyware even when you use the internet

Thats pretty much it I can think off.

I believe thats all to it... but i think that norton internet security does everything, it scans for adwares and viruses but to be on the good side grab spy sweeper ^^, but firefox should keep those off your computer pretty well too

a good site to test firewall strength is
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

[db]

Shields Up is definitely useful :).

[Hotaru]

Thnx ppl. however, i cant upgrade to AVAST Pro without purcgasing, same goes with ZoneAlarm and mIRC... any way round this??? ie. KeyGen???

[airswifter]

DIY ways to prevent Hackers

Go to run->Command Prompt(cmd)

Type ipconfig /all ....it will show your ip configuration....and all mac addresses entered your network....

Try to identify the mac addresses coming from outside your computer....it will review hackers


Normally, we will use class C to do subnetting.....look at the first octet...it must be no lesser than 192.something.something.something
...So router IP must be taken a note on....dont type a wrong one and config....


If you are using a linksys router .....

type 192.168.1.1(You can find it for different products) to your explorer.....the username is nothing and password is "admin"

it will review your setting......
now filtering mac address to your access point....which is your physical address

Encrypt a password using WEP.....it will then be a password access point......so before hackers can go in...they need a password.....

or using WPA Personal to get a password.....

Way to clear spywares or Trojans

Scanning and clearing using softwares do not work.......
Scanning it and trace the location.....
go to search for it.....and delete it......before it infects....other things..



Commercial Product
Realtime eTrust antivirus
Norton Antivirus
Freeware
Spy Bot
lavasoft Ad-aware

[Ashtefere]

Ok, if anyone ever says to put norton ANYTHING on your computer, shoot them.
They have no redeeming knowledge to put into the human genepool.
Nortons does more damage to your PC than good. It takes all the resources, has a less than 30% virus detection rate (and doesnt even look for spyware) and actually puts more security holes in your computer.
o.O;
There is a reason why Nortons is bundled for free with acers... they cant even give it away on a cheap ass POS lame pc.
As these guys have said, Avast antivirus and any antispyware program will be excellent protection, though if you want to pay the money, take a look at www.pandasoftware.com. That antivirus is at 98.8% detection rate right now and 79% for spyware. Super awesome.
-Ash

[dragoneyes001]

I really dont get what firewalls do for the betterment of your PC. I turn my firewall off coz it slows my download speed a bit, and also some things are blocked by it. Ive turned it off for about a month now and nothings wrong with my PC :p

your computer when attached to the Internet emits its ID which can be picked up by people who decide they want to connect to you not all of these people have the best intentions what a firewall does is keep unwanted connections to your computer from occurring by closing access to the ports which let in to your system without a firewall you do not know what is connecting to you period.

once connected directly to a system the crackers can either force past your passwords or simply send what amounts to a Linux boot disc and retrieve/replace the admin password at which point your computer is no longer yours its now open to them to use as they wish including rooting out any personal information passing on viruses and worms using your comps ID so the blame drops on you or even using your comp to break into other computers.

no firewall is a very bad idea for any computer that connects to the internet the fact there are so many computers is probably the only reason you've been lucky so far your simply one of so many they have not seen you yet.
you hope!

[Azalea]

your computer when attached to the Internet emits its ID which can be picked up by people who decide they want to connect to you not all of these people have the best intentions what a firewall does is keep unwanted connections to your computer from occurring by closing access to the ports which let in to your system without a firewall you do not know what is connecting to you period.
once connected directly to a system the crackers can either force past your passwords or simply send what amounts to a Linux boot disc and retrieve/replace the admin password at which point your computer is no longer yours its now open to them to use as they wish including rooting out any personal information passing on viruses and worms using your comps ID so the blame drops on you or even using your comp to break into other computers.
no firewall is a very bad idea for any computer that connects to the internet the fact there are so many computers is probably the only reason you've been lucky so far your simply one of so many they have not seen you yet.
you hope!

ZOMG!!!! *turns on firewall again*
Damn, thanks for telling me :)

[Yuki]

I don't recommend you Norton... I had it some time ago and I had to uninstall it... Try with AVG. It's free and it doesn't make any trouble to your laptop/PC... It doesn't take much RAM, so don't worry...
The other software that has been mentioned it's okay... I agree...

[Chrono Detector]

Yep I suggest you use a firewall when you access the internet. At least you can prevent hackers from accessing your computer.

Yeah, Norton is a huge piece of bloatware. I decided to uninstall it because it was taking up too many resources. Guess I'll try out different software.

[MazdaRxEight]

Ok, if anyone ever says to put norton ANYTHING on your computer, shoot them.
They have no redeeming knowledge to put into the human genepool.
Nortons does more damage to your PC than good. It takes all the resources, has a less than 30% virus detection rate (and doesnt even look for spyware) and actually puts more security holes in your computer.
o.O;
There is a reason why Nortons is bundled for free with acers... they cant even give it away on a cheap ass POS lame pc.
As these guys have said, Avast antivirus and any antispyware program will be excellent protection, though if you want to pay the money, take a look at www.pandasoftware.com. That antivirus is at 98.8% detection rate right now and 79% for spyware. Super awesome.
-Ash

:eek13: what are you using?:face82: and no, norton scans for adwares....

taking up resources???? :rolleye09 only uses like 3-15% for me dont really see my computer dying:rolleye09

no offense but anyone who tells people to shoot a group of people for any reason "have no redeeming knowledge to put into the human genepool." =)

[dragoneyes001]

nortons is a process hog 15% is not exactly good.

theres a number of reasons that make nortons pretty low on my list of recomended software its incompatibility to so many programs and games is the biggest reason.

you have to admit when you go to most tech support for games and the top FAQ usualy has problems with nortons there. that nortons has decided to ignore the issues it creates.

[Yuki]

Be careful with panda software which was mentioned some ago... Unless you have a very "powerful" PC, like one with 2000Mb RAM don't get it... Yeah, panda is a good antivirus, anyway, it takes so much RAM that all other software go like turtles... Ashtefere was also right with norton... :toocool:

[airswifter]

btw....firewall is useless against experienced hackers....they can still easily penetrate it..
The best is to learn how to hackers work and stop them from hacking....i am doing that^_^

like checking mac address.....

[Chrono Detector]

Did anybody install the latest version of ZoneAlarm Security Suite? I encountered problems with it, it won't allow any access to the internet, and whats worse it froze my computer. Did anybody experience this problem as well? The previous versions of ZoneAlarm did not have this problem.

[dragoneyes001]

btw....firewall is useless against experienced hackers....they can still easily penetrate it..
The best is to learn how to hackers work and stop them from hacking....i am doing that^_^

like checking mac address.....

thats why we sugest active firewalls.

even a great hacker can be stoped if your firewall tells you theres been some activity thats outside your normal traffic.

but then again the only real way to keep anyone out is with a linux box between your comp and the internet since this makes your comp invisible even to scans.

[Hotaru]

Did anybody install the latest version of ZoneAlarm Security Suite? I encountered problems with it, it won't allow any access to the internet, and whats worse it froze my computer. Did anybody experience this problem as well? The previous versions of ZoneAlarm did not have this problem.
Zone alarm seems to be fine for me altho it does stop me viewing Y! Mail! properly, they did warn me tho...

Anyway, I think Norton is jst a big fuss and am super happy with AVAST at the mo... altho, i cant get the Pro version yet.. no key gen.. any ideas???

[novastar]

it depends on which version of avast you have, im PMing you a url to look at now, as im not sure if we are allowed to post it on the forums

[Shinigami_Josh]

randomly any one know a program for converting lit to txt files i got the abc amber lit converter but for some larger files it crashes and any ideas onf who to get rid of the double spacing some have
eg

line of text

line of text

as my viewer(DS) with that is anoying as all h***
the better for would be
paragraph

paragraph

any ideas?

[Chrono Detector]

If you wish to burn DVDs, use this excellent piece of software:

CloneDVD. It can shrink a dual layered DVD so it can fit into a normal 4.7 (Or I should say 4.35 GIG DVD disc) without too much loss of quality. And you can modify the chapters.

Use AnyDVD as a background DVD Decyrptor to remove the copy protection from DVD's. It also removes most of those stupid annoying ads from the original DVDs as well, when you burnt them into a DVD using CloneDVD. And the bonus part is it removes that stupid country regional code bullshit. Highly recommended.

Check it out at www.slysoft.com

And BitComet as your torrent client. BitComet rules.