Here are some important things to know.

A firewall is NOT a virus scanner or a spyware remover. Use only one firewall. No exceptions!
A virus scanner is NOT a firewall or a spyware remover. Use only one virus scanner. No exceptions!
A spyware scanner is NOT a firewall or a virus scanner. Use as many as you can! But only use one that runs in the background all the time!

Some virus scanners, but not many, do scan for spyware. NOD32 is a virus scanner and a spyware scanner. There may be others, but not many.

 

Firewalls

Q. Why do I need a firewall? Doesn't Windows have a firewall?
A. You need a firewall to keep spyware programs from calling out and to keep bad guys from getting in (to your computer). Windows has a firewall, but it is a one way firewall. It won't stop spyware from calling out.

Q. If I have a firewall that keeps spyware programs from calling out, why do I need spyware removers?
A. A firewall will not keep spyware off your computer because many times spyware is installed by you. You may not realize that the new program you just installed has a spyware attached. If you don't read all of the user agreements while you are installing a program, you may be agreeing to install spyware. However, even if you do read the user agreements, some user agreements may not tell you there is spyware being installed. You can also get 'drive by spyware by going to a site that will install the spyware without your knowledge. There are other ways to get spyware as well. A firewall will keep hackers out, but will not prevent spyware from installing.

Q. If I have a firewall, will it keep virus off my computer?
A. A firewall will not keep virus off your computer.

Q. Can I use two firewalls?
A. No.

Q. Where can I get a firewall?
A. There are a lot of third-party firewalls available. Some of them are free and some are not free. There are a number of Internet Security Suites available for pay that include firewalls. Here is a website that will give some idea about which firewall you may want to try.

 

Firewall Ratings

 


Virus Scanners

Q. Why do I need a virus scanner?
A. You need a virus scanner to keep virus from infecting your computer. Virus can just about ruin a computer. There are thousands of viruses out there just waiting for a chance to get on your computer. A virus can get on your computer from an infected website, a downloaded program or even in an email from a friend.

Q. I think a virus scanner came with my computer!
A. Nearly all Windows computers come with a virus scanner, but this is only a trial. If you want to keep the scanner you have to pay for it. Once the trial is over, it may keep scanning, but it isn't updating. There are new viruses released by scummy virus writers every day! A scanner that isn't updated is next to useless! There are a lot of good free virus scanners available. You can download a free virus scanner and remove the trial scanner. Just remember to check for updates (some will update automatically) and remember to scan your computer on a weekly basis.

Q. Where can I get a free virus scanner?
A. Your friendly Yahoo Group will provide guidance! The two listed below are the most recommended.


AVG (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/)

Avast (http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html)


Q. Can I use2 virus scanners in case one doesn't catch a virus?
A. No! Using two virus scanners at the same time will cause conflicts (mainly with each other) and probably slow your computer to a crawl. While they are conflicting with each other, a sneaky virus may get by both of them.

Spyware Removers

Q. I have a virus scanner, why do I need a spyware remover? Won't my virus scanner remove spyware?
A. Virus scanners remove virus and worms and sometimes trojans. Spyware is not virus or worms, although some spyware have characteristics of trojans in that they stealthily send your information to someone else. You need spyware scanners as much as you need a firewall and a virus scanner. As one site has said, "A virus may ruin your computer; spyware may ruin your life".
Spyware is usually used to steal your identity or your financial records like credit cards, etc.

Q. Where can I get a spyware remover?
A. Again, your friendly Yahoo Group will provide guidance! Using Google to search for spyware removers is dangerous! There are a lot of programs that 'pretend' to be spyware removers that may actually be spyware! Many spyware scanners will advertise as being a free download, but if they find something, they want you to pay to clean it! Here are some recommended free spyware removers.

Ad-aware

Spybot Search and Destroy

Windows Defender

AVG (Yes, the same folks that have the free AVG virus scanner also have a free spyware scanner)

Q. Can I use two spyware scanners?
A. YES! In fact you definitely should use two and it wouldn't hurt to use all of the above! But don't use two spyware scanners running in the background at the same time. You can use one running in the background and run the others on demand.