I currently have
Avast Antivirus with Spyware and Rootkit protection.
Spybot Search and Destroy 1.6 with Teatimer system protection.
System Mechanic's SystemGuard
I am wondering if I should add Threatfire, and Ad-Aware. If you have any ideas on good FREE spyware and other security programs, would be greatly appreciated.
P.S. I haven't had any spyware detected by all four programs, which is great, but I am a little worried, a spyware IS lurking though. HELP.
   

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The more you run, the better chance I get to hit you.

If the world was full of people like me, there would be no PC security.

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Any render of a 3D image posted by me, was by me.
So please don't ask.

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Something would have popped up by now if you were infected.
What you have is enough, and is probably slowing down your system a bit by the looks of things.

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- Update Windows (I assume you use it) to the latest Service Pack (1 for Vista, 3 for XP, 4+Roll-up for 2000) and keep track of when new security and hotfix updates come.
- Using more than one security product of the same type (anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, web-browsing protection, etc.) in most cases does NOT enhance security and it can in some cases make it weaker. This is due to the possible conflicts in their main parts. Using different programs is OK, if their parts don't overlap.
- I would recommend you subscribe to some anti-virus program as most of them include anti-spyware protection. That way, you are entitled to Technical Support. If you get infected, you can always contact tech support and they will gladly assist you with removing it, as opposed to using 5+ different free programs and not knowing what to do when infected.
- Update your internet browser when updates are available.
- Clear cookies if you do not need them, also clear the browser cache if it isn't a big deal for you to have web pages cached on your computer.
- Of course, do not click on unknown links posted by people, even if you know them.
- Do not browse for free software or porn as many of those sites can infect your computer.

Well, that's about the basics to keep your computer safe. :)

Edit: grammar

Post edited at 9:43 am on July 22, 2008 by bg kNIFE

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Trolling is a art.