Min software to use internet safely?

[ablang]

For a brand new (or rebuilt) PC, here is what I think you need as minimum software to use the internet safely. Feel free to add your own ideas (items in parenthesis are freeware I recommend):

Windows OS
Drivers for devices (Winzip to open .zip files)
ISP software
Virus scanner (eTrust EZ Armor; free for 1 yr)
Firewall (eTrust EZ Armor; free for 1 yr)
Download manager (WackGet)

[elroy]

I don't know about the anti virus and firewall you're using. Most people looking for free programs would go with
AVG Anti Virus
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
and
Zone Alarm firewall
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conten...id=home_zainfo
What programs you need are also determined by who is using the machine.

[Kuasimodem]

You should also add to the list these great applications:

AdAware - with basic instructions on use.

Spybot S&D - with basic instructions, also.

Spyware Blaster - Kill it before it gets in!

"Why is it Free?
We're all about helping you protect your privacy and security, because we value ours so much.
We believe strongly that people should have free access to innovative security and privacy solutions.
Through our offering of freeware products, we try to realize that belief."From their website

[HeadBand]

well you dont need winzip anymore with windows' compressed folders and thats not techanally a driver but es you do need drivers

and i am against any isp with software the good dialup ones you can do through DUN and most broadband ones dont need software

an antivirus is pretty much a nessity too i second AVG

for a firewall win XP has a basic one but i wouldnt trust it if you dont have a hardware firewall/routher then a software firewall good to have although most people would probobally get fed up if you have a dialup connection its still a good line of defence

I also second adaware and spybot never tried spyware blaster but spybot does have an active monotring feature

[Siliconjunkie]

Firewall and common sense is all that is needed. No anti-virus if you have sense in reading emails, same for spyware. MS patches would be a good idea, but the firewall will negate the need for most of them for the home user.

[ShawnD1]

This is the stuff I would recommend:

Sygate Personal Firewall - it's free but will ask you to register each time you turn the computer on

Norton AntiVirus - you probably own a copy on one of your motherboard CDs. I have about 4 copies of this program .

[StealthyV]

ShawnD1 nice avatar!

yeah Spybot S&D, Ad-Aware, Zone Alarm, and Symantec av are on all my machines. AVG antivirus is updated frequently, and as a free av software, it's quite user-friendly.

I use Opera Internet Browser which is more secure and quite fast compared to IE. it refuses pop-ups or makes them pop up in the background. I have mine set to "open requested pop-ups only." the 'mouse gestures" are very unique and make web browsing that much more faster.

~Branson

oops, I forgot to add that Opera is a free internet browser, but they offer a pay version to get rid of the banner ad built-in at the top of the page. the ad in the free version isn't intrusive, and if you select "show generic ads" then you won't be tempted by any of the products. periodically I do click on one of the ads, so they think I'm interested, lol. that way they'll continue to have the free version of the software. I'm very happy with the Opera internet browser.

[I2n0ld]

Pretty much said. just wanted to add, prevention is better than cure. do not open any mail attachments u dont know, stuff like that.

[DanGrease]

Ad-Aware
SpywareBlaster
Spybot
Zone Alarm

And that Antivirus is pretty good. Use it if you want, its free, just dont use the firewall. Its not as great as Zone Alarm or Sygate.

dan

[Wishmaster]

i would use firefox or opera as well. I been using firefox for a while now and itsa great especially compared to IE. No more pop ups!