Bob's Computer Security Guide

[Bobbbb]

I keep a guide to computer security up on a few sites. I decided to update it for you guys in honor of joining the ranks of mods. I won't provide all programs, just the ones I feel will benefit people the most.

Legend
* = recommended
# = notable
$ = not free
! = advanced users only

I. Active Protection

Antivirus
standalone:
*avast!
#Avira Anti-Virus
Microsoft Security Essentials
$nod32
if you want a full security suite:
$*Norton Internet Security 2011

Firewall
you don't need a software firewall if you have an internet security suite
*Comodo
- use only the firewall (and deactivate defense +)
!$#Online Armor
!$Outpost Firewall

Second Opinion Scanners
*Prevx
- Run it along side your AV.
- Don't bother paying for the cleanup or safe-online. If it detects something use your on demand scanners to ensure your computer is safe.
- Runs in the cloud so uses little to no system resources

II. On Demand

Scanners
Run these every month, or if you think your computer is infected.
*Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
*SUPERAntiSpyware
*Hitman Pro
- don't buy it, just use it as a second opinion on demand scanner
- it runs multiple scanners at the same time in the cloud
#Emsisoft Anti-Malware

III. Browser Security

Browsers
*Firefox
#Chrome

Addons
works with both browsers
*Web of Trust
*xmarks
- saves your bookmarks and passwords onto their secure server
- can sync across browsers and operating system (even onto mobile phones)
!#NoScript

DNS
*Norton DNS
#ClearCloud DNS
OpenDNS

IV. Hardening

(pseudo)HIPS
$*WinPatrol
- great, light on resources, multipurpose program for a one time payment
- advanced task manager
- keeps tracks of newly installed programs for quick virus removal
- easy program start up management
- more advanced features for more advanced users not listed above

Browser / Application Sandbox
$!*Sandboxie
*BufferZone
- 64bit version in beta - will come out soon - can try the beta here

Environmental Virtualization
Use one of these to test out new programs that don't need a restart, or allow someone else (or a young child) on your computer. When the computer is restarted while one of these programs is running, all changes will be reversed.
$*Shadow Defender
#returnil

Backup
offline:
*Paragon Free
$*Shadow Protect 4
#Keriver 1-Click Restore Free 2.1
online:
*CrashPlan
#Carbonite

Encryption
*TrueCrypt
- make encrypted containers or encrypt entire hard drives
- great for ensuring the safety of data you wouldn't want a thief to have if your computer gets stolen