BleepingComputer.com: New computer, what to install?

Ok, I just got a new machine, and have the Norton trial package.

What should I download to enhance my computer/internet safety?

Adaware, MalwareBytes, Spybot S&D,Commodo Firewall, and AVG are what I have on my old machine. Which of the 5 are the most important to download on this one?

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I see that this should probably be in a different forum, so if the mods feel it should be moved, by all means, go ahead. Thanks.

This post has been edited by hamluis: 30 May 2011 - 12:02 PM
Reason for edit: Moved from Win 7 to AV, Firewall, etc.

Norton is as useless as a screendoor on a submerged submarine, IMO. My advice re: Norton--- Run, don't walk. Run very far. Run very fast. If you've activated it already, uninstall it thru the control panel>Programs and Features> Uninstall, and then IMPORTANT>>download and run the Norton Removal Tool.<<IMPORTANT

IMPORTANT>>Even if you haven't activated it, run the removal tool anyway.<<IMPORTANT

I'd also lose AVG. Bloatware, IMO

My personal preferences, FWIW.

Anti-Virus:
Avast 6 Free http://www.filehippo.com/download_avast_antivirus/

Anti Adware-Spyware-Malware:

SpywareBlaster 4.4 http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
MVPS Hosts http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
AdBlock Plus http://adblockplus.org/en/
MalwareBytes http://www.filehippo.com/download_malwarebytes_anti_malware/
SuperAntiSpyware 4.53.1000 http://www.superantispyware.com/

Alternatives to Internet Explorer:

Firefox http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/fx/
Opera http://www.opera.com/browser/
Chrome http://www.google.com/chrome/intl/en/make/download.html?brand=CHKZ

The Windows 7 built in firewall is good enough, IMHO.

Total cost? $0.00

YMMV.

This post has been edited by Union_Thug: 29 May 2011 - 06:23 AM

Thanks, Thug. I've bookmarked all those links. Anyone else?

This post has been edited by tomcatlover: 29 May 2011 - 05:00 AM

I have to respectfully disagree. Norton products are just fine. There was a time they weren't, but they've made a great comeback. Having said that, here's what I use: Kaspersky AV, MalwareBytes (monthly scans), and SpywareBlaster. DO NOT use AdAware or Spybot - they are old school. Whatever your choice for an AV is, pick a good one, keep it updated, and always resident.

>>>I have to respectfully disagree. Norton products are just fine. There was a time they weren't...<<<

Thanks, Allan. I'll admit I haven't used Norton since "the time they weren't" so good (5 yrs ago in my case) and base my opinion on that bad personal experience. With respect to your valued opinion and the level of expertise you have proven, I am going to give Norton another go and test install it on my XP installation in VMWare.

I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of Spybot & Adaware, FWIW.

Allan, on 29 May 2011 - 05:53 AM, said:

I am wholeheartedly going to concur with your assessment of Spybot...and as a matter of fact, I'll probably be re-doing the entire list of security/a.v. downloaded programs I have on the 'old' computer.