Internet security advice

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Is it for home or office use? Do you use a web email system or does your email go directly to your computer? What browser do you use? Have you ever had any instances of viruses in the past?

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Then you probably don't need any serious protection. If you'd like to test your speeds, go to www.speedtest.net

Run one test with Bitdefender on, and one test with it disabled.

Also, you should seriously consider switching to Firefox or Opera. Internet Explorer is full of security holes. I can't stress that enough.

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Best thing is a dual boot system, on one side a Kamikaze XP ,no virus protection ,no firewall no antispyware, no nonsense go nutts and thrash it , if it smegs up reinstall it, on the other side a nice crisp clean vista.

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AVG 9.0 (Free)

Originally posted by Seitse
AVG 9.0 (Free)

Agreed. I run XP Pro - but only with SP2 as the other SP's cause real grief. IE7 for my browser and above it all and watching - AVG 9.0 !! No worries to date and turn off those auto updates.

skeets

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After getting FireFox (seriously, just do it), transfer over to Gmail. You WILL thank me.
You can import from Yahoo!, Hotmail, AOL, or other webmail or POP3 accounts.

I run all my mail through Gmail now.


Don't open dodgy programs that you got from sites other than sourceforge, CNET and other reputable sources. If you really have to try software, download sandboxie - you can install and run programs in a 'sandbox' meaning the software doesn't leave a trace after you close your sandbox session. http://www.sandboxie.com/
Don't visit any porn or 'warez-type' sites. Ever.
Don't download movies from peer-to-peer networks, and if you really MUST have the newest Transformers movie, don't use Media Player, get VLC.

You actually don't need too much protection, like hoppy said, if you use web based mail.
Most of the free AV and malware software should keep you protected.