In my last hubpage, I discussed my foray into computer security software and how that journey helped me to build a collection of a very powerful arsenal of security tools and software in my dedicated fight against viruses, trojans, spyware, spam, malware, adware,hackers, and every other threat to myself and/or computer. I also promised to provide a list of internet security and computer security software packages that I personally use plus, a detailed guide on how they can be downloaded (free anti-virus software or paid) and how I go about using these power security tools. Well without anymore hoo-haa about it, and if you have your coffee made (like I have), then let's begin.

SO YOU WANT COMPUTER SECURITY?

Right, first thing, get a bunch of software, there are many being launched everyday that I haven't tried and I recommend that you try them and share with us (I will be trying some myself and sharing with you also). Here is a list of the ones that I currently use (or have used). plus where you can get computer security software downloads, freeware, trial or where you can buy them from.

1. Combofix (free) download here: combofix.exe
2. Malwarebytes anti-malware download here free version: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam-download.php or https://store.malwarebytes.org/342/?scope=checkout&cart=29945
3. SpywareBlaster (free) download here: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
4. SUPERAntiSpyware http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html

5. ATF cleaner (free) download here : (oops! seems like the link to get ATF cleaner is broken, will try to get another one ASAP or if you have one, drop it in comments please). Oh here it is!: ATF CLEANER or here: ATF CLEANER DOWNLOAD 2

*6. Pick anyone of the following professional internet/computer security software programs:
a. AVG internet security download trial version here: http://www.avg.com/download?prd=triais
b. Bitdefender Total Security download and buy here: http://www.bitdefender.com/site/Downloads/
c. Mcafee Total Protection. Check downloads here: http://www.mcafee.com/us/downloads/
d. Norton Internet Security or Norton 360 download and buy here: Norton Downloads
e. ESET NOD32 (rancidTaste tells you how to get one on hubpages link: http://hubpages.com/hub/eset-nod32 or go to their official site here: http://www.eset.co.uk/Download

PROCEDURE

Download all software as required and follow the sequence as I have written. DO NOT INSTALL ANYTHING YET!

*COMBOFIX - A QUICK WORD BEFORE YOU USE IT

Combofix is a free and very powerful tool that scans your computer, removes known virus threats, and breaches to your computer security. Because of it's consuming power, it needs to be installed, used, and then, uninstalled from the system after use

Also, all ant-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-malware programs must either be disabled or (better still) temporarily,uninstalled from the computer, and all active programs must be closed before you run the software.

Okay, with that noted and done, install combofix and run the program and take your time to sip your coffee, go to the bathroom. By the time you come back combofix would have finished and should be displaying a log of what it saw and did to your system (simple isn't it?).Proceed to uninstall by click on your start programs menu, go to run and type: combofix/u and enter.

*Malwarebytes anti-malware - malware fighter

Now install Malwarebytes anti-malware, leave the option to run and update program (make sure you are connected to the internet to do this). After the update, run a complete system scan of your computer. Malwarebytes anti-malware will find and eliminate every type of threats and infection that it can find. Keep this program and update regularly. Activate the program's Malwarebytes' anti-malware protection module that monitors your system live.

*SpywareBlaster & SuPERAntiSpyware - the spyware registry soldiers

Next install SpywareBlaster, run the free program and update. And just exit thereafter. Yep! You heard me right, that's all you gotta do. this fantastic program to put it simply, prevents and protects your registry from attack. Then install and update SuPERAntiSpyware don't terminate! there should be a bug in your icon tray showing that it's working. They also provide special back-ups to other professional security software. Update them weekly and use their scanners at least once a month.

*AVG INTERNET SECURITY, NORTON 360, MCAFEE OR BIT DEFENDER TOTAL PROTECTION - YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE YOUR OWN COMPUTER SECURITY SOFTWARE SUITE

For my computer that runs on windows xp pro I installed and use AVg internet security (8.5), which works well with my PC. I have tried Mcafee, Norton, and recently, I have used Bitdefender. Although all three were very good, they persistently slowed down my computer. Though my friends using vista have had success using Norton and Bitdefender. My advice would be to find out what works best for a similar system using a similar OS (operating System) and go along with the professional computer security software package that works well with it. Which ever you choose, be sure to set it to auto-update and schedule a weekly scan of your system.

*ATF Cleans - For Deep Cleaning

This free, small (but mighty) tool is a great system cleaning software that erases unwanted files from your system and actually helps to speed it up. Especially files that have been hidden with sinster intentions to re-install potentially dangerous files back into your computer. For firefox user's (like me), there is the added advantage of it's ability to remove browsing details, histories, and cookies. Endeavour to run this program weekly.

* All of these except for ATF cleaner, requires that you regularly update the computer security software definitions for these applications to work at their optimum capacity.

EXTRA STEPS

You will have to delete all previous system restore files. This is a must if you don't want to accidentally or unintentionally re-install potentially dangerous files back into your computer.

To do this, go to your start menu, click on control panel, click on system, select system restore, click to turn off system restore and apply. after it has done that click again to turn system restore back on and apply, that's it.

Now provided that your scans and updates regular, your computer security should now provide you with a formidable safe and secure environment. You now also have multiple programs scanning your system constantly for any threats even before penetration.

So there you have it! This is by no means a computer security software review. Rather it is a solution that keeps me and my PC safe and secure anytime and anywhere I use it. Watch out for hub updates (i'm sure one or two will come up) that will improve this system (the current system has been going strong now for 5 months, two weeks and counting). You too can contribute as well by leaving comments that will help us to successfully fight and win this war to keep our computers and internet security intact

Just thought I'd share this informative video with you. It contains additional tools that you can use to beef up your internet security and keeps you safe from browsing malicious and phishing sites. Courtesy of yutubemedia.

I'm trying the sandboxie tool right now. It turns out that sandboxie is a very neat program, the idea being, to 'sandbox' or prevent programs (especially internet browsers) from altering or manipulating your PC's configurations. This for example, will save you when you visit a new malicious site that hasn't been flagged as a dangerous site yet.

Guess what I've switched from AVG internet security to testing Kaspersky Internet Security, and I've quickly noticed that it has improved my system's performance in the last 24 hours since I had it installed. A full system scan also reported and deleted 10 trojans! It's touted as one (if not) the best internet security software around. Well time will tell - day one and counting. Will keep you informed.

Have you seen the pole above? If you have used two or more of the software above (like I me) could you vote for the one that you think is the best you have used. I'm tired of reading reviews and I need to hear from real people who have used them.

Ripplemaker has informed me that I've just been nominated a hubnugget wannabe (see ripplemaker's comment)! If you feel that this hub has helped, could you go to ripplemaker's comment link and vote for me?

Just published the hubpage as promised in the comments section, find the link here: Mac computer security