- Sep 29, 2012
- 268
DNS
1] You can use an alternate DNS like OpenDNS or Comodo which provide security and speed and protection from phishing websites.
Browser/add-ons
2] You can use any browser you like and see if the following add-ons are available for them. Most of these are available in Firefox and Chrome.
Make sure you read the description for each and check whether you need them. Some might overlap each other so choose the one that appeals more to you.
Firewall/HIPS
3] Use a firewall of your choice but a few recommended ones (according to the most used firewalls on this forum) are COMODO, Outpost, Online Armor, Private Firewall, TinyWall, etc.
Firewalls with HIPS offer more security but it might intrude on you a lot by creating a lot of notifications. Read up on HIPS and when you decide to use it, go ahead.
In fact, even Windows Firewall does a good job.
Real-time protection
4] There is a plethora of free AVs and a few recommended ones are Avira, Avast!, AVG, MSE, Panda Cloud, etc.
Sandbox
4.1] Use a sandbox like Sandboxie to open suspicious files which might make alterations to your system files if run normally.
On-demand/second-opinion protection
5] For second-opinion and on-demand scanners, there are Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, Hitman Pro and if you want something more, give a look at Emsisoft Emergency Kit and Comodo Cleaning Essentials.
Backup
6] You can use Windows Backup to backup your system but if that doesn't cut it for you, you can try EaseUS Todo, Macrium Reflect, Paragon Backup and Recovery, etc.
Portable media protection
7] If you use a lot of USB drives, chances are that you might get infected. Give Panda USB Vaccine a look to deal with this.
Others
8] It is recommended to have your UAC at default settings. If it is not much of a problem, create a Limited account and use that instead of an Administrator account.
Advanced protection [Need to be thorough in knowing what these do]
9] Use a virtualization, instant system restore software like Toolwiz Time Freeze.
Use EMET from Microsoft which can be configured using the following article: http://rationallyparanoid.com/articles/microsoft-emet-3.html
*I know I haven't listed a lot of free applications but it is not possible for me actually list all the free alternatives in this post. You can do an easy Google/Bing search and see all sorts of free alternatives you might be interested in. I do not wish to promote favouritism but the few apps that I have mentioned are what's popular.
Please read the description and features of the software you decide to download and install. Make sure that you download them from their respective homepages and are official downloads.
Security Wizard: http://www.techsupportalert.com/SecWiz
List of best free security: http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/probably-best-free-security-list-world.htm
1] You can use an alternate DNS like OpenDNS or Comodo which provide security and speed and protection from phishing websites.
Browser/add-ons
2] You can use any browser you like and see if the following add-ons are available for them. Most of these are available in Firefox and Chrome.
Make sure you read the description for each and check whether you need them. Some might overlap each other so choose the one that appeals more to you.
Firewall/HIPS
3] Use a firewall of your choice but a few recommended ones (according to the most used firewalls on this forum) are COMODO, Outpost, Online Armor, Private Firewall, TinyWall, etc.
Firewalls with HIPS offer more security but it might intrude on you a lot by creating a lot of notifications. Read up on HIPS and when you decide to use it, go ahead.
In fact, even Windows Firewall does a good job.
Real-time protection
4] There is a plethora of free AVs and a few recommended ones are Avira, Avast!, AVG, MSE, Panda Cloud, etc.
Sandbox
4.1] Use a sandbox like Sandboxie to open suspicious files which might make alterations to your system files if run normally.
On-demand/second-opinion protection
5] For second-opinion and on-demand scanners, there are Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, Hitman Pro and if you want something more, give a look at Emsisoft Emergency Kit and Comodo Cleaning Essentials.
Backup
6] You can use Windows Backup to backup your system but if that doesn't cut it for you, you can try EaseUS Todo, Macrium Reflect, Paragon Backup and Recovery, etc.
Portable media protection
7] If you use a lot of USB drives, chances are that you might get infected. Give Panda USB Vaccine a look to deal with this.
Others
8] It is recommended to have your UAC at default settings. If it is not much of a problem, create a Limited account and use that instead of an Administrator account.
Advanced protection [Need to be thorough in knowing what these do]
9] Use a virtualization, instant system restore software like Toolwiz Time Freeze.
Use EMET from Microsoft which can be configured using the following article: http://rationallyparanoid.com/articles/microsoft-emet-3.html
*I know I haven't listed a lot of free applications but it is not possible for me actually list all the free alternatives in this post. You can do an easy Google/Bing search and see all sorts of free alternatives you might be interested in. I do not wish to promote favouritism but the few apps that I have mentioned are what's popular.
Please read the description and features of the software you decide to download and install. Make sure that you download them from their respective homepages and are official downloads.
Security Wizard: http://www.techsupportalert.com/SecWiz
List of best free security: http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/probably-best-free-security-list-world.htm
