Hi .... I'm begging that there is someone out there who can advise me, please.

I don't know if I'm in the right place or not. I'm a newbie to the sight and so-so with my Windows XP. The last few weeks I've been getting a lot of little nasties including a few trojans.

My question is, what programs should I be running to protect my computer as thoroughly as possible. I'm no good with background/registry editing so I need easy to run programs and they MUST be freeware. I'm disabled on SSD and share the computer with a neighbor who likes to visit porn sites (can't blame him for all the problems). The following is a list of my system: Windows XP on Dell Dimension E521 ... currently using the Windows Firewall that came installed.
AVG Anti-Virus Free
Verizon Security Suite: but only the Anti-Spyware, Fraud Protection and PC Tune-Up is ACTIVATED
Spyware Blaster (I like this but it seems to be blocking me from doing things)

These seem to be working ok but lately I've been averaging about 10 SPYWARE COOKIES a day.

I want to ge rid of the Verizon Security Suite completely and I'm not totally crazy about Spyware Blaster.

Like I said before, I need totally FREEWARE programs. I read the post by Grinler on how to protect your computer but I got a little lost. I was considering the following programs...can yall tell me if I'm doing the right things?

AVG Anti-Virus FREE
Ad-Aware FREE (had this before but got error message when trying to update) ???
REMOVING Spyware Blaster and INSTALLING Spyware Guard
A squared FREE
SpyBot Search and Destroy

Since I have Windows Installed Firewall is it sufficient or should I disable it and add Zone Alarm ...or if yall have other suggestions I'd love to hear them. I check my system on ShieldsUp and it shows me as stealth but it showed a critical error regarding my PING. I have to admit, I have no idea what this means or how to fix it.

I think that is good layer of protection,however even with that you are not 100% free of malware.
You should also be careful when surfing on the web. Please read here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic75445.html
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic123660.html
I suggust installing Superantispyware instead of Spybot and Ad-aware.

I think spywareblaster is a great software, can you give me what Spywareblaster is blocking you from doing?

Windows Firewall is not enough to keep you safe and secure. You should add another firewall such as Zone Alarm or Comodo Firewall.

You should post that question in the Operating system forum: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum76.html
Hope that helps and good luck

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