Spyware, viruses, & security forum: best virus ware

Frankly, if you take time to see what the current issues that people post about, the more common problems swirl around the latest WORMS which I didn't see any antivirus stop and PARASITES which are not a virus so most antivirus programs are not noting.

On top of that, some expect an antivirus program to sheild the user from unsafe usage or opening all possible web or emails. So far, such triple plated protection has yet to be found.

On the more practical side, I've yet to see any absolute best since all the AVs detect the same bugs in short order after such are discovered. That said, beyond antivirus is where the real protection is. I'll make a short list of tools to expell most pests and what else to add some protection against worms and pests.

- Detection and removal or most pests:
Adaware, Spybot, Cwshredder and Housecall.

- Added protection against many pests:
A nice HOSTS file to block known bad sites. I'd look up HPGURUs HOSTS.

The Immunize feature of Spybot.

Use of SpywareBlaster.

All critical updates for your OS.

Use of another brower and email client than IE or OE.

Best of luck,

Bob

If you're referring to "antivirus" programs only, then it's a personal choice which will be dependent on a number of things including your personal preferences, the computer operating system and it's configuration, internet connection type, plus the type of things your computer will be used for. In addition, what is your experience level? Do you need lots of support for the program or can you take care of any problems that come up? (For example, I might suggest using the free version of Grisoft's AVG for a single home user computer run by an individual who doesn't need much support backup, but I wouldn't advise that same program to a multiple computer company which needs more robust security.) Talk to friends, family and read the reviews. If you get a chance, check out some computers with the various antivirus programs running. They all work a little differently and have different graphic user interfaces.

And as mentioned by Bob earlier, in today's virus/malware environment, you need to stay current with all the Critical Updates for Windows and other programs on your computer, (they actually prevent viruses from infecting your machine) plus use a good spyware removal tool, or two, or three, and maybe consider a firewall....Once again, it all depends on a lot of variables.

Hope this helps.

Grif