[frank1s]

I am new to computer security and would like to protect my home PC. I have started reading about how to protect a computer and the things needed just seems to grow. First is was an antivirus program on a 2 month free trail. Then Norton tells me I need a firewall. Add on spyware, adware, proxy server, window wiper, and the list seems endless. Here are some questions:

1. Is a firewall really necessary?

2. In a study I read that compared various antivirus programs, Hauri scored 5 and the rest got either 2s or 3s. One of the reason Hauri scored highest was that it was able to repair the virus while the others quarantined it. Is the ability to repair a virus really necessary?

3. I guess the decision whether or not to use a proxy server is an individual decision. Do you think it's a good idea to use one?

4. I am presently using Spybot and Win Patrol. I not sure if these 2 programs are sufficient to insure privacy. Are there other, or perhaps better, programs to use. I guess what I'm asking is what is the basic security package needed to protect a home computer?

Thanks in advance.
Frank

[SICS]

Hello and welcome to the community!

All security starts with basic knowledge of does and donts. Such as not opening attachements from people you don't know, always check files for viruses when downloading anything off the internet..

What I consider my basic home user security suite, consists of a few different tools, most of which are free.

If you use high speed internet, such as cable/dsl I recommand going out and purchasing a hardware based router/firewall combo usually the cost is around $40-60.

A hardware firewall offers the best protection, where software can leave holes. All the internet world sees is the router, and not your computers.

A firewall is a good thing to have, if you use Windows XP you can use the free firewall system built in, and in about a month when Service Pack 2 comes out the firewall will be top notch, as compared to Zone Alarm or Norton.

As for anti-virus software, it really comes down to preference, there are many good companies out there that provide good protection. My personal recommandation is using Norton Anti-Virus, I've had the best luck with this software for many years.

However you can browse our Anti-Virus software list for a list of makers and downloads, so are even free and they are also good: Anti-Virus Software List

A proxy also is a personal decesion, it offers a greaty sense of privacy while using the internet. It really comes down to how private you want your life to be....

As far as spyware is concerend you seem to have the proper protection, you could also download a free copy of Adware, you can download it by going to download.com.

[frank1s]

SCIS, thank you for your reply. I just have one question about what you wrote about router/firewalls. I have a Cox cable modem and I recently installed a 4 port AirLink router, of which 2 ports are in use. On the AirLink box it says "Firewall protection for LAN". I didn't install any software or change any connection settings. Is what I installed considered to be a LAN that gives firewall protection? Thanks.
Frank

[SICS]

Hi Frank,

I also have cox The Airlink 4 port router, provides firewall services, it does not use any software that is installed on the desktop, but uses it's own software inside.

What happens is the cox goes through your router, which in turn acts as a firewall, so if someone were to get your IP address, all they would see is the router, which contains no sensitive information.

A lan is a local area network, where the computer are networked internally, and only seen by internal computers..

They are assigned an IP address most likely 192.168.1.x which is used only for internal networks, and have use in the outside world.

So you are all set in your configuration for firewall protection.